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Homeschooling Vs. Public School – Pros And Cons

admin — Sun, 16 May 2010 03:54:50 +0000

Homeschooling and public schooling co-exist successfully today! But one question that often comes in to the mind of parents when the time has come for educating their child is what to choose between homeschooling and public schooling? For parents who are doubtful in choosing the type of education for their children, it is better to know the pros and cons of both systems first.

The advantages of homeschooling over public schooling:

• Homeschooling provides individual attention and quality time to each learning student which is not possible in a public school. A parent can observe how their kids progress and can help them in areas they find difficult to cope.

• Homeschooling is more flexible than public schooling as the schedule can be adjusted to the child’s suitability. Flexibility also helps in changing the curriculum according to what is easy for you and your child. Parents can help children understand the subject matter and yield good results.

• Children are made to learn in a practical environment thereby involving them in a variety of situations. Children tend to learn faster and enjoy working in such situations.

• Another big advantage of homeschooling over public schooling is the cost structure. Homeschooling is comparatively less expensive as compared to public and private school fees. You can involve your child in social activities that can help them to develop their social skills and hence save a lot of money too.

• There is no age classification for homeschooling children; hence children not only get engaged with same age group but also with children of different ages and adults as well.

Such factors have induced many parents to opt for homeschooling but one should not forget the positive aspect of public schooling which a child lacks in home based schooling. The advantages of public schooling over homeschooling are:

• Public schooling provides social development of the child. Although a homeschooling child can be involved in social activities, none will be as effective as being a part of some social groups for years to come. The classroom setting provides the benefit of socializing for your child.

• The parent is left with the complete responsibility to educate the child during homeschooling. Thus, you might not get time for yourself and your job which is otherwise possible in public schooling. This also helps in reducing financial stress for parents who are both working.

• Public schooling has trained teachers who are well equipped with the knowledge of teaching a wide range of subjects. Homeschooling, on the other hand leaves no option but for the parent to understand each and every subject before making it easy for their child to learn. Moreover, the parents have to research and gather the curriculum for each of their child.

Public School Versus Home School – A Comparative Study

admin — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 01:23:14 +0000

If you send your children to local public schools for getting education and training for the development of the inner skill of your minor boys and girls, now, the school is completely different place with varied atmosphere where students coming from different walks of life. There is no scope for the individual care due to the lack of infrastructure and want of manpower. The limited number of teachers will control the whole school which houses over 300-500 students in single academic session. That’s why, the importance of public schooling is facing the nosedive.

Parents prefer the home schooling because they can watch the movements of their kids at home. There will be no hard and fast rule to keep the kids boxed up inside the classroom for several hours under strict supervision. There will be no such authority who will prepare the documents and papers to evaluate the kids. Children will be given freedom to enjoy learning process staying with mom and dad who show love and affection towards their kids. On the contrary, the public school is a social institution where students join together for learning lessons from teachers. It is a convenient way to communicate with others. However, as different students attend classes, they must be in different attitude. Some will be dare devil, aggressive and stubborn. Some will be very soft natured and peaceful minded.

Therefore, it is very difficult to keep all the boys and girls at vigil. You can even expect short violent jostling and melee among boys when they will be playing or joking as their mind is not matured enough to get adjusted to the situation. It is the negative point of public schooling. It is seen that kids feel much comfy at home while learning in comparison to school environment. They will have to appear for the exam and therefore in school and at home they will have to be much more careful to their studies. There is no way to feel the nature or enjoy freely without any pressure for doing studies.

However if parents opt for home schooling, they will treat their kids judging their mindset and likelihood. In case they feel that it will create some mental setback in them, they can change the syllabus or the manner of teaching their kids. It is also a plus point of home schooling comparing to the public school. Finally, before starting home schools in your house, you must do lot of homework how to make it more advantageous to your children so that they will learn lessons without receiving mental pressure.

How to Homeschool in California

admin — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 22:23:58 +0000

State law does not prohibit homeschooling in California. Although the state seems permissive, there are some requirements that have to be met, mainly concerning the subjects that are taught in California.

