So, you think that homeschooling is an "alternative " form of education? That's odd. t's actually the very thing that is both natural and normal and has always been considered as a way of imparting knowledge to the next generation. Homeschooling is highly successful too. Some of the most interesting people I know all had their beginnings in a place called home.
If you think about it, home educating your children is a pretty normal thing to do. People have done it for along time... probably since time began. Even for children who attend school regularly, their learning begins at home, and at the end of the day, do you know where they go? Home. Home, is where you first learn about yourself and your world. You see, homeschooling, contrary to what you might think, is not an alternative. It's the norm.
For this reason, I want to post another one of those rather notorious lists of some of the more famous people who were home-educated. You may have seen this list or parts of it ten times, but here it is again. Some of these people were homeschooled for a few years and others never attended formal school away from home at all, yet there was nothing "uneducated" about them.
Click on the links, read about them here and then also on your own and you will see how their education did not happen because they were forced to go to public funded school. Their parents taught them, and they may even have had tutors and teachers,but they learned from living life with their families, from exploring, learning and thinking about the world around them, not merely from sitting behind a desk in a classroom with same age peers all day for most of their young lives.
Schools have their place, and they are intended to be a place of learning and education, but they are not a one size fits all, nor ar they the only place to learn. On an elementary level schools exist to assist in learning, not to replace parents... not decide what is best for YOUR child.
True education will not suppress a child's natural love for learning, it will serve to foster their natural intelligence with opportunities to learn with loving discipline, and homeschooling stands the test of time for doing just this. We must never forget that the the primary,(not alternative) base of human education is the home.
LB
This is for you homeschool history buffs. Some people though, might not even know who Phil Donahue is. Well, here he is and here is a program he hosted on the subject of schooling your own kids at home.
The sign reads, "An Enrichment Option for Homeschoolers."
Obviously, a keyword here is,"enrichment." Is there really something about this public education program that will enrich the life of a family that has chosen to home educate their own kids? What could they offer of value to homeschoolers, (that is those who are currently outside of the public school system,.who either have children under the requirements of compulsory education ages or who currently practice home-based educating under the Washing State homeschooling law. It is, after all, these families that this sign with it's public school programs is intentionally being targeted. What is this enrichment?
Maybe it is a diploma? Will the enrichment be that your homeschooling will kids be able to get a high school diploma and go to college? Will your enrollment make Running Start an option? No. Can't be. "Homeschoolers" already award diplomas and sign up for running start. They are accepted into colleges too.. In fact, organizations like Home School Legal Defense, (HSLDA) or Washington Homeschool Organization, (WHO) and Christian Homeschool Network, (CHNOW) make themselves available to help direct home educating parents in understand how this all works. It's not a diploma, (unless you think that the stamp of approval for the education of your child, comes only from the employees who work for the government at your local local public school.)
Maybe "homeschoolers" will think it's enrichment their child's education to go to a school building once a week and submit learning plans for each child as well as report test scores and grades monthly to school personnel? Could this be it? Is it enriching to your child's home education to have people that are paid with your own hard earned tax dollars, oversee and access what you do and what your "homeschool" children are and are not learning when compared to the requirements created for governmental institutions? Hardly.
Parent Partnerships will require stringent hoops for you as a parent to fulfill in what you do at home and present to school officials. There will be more tests required too, like the Washington Assessment of Student Learning. (WAS,) created specifically to test public institutions, including your kitchen table learning, run with public funds.(The WASL claims to give our schools a grade on how well they are teaching our youth, ) Is it an enrichment for your homeschool to teach to the (mandatory) WASL, so your school can get a good grade? Do you know that the WASL does not apply to private or home-based schools?
Is this enrichment? Any of it? Hardly.
Okay, perhaps the enriching aspect of this program will be "socialization." After all, this is a major concern for more people against home schooling. in the Parent Partnership, you will be able to gather regularly with like-minded families for learning experiences at the local public school campus. Children can interact and learn things the homeschool parent cannot offer their own children.... Right? This must be it!
