Homeschooling

Archive for January, 2010

Question: Concerned about Homeschooling in Illinois

I'm seriously considering relocating to the state of Illinois in part because I thought it had some of the least restrictive Home Schooling laws. But I'm concerend to read a 'what to do if' scenario on About.com regarding how to handle a truant officer and police officer that may show up and ask to be let in to speak to your child, etc.? Can anyone in Illinois who homeschools respond please?? Can this really happen? Are the public school officials and law enforcement at odds with homeschoolers or what is going on...? Thank you.

Answer: First of all, why would you trust something that was said on About.com? Was it specifically for HS'ing in IL??? I'm assuming it was some "template" for HS'ing "in your state".

Illinois *is* one of the easiest states to HS in. I've been doing it for three years here in central IL, and before that, I HS'ed for three years in Kansas (another easy state).

If a public official or social services person showed up at my door, I have no legal obligation to let them, or to let them talk to my kids. HS'ing is legal in IL as private schooling.

FWIW, the majority of IL school districts are *very* open to HS'ing; many of them allow dual enrollment. I HS my son, but my daughter is in public school. Both our district, and the one she's bussed to, know we HS our son and they couldn't care less.

Again, there is *nothing* to be afraid of. HS'ing is alive and well and there's no more "government intrusion" here than anywhere else regarding it. Sure, you get a wacked-out school superintendent or CPS representative now and then, but *every* state can have that problem.

Here's the best source for HS'ing info in IL:

http://www.illinoishouse.org/

Question: homeschool questions?

I am Homeschooling my daughter who is 5th grader for the 1st time this year. She is ADHD and does not take meds. We decided as a family that meds were not right for her. I have no experience as far as Homeschooling goes, and we seem to be butting heads constantly. She learns by hands on. We purchased the Alpha Omega Lifepac curriculum , but so far she has failed every test she has taken. I can't seem to get through to her, and I need some suggestions on how to help her learn. If she was receivng the help in public school that she needed, she would still be there. I know no other way of teaching her than the curriculm we are presently doing, so that she will be able to pass her state tests at the end of the year. Please help. Also, please only serious answers as this is a serious matter for my family. No sarcastic answers!!!!

Answer: Alpha Omega is a good curriculum. you might try Konos. my family knows the woman who founded that company and wrote the curruculum; it has been very, very successful.

you might be willing to have a move free-form classroom. part of the beauty of homeschool is that you can learn anywhere; you're not bound to a desk and chair. you can take her on field trips, go camping in the back yard, go to a local arboretum, zoo, ethnic restaurant etc. there are so many things you can add as elements of learning that will help someone like her with ADHD to learn better because it's soemthing she can see and touch and taste ... it's multisensory and i know that's invogirating for kids ... it was for me at least.

let me knowif you have anymore questions. i was homeschooled so feel free to write. i probably have several links you might like, too.

Adhd Girls have fun with Writing and Spelling Practice in Homeschooling