"Dangerous?"

According to the Herald, there's been some legal changes changes for homeschooling families in Pennsylvania, and homeschoolers in Washington State should "read all about it," especially if you are a homeschooling who has never felt the pinch of going against the flow of what is commonly called, called "public education."  This article does an excellent job of pointing out the value and validity of the educational choice called independent homeschooling, or as our law refer to it, home based education.  It reminds us of  the precious freedoms we in Washington already enjoy to homeschool while Pennsylvanians, jump through a lot of hoops to do it and are still having to take legal stands to make it happen. Pennsylvania homeschool parents, with the recent passing of House Bill 1013, are experiencing freedom.  

No longer do they have to undergo the public school superintendent’s review of their child's individual portfolio at the end of each school year.  Also, they can now issue their children a homeschool diploma instead of being required to obtain a diploma from a "certified" diploma issuing organization, which can be costly.  It's great news... right?  Yes it is! But, you have to understand....  not everyone likes parents having this freedom. 

Officials from the Albert Gallatin Area School District,are quoted as saying, “It’s very difficult to say that the diploma has the same value, or merit, when issued by a parent, when the criteria aren’t clear,” ( this was the assistant superintendent for the district.)  There is also a quote of Gary Serock, "homeschooling coordinator" and "attendance director for the Albert Gallatin Area School District." He's not in favor of the change.  He says,, "It’s “dangerous” to allow a parent to give his child a diploma."

Dangerous?  

  Synonymsto "dangerous" are words like, "hazardous," "menacing," "threatening," "treacherous."  The word means "involving possibly harm or death."  Dangerous to whom or what?



Everyone knows that good parents have their child's best interest and success in life at heart.  They will make sure their kids are learning what they need to succeed.The onlyy thing in danger is his job as "attendance director" or "homeschool  coordinator" at the school.  Even in WA we have laws governing homeschooling that must be complied with and these arein place because of the collaboration of lawmakers, parents and school personnel... for the benefit of the children's education.... not to protect someone's governmental job.

Dr. William Edmonds, Dean of Admissions at California University of Pennsylvania, is also quoted in the article in support of the things that homeschooling families have done.  He says that home-schooled students have performed very well at the school  In fact, the article reports that "twenty-six home-schooled students entered Cal U of PA in the fall of 2013, and 21 entered the university in the fall of 2014. In reviewing their coursework, grades, standardized test scores, and their overall high school experience, Edmonds said the students performed very well before college and are also performing well at the university. 

Dr. Edmonds also said that homeschooled students go through the same review process to enter school as every other student..  The school reviews transcripts, GPA and SAT score as well as things the individual studies of the students in subjects like English, Mathematics, Science, and Art.  He is quoted as saying,“I remember one home-schooled student in particular who entered Cal U with a 4.0, and a SAT score of 1410,” He added, “She also graduated from Cal U with a 4.0. We’re pleased. We welcome home-schooled students and we wish them best.”

 Besides the fact the the article demonstrates more "proof"  that homeschooling works well in the educating of some of America's children, there are a couple of other specific things that this article sheds light on for us in Spokane.  One, is that when concerned citizens write or call their legislators it does make a difference.  It reminds us to never hesitate to write your legislators in support of home based education.

We also see that Pennsylvania homeschool families have formed their own support groups. They meet occasionally to do fun things with a group of kids.  /This is another reminder, to be active in the homeschooling community by being a part of local homeschool cooperatives and support groups too, or start your own!  Always help support our state homeschool groups like WHO, (the Washington Homeschool Organization,) homeschool lobbyists, like  CHNOW (Christian Homeschoolers Network of Washington,) and our national homeschool organization, HSLDA, (the Homeschool Legal Defense Association.)  And remember, that there is a clear distinction of between home based education (homeschooling) and publically funded "school-at-home" programs offered through the district offices.  Don't take parental rights,  homeschooling freedoms or responsibilities for granted.

Many a homeschooler has given their child a quality education without being under the direct oversight of the local public school. It has been being done even long before there were even public schools.  Even in the public eduction system, the parent's support of the child and their involvement in their child's education is what often makes or breaks sucessful schooling.  The best public schools employ public servants who work for the benefit of children, educating them to be the best they can be as they grow, but some people simply view public school is a means of promoting their own agendas of careers or philosophy. even simply a means of securing themselves a rather lucrative kind of job.  Neither parenting, nor homeschooling, is something that you'll find people doing for the money.

