the question is.....
At what point does a homeschool mom decide that she can no longer give her child a better education at home so that he can go on to college?
There is no point where the school will do a better job, so just keep looking. You are his BEST teacher, so hang in there. There is hope! and help! available.......
so check here often for ideas on keeping on!
resources abound! contact me at
thewaytowellness@gmail.com with your questions!
Friday, December 11, 2009
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
I recommend this newsletter for High School
Crosswalk Home School High School is a free newsletter from Crosswalk.com, the world's largest Christian website.
Go to Crosswalk.com for newsletter information. These are the ones they offer for Home Schooling....so subscribe to the ones that look good to you.
Crosswalk Home School Update
Weekly - Highlights from the Home School Channel
Crosswalk Home School News
Weekly - Breaking news affecting home educators
Crosswalk Home School Life
Weekly - Tips, ideas and stories for today's home educator
Crosswalk Home School High School
Weekly - A Must have for the parent home schooling high school aged children
Crosswalk Home School Encouragement
Weekly - Humor and encouragement from the world of home schooling
Go to Crosswalk.com for newsletter information. These are the ones they offer for Home Schooling....so subscribe to the ones that look good to you.
Crosswalk Home School Update
Weekly - Highlights from the Home School Channel
Crosswalk Home School News
Weekly - Breaking news affecting home educators
Crosswalk Home School Life
Weekly - Tips, ideas and stories for today's home educator
Crosswalk Home School High School
Weekly - A Must have for the parent home schooling high school aged children
Crosswalk Home School Encouragement
Weekly - Humor and encouragement from the world of home schooling
Saturday, August 22, 2009
that diploma question that keeps coming in PA
I have home schooled both my children who have graduated home schooling high school under Act 169 with parent issued diplomas and both have gone on to college.
This is the part of the law, Act 169,
(section 2, d) which declares the graduation requirements:
(d) The following minimum courses in grades nine through twelve are established as a requirement for graduation in a home education program: (1) Four years of English. (2) Three years of mathematics. (3) Three years of science. (4) Three years of social studies. (5) Two years of arts and the humanities.
I also have the privilege of preparing transcripts and completing evaluations of the home school program for families as they hire me for this purpose. This is prescribed in the home school Act 169 as well.
Again, the law states:
(2) 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 York Home School Association recognizes Parent-issued Diplomas as valid for several reasons:
1. The Pennsylvania homeschool law prescribes graduation requirements, and even though the student fulfills them, neither the school district nor the state issues a diploma to the student. This leaves that need up to the supervisor of the home education program to mark the end of the high school years. Often I suggest that a transcript be prepared for the high school years, showing that the requirements in section 2 d are met. Additionally, compulsory school age in PA is age 8-17 so a student beyond age 17 is NOT required file paperwork with the school district.
2. Additionally, there are not accredited high school diplomas. The diplomas offered by some home school organizations or businesses are merely recognized by the state and not accredited, regardless of the name of the group.
3. The York Home school Association’s Guide to the Law makes a first suggestion for the diploma: 1. “Parents may issue a diploma to their students.”
4. There are programs offered by other organization which have been called state-recognized, official, and legitimate; but they are not state accredited, and often have additional requirements and costs. YHSA recognizes that home schoolers are being accepted into college on the basis of merit – transcripts, SAT’s, letters of recommendation, admissions essays, etc. YHSA does not endorse the involvement in a diploma program. YHSA states that: Parent-issued diplomas are considered valid for any admission requirement.
Any parent-issued diploma for a home schooled student is valid though having a transcript to back it up to show that you complied with the law is the way to make it complete.
This is the part of the law, Act 169,
(section 2, d) which declares the graduation requirements:
(d) The following minimum courses in grades nine through twelve are established as a requirement for graduation in a home education program: (1) Four years of English. (2) Three years of mathematics. (3) Three years of science. (4) Three years of social studies. (5) Two years of arts and the humanities.
I also have the privilege of preparing transcripts and completing evaluations of the home school program for families as they hire me for this purpose. This is prescribed in the home school Act 169 as well.