Homeschool Laws in California

According to the California Education Code §48222, all children between 6 and 18 years of age are required to enroll in public school unless they are attending a full-time private school or are being taught by a tutor who holds a valid California teaching credential. Most homeschool parents meet §48222 by establishing a private school in their home or enroll in a school that offers independent study, either of which negates the requirement for a parent to hold a California teaching credential.

Keep in mind that California requires all private schools to teach certain subjects. For example, English, math, science, social studies, fine arts, health and physical education must be taught. Additional subjects are required in grades 7-12. California Education Code §51210 and §51220 detail the subject requirements.

Despite court challenges on constitutional grounds and infringement of religious freedom, homeschool parents need to teach the above subjects to stay legal. Currently, there is no provision in California law for supervising the instruction of these required subjects. This means parents are free to determine how the required subjects are taught. With freedom to design curriculum, parents can get learning materials such as homeschool textbooks inexpensively or even free.

Setting up a California Homeschool

To set up a home based private school, submit an electronic private school affidavit (PSA) on the California Department of Education website between October 1st and October 15th of each year. That website also has additional information on setting up a home based private school.

After the school has been set up, contact the child’s previous school and inform them that he or she will be attending another school. If notification to the school is not done, the government will consider the child to be truant. At the same time, request student records from the previous school so that the homeschool has complete cumulative student records as required by California law.

Other options for setting up home schooling include enrolling in independent study programs with a private school, charter school, or even some public school districts. In exchange for restrictions on curriculum and tuition, independent study programs provide materials and support for homeschoolers. Contact local schools and local homeschooling groups to find available options.

California Homeschooling High School

Public school students are required to take the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) to graduate. Private school students are not subject to this requirement. Homeschool students need to meet the graduation requirements of their school, which may be entirely determined by the parents.

The GED or the CHSPE (California High School Proficiency Exam) may be taken to validate a student’s academic program, but this is not required. Only a diploma from the homeschool is needed.

College admissions tests such as the SAT, ACT, or the College Board’s Advanced Placement (AP) exam do not require attendance at any particular high school. For example, it is not necessary to have taken any formal AP class in order to take an AP exam.

Colleges are not required to waive any admissions requirements for homeschoolers, including those that have to do with standardized tests. It is important that students who want to go to college learn how to do well on standardized tests, even if the tests were not part of the homeschool curriculum.

Socialization Skills of Children Taught at Home

admin — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:52:54 +0000

The biggest concern that people have about home schooling is the socialization aspect. Will the children get to interact with other kids? This topic has been blown way out of proportion. The most important issue is the quality of education. The rest will follow.

What is socialization? Kids interacting and learning to work with others on a daily basis is one part. Let’s be honest. In schools, there are bullies, unstable people, teachers with issues of their own, and a lot of other behavior problems. Socialization in the public school can become a nightmare.

We’ve all been there. Some kid who spreads rumors about us is giggling every time we pass by. Someone else may not like the clothes we wear or the sound of our voice. A teacher having a bad day may be less tolerant of student antics. Not knowing exactly what to expect each time you walk through the front doors of the school creates a stressful environment for school children.

Kids are social creatures. Unless we teach them to be otherwise, they will gravitate towards other kids they don’t know simply out of curiosity. School is not the only place to find new friends.

Home schooled children can participate in the same after school and weekend programs as public and private school children. Programs like 4-H, Boy and Girl Scouts, YMCA, and church groups offer chances to interact with other people. There is no shortage of opportunities to see other kids their age.

With a home school curriculum, parents have control over how much or how little to cover in a single day. They also have control over field trip schedules, project deadlines, and homework. A child may not have homework or may participate in a shorter school day when they have other commitments like scouting. Doing so allows the kids to enjoy their other experiences without homework hanging over their heads.

Another avenue for developing socialization skills is partnering with other home schooled children in the area. Parents can get together and plan field trips, meet and greet group activities, and community service projects. As the kids get to know each other, parents get a break as well.