Lastly, the article serves as a good reminder to be vigilant to do our best at what we do as homeschoolers, to encourage one another and even pool our resources together too; for there are those who disapprove of parents overseeing the education of their own children and would like to stop them from doing what they dare to do.  There are some who also dislike the concept of private schools.  This is because there are those who think they know better, (always,) than you do for your own kids and some of them will even label you awful things, like "dangerous" if you make the decision to use your freedom to choose something besides public education to school your kids.

Read the article referred to here in the Herald-Standard, Jan 12, 2015
(Be sure to watch the video news report too!)

A quote, from Thomas Jefferson, one of the founders of our US of A:

"I prefer dangerous freedom over peaceful slavery"   

See: montecello.org

Malo periculosam, libertatem quam quietam servitutem"  

 It has also been translated as, "I prefer the tumult of liberty to the quiet of servitude.")

Ask Your Kids..... "What Did You Learn At School Today?"

Well, boys and girls.... ladies and gentlemen.... 
                                                                                                        (or maybe "cookies"? )

What did your kids learn in school today?

Asking kids,  "What Did You Learn At School Today?" is the proverbial question that parents ask their kids at the end of the school day, and with good reason.  It's not a meaningless question.  It's good to know hat kids are learning, because if they are not learning, there's a problem.  These days you might make a special effort to ask them what they are learning, especially when it comes to things like "sex ed" class. 

It's often been controversial when it comes to sex ed being taught in public school, hasn't it?. In fact, it's so controversial that you would think that by now, in the sxhool year of year 2014-2015, some sort of curriculum had been laid out that works for everyone, but that's not the case. It seems that when it comes to this subject, most anything goes.  What kids learn depends on the district, the parents... and no doubt, who is overseeing or teaching the class.  The controversy seems to arie most, when those teaching the class have an agenda.

It.wasn't the biological science or learning how humans reproduce or methods of contraception being taught in Acalanes High School,  California, when Planned Parenthood came into the school to teach sex ed, and for this reason.  ABC News in November 2014, reported that parents of students in the East Bay School District were complaining.  Parents who had given consent for their students to attend a class insisted that they had not been completely informed about what, exactly, was being taught to students, and some of them were outraged.  Students were taught, says FOX NEws, that people are not born boys and girls, but that they choose their gender. 

This story of how one gets their gender was illustrated to the students using the Genderbread model,  a gender neutral gingerbread cookie looking character.  Besides the genderbread cookie and the  wonderment of deciding your own gender, these same students, some as yung as 13, were given  tips on materials to have on hand and a checklist to go through to see if they were ready for sexual responsibilities, like pregnancy or STDs.  They were also given a paper with directives on how to get "clear consent" (for sex) from a potential sex partner. That in itself was a lot to consider, but parents were really set on edge when they learned it was self-proclaimed "pleasure activists" teaching the classes to the youth.

This last week the Pacific Justice Institute, (PJI)  wrote about what was being taught behind those school walls... and by whom.  They also were contacted by a lawyer for the school who defended the information taught as "age appropriate."   The school district,  perhaps forced by the will of the parents who were not pleased with what was taking place in the class, had to address the issue they have been trying to ignore.   The superintendent, while continuing the "controversial program" did tell parents that those same individuals would not be returning to teach.  Remarkably, the schools admitted that they do not and did not routinely conduct background checks on these instructors.

uperintendent John Nickerson confirmed to parents that neither of those individuals would take part in the sex ed program that began January 5. - See more at: http://www.pacificjustice.org/press-releases/parents-alarmed-by-pleasure-activist-in-high-school-classroom#sthash.jreVdZDw.dpuf

uperintendent John Nickerson confirmed to parents that neither of those individuals would take part in the sex ed program that began January 5. - See more at: http://www.pacificjustice.org/press-releases/parents-alarmed-by-pleasure-activist-in-high-school-classroom#sthash.jreVdZDw.dpuf

If you have not already, (above link) you can read the PJI article about it, here.  

If you live in Spokane, remember, it's not just happening in California.  Chicago, for example, has this kind of public controversy over similar issues.  Chances are, Spokane s not immune.  It's likely that other schools will be inclined to follow suite or are already doing the same.  There's also suggestion being made to teach this kind of material to younger and younger children, in school.  You can rest assured, Planned Parenthood (and the Genderbread  friends,) want to teach your kids. They have conviently made the Genderbread Person, cute, funny, familiar and appealing to kids.. 