Of course,local homeschooling groups have always networked and organized group times and learning situations for kids.. There are often classes, park days and backyard play days between like minded individuals. They create opportunities go to the State Fair or Theater productions and various feild trips too... and, believe it or not, this all happens without the oversight of, or being enrolled in the local public school. But maybe, just maybe... it's the classes that will enrich or enhance learning for the student...
Perhaps they offer French or Spanish? Algebra? Trigonometry? ....things that might be a challenge for some parents to teach their kids at home.
No. That is not the thrust of the program. They offer stamp collecting, folklore and folksinging, making things with Lego, circus stunts, ballet and martial arts. These are the offerings of "enrichment," (your tax dollars, hard at work,) at the Parent Partnership school. But there is one more thing offered for people who join the program... money. Both the families and the school get an allotment of government funding.
In MEAD, our schools get allotted about $ 6,000.00. per year per student.. This amount is the same for all full-time enrolled students, whether they are on a school campus one day per week, (as in an ALP) or five days in a regular classroom. As you can imagine, that is a big chunk of money. It id money gained when people sign up and money they never see if parents choose to homeschool or send kids to private school. Just as there are strong advocates of private schools or homeschooling, there are also strong advocated for public education. One of those is the NEA.
The National Education Association, a labor union that claims to be committed to the advancement of public education, is very vocal about it's dislike for people who do not submit to the public education of all children. Make no mistake, the NEA opposes every aspect of parent directed education. The NEA's position on the concept of home based education in it's 2007-2008 Resolutions read:"The National Education Association believes that home schooling programs based on parental choice cannot provide the student with a comprehensive education experience. When home schooling occurs, students enrolled must meet all state curricular requirements, including the taking and passing of assessments to ensure adequate academic progress. Home schooling should be limited to the children of the immediate family, with all expenses being borne by the parents/guardians. Instruction should be by persons who are licensed by the appropriate state education licensure agency, and a curriculum approved by the state department of education should be used." Parent Partnerships, (along with the NEA Common Core Curriculum, looming over all our public schools,) are exactly the kind of learning that most people in the NEA would even allow and it must be clearly understood by all of us that these Parent Partnerships, are NOT home-based education.
By law, Parent Partnership programs have had to be required to tell enrolling families that, but still many unsuspecting people are fooled by the ambiguity as they enroll. Read, for example, the FAMILY HANDBOOK for the MEAD SCHOOLS's Program. ( On page 8, it informs the reader that this program is NOT home based instruction.) You are duly informed, then you sign on the dotted line, and then you and your students are welcomed to their "homeschooling" program.
You and your brood will likely think you are "home schooling;" especially after you saw this sign on the highway, {see the sign pictured above.) and are bring told that you are simply participating in a "homeschool enrichment program." You might feel like you are in charge of your child's education as you select curriculum from a state approved list of textbooks; and you might even tell your friends and relatives that you love the "homeschool"program you are in; but in essence you are only being the kind of "homeschooling parent" designed by, allowed by and endorsed wholeheartedly by the NEA.
Think about this: Unlike parents who question teachers in school about what their kids are learning.... the schools are no longer really working and answering to you as the parent; instead, teachers are now in authority over you and you will answer to them for the schoolwork your children do and what they learn. This is an odd combination. And, while you might not even realize it, you will have exchanged everything your homeschooling community worked to establish and already had to offer you... that is except the funding.... the funding that, if you enroll in the program, pays for books and possibly pays you to teach classes on campus too.
It's simple mathematics and logistics, coupled with a political agenda, really. Schools get the credit, parents get a share of the funding and the teacher's union takes back the authority and control... not only of children and what they are learning, but of parents who now answer to the teachers while mistakenly thinking they are truly in control.... who believe they are homeschooling their own children.
The dishonesty of this sign put out by the local school district is appalling. What's being offered as an "Enrichment Option for Homeschoolers," it merely a marketing ploy, one that preys non unsuspecting people who believe, for whatever reason, this program will enrich them and their kids. My hope is that by reading this, people will take time to consider both what Homeschool and American freedom, really is.
Will you exchange freedom to homeschool under the home based education law (RCW) for the financial carrot that is being held out to you?
ConsiderL A home educator, Voddie Baucham talks about the freedom to homeschool.. (3 min)
A home educator, Andrew Pudewa encourages parents in their homeschooling: (15 min.)