Again, the law states:
(2) 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 York Home School Association recognizes Parent-issued Diplomas as valid for several reasons:
1. The Pennsylvania homeschool law prescribes graduation requirements, and even though the student fulfills them, neither the school district nor the state issues a diploma to the student. This leaves that need up to the supervisor of the home education program to mark the end of the high school years. Often I suggest that a transcript be prepared for the high school years, showing that the requirements in section 2 d are met. Additionally, compulsory school age in PA is age 8-17 so a student beyond age 17 is NOT required file paperwork with the school district.
2. Additionally, there are not accredited high school diplomas. The diplomas offered by some home school organizations or businesses are merely recognized by the state and not accredited, regardless of the name of the group.
3. The York Home school Association’s Guide to the Law makes a first suggestion for the diploma: 1. “Parents may issue a diploma to their students.”
4. There are programs offered by other organization which have been called state-recognized, official, and legitimate; but they are not state accredited, and often have additional requirements and costs. YHSA recognizes that home schoolers are being accepted into college on the basis of merit – transcripts, SAT’s, letters of recommendation, admissions essays, etc. YHSA does not endorse the involvement in a diploma program. YHSA states that: Parent-issued diplomas are considered valid for any admission requirement.
Any parent-issued diploma for a home schooled student is valid though having a transcript to back it up to show that you complied with the law is the way to make it complete.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Writing a Research Paper
The biggest question I get from those moms and dads teaching high school at home is the "dreaded" research paper. There is a ton of help online. I recommend the OWL! It is all free-free step by step what to do lesson plan at the OWL, which is the
Purdue Online Writing Lab for Purdue students but they open it for everyone and anyone!
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/658/01/
check it out....easy to follow and free!
I used to teach this class to groups of homeschoolers. The main issues is to stay on task and do each step one by one. Research papers are not written in a week. Take each step along the way and it is a very "doable" task with a fabulous result.
hope this help! You can comment for help if you need more advice.
Purdue Online Writing Lab for Purdue students but they open it for everyone and anyone!
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/658/01/
check it out....easy to follow and free!
I used to teach this class to groups of homeschoolers. The main issues is to stay on task and do each step one by one. Research papers are not written in a week. Take each step along the way and it is a very "doable" task with a fabulous result.
hope this help! You can comment for help if you need more advice.
Monday, August 3, 2009
College Professor Critiques Homeschoolers
This article may be published on web sites and in publications as long as it's reproduced in its entirety, including the resource box at the end of the article. Thanks!
College Professor Critiques Homeschoolers
copyright 2009 by Greg Landry, M.S.
I teach sophomore through senior level college students - most of them are "pre-professional" students. They are preparing to go to medical school, dental school, physical therapy school, etc.
As a generalization, I've noticed certain characteristics common in my students who were homeschooled. Some of these are desirable, some not.
Desirable characteristics:
1. They are independent learners and do a great job of taking initiative and being responsible for learning. They don't have to be "spoon fed" as many students do. This gives them an advantage at two specific points in their education; early in college and in graduate education.
2. They handle classroom social situations (interactions with their peers and professors)very well. In general, my homeschooled students are a pleasure to have in class. They greet me when the enter the class, initiate conversations when appropriate, and they don't hesitate to ask good questions. Most of my students do none of these.
3. They are serious about their education and that's very obvious in their attitude, preparedness, and grades.
Areas where homeschooled students can improve:
1. They come to college less prepared in the sciences than their schooled counterparts - sometimes far less prepared. This can be especially troublesome for pre-professional students who need to maintain a high grade point average from the very beginning.
2. They come to college without sufficient test-taking experience, particularly with timed tests. Many homeschooled students have a high level of anxiety when it comes to taking timed tests.
3. Many homeschooled students have problems meeting deadlines and have to adjust to that in college. That adjustment time in their freshman year can be costly in terms of the way it affects their grades.
My advice to homeschooling parents:
1. If your child is even possibly college bound and interested in the sciences, make sure that they have a solid foundation of science in the high school years.
2. Begin giving timed tests by 7th or 8th grade. I'm referring to all tests that students take, not just national, standardized tests.
I think it is a disservice to not give students timed tests. They tend to focus better and score higher on timed tests, and, they are far better prepared for college and graduate education if they've taken timed tests throughout the high school years.