"Genderbread"  may or may not be the next fractured fairytale coming to a school near you, but don't be surprised when you kids are no longer though of in schools as "boys" or "girls." People with this agenda have come up with new ideas for referring to differences, terms much more ingenious than that!  In fact, teachers in Nebraska are being asked to stop calling children "boys" and "girls," (so as not to confuse them too early about their preferred gender.)  There, they suggest calling the chidren in a classroom, "purple penguins!"  (No joke.) But in a pinch, one could say, "boy, girl both or neither" instead of  "boys and girls." 

If you are homeschooling, you pretty much know what your kids are learning in school, but to keep the mental gears i your young ones turning, especially those older ones, you just might want to ask them anyway!  

If your kids are in public school.. keep asking them, "What did you learn in school today?" Your kids, are, after all, your kids, and you, as parent have every right to participate in their education and every right to know.

Video:   Peter Seeger, 1964, singing, What Did You LEarn In School Today?

Brad Dacus, president of Pacific Justice Institute, commented, “It has become clear that Acalanes officials have breached parental trust at every turn. They have brought individuals into the classroom who should not be anywhere near a school campus, and they continue to defend an indefensible program. In light of these most recent revelations, we are renewing our call to the District to suspend its relationship with Planned Parenthood and make sweeping changes to comply with the letter and spirit of state law. We are also calling on responsible journalists to join us in asking tough questions and holding the District accountable for these serious lapses in judgment.” - See more at: http://www.pacificjustice.org/press-releases/parents-alarmed-by-pleasure-activist-in-high-school-classroom#sthash.jreVdZDw.dpuf

Brad Dacus, president of Pacific Justice Institute, commented, “It has become clear that Acalanes officials have breached parental trust at every turn. They have brought individuals into the classroom who should not be anywhere near a school campus, and they continue to defend an indefensible program. In light of these most recent revelations, we are renewing our call to the District to suspend its relationship with Planned Parenthood and make sweeping changes to comply with the letter and spirit of state law. We are also calling on responsible journalists to join us in asking tough questions and holding the District accountable for these serious lapses in judgment.” - See more at: http://www.pacificjustice.org/press-releases/parents-alarmed-by-pleasure-activist-in-high-school-classroom#sthash.jreVdZDw.dpuf

About ADHD.... Let's.Pay Attention

ADHD

"Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is said to be characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development," reports the Shire US website which sells drugs to combat the disease.  They also report, based on the 2011-12 National Survey of Children’s Health, (in which parents were asked if a health care practitioner had ever told them their child had ADD or ADHD,) that ,"an estimated 11% (that equates to 6.4 million,) of US school-aged children have been diagnosed with ADHD in their lifetime."  We have to ask, "Why?"

(Shire US....by they way, is a biopharmacutical company, interested in selling their product.... drugs.)

Shire has a website dedicated to informing people about ADHD. They tell us that in diagnosing ADHA, there is no simple test.  There is however a "standardized way that ADHD is diagnosed."

They say that, to be diagnosed with ADHD, a person must have all of the following:

-Have at least 6 inattentive and/or 6 hyperactive/impulsive symptoms for at least 6 months to a degree that is inconsistent with developmental level and that negatively impacts directly on social and academic/occupational activities (for people ages 17 and older, only 5 symptoms must be present)

-Have had several symptoms before age 12

-Have several symptoms in at least 2 settings (such as home, school, or work)

-Have symptoms that clearly interfere with or reduce the quality of social, academic, or occupational functioning

-Have symptoms that are not be better explained by another cause

What are the "symptoms"?

Inattention

Hyperactivity

Impulsivity

Have you ever known a child under the age of 12 to display such symptoms?

 (Just wondering....)

And, Parent's magazine reports (June 19, 2014,) that  your "toddler" might have ADHD if they:

1.  ...interrupt and talk loudly.... if other toddlers don't like your kid
2. ...struggle to get to the place he or she is excited to go to
3. ...doesn't watch T.V.
4. ...has the ability to pay close attention to the things he enjoys
5. ...tantrums excessively
6. ...puts small parts in mouth and chokes frequently while eating
7.  ...loves to swing on the swings

No test for this to show any physical deficit.... but these are the symptoms parents are being advised to worry about in relation to their toddler.... so that if ythey suspect ADHD... toddlers can be taken to the psychiatrist for help.  Note too that ADHD is considered treatable but unfortunately, uncurable... (according to the Center for Disease Control.)

Click this next link for a "guide", published by an ADHD "support group," supposed to help you determine what is and what is not ADHD...(keep in mind that there is no "test" to identify this "disease" or "mental illness."   And, before your child takes the medication, you need to be informed that there could be side effects ....common ones listed at the Internet Drug Index  are "nervousness, agitation, anxiety, insomnia, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, palpitations, headache, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, and psychosis."