Parents and teachers talk about about the joys of being in a parent partnership program. (4 min.)
This one in Everette WA
Listen carefully to what is being said. You will hear a few comments that you should note as you do.
1. It is not "homeschooling organizations" that run these programs. The people hired work for the school system run by the state.
2. One woman says she "started hearing about the Washington State Homeschool System...."
Please note and understand that educating your own childten under Washington's home based Instruction Law, is not a tax burden to the public. Our state does NOT FUND parents who file intent to homeschool forms with the OSPI in order to home educate. They do not and never have been funders of any homeschooling organizations.
3. One teacher says, "One of the ways that we best support parents is in helping them know what the state requires." This is because you will have legal obligations to meet the requirements for the school because your are publically funded in these programs. Families, if you are home educating your children at home (under the RCW) you can learn what "the STATE requires" of you as a home based educator by simply reading this little pink book or the RCW. A teacher from the school does not have to help you understand the requirements you must meet. Also, you can always find more answers you ,ight want from one of the many homeschooling organizations that have formed to legalize homeschooling in our state. Requirements for home educators are listed plainly. This is quite different from requirements for public school alternative learning programs, (options like Parent Partnerships.)
Parent Partnerships are tax funded public school. These are not only regulated by the WAC, but these are formed with NEA approval,and like all public institutions, are accountable to taxpayers and are regulated by the WAC
True Story.... I met a lady with a dog. In the course of our conversing, I inquired as to if she would be taking her dog to obedience training, and asked her too about when puppies were old enough to start. She told me it was at about 6 months they can go... but she said, she was already teaching her dog herself and he was doing great.
She said that she took him everywhere she went.... (when she was not working.) She told me that she has taught him to sit and stay and to come to her on command and that he is very sociable. She insisted he was very smart and learning things well, growing every day.
This got me to thinking....
"Good for you!" I told her.. "Kinda sounds as if you are homeschooling your dog!"
Wow.....( or rather "bow-wow." )
Imagine that. Dog owners interacting and teaching their own dogs to behave and to be sociable.... friendly.... helpful., taking time to teach their dogs and love them like one would if he or she truely had "man's best friend" to keep him company each day. Who would have thought of that? Thing is, as we can see, they do this in large part, by wanting to train and teach their dog, by interacting and being involved with and loving their pet.
This is not just fluffy stuff.
There is such a thing as parents of children teaching their kids too. In fact parents, believe it or not, ARE their kids' first and best teachers. Parents also do not stop being parents when, and if, they send their children to a building called, "school." They will always be parents , and human parents do instinctively love their babies and also care for the best interests for their children. They are, with few exceptions, always their primary teachers in life and more than capable of oversight of the learning and education of their own children both in and outside of a school classroom. They might delegate some responsibility to others, by sending kids to a school, but the parent usually cares more for their children than anyone else can and as parents they should always have the right in overseeing the education of their own children, which is why there is homeschool.
Kids are smart and eager to learn, creative and fun to be with. Better than dogs by far.
And... below is a REAL book title: Homeschool Your Puppy by Erika Tracy
"Give your puppy an alphabet of basic commands and concepts to build into the skills of any dog sport or pastime, all with happy games, snacks, and easy-on-the-joints explorations. Use your hands for petting and feeding, not for shoving into sits. Any puppy, like any child, is eager to learn about his world; help him out!"
Hi. This is a picture of Chris who posts videos on you tube.
I have never met Chris, but the man wants to read you something that I do consider a public service announcement. ( It is actually an eyewitness account written by a woman who lived in Germany during Hitlers time.) Love your freedom people..... love your freedom to teach your children and raise them to think and act in ways honoring to God and man.
A little before my time, a song was made famous by Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. It is one of the first soings that I learned to play in the guitar. Not really sure of all the some actually mesans, but the message of the title is imperative.... Teach Your Children....
The lyrics go like this:
You, who are on the road, must have a code, that you can live by.
And so, become yourself, because the past, is just a good bye.
Teach, your children well, their father's hell, did slowly go by,
And feed, them on your dreams, the one they picked, the one you're known by.