In the earlier years the timed tests should allow ample time to complete the test as long as the student is working steadily. The objective is for them to know it's timed yet not to feel a time pressure. This helps students to be comfortable taking timed tests and develops confidence in
their test-taking abilities.
3. Give your students real deadlines to meet in the high school years. If it's difficult for students to meet these deadlines because they're coming from mom or dad, have them take "outside" classes; online, co-op, or community college.
_______________________________
Greg Landry is a 14 year veteran homeschool dad and college professor. He also teaches one and two semester online science classes, and offers free 45 minute online seminars.. http://www.HomeschoolScienceAcademy.com
© 2009 Greg Landry, M.S.
Website design by www.ArtDesignsbyChristi.com
College Professor Critiques Homeschoolers
copyright 2009 by Greg Landry, M.S.
I teach sophomore through senior level college students - most of them are "pre-professional" students. They are preparing to go to medical school, dental school, physical therapy school, etc.
As a generalization, I've noticed certain characteristics common in my students who were homeschooled. Some of these are desirable, some not.
Desirable characteristics:
1. They are independent learners and do a great job of taking initiative and being responsible for learning. They don't have to be "spoon fed" as many students do. This gives them an advantage at two specific points in their education; early in college and in graduate education.
2. They handle classroom social situations (interactions with their peers and professors)very well. In general, my homeschooled students are a pleasure to have in class. They greet me when the enter the class, initiate conversations when appropriate, and they don't hesitate to ask good questions. Most of my students do none of these.
3. They are serious about their education and that's very obvious in their attitude, preparedness, and grades.
Areas where homeschooled students can improve:
1. They come to college less prepared in the sciences than their schooled counterparts - sometimes far less prepared. This can be especially troublesome for pre-professional students who need to maintain a high grade point average from the very beginning.
2. They come to college without sufficient test-taking experience, particularly with timed tests. Many homeschooled students have a high level of anxiety when it comes to taking timed tests.
3. Many homeschooled students have problems meeting deadlines and have to adjust to that in college. That adjustment time in their freshman year can be costly in terms of the way it affects their grades.
My advice to homeschooling parents:
1. If your child is even possibly college bound and interested in the sciences, make sure that they have a solid foundation of science in the high school years.
2. Begin giving timed tests by 7th or 8th grade. I'm referring to all tests that students take, not just national, standardized tests.
I think it is a disservice to not give students timed tests. They tend to focus better and score higher on timed tests, and, they are far better prepared for college and graduate education if they've taken timed tests throughout the high school years.
In the earlier years the timed tests should allow ample time to complete the test as long as the student is working steadily. The objective is for them to know it's timed yet not to feel a time pressure. This helps students to be comfortable taking timed tests and develops confidence in
their test-taking abilities.
3. Give your students real deadlines to meet in the high school years. If it's difficult for students to meet these deadlines because they're coming from mom or dad, have them take "outside" classes; online, co-op, or community college.
_______________________________
Greg Landry is a 14 year veteran homeschool dad and college professor. He also teaches one and two semester online science classes, and offers free 45 minute online seminars.. http://www.HomeschoolScienceAcademy.com
© 2009 Greg Landry, M.S.
Website design by www.ArtDesignsbyChristi.com
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Age 17 and home schooling high school
The question came to me and this is my answer:
I'm still a little fuzzy about reporting for a kid turning 17 during the school year. I think I need to turn in an affidavit with her name still on it and objectives, but I don't think I need to report after her birthday. I also have heard that she needs an evaluation from the beginning of the year until her birthday-- is that right?
The best answer to this is on the FAQ of the PA Dept of Ed.which is a new page to answer this, just on the site recently.
http://www.pde.state.pa.us/home_education/cwp/view.asp?a=3&Q=46623&home_educationNav=|605|&home_educationNav=|
It says"
"Do I have to file a portfolio the year my child turns age 17?
Home education is a way of fulfilling the requirements for compulsory attendance, and students must attend school until the day of their 17th birthday. Therefore, the supervisor of the home education program must provide a portfolio and evaluator’s report for at least the period of time the student is age 16 up to and including the day before the student’s seventeenth birthday to ensure that there is no question as to whether the student has fulfilled compulsory education requirements."
This is what the dept writes. I do not think it has been tested in the courts, but makes okay sense to me.