Psychosis?  This is a "common" side effect?

If you are thinking any of those sound scary, you are not alone.  There's also  "less common side effects" listed there on the site, but you can read those on your own.

And if you read from the "experts" about how to manage these "common" side effects, (here..) you can expect the child to skip, or miss-out on eating lunch.... due to lack of appetite.  Then being medicated again in the afternoon, they will need to have structured activity but likely be unable to do homework.....and then they will be hungry about eight.  You can boost their nutrition in their growing bodies .....while they are appetite suppressed becauseof the drugs, by giving them Pediasure or Ensure.
(How much does this cost?)  If they suffer from insomnia, (can you imagine?) the suggested "cure" is to give the child "an extra dose" nightly... to help them sleep.  And never fear.. if one drug isn't working the way you like it, just try another..... till you get it right.

This is weird and scary... and hardly scientific.

Let's remember, there is no "test" to determine ADHD.  You merely have "ADHD" if  people think you do.

Of course, you must meet "diagnostic criteria" outlined in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (the DSM-5) - a manual now used around the world to classify "mental illnesses," (that, by the way, is changed periodically based on how people "vote" "mental diseases into existence.)

Voted.  (There is no "science!")

So.....
Mom and Dad, before jumping on the ADHD bandwagon, before runnning off to the local psychiatrist and medicating your children, do some research.   Don't be afraid to ask questions and find honest answers.  Take your time in determining if your child is just behaving like a kid and needs to be a kid or needs some loving discipline, or has a "psychiatric disorder."   requiring them to be medicated.  Do some homework on the issue and pray.  Spent some time playing with your child and take in a little Vitamin "N."

Here are some websites to get you started thinking about ADHD:

Magazines
TIME 2001   The Age Of Ritalin By Nancy Gibbs
TIME 2006 Getting Hyper About Ritalin By Claudia Wallis Friday, 

TIME 2010 ADHD: A Global Epidemic or Just a Bunch of Fidgety Kids? by John Cloud

Esquire Magazine 2014 The Drugging of the American Boy

Blog Articles

 Are There Really More ADHD Kids or Just More Intolerant Education Systems?

The Ritilin Conspiracy

Snopes .... Did Dr. Leon Eisenberg a prominent figure in the field of child psychiatry who during the 1950s and 60s conducted medical studies of children with developmental problems, including some of the first rigorous studies of autism and attention deficit disorder really say that "ADHD is a prime example of a fictitious disease"?

News Media
New York Times 2013, How Drig Companies Sell ADHD
National Public Radio Medicating Kids
Today Show (2012)

Videos
National Public Radio Video Medicaing Kids
Video by Naphtali 1981 (not just about ADHD, but where to put your trust in diffidult times.)
"The Evils Of Psychiatry: Truth About Bipolar,Depression, Abuse, DSM, and My Testimony"
Rover Radio... Interview with Richard Saul, nuerologist.
ADHD Advertising  NY Times

Back to School Days Are Here!

Yes, "school is in the air," or rather, "back to school" is in the air.  The sad part is is that it is not even September and the weather is still lovely outside.  Kinda sad to thinkof all those kids going back to classrooms in the school buildings and spending their days indoors.  I am more inclined to celebrate NOT going back to school... or rather, homeschooling. With flexiible schedules you will likely see those homeshooled kids still enjoying the beautiful days in the sunshine and doing various outdoor learning opportunities while the weather lasts.  Soon enough will come the says for being indoors, all in their proper time.  Just the same, in a formal school or not, tis the season to get back to the task of learning.

Roaming the internet, I found some ideas for celebrating the new "school year."

There was a great littl eidea for a "Back to Home School" Board Game.  You can read about it and print and play this one, or even make up your own.  It might be fun to personalize something like this for your family and kids.

Maybe you prefer to have your own Back to Homeschool celebration... or you could celebrate  "Not Back to School" with  little party.  Either way, it is fun to make the event of getting back to the books festive and memorable by celebrating what you are doing.  You can do it simply as a family or with friends.  You can also make new aquaintances too by getting together with other homeschooling families in your area by hosting a "back to homeschool" event.

And if you are feeling a little uneasy about the task ahead, take minute or two to remember all the "greats" who have been sucessfully educated from home, directed by their own parents' leading and teaching.  George Washington, Booker T. Washington, and Leonardo Da Vinci, to nam a few.