Home schooled children who started out in public school don’t have to leave their friends behind. Having more control over the curriculum means that kids can plan visits to see their friends. If they live in the same neighborhood, getting together will be that much easier.

Home schooled kids don’t spend every day in the house. The world has just become their classroom. Finding friends is not a concern for them, just ask the kids themselves.

What is a Christian Home Schooler?

admin — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:50:38 +0000

There are a variety of home schooling programs available for use. These programs have materials they send to you and online resources. Christian home schoolers value their spiritual lives as a major component in the education of a child.

There are many reasons why parents choose to home school. One reason is religious freedom. We aren’t talking about religious persecution, but the right to integrate church and state. For these parents, the basis of their life is the spiritual. Without it, education will not be complete.

A Christian curriculum adds classes that deal with the Bible and study of it. Direction in curricula and the continuing decision to home school are made with forethought and prayer. Each day of school may begin with prayer. This is nothing new for homes with a strong religious base, but it becomes a part of the school day to show children that God wants to be a part of their education.

Parents make the decision to home school together. Everything from who will teach what subject to how to improve the academic performances of the children is discussed as a family unit. One parent is not left to conduct the entire affair while the other remains detached.

All home schooling classes still comply with the state and federal guidelines. Complete Christian home school programs have taken the guesswork about that out of the equation and left you with required courses of study plus biblical education classes for a well rounded student. Children are taught responsibility, love for life, respect for others, and social and community issues from a Biblical perspective.

Christian home schoolers have their own network of resources. You can reach other Christian parents and discuss the mutual challenges faced through home schooling. One thing that lessens the load is the fact that they control the influences of other religious on their children.

In public schools, there is no right or wrong religion, but all are explored. Many Christian parents are not comfortable with their children exploring other religions. In a home school environment, the kids get to delve into an in-depth study of their own religion. This is not to bash other religions, but to emphasize the importance of their personal beliefs to their children.

A Christian child is not drilled on the Bible all day in a Christian home school curriculum. Instead, their religious beliefs are given a place of importance that can’t be attained in public school. Parents are more comfortable with the teaching because their children are exposed to the spiritual side of life as a part of the educational process.

Planning a Home School Curriculum

admin — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:47:52 +0000

Besides lesson plans, the hardest part of establishing a home school environment in the home will be choosing the curriculum. When it comes to what and how you will teach there are a few options that can be explored. Planning well in advance means a well thought out curriculum once the first day of class arrives.

What is your philosophy of teaching? Many parents may think that they don’t have one but if you have a reason for taking your child out of public school, then you do. The philosophy is directly related to those reasons. You want to influence change that will give your child a better education. The public school is not doing a satisfactory job in your opinion or you would be considering the option of teaching your children at home.

There are several curriculum plans in existence today. Each is based on a different philosophy of teaching. Some curriculums are less stringent which allows for children to experience a variety of subjects and teaching structures. Children can experiment with their learning process to find what fits.

Other programs are quite rigid. Every aspect of each subject is planned down to the day as to what will be taught and in what order. For the new home schooling parent, this takes the guesswork and headache out of the structure of the learning process.

Home school curricula are not just based on academics, but religion. Spiritual components of education resulted in Christian home schooling. These programs comply with the state requirements but emphasize Biblical education.

Once parents become comfortable with home schooling, they can move from a rigid program to a less structured one or a curriculum guide. Curriculum guides are cheaper but only serve as rough guidelines. The parents still have to purchase worksheets, study guides, and other materials for teaching. This is not a concern with complete packages because they include everything for your dollar.

Some curricula have an online component as well. Part of the program involves book work and activities that kids can do online. It is easier to record keep online than with a paper and pencil. Some people like paper and pencil though because computers crash or get temperamental and lose your stuff. After all of that, it is time to do a lesson plan for each class for each student grade level.