I filed even after my daughter was 17 and kept all the records and full evaluation since we are doing dual enrollment with the school and to get the funding, you need to file, etc.
There is also a grey area for diploma programs. I do not do a diploma program, rather a parent-issued diploma.
Most important is the transcript with info to back it up.
The Balcony Lady
I'm still a little fuzzy about reporting for a kid turning 17 during the school year. I think I need to turn in an affidavit with her name still on it and objectives, but I don't think I need to report after her birthday. I also have heard that she needs an evaluation from the beginning of the year until her birthday-- is that right?
The best answer to this is on the FAQ of the PA Dept of Ed.which is a new page to answer this, just on the site recently.
http://www.pde.state.pa.us/home_education/cwp/view.asp?a=3&Q=46623&home_educationNav=|605|&home_educationNav=|
It says"
"Do I have to file a portfolio the year my child turns age 17?
Home education is a way of fulfilling the requirements for compulsory attendance, and students must attend school until the day of their 17th birthday. Therefore, the supervisor of the home education program must provide a portfolio and evaluator’s report for at least the period of time the student is age 16 up to and including the day before the student’s seventeenth birthday to ensure that there is no question as to whether the student has fulfilled compulsory education requirements."
This is what the dept writes. I do not think it has been tested in the courts, but makes okay sense to me.
I filed even after my daughter was 17 and kept all the records and full evaluation since we are doing dual enrollment with the school and to get the funding, you need to file, etc.
There is also a grey area for diploma programs. I do not do a diploma program, rather a parent-issued diploma.
Most important is the transcript with info to back it up.
The Balcony Lady
Saturday, May 9, 2009
the secondary years in PA
I was asked,
When are the secondary years? Answer 7-12
At the secondary school level, the following courses shall be taught:
English, to include language, literature, speech and composition;
science;
geography;
social studies, to include civics, world history, history of the US and Pennsylvania;
mathematics, to include general mathematics, algebra and geometry;
art;
music;
physical education;
health and safety education, including regular and continuous instruction in the
dangers and prevention of fires.
Such courses of study may include, at the discretion of the supervisor of the home education program, economics; biology; chemistry; foreign languages; trigonometry; or other age-appropriate courses as contained in Chapter 5 (Curriculum Requirements) of the State Board of Education.
So, what needs to be done for grades 9-12?
(d) The following minimum courses in grades nine through twelve are established as a requirement for graduation in a home education program:
(1) Four years of English.
(2) Three years of mathematics.
(3) Three years of science.
(4) Three years of social studies.
(5) Two years of arts and the humanities.
Total 15 per the law. You will have more, see below.
HSLDA says: total credits would be
20-22 general, 24-28 college prep, 26-30 Rigorous
Transcript - a record of the courses completed
Homeschooling high school can be more rewarding than the elementary years since your student can be more independent and select courses not available in a brick and mortar public school.
Courses on the transcript can include driver training, work experience and college classes as well as a typical high school class at home.
When are the secondary years? Answer 7-12
At the secondary school level, the following courses shall be taught:
English, to include language, literature, speech and composition;
science;
geography;
social studies, to include civics, world history, history of the US and Pennsylvania;
mathematics, to include general mathematics, algebra and geometry;
art;
music;
physical education;
health and safety education, including regular and continuous instruction in the
dangers and prevention of fires.
Such courses of study may include, at the discretion of the supervisor of the home education program, economics; biology; chemistry; foreign languages; trigonometry; or other age-appropriate courses as contained in Chapter 5 (Curriculum Requirements) of the State Board of Education.
So, what needs to be done for grades 9-12?
(d) The following minimum courses in grades nine through twelve are established as a requirement for graduation in a home education program:
(1) Four years of English.
(2) Three years of mathematics.
(3) Three years of science.
(4) Three years of social studies.
(5) Two years of arts and the humanities.
Total 15 per the law. You will have more, see below.
HSLDA says: total credits would be
20-22 general, 24-28 college prep, 26-30 Rigorous
Transcript - a record of the courses completed
Homeschooling high school can be more rewarding than the elementary years since your student can be more independent and select courses not available in a brick and mortar public school.
Courses on the transcript can include driver training, work experience and college classes as well as a typical high school class at home.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