Another list avaliable here.

School pictures are in order too.  You and your kids might like to do a photo shoot to kick start your new year.  There are some really creative ideas out there.  You can use free prinables that are ready made to help you or be creative on your own..... showing off your interests and things like that.

And while you are thinking about your new schooling year, you can Strew Up some ideas to surprise your family... if not now, then sometime in the future.

What IS the difference between a peach and a nectarine?

Simply find some interesting things to peak and perk their interest in something new. It's a great way to assist them in making their own discoveries.

"Back to school" season is a good time to go shopping for school supplies

....and even organize your supplies together with kids.












And this is also a good time to read or reread, some of those old homeschooling books and manuals or if you dare, get into a home school bootcamp to prepare for those wintery months ahead or  difficult situations along the homeschooling road that might arise.  You now, and brush up on strategies for handling things like rebellion from kids or parental "burn out."  There's a lot to be learned from homeschoolers who have gone the road before you.

And if you don't do the boot camp offered above,  at least check out the freebies Tina offers on Day 29.


Most of all, remember, you bring your own wisdom and strength to your family, to your own children. It is not your job to out-do others nor compare what you do to what others seem to do.  Prayer, perseverence and patience, as well as an occasional tidbot of wisdom from a seasoned homeschooler and maybe some new ideas or advice from another homeschooling mom will often be of great encouragement to you in what you are currently endeavoring  or encountering in your own homeschool.

Best wishes for your new homeschool year!

Home Based School Is Like.....

Homeschooling, where parents actively choose to educate their children instead of sending them to public or private school, is done for a variety of reasons.  Sometimes it is for religious reasons, sometimes because of dissatisfaction with the educational options available, or educational philosophies, and sometimes it is because the children, for whatever reason, are not progressing within the traditional school structure.  Whatever your reason to homeschool, it might help you to know that home based school is like.... a home based buisness.

Like a home buisness, your home school is your buisness.  It is yours to manage and create.   Homeschooling is how you, as a parent, run your home school and educate your own children and it is as individual as your family which is why someone else can seldom tell you "How to homeschool." Just as a business begins with an idea, homeschooling begins when you assess where you are and where you want to go... you might say, when you catch the vision of what your homeschool could be like.

Just as in a home based buisness, no one tells the buisness owner when to start work or how to do the work that needs to be done the homeschool parent is in charge with what takes place at home school. The homeschooling parent is a little like the proverbial ant, who, with no guide, overseer, or ruler, "provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest."

In home based buisness, the owner creates a workspace that is enjoyable to them, and sets a pace that works for them and their clientele.   In a home school, you create your learning environments for your own kids and workspace all one your own.  You start and stop school according to your own schedule.  You select and pyuurchase your own materials, you set your goals, you shoot for high outcomes, you then cover the materials that you know you need to cover because you are a responsible mananger of your home school.  A business owner works hard to see a good outcome in their undertakings, and homeschoolers do too.

Just as in a home based buisness, as a homeschooler it is wise to create a strong team of people helping you.  Your team consists of the support and assistance of your spouse as well as other homeschoolers who can leand advice from time to tiem.  Your support comes also from choosing good curriculum, utilizing books and other rescourse, and of course, finding a method and rythm of "school" that works best for your children and you.  You will hand select lessons, activities and even possibly appoint and hire tutors or join in classes taught by others to support your homeschooling efforts.  Just as in a home based buisness, it is important to make certain that members of your team are working with you, not against you in your efforts... the same is true with homeschool.

A home buisness entreprenuer might have a home office, but they often meet with clients or might also choose to sometimes work outside of the home.  Likewise, homeschoolers do not have to do all their learning at home in a school room.   A lot of learning that takes place in homeschooling tends to come from experiences in the outside world.  There are visits to the grocery store, bakery or post office. There are libraries, museums, parks, friends houses and... yes, the occasional coffeeshop to which students can cart their books and study or discuss reading content over hot cocoa with mom or dad. Some homeschoolers even read books or practice for quizzes while traveling in the car, much like home based entreprenuers do.   Home based buisnesses like home based schools are based in the home, but not all they do is necessarily done "at home."

But there are some diffeences....

The rewards in home education is not monetary like in  a home based business.  In fact, in WA, parents are required by law to finance their own home-based education, so, like a home-based buisnessses, you do well to keep your costs to a minumum.   Homeschoolers can keep costs low by smart shopping at stores, on the internet and at homeschool conventions and used corriculum sales, even by havoing friends eho share their books or microscopes.  Homeschooling doesn't bring in the dollars, but it certainly makes sense!

