Homeschooling is an increasingly popular form of educational instruction. It involves parents teaching their children all the same subjects they would learn in school, typically in the home.
Parent involvement is much higher as they take on the role of teachers and must design and guide their children’s educational system according to their individual student needs.
What is Homeschooling?
Homeschooling is a form of education outside the traditional public or private school setting. Homeschool can be legally conducted by parents or guardians who serve as private tutors or instructors in the home environment. They take on the role of planning, organizing and providing instruction for their children.
Homeschooled students can also have access to curriculum providers, online classes, and private tutors as well.
Is Homeschool Legal?
Homeschooling is legal in all 50 states. In most states, parents are required to meet certain educational requirements in order to qualify as the instructor, and the child’s educational progress must be monitored.
Twenty-one states require annual notification of intent to homeschool, but most states only require registration for each year that homeschooling is taking place.
What are the Benefits?
Homeschooling has many advantages, such as a more customized learning environment, as well as allowing parents to monitor and guide their children’s education. It also allows them to control their children’s curriculum, potentially mixing religious and secular instruction.
Having the flexibility to work around different activities, such as sports or interests, can also be beneficial.
What are the Challenges?
Parents may feel overwhelmed trying to keep up with educational expectations, particularly if they do not have an educational background. They may also find themselves feeling isolated, especially if they do not know other homeschooled families in the area.
Additionally, families may feel additional pressure to perform, as homeschooling typically requires more dedication and commitment due to the centralized level of instruction.
What Qualifications do Parents Need?
In many states, parents are required to have a high school diploma or a GED in order to serve as their child’s teacher. They must also understand the process of teaching and have a plan in place for their child’s education. Other qualifications, such as providing appropriate records, access to the child’s progress and evaluation decisions, may also be required.
What is the Homeschool Day Like?
A typical homeschool day usually takes place in the home with the parent or guardian serving as the teacher. Depending on the age and interests of the student, instruction can take place anywhere from several hours to a full day.
This can be split up into “classroom time,” where students are given instruction and guided activities, as well as time for personal interests, such as reading or sports.
What Curriculum is Used?
Parents may choose to use a traditional, standardized curriculum, such as one provided by an accredited institution. They may also choose to customize their curriculum, selecting an eclectic blend of activities, worksheets, handouts, and texts to fit their student’s needs.
Some parents may also choose an online school or distance learning program.
What Kind of Testing do Homeschoolers Take?
Homeschoolers may take the same standardized tests that public and private school students take, such as the SAT, ACT, AP tests and state proficiency exams. Depending on the state, these tests may be required as a measure of academic progress. In addition, some parents opt to have their children evaluated on a more informal basis, such as through checklists, logs, portfolio reviews, tests, and quizzes.
Are There Homeschool Support Groups?
Homeschoolers often have access to virtual networks, online websites and support groups that give advice and offer resources to homeschooling families. Homeschoolers will often connect with other families in the community for educational opportunities, co-ops, field trips, and other activities.
Are There Socialization Opportunities?
Homeschoolers are not always isolated and often come into contact with other children in their communities through activities such as recreational sports, church groups, scouting, and classes at the local library.
How is Homeschool Evaluated?
Homeschooling is evaluated in different ways depending on the state and district. Every state requires its own form of evaluation, such as proof that the children are meeting grade level expectations, or a portfolios review. Additionally, parents may consider hiring a private tutor to assess their children’s academic needs and provide supplemental instruction.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is evident that homeschooling is an increasingly popular form of educational instruction and is legal in all 50 states. Although there are several challenges, the benefits, such as the customized learning environment and more intense parent involvement, may outweigh them.
Homeschoolers have access to resources online and support groups to provide guidance and advice. Homeschooling must follow the evaluation guidelines set forth by the state and district, but parents may take advantage of private tutors to assess their children’s academic needs.