This question came to me.....Could I ask my local school district for reading help for my fifth grader? Is there a reason that I would not want to do that even if they would be willing?
ANSWER
Well, there are lots of things to weigh in that decision.
Do you want a "relationship" with the school
Would they put a label on the student?
Would you cave to their pressure to do things they want, if not your educational philosophy?
You'd need to be the advocate for your student and be strong. It might work, but if you get an understanding helper. It might not work if you get caught up in the system with someone that does not understand home school ways.
First, ask yourself...why are you homeschooling. If you want the child to learn at their own pace, then the school might push. OR, if you are truly worried about him falling behind, or think there are issues, then another opinion might be helpful.
This is one to pray about. I have talked to others on both sides...that it helped to get help from the system, while others
pulled out right away when they saw where things were headed.
You could ask to be part of the team, or maybe they would just give you things to do at home. Remember the public teachers are skilled in working in groups within the "box" and the system. Home schooling families think outside the box and that is where the clashes can happen.
Also, make a list of why your are homeschooling. I never used the system as I wanted to stay out of it, but others do
well using it. I know families that had success with joint ventures with the school or used it for extra curricular. When I asked
Dover about band, their schedule was so complicated, it would have never worked had I even wanted it. But, Carina took private
lessons for clarinet from a student at the school, so that worked for us. So, pray about it and give Dr Dyer a call. There might even be
a high school student that is interested in teaching reading that would work with your student as a senior project or learning avenue?
Creative ideas are out there!
Friday, December 11, 2009
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
see link to listen to my online interview
Paste this into your browser.
http://instantteleseminar.com/?eventid=3588699
http://instantteleseminar.com/?eventid=3588699
Sunday, November 22, 2009
CHOOSING AN EVALUATOR
The Pennsylvania Home Education Law (Act 169, 1988) states: "An annual written
evaluation of the student's educational progress as determined by a licensed clinical or school psychologist or a teacher certified by the Commonwealth or by a nonpublic school teacher or administrator. The evaluation shall also be based on an interview of the child and a review of the portfolio required in clause (1) and shall certify whether or not an appropriate education is occurring. At the request of the supervisor, persons with other qualifications may conduct the evaluation with the prior consent of the district of residence superintendent. In no event shall the evaluator be the supervisor or their spouse.”
It is important to keep in mind that the evaluator is hired by the home school family and should support the family's goals, regardless of whether it is a certificated public school teacher or someone from the "home school community". I use the example of finding a physician--you ask around and find someone who will work with you on your own educational goals. Just like your doctor should support your health goals--he needs to be someone with whom you feel comfortable talking and sharing--you need to be able to hire an evaluator who matches your educational and family philosophy. Some public teachers will do this, while others know only what they were trained to do and can't think outside the classroom model. I like to find an evaluator who is open to any style of home education which would include all sort of learning options.
Our job as home school supervisors is to ask a lot of questions in order to find an
evaluator who meets our needs, who accepts our type of education, who is
knowledgeable about the wide range of home education styles, and who is supportive of us. If you have an appointment with your evaluator and you are nervous, then you have the wrong evaluator! You should not be scared. Know that the evaluator is only seeing your child once based on what you show him or her. Your evaluator should be your cheerleader!
The number one thing I look for in an evaluator is understanding--specifically the
understanding that I, the supervisor of the home education program, make the final
decisions for my family. I also like to talk with an evaluator who has home educated his or her own children as he or she has walked in these shoes. That is not to say that only home schoolers can do evaluations; it depends on what you are looking for in the evaluation. Really, all you need is a report that you satisfied the provisions of the home education law and that the children are making progress.
If you are turning to your evaluator for advice or curriculum or learning issues, make sure that person knows all about your family. I find my comfort in talking with other home school moms who have encountered similar challenges, rather than only go with the single opinion of my evaluator. I try not to give my authority away to my evaluator, just as I do not give my authority over my children to the government.