Homeschooling has regulations to follow, (At least in WAshington, which is one of the strictest taates in which to homeschool.  Buisnesses have regulaions too.  In WA, parents must meet certain legal criteria to homeschool, and then they have obligations of educating their children too.  They must either have a college degree or take a homeschool qualifying course.  They must file yearly intent forms to declare they are homeschooling.  They are required to cover 11 specific school related subject areas and required do yearly testing, of their own selection from a list of state approved tests, (and note, these records are kept by the parent, not the school.) Essentially, parents are the keepers and managers of what they do.  How one home-schools, what they do to fulfill the requirements is up to the manangers of the homeschool.

The most important thing to remember is that homeschooling, does not have look anything like traditional "school" anymore than a home based buisness is required to look like a Walmart store. Homeschooling is your family's personal endeavor.  It is required by state law that your children are educated, and as a parent, you need to see to it that they are.  If they are not enrolled in  some type of school by the age of eight, you are subject to penalties of law.  It is up to you as the individual parent to comply with compulsory education laws.

Many people associate the notion of homeschooling with being religious or even "Christian," but don't be fooled. Homeschooling is not just a Christian concept. It's universal in scope, an extention of what a parent has already been doing since the time their child was born. Kids who homeschool, come from all walks of life and home based education exists because it is the right of a parent to take their child out of school and help them and direct and plan their learning in ways the parents think best.

Home based school is a lot like running your own home based buisness, only it's cooler because you get to do it with and for your kids.

H-O-M-E-S-C-H-O-O-L. What Does That Spell? Homeschool!

H-O-M-E-S-C-H-O-O-L or H-O-M-E  S-C-H-O-O-L?
What's the proper spelling?
What does the word even mean?

Ask a different person and get a different answer.... or so it seems. But not everybody knows what they are talking about because they have no done their research or maybe they just do not care...9 they like the word and the concept of homeschool and no matter what, want to apply it to everything and anything....liberally.  If you want to know what homeschool is, the first place to look for answers and information is with your state's homeschool organizations.

In Washington, we see the word spelled in different ways and we also see it presented in differing applications. This is a problem for the homeschoolers in our state. If anyone needs to know what homeschooling is and isn't, homeschoolers must know for sure, and they should not let public schools or private schools steal the name of the type of education they are doing. This is because there are three ways in our state to comply with state compulsory education laws: PUBLIC SCHOOL, PRIVATE SCHOOL, and you guessed it, HOME SCHOOL...( aka homeschool or homeschooling.)  While it's a word homogenized into our culture, it's does in fact have a specific meaning.

Begin your research into what homeschool is with the Washington Homeschool Organization, After all, with the word "homeschool" in their name, and 29 years of being a homeschool organization in the state, the people being this name, ought to know. They are not run by the state, but do represent a large part of Washington's diverse homeschooling families. WHO, as it is called, has a long history of hosting homeschooling conventions, offers free information to homeschool interested families and runs a website where information on homeschooling can be found.  They even have representatives all over the state in various cities who volunteer their time and energy who will talk with you about homeschool, offer support in figuring our what works for you and direct you to other reputable sources and resources for homeschooling your family. In our state, you will find various other homeschooling organizations and support groups, but a bit of advice here, steer clear of programs offered in the in the public schools. What they offer people is NOT homeschool.

Another homeschool organization is the Christian Homeschool Network of Washington. Sometimes shortened to CHNOW.  CHNOW actively lobbies in Olympia on behalf of all homeschool families (whether they are "Christian" or not.)  Mrs. DiAnna Brannan, who works as a volunteer is a registered lobbyist in WA state and she knows homeschooling well. A former home-based educator herself, she knows her stuff and works year round watching educational bills that go through Olympia.  She alerts families and locally oriented homeschool support groups when new legislation arises in our state that both negatively or positively affect homeschool related issues.  With stringent homeschool law as we have in Washington, this is an important resource for homeschoolers to support.
Another organization that has a lot of experience and homeschool expertise is the Home School Legal Defense Association.  This is a non-profit, national, homeschool advocacy group that legally defends homeschoolers in court when they face conflicts with state or local officials over homeschooling matters.  As a homeschooler, (check your state's specific homeschool laws and requirements,) you may purchase a membership with this organization.  As a member, you have an advocate that you can call for free legal advice or even to represent you in an otherwise costly courtroom if the need be.  This group watches and tracks federal legislation and works to ensure freedom and advocate for the rights of parents in every state.

