The Homeschooling Handbook_ From Preschool to High School - Mary Griffith [36]
Suddenly homeschooling is big business, and lots of curriculum companies and private schools are more than willing to tell you that their way to homeschool is exactly what you need and will happily supply you with their perfect package—for a price. And the public school system is getting into the act with charter schools and their various relatives, offering what advocates call the best of both worlds: the resources of the school system combined with the independence of homeschooling—with expenses paid by your state’s taxpayers.
Finding your way past all the ads and hype to the content, structure, and style of homeschooling that works best for your family is no easy task, and the job won’t get any easier. Like every other homeschooling decision you make, this one depends on what your family is like and how you view learning and your kids. Your financial resources and the time and energy you’re willing to devote to homeschooling will also influence your decision.
Private Options
Private options run the full gamut of philosophical and pedagogical approaches, from the most traditional to completely child led, from complete curriculum packages and mix-and-match programs to “cover schools,” which merely maintain records for you. If you’re interested, a program is probably available to fit your needs.
Correspondence programs tend to be fairly traditional in their course offerings and instructional approach. Typically, assignments are returned for evaluation and grading as they are completed. Some programs require an outsider, such as a teacher or librarian, to administer any required tests, although increasing numbers offer the option of submitting assignments, examinations, and evaluations through e-mail or a Web site. Some allow enrollment on a course-by-course basis, while others require enrollment for an entire semester- or year-long course of study. It’s not uncommon, though, for private programs to allow either part- or full-time enrollment, whichever best suits the needs of their customers.
Private independent study programs tend to be fairly adaptable to individual needs and usually allow the parent to have a substantial role in developing and carrying out a learning plan, including the choice of materials. The more traditional programs tend to be affiliated with conventional classroom-based private schools, although several, such as Clonlara, are quite flexible and supportive of less structured approaches to homeschooling. Schools created specifically to serve the homeschooling market (also commonly referred to as “umbrella schools”) fall everywhere along the continuum of learning approaches and styles, so it shouldn’t be hard to find one to suit your needs if you’re leery of going it alone. You can also usually choose the level of support you want, from “teacher-proof” daily lesson plans to simple record maintenance. In many cases, the program assigns a “resource teacher” or “educational facilitator” to each of its enrolled families to oversee their participation and act as a liaison with the program. The exact parameters of this relationship depend on the program and its arrangement with each enrolled family.
Advantages
Enrollment in a private program may relieve families’ concerns about compliance with their state’s legal rules for homeschooling.
Some private programs are accredited by recognized accreditation agencies, which can sometimes ease the college admissions and job application processes.
Private homeschooling programs can reduce or even eliminate the burden of creating a curriculum and collecting learning materials.