Before the fun of teaching your children can begin, you need to have a plan. This is the tough part. It will involve a lot of head scratching and sweating, but once it’s done, the next time will be easier.

Qualifications Needed to Home School

admin — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:43:30 +0000

The choice to teach a child at home away from the public school life is a major undertaking. If the child ever attended public school the transition may be jarring. Parents used to be in charge of their children’s education, but have long ago put that responsibility in the hands of others. To take charge again, what are the qualifications needed to home school a child?

Home schooling doesn’t require an advanced degree or that you write a dissertation. What it does require is a love of your child and a love of learning. Because a parent understands their child and their quirks, creating a curriculum to fit their unique needs is a bit easier than a cookie cutter program created to fit everyone.

As a part of the research into home schooling, check with the state to find out what specific qualifications are needed to pursue the title of home school teacher. States may require that a parent be observed by a licensed teacher for a school year to evaluate technique and the thoroughness of the program. Along this same line, the state can require that the schooling consist of the same amount of instructional days as public school.

There are no qualifications such as a teaching certificate or a bachelor’s degree. Parents who are not familiar or strong in a subject can hire a tutor to aid in teaching the subject matter. Any state testing can be administered by a licensed teacher if it is mandated by the state.

All of these legal and state educational requirements can be found online. Begin far in advance preparing the paperwork that has to be filed and letters of intent to home school your children. The state probably wants to see that a curriculum is in place already before they allow a child to participate in alternative education, especially if a child is removed in the middle of the school year.

One bonus to purchasing established curriculum packages is that they already comply with the state requirements for home schooling. Part of the package includes grading services, administrative needs pertaining to recordkeeping, report cards, and other services. A parent can speak to customer service personnel for support, information, and help with any additional paperwork.

Persistent parents who care for their children are not daunted by rules and regulations. The education and safety of their children far exceeds any frustration they may encounter. In the long run, no one is better qualified to teach our children than the parents who have their best interests at heart.

Pros and Cons of Home Schooling

admin — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:40:54 +0000

Over the past twenty-five years, parents have really begun exploring the option of teaching their children at home. There are a number of reasons cited for doing so, but opponents to the home schooling curriculum state an equal number of reasons why kids perform better in a public school. Here are a few of the pros and cons to the decision to home school.

Kids love the idea of home schooling at first. They get to sleep late, watch television, hang out at home, and have a lax schedule. Unfortunately for them, parents take the idea of home schooling seriously and those dreams are quickly shattered. These are just some of the preconceived notions about the entire process of home schooling. Kids get more time to play and less time to work. Actually the opposite is true.

Pros:
1.

Home schooled children score higher on standardized tests than public school children. These facts amaze people, but think about it for a moment. The problem in public schools is the size of the classroom. At home, the classroom is made up of the parent and the child(ren). Individualized attention translates into a better understanding of subject material.

Home schooled children have their academic and social needs met adequately. In a classroom setting, the teacher has fifty minutes to teach the lesson for that day. He or she doesn’t have time to address different learning styles. At home, the parent can tailor the curriculum to meet each child’s individual needs so they learn better.

Less worry about the child’s safety. The social dynamics of a school are unpredictable. We’ve all heard about bullies, shootings, and other incidents on school campuses. Protect your child and help them concentrate on a love of learning at home where the social pressures that plague public schools are less relevant.

Cons:
1.

Parents struggle with teaching subjects that they are not good at. Every parent is not meant to home school their children. If a parent doesn’t understand the material it will be hard to teach that information to the child.

Home schooling is expensive. When just starting out, most parents use an established curriculum to give them guidance. Depending on the grade level of the child, these curricula can cost from $500 to $2,000.

Time is a problem for busy parents who decide to home school. Kids need quality time spent on school subjects, not just busy work. Coordinating the proper amount of time along with getting housework and job commitments tended to is a difficult task.

Home schooling is not for everyone. A thorough researching of the subject will let parents know if it is a feasible option for their family.

Home schooling Solution » public school

Homeschooling Vs. Public School – Pros And Cons

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