End of Level Testing or State Testing

These tests come with various names. The bottom line is that they are tests that most states require of public school students. Many homeschool parents are very much against these tests but it is interesting to hear the various reasons as to why.

Some think that laws that require these tests infringe on the families Constitutional rights and privacy. Some argue that you can't really use tests to measure intelligence and knowledge.

While I can see both sides of this issue and could argue each whole heartedly I know that in the end it is right to teach our kids to follow the laws. I also think that kids should be taught to question things but to go through the right channels when challenging an issue. Blatant disregard for laws or just avoidance is not the answer and will not help kids become contributing members of society.

My children are required to do state testing each year because of the program we use. It is publicly funded and therefore we must follow the rules and we have agreed to do so. However, they use a different math curriculum which means that they are not tested by the state in that subject. However, I would have welcomed the chance to have them test in math so that I had a snapshot of what they did know and even to see how they test.

Test taking skills are highly underestimated. I was a student who always did my homework and was always in attendance but still to this day I have a mental block when it comes to testing and even multiple choice tests really cause me problems. This does not mean I don't know the information but I don't know how to play this part of the education game. In some colleges they actually have courses on study skills and habits and also test taking. Seems to me that college is a bit late to offer this information. I think it should start in 3rd and 4th grade.

I guess the bottom line here is that testing can be good, it isn't all bad. But as homeschool parents maybe we should help our kids play the education game so when it comes to college they know how to get in and do it right and succeed. Most homeschool parents want what is best for their children and that would include success in college or the work place.

Information on homeschool for Military families?

We are looking for anyone who has information regarding US Military families that homeschool. Some thoughts we are interested in are:

1. How do you make it work while being stationed abroad?
2. Do you find a lot of on base support?
3. Do you meet much resistance or negativity?
4. What are the pros and cons for your family?
5. What programs do you find friendly for your family?

Anyone with input please feel free to leave comments. They do go through approval before we post them just so we don't get spam and because we are here as a support to families as well as a valuable source of information. We do not want comments full of negativity about homeschooling in general. We do welcome an objective point of view and knowing what works for you so please share!

Homeschool Abroad

My family is in an interesting situation. My husband has joined the military a little later than everyone else (age 37) and he has just received orders to his duty station in South Korea. The interesting thing is that it is for three years. So, with our four children we are taking this huge leap into the unknown hoping that it will be a grand adventure, help our children educationally and culturally and let them have the best of both worlds.

Naturally, because I have not been to South Korea (or many other places for that matter, I am not normally an adventurous traveller) I am nervous. However, I have told my children that without stretching our limits or comfort zone - no growth comes. I hope I am right that this "adventure" will be what is good for them as a growing experience.

Part of what I find attractive about this experience is learning so much about the country of South Korea, it's people and history. I am also intrigued by the climate and geography of the country. It will be a wonderful place to be for inexpensive travel to so many places on that side of the world that we would normally not have the opportunity to visit. Places like Japan, China, Singapore, Taiwan and more.

I am hoping that at least for a little while I will be able to continue our current homeschool curriculum and lifestyle. I will be enrolling in online classes for myself as well. It will be nice if I have to do a few general education classes (despite my previous college credits) because it will give me a chance to figure out what I would like to focus on with my degree. I can't imagine anything better than getting my education along side my children and showing them that even in your mid thirties it is never to late to have your grand adventure!

Spring Has Sprung!

It is getting warmer where we live! Just like the rest of the nation we are having weird weather patterns that are a bit unpredictable but lately we are up to 60 degrees which is heavenly!

The kids and I have a bit of spring fever so to mix things up and add some spice to our days we go to the park with our lunches. We are lucky that in our area there are several city parks that are within just a few miles radius of our home. We just pack our lunch and sports equipment and go! It's fun to swing in the sunshine, have a catch or shoot some hoops! The kids also love big open fields of grass where they can just run freely.

