Homeschooling has grown in popularity over the years, with more parents looking for alternative education options for their children. The introduction of the Common Core State Standards has resulted in the development of specific homeschool curricula in order to help parents make informed choices about the structure of their children’s formal education.
This article will explore what homeschool curriculum is common core following and includes questions about the advantages and disadvantages of following a common core curriculum in homeschooling, as well as where to find reputable resources for homeschoolers.
What Are the Advantages of Following a Common Core Curriculum in Homeschooling?
By following a common core curriculum in homeschooling, parents can be sure that their child’s education corresponds with the standards set by the Common Core State Standards, which will help their child succeed in college or in their chosen career. Adopting a common core curriculum also ensures that their children are taught the same principles and materials that are available in public and private schools.
This helps prepare children for future standardized tests. Following a common core curriculum also provides a positive environment where children can be taught the same subjects to the same depth, which can make it easier to compare them with other children in the same grade level. Parents can also customize their children’s education when following a common core curriculum.
Since most of the materials used to teach such a curriculum are easy to access, they can implement techniques that they find more effective with their children. The ability to do this allows them to adjust the curriculum to the needs of their child and hone in on topics where their child needs more help, without having to worry about conforming to a larger syllabus.
Finally, by incorporating technology into the common core curriculum, parents can help their children stay engaged. Many of the materials and activities available as part of a common core curriculum provide interactive learning experience and teach children how to use technology in productive ways.
What Are the Disadvantages of Following a Common Core Curriculum in Homeschooling?
Following a common core curriculum in homeschooling has certain drawbacks. One disadvantage is that, unlike other curricula, it generally doesn’t have much flexibility.
This can be a disadvantage as it eliminates some of the freedom which parents have when teaching their own curriculum. Following a common core curriculum also means that parents have to understand the expectations of the core before providing instruction. This can be difficult for parents who lack experience in the education field.
Though most common core materials are available for free, some parents may still be charged for some of the resources and books related to the curriculum. Additionally, since the curriculum is based on the standards from the state and some parents may be interested in homeschooling their children in principles they do not agree with. For instance, science classes in the common core follow the principle of evolution rather than creationism, which may not be agreeable to some parents.
Finally, since most of the materials used in the common core curriculum are online, parents must have access to the internet to obtain or use the materials. This may mean that some families who don’t have access to reliable internet may not be able to adequately access or teach a common core curriculum.
Where Can I Find Reputable Resources for Homeschoolers Interested in Following the Common Core?
One of the best resources for homeschoolers who are interested in following the common core is the official Common Core State Standards website. The website provides a wealth of information about the standards and the core curriculum.
Parents can also find resources from educational organizations such as The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) and The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Other helpful resources for homeschoolers include websites such as Khan Academy and EdX, which provide interactive lessons and activities for various subjects. Additionally, many online networks provide support and information for homeschoolers and provide lesson plans, videos, and advice related to common core.
Popular networks include Educents, Teachers Pay Teachers, and Home School Legal Defense Association. For families that are financially constrained, there are also websites such as Free Homeschool Deals which provide free activities based on the common core.
This can be especially helpful for parents who are teaching multiple children, as they wouldn’t have to purchase different materials for each one.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the common core curriculum provides an effective structure for homeschooling. By following it, parents can make sure that their child is receiving an education that is of the same standard as one available at public and private schools.
However, there are some disadvantages, such as a lack of flexibility, that parents must consider. Furthermore, there are many reputable resources available online that can help homeschoolers gain further insight into the common core.