Homeschooling

Archive for September, 2008

Question: I'm 15, can I get the Homeschooling computer program, and do it on my own? with no help?

I'm 15, I'm going into the 10th grade. I think that I would learn better if I was homeschooled. So is there anyway I could get the computer program, and do it by myself, with no help?

Answer: Most likely yes, with your parents' permission. You'll need to research the Homeschooling Laws in your state and see what kind of paperwork is necessary and what rules you have to follow. These vary a lot from state to state. You can learn about state regulations from local Homeschooling organizations. http://www.homeedmag.com/wlcm_groups.html and http://www.nhen.org/support/groups/browse.asp list a lot of groups. Some groups are statewide while others are for counties or regions; either kind of group could help you find out about your state's laws.

I also highly recommend the book "The Teenage Liberation Handbook: How to quit school and get a real life and education"-- http://www.lowryhousepublishers.com/TeenageLiberationHandbook.htm --it's full of great practical advice for leaving school (including convincing your parents) as well as inspiration and food for thought about the idea of taking charge of your own education. A lot of libraries have this book.

Since you want to "do it by [your]self," you might find the concept of "unschooling" interesting. Unschooling, often described as "self-directed learning," is based on the idea that we learn best when we learn by choice and are in charge of our own learning. Unschoolers most often favor a less structured approach (not following a curriculum), but some people consider themselves unschoolers and use a curriculum of their own choosing.

By the way, I'm a graduate of Homeschooling myself, and it was a very positive experience for me.

Good luck with this!

Homeschooling Information : Earning a GED at Home

Question: Requirements for Homeschooling in Florida?

I am 17 years old student in Florida, I am senior now...can i be in homeschool if my parrents dont have high school diploma from USA? i mean they have high school diploma but its from europe...thanks

Answer: The State of Florida does NOT require the parents to hold any type of certification in order to homeschool.

The things you WILL need are:
1) a portfolio (this is all the work that you do during the school year).
2) a calendar to mark your attendance on (can be a pocket version)
3) An evaluation at the end of the school year. This can be done by a Certified Teacher (must be current), a Psycologist, or take a Standardized test ( you will want a teacher who has knowledge of High School Standards).
4) Transcripts that can be shown to the college you wish to attend (if you attend)
5) Take the GED ( relax it will say HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA on it ).

Go to the website www.HSLDA.org and pan over to the little map of the USA and then click on Florida. When the page comes up click on the LEGAL to homeschool section and it will give you more specifics.

Your parents will need to give an 'Intent To Homeschool' letter to your local School Board which will have a office that deals with homeschoolers.
You and your parents also need to be aware that the school is NOT responsible for providing you with a curriculum or school books.....that is YOUR responsibility and your cost.

Surf the web and you will find numerous sites that have all sorts of educational levels and thrift stores can be browsed for used books.

FYI....someone mentioned Florida Virtual School. Be aware that if you choose a Virtual School , you are not Homeschooling in the true sense of the word as you will be SUBJECT to the PUBLIC SCHOOL rules for classes, attendance and subject matter.

Hope this helps in some small way. Good luck to you.

Homeschoolers Try the Geyser Tube with Mentos and Coke