Don't you ever ask them why, if they told you you would cry,
So just look at them and sigh, and know they love you.
And you, of the tender years, can't know the fears, that your elders grew by.
And so please help, them with your years, they seek the truth before they can die.
Teach, your parents well, their children's hell, will slowly go by.
And feed, them on your dreams, the one they picked, the one you're known by.
Don't you ever ask them why, if they told you you would cry,
So just look at them and sigh, and know they love you.
Recently, I have been reminded of how important is it to tell parents not to be afraid to teach your own kids and to be involved in what your kids learn. I have been finding things on the web that I would recommend anyone watch, if they are interested in the world of education, but particularly recommend for those parents who wonder about their own role in the education of their own children. First and foremost I recommend reading some John Taylor Gatto.... and you can start with this video production, "Before You Send Your Child To Public School." and this one as well... about his own experiences, number two in this series....
where he expounds upon, "I quit, I think." I can attest that this man understands what he is talking about because I have experienced what he talks about from another perspective.... and then some.
Next, I recommend you view the results of people being kept in the dark...
Many people just repeat what they have been told.... they do what they have been told without thinking, and they just do not care. They don;t think for themselves....and often they do not have their facts straight because they have no sense of curiosity. They don't ask questions or seek answers. In many cases, they have no desire to know the truth..
They will remain in the dark.... until someone turns on the light, then hopefully, they will be able to think clearly and make honest, thoughtful and intelligent decisions.
________________________
Watch as people sign a petition to repeal the First Amendment.. and freely give out personal informastion. markdice.com.
Watch as people have no idea about the Forth of July.... markdice.com
And hear from people who do not read books.... markdice.com
______________________
Teach your children. Read to them.....and don't pass that responsibility off to people you do not even know.
Finally, today I recommend that you think about the history that you personally know and then view the 180 Movie.produced by Ray Comfort. (Warning.... contains graphic and upsetting photos..but done in truth.)
and thenbe amazed at God's goodness to those in darkness in Ray Comforts other production called Evolution vs God
I would like to add that I wonder a little bit about Ray's detailed theology. I do not really know what it all entails. I do love that he engages people to tell them about God's law and Jesus. I appreciate how he encourages them to read their Bibles and to think about what they believe, about life and death and God. For this reason I think viewing these two short films is worthwhile for moms and dads.
If the picture does not appear to view, go to this next link: Part One in a series of short videos based on John Taylor Gatto’s book, The Underground History of American Education.
It was great, and yes, let me tell you, there were lots of books, but besides all the great books and various materials for homeschooling as well as seeing and meeting homeschooling families in the local area, there was something extra special at the booksale, kid-made treasures! There were all kinds of great kid-made things!
I bought several items made by both young kids and teens, like a plant, some art painted on rocks, Shea butter lotion, a wooden sword, bracelets and survival gear too. Great fun was had by all!
If you happened to miss this particular homeschooler's booksale, complete with students of all ages selling their handmade items, don't fret. You can attend the booksale scheduled by Exploring Families in Liberty Lake, WA in August. CURRICULUM SALE
Thursday, August 1, 2013, 10 am - 2 pm
The HUB Sports Center
19619 E. Cataldo Ave., Liberty Lake.
Need more info? Want a space from which to sell your used curriculum? Go to:
May I recommend to you, The Revisionaries- A 2012 produced "Independent Lens" PBS Video about who has the power to change public school textbooks? It's a great lesson in civics and thought provoking for sure. See movie Trailer here.
This film about the State Board of Education in the state of Texas, gives us an inside look at who is responsible for, and how curriculum and topics for curriculum is selected for public schools. The main topic, of course, is an "origin of life," debate, and deciding who decides what theories will and will not be taught in a public school.
Read an informative news article about the movie here.... article.
The film is about how "creationists" are rewriting Texas school curriculum, unfavorable of course to some people who are intolerant to those Christian, conservative views. This is a very interesting peek into how curriculum is formulated, fought over, decided upon and used politically.
Yes it is! Some information herein may be out of date! At any rate, I hope it is helpful to anyone in a quest for more information regarding Homeschooling in Spokane.