A little bit of Washington's homeschool history here... Homeschool or Home School in WA is an education independent of both public and private school. It actually stands on it's own merit. It is not usually associated with either private or public school, though there are sometimes part-time homeschoolers who will participate in our public and private schools for either academic classes or sports. There is to be a clear distinction made between public and home-based school, because homeschooled students, like private schooled students are legally not to be funded by the monies of the state.

Like home-based businesses, home-based school is self contained. A homeschooling parent is the accountant and purchaser over their own expenditures. They also act as director of their own affairs and decide their own curriculum. They act as teacher, appoint tutors and learning coaches for their students and as the teacher they also creates their own home-based learning atmosphere. The home based instructors give assignments, administers or oversees all quizzes and tests, tracks the students progress in their own way, arranges for field trips and lets the kids go out for recess... and this after making the family lunch. And note this, a homeschool parent of a student who is receiving home-based instruction may award a homeschool diploma and send that student off to college too. Homeschooled students can take the G.E.D or even take a class or two, like calculus or honors English offered in a local public school if space is available.

There are some things that homeschooling is not.

Homeschcooling is not what a parent does after school hours with a child who attends a public school all day each day of the week as required by state law. That would be called helping the child with homework. Every parent helps their children with homework from time to time, but doing schoolwork at home is not "homeschool." Despite what some school officials will tell you, homeschool is not closely associated with the local public school. It is however legitimized by laws signed into effect by our state governor and homeschoolers are required to submit what is called a DOI form yearly to the superintendent of their schools.

Homeschooling is not what a parent does at the kitchen table with a child who is enrolled as a full time student in a local parent partnership program or alternative education program. The parent in these situations is being an educational mentor or coach. The learning mentor, (usually a parent, but this could be another person as well,) works closely with the student on lessons at home, but is under the direct oversight and supervision of an assigned public and accredited school teacher and must follow all the rules of the Washington Administrative Code, (WAC) just like every other public school and student is. Parent Partnership Programs are not homeschooling. this is public school, accomplished off campus, off site... at home. In contrast, homeschoolers are not governed by the WAC in what they do.

Homeschooling is not simply to be considered an alternative eduction. Homeschooling is not something parents individually make up to be whatever they want it to be. There are guidelines, requirements and rules, and in a state with strict laws like we have in Washington, it is important that parents are in compliance, abiding with legal requirements as well as feeling confident and protected by the law that declares home school as a means to fulfill the compulsory education law. 

In WA, a student MUST be enrolled in a public school,private school, or be legally receiving home-based instruction once they turn eight years of age. It's the law. Most people register their kids for school at the age of 5 for kindergarten, but it is not required that a child attend school in WA until he or she is eight. If you are a parent homeschooling a child younger than 8 you need not register at any school or file a DOI with the superintendent's office until their birthday, but do not be late.

Sometimes people like to say that Washington parents have choice in education, but compulsory school attendance laws proves them wrong; parents are forced to enroll children in the school. If you have no financial means to send your children to private school or if you have no will to utilize the home based instruction law and fund your children's education on your own, then you have only one option: public school.  Families that legally provide their own kid's education do have flexibly, but first they must opt out of public school and to do this they pay a financial penalty of paying both the property taxes that support public education and whatever their private school or home school financing requires. This is much different that simply choosing what "educational option" you prefer.

For homeschooling families who have worked hard to maintain professionalism in how they fund and manage their home-based schools, and who work publicly to make it possible for other parents in our state to be the home-based managers over all aspects of their own children's education, and do it well, the word "homeschool' is important.  It is not simply some generic term synonymous with homework, or a learning situation offered at the local public school.  

Homeschool, however you spell it, has a special meaning of it's own.

Howdy Partner

Parent Partnership Programs in the Spokane area had their start over ten years ago through classes offered to homeschoolers held at the YMCA.  Homeschoolers could go swimming... or rather enjoy some Physical Education classes, that is.  It was a likable class... and homeschoolers could sign up and participate in.... "swimming" for free.  

Another one of the first classes offered to homeschoolers was Spanish, taught off school campus by someone associated with the school.  Some people went when invited to these classes...  and of those, some liked it, others did not.  It is important to note also, that at the time that these classes "for homeschoolers" were being offered, not all homeschooling families would be so quick to join up.   This is because for many years families who homeschooled were disapproved of by the schools.

It's true.  Parents were actually homeschooling children instead of sending their children o school to learn to read and write, and the schools disliked it terribly.  Children being homeschooled were considered "truant"  and parents were criminals for it.  Even today, many public-school-oriented-officials do not even think your children should be allowed to attend a private school.  We are a diverse nation.