I think we should all be very confident in who we choose for our evaluators. We pay
them, and they offer a service that is required of us. A good evaluator also understands the law and what is required. Let's keep it simple and
depend on each other for support, advice, and guidance. The home education supervisor is in control of the home schooling, not the evaluator.
evaluation of the student's educational progress as determined by a licensed clinical or school psychologist or a teacher certified by the Commonwealth or by a nonpublic school teacher or administrator. The evaluation shall also be based on an interview of the child and a review of the portfolio required in clause (1) and shall certify whether or not an appropriate education is occurring. At the request of the supervisor, persons with other qualifications may conduct the evaluation with the prior consent of the district of residence superintendent. In no event shall the evaluator be the supervisor or their spouse.”
It is important to keep in mind that the evaluator is hired by the home school family and should support the family's goals, regardless of whether it is a certificated public school teacher or someone from the "home school community". I use the example of finding a physician--you ask around and find someone who will work with you on your own educational goals. Just like your doctor should support your health goals--he needs to be someone with whom you feel comfortable talking and sharing--you need to be able to hire an evaluator who matches your educational and family philosophy. Some public teachers will do this, while others know only what they were trained to do and can't think outside the classroom model. I like to find an evaluator who is open to any style of home education which would include all sort of learning options.
Our job as home school supervisors is to ask a lot of questions in order to find an
evaluator who meets our needs, who accepts our type of education, who is
knowledgeable about the wide range of home education styles, and who is supportive of us. If you have an appointment with your evaluator and you are nervous, then you have the wrong evaluator! You should not be scared. Know that the evaluator is only seeing your child once based on what you show him or her. Your evaluator should be your cheerleader!
The number one thing I look for in an evaluator is understanding--specifically the
understanding that I, the supervisor of the home education program, make the final
decisions for my family. I also like to talk with an evaluator who has home educated his or her own children as he or she has walked in these shoes. That is not to say that only home schoolers can do evaluations; it depends on what you are looking for in the evaluation. Really, all you need is a report that you satisfied the provisions of the home education law and that the children are making progress.
If you are turning to your evaluator for advice or curriculum or learning issues, make sure that person knows all about your family. I find my comfort in talking with other home school moms who have encountered similar challenges, rather than only go with the single opinion of my evaluator. I try not to give my authority away to my evaluator, just as I do not give my authority over my children to the government.
I think we should all be very confident in who we choose for our evaluators. We pay
them, and they offer a service that is required of us. A good evaluator also understands the law and what is required. Let's keep it simple and
depend on each other for support, advice, and guidance. The home education supervisor is in control of the home schooling, not the evaluator.
Monday, September 21, 2009
As your evaluator, I will help you in every way, but it is also your job to know the law and submit the proper paperwork.
Definition of a portfolio-three things as listed in the law
Home Education Reference Documents
24 PS 1-102 Definitions
(1) A portfolio of records and materials.
The portfolio shall consist of
(1) a log, made contemporaneously with the instruction,
which designates by title the reading materials used,
(2) samples of any writings, worksheets, workbooks or creative materials used or developed by the student
(3)
and in grades three, five and eight results of nationally normed standardized achievement tests in reading/language arts and mathematics or the results of Statewide tests administered in these grade levels.
The department shall establish a list, with a minimum of five tests, of nationally normed standardized tests from which the supervisor of the home education program shall select a test to be administered if the supervisor does not choose the Statewide tests. At the discretion of the supervisor, the portfolio may include the results of nationally normed standardized achievement tests for other subject areas or grade levels. The supervisor shall ensure that the nationally normed standardized tests or the Statewide tests shall not be administered by the child's parent or guardian.
This is directly what the law says, and the only thing I did is add the numbers (in bold) to the list of things listed which says what a portfolio is. Using the commas and common English grammar, you can make that sentence in to a list of three things. They are a list of books used, samples of work and test scores if a testing year.
The log is defined as keeping a list of what books you are using by titles the reading materials used. No where does it say you need to list what pages or chapters to topics were read or studied. People are reading more into the law than what is says. It only says titles of the materials. And, you track either days or times, again not page or chapter.