I have found that the kids are much more willing to get up early and get to their lessons and chores knowing that lunch time will bring such a welcome break and then when we return home they are always ready to focus again and so am I! Amazing what sunshine, food and exercise can do for your brain! It's been a welcome change and we are making memories to last a lifetime!

Another idea that I use for spring is that when the weather gets over 75, as long as their is not a strong breeze, we do schoolwork outside on the patio. The kids really love being outdoors and it gives them a change of scenery. I think that those of us who were schooled in public schools recall how nice it was to get to switch rooms or to go out for recess. Our homeschool kids need the same change of scenery and they deserve it!

Happy spring to all! Hopefully your weather is cooperating to provide you with some sunshine and fun as well!

Cultural & Artistic Exeriences

Most communities are full of events that some of us never know about and even if we do we don't partake of them to the fullest! I know that in our community there are many musical events, art exhibits, theatrical productions and more that are little to no cost and we still don't use them as much as we should.

These events are great for kids. First they are exposed to the talent of others and gain an appreciation. They also see that if they have a real interest in something there is a path to follow and a way to be seen and heard. To me an important part of these affairs is to have people grow up and know how to behave and be socially comfortable in these environments. Then when they are older and they are asked to attend an art gala they know what to expect and how to mingle and dress appropriately. Knowing these things makes one confident and self assured!

Exposure to all different events (age appropriate of course) is a great tool in helping our children become well rounded. I am only living in my current area for about six more weeks but it is so rich in talent and events that I hope to take my children and let them experience as much as possible.

Homeschool and Technology - Part 2

Today I read an article online about a homeschooling parent who believes that homeschoolers have access to all of the latest and greatest technology. That same parent believes that these tools of technology are only there to fill the gap of what knowledge we don't have. This person believes that computer programs and Internet are simply for fun and games. I see her point in a certain light but then I see things in another light as well.

In New York a new public school was chartered this year that is strictly based with technology. It covers all subjects but somehow puts it in a game format or a simulated way. From research the test scores show that this method works. That students are willing to sit at a screen and learn when it is well presented.

While I do firmly believe that technology can never replace human interaction but it can also help our human relationships along. For example, those with military parents can often use programs such as Skype or Windows Live to video chat for free! This is astounding. My children have been able to stay in touch with relatives that live across the country, see their cousins whenever they want to and as I write this they are in the other room on Skype with their father.

Technology does need to be monitored. Especially if you have students using the Internet. It's good to have your computer in an open place where you are passing by the desk often and can see what is going on and be involved in what your student is doing. It's great to monitor what games are being played and of course what social networking sites may be in use. Safety is key!

I think the lesson between my liberal attitude and the article author's conservatism is that everything is good in moderation with technology and education. I don't think it replaces text books and worksheets but I think it offers a great alternative. My own children have been on burn out from worksheets from time to time and I have been very glad that there are spelling programs and other helpers at my fingertips.

6 Year Old Homeschool Boy Suspended in Iowa!

A six year old boy who isn't even part of the public school system was "suspended" because he brought a shotgun shell to a weekly meeting held at a church.

The state is claiming that homeschooling does not make the child exempt from following the same rules as public school children. The parents argue that they found the shells in their home when taking down a wall and had no idea the little boy even had it with him when he went to his weekly activity at the church.

While there is a place for standards that we should all be held accountable for I think that there are some things were a little discretion should be used. This was a six year old who is NOT in the school system. Hard to say that you can suspend him. How does a homeschool parent even follow that order? And age 6? If he had pummeled a fellow student at a public school I can see the need for intervention but this was not a weapon or even a bullet. It is pretty obvious what a shell is and what isn't and without exposing children to subject matter which is too advanced for their age how do you tell him why this was a bad thing to take to school?

This is not to say that homeschool kids should be allowed to just do anything but homeschool groups should have set guidelines and clear messages and perhaps they should be made to follow such rules. The hard thing in this instance was that no one was hurt or was potentially going to be hurt. This was strictly someone picking a bone in my opinion.