Study the law-Act 169 of 1988 for yourself.
Definition of a portfolio-three things as listed in the law
Home Education Reference Documents
24 PS 1-102 Definitions
(1) A portfolio of records and materials.
The portfolio shall consist of
(1) a log, made contemporaneously with the instruction,
which designates by title the reading materials used,
(2) samples of any writings, worksheets, workbooks or creative materials used or developed by the student
(3)
and in grades three, five and eight results of nationally normed standardized achievement tests in reading/language arts and mathematics or the results of Statewide tests administered in these grade levels.
The department shall establish a list, with a minimum of five tests, of nationally normed standardized tests from which the supervisor of the home education program shall select a test to be administered if the supervisor does not choose the Statewide tests. At the discretion of the supervisor, the portfolio may include the results of nationally normed standardized achievement tests for other subject areas or grade levels. The supervisor shall ensure that the nationally normed standardized tests or the Statewide tests shall not be administered by the child's parent or guardian.
This is directly what the law says, and the only thing I did is add the numbers (in bold) to the list of things listed which says what a portfolio is. Using the commas and common English grammar, you can make that sentence in to a list of three things. They are a list of books used, samples of work and test scores if a testing year.
The log is defined as keeping a list of what books you are using by titles the reading materials used. No where does it say you need to list what pages or chapters to topics were read or studied. People are reading more into the law than what is says. It only says titles of the materials. And, you track either days or times, again not page or chapter.
Study the law-Act 169 of 1988 for yourself.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Beware of the difference of charters and cybers!
I found this ad for California Home schools, but when you read the information, it says:" The California Virtual Academies (CAVA) are WASC-accredited, state-approved public charter schools."
this is public school at home; not, traditional homeschooling.
Beware. Lots of misleading ads. watch for the difference of home ed vs public charters or public cybers at home. VERY different!!!
this is public school at home; not, traditional homeschooling.
Beware. Lots of misleading ads. watch for the difference of home ed vs public charters or public cybers at home. VERY different!!!
Monday, August 3, 2009
respect the law's deadlines
If you did not already file your affidavit......
reminder Homeschooling affidavits must be filed by August 1.
The first year you begin homeschooling you can file your affidavit anytime,
but second year and beyond affidavits must be filed by August 1.
other dates to KNOW
June 30! as well as August 1
Evaluators are busy in the spring. All the reports are due to the school district by
June 30. So don't wait until June to ask for an appointment! Actually, I prefer to have all the appointments set up in January or February! Call in January and I will put you on the calendar for April, May or June.
If you call after May 15 or so, there might not be any time slots left for you.
I think this is true for most evaluators.
reminder Homeschooling affidavits must be filed by August 1.
The first year you begin homeschooling you can file your affidavit anytime,
but second year and beyond affidavits must be filed by August 1.
other dates to KNOW
June 30! as well as August 1
Evaluators are busy in the spring. All the reports are due to the school district by
June 30. So don't wait until June to ask for an appointment! Actually, I prefer to have all the appointments set up in January or February! Call in January and I will put you on the calendar for April, May or June.
If you call after May 15 or so, there might not be any time slots left for you.
I think this is true for most evaluators.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
consider your evaluator's schedule
The final reports from the evaluator are due to the school district by June 30 each year. It is best to set up your appointment for the spring during the month of April, May or June. You can set up a time earlier and BEFORE your 180 days are done. My first appointments are usually in February.
It is better to call and set up an appt in Jan or Feb for that spring. Please do not wait to call in May as most evaluators are booked full by then. If you cannot get an appointment with me by June 30, call your school district and ask for an extension; that you can't get am appt and you will have the report to them by July 30. All you need to do is ask!
It is better to call and set up an appt in Jan or Feb for that spring. Please do not wait to call in May as most evaluators are booked full by then. If you cannot get an appointment with me by June 30, call your school district and ask for an extension; that you can't get am appt and you will have the report to them by July 30. All you need to do is ask!
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