School officials have sometimes disliked homeschooling for various reasons.  Of course...there is always the two big reasons of political  or religious differences of opinion, but the main reason homeschooling was disliked and still often is...is  money.  Your private school attending or homeschooling son or daughter takes away money from the local school.  For every child enrolled in school... more money is made available to that school, and in case you didn't notice, "school" is the livelihood of those who work, manage and teach in our local public schools.   "School" means jobs for adults in the community and your children are often viewed as a very valuable resource.

However, the parents convinced that homeschooling their own children was what they wanted to do were more than willing to fight legally on the matter.  Time and time again, homeschooling families had to stand legal ground to be able to teach their own kids at home. and then, when it came to making a law to make homeschooling "legal" in Washington state, these parents still insisted that they direct the education of their own children, and this without the interference of local school officials, however they also consented to file intent forms and "be legal" in their homeschooling agreeing officially to ensure a well-rounded education for their own children.  Parents were independently homeschooling.

Now-a-days... people mistakenly believe "homeschooling" is only parents working in some kind of "partnership" with the schools.  Don't be mistaken.  Expensive legal battles, court cases ruled by judges on the matter of homeschooling.  There have even been "studies " conducted by school officials themselves that have proven homeschooling as a legitimate form of education that stands on it's own merit.

Parents who provided home education were proven to be proficient  in teaching their own children and in fact often these children excelled expectations. This is why people like the word "homeschool."It has taken a lot of effort in Washington state by a lot of individuals to make "homeschooling" viewed as legal both locally and nationwide.  It is a proven fact that parents can teach their children well...and do so without the assistance of wither a public or private school.

Deer Park WA once was had a large homeschool community, until there were some classes offered by the schools in Deer Park too.  The first classes were offered after school hours of course, but in the school's building.  Again,  some homeschooling families responded to the invitation to come to a free class for homeschoolers and in this case participate in art.  Homeschooling families, many of them, thought someone in the homeschooling community had just arranged to use the building.  Later it became apparent that this was an offering of the school personnel.... and some homeschoolers, discontinued going... but some did not.

You can fool all the people some of the time, and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time.

Abraham Lincoln

As time passed and various experiences occurred, the Deer Park homeschooling families were deeply divided about these mysterious offerings that appeared as gifts from the local public schools; and as some families embraced the idea of enrolling their children in the programs being offered, other people did not.  The offering of the schools to give families allowances of money to sepend on books and materials tore many a homeschool group and even long time friendships apart.  It was as if someone had carefully calculated their offerings to entice people to join the public school as full time students.. The programs ensured more money for the school, and money for parents who quite homeschooling independently in exchange for allotments to purchase books and pay for classes... like piano and ballet and theater arts.  This turned the Deer Park homeschooling community on edge.

Not much has changed.  Some local school districts publicly state:
"Spokane Public Schools is proud to support parents who homeschool their children." 
Words spoken to camera in a video introduction of the program clled TEC, in Spokane Public Schools, website: www.tecspokane.com 


"Completing this form does not necessarily mean that you will be accepted into the TEC program. Our goal is to ensure this process supports our mission of making TEC a positive choice for families who believe homeschooling in a parent partnership program is the best fit for their children." 
Online TEC registration form, March 24, 2011 www.tecspoane.com 

"Spokane Public Schools is proud to support parents who homeschool their children." 
Words spoken to camera in a video introduction of the program clled TEC, in Spokane Public Schools, website: www.tecspokane.com 


".....as parents who continue to homeschool and partner with us..."  
TEC Introductory Video, www.tecspokane.com


"Testing is......provided as a service to their homeschooling program." TEC Introductory Video, www.tecspokane.com

 
"The Jump Start program is a class for families new to homeschooling." 
TEC Program, Spokane Public Schools; www.tecspokane.com/90day.htm 

 
Whether you're new to homeschooling or an old pro, the WSLP can seem a bit daunting. It really needn't be. In response to numerous parent requests, we've created some parent-friendly instructions and simplified grade level expectations to get you started "
http://www.tecspokane.com/WSLP%20help.htm, offering "Jumpstart" 
 

MEPP in the Mead School District of Spokane and Homelink in the Deer Park School District Area still want to represent those in their public school programs as "homeschoolers" too:

"We are a Parent Partnership Program where parents of home schooled children and teachers from the Deer Park School District work together to define the educational goals and materials our parents and students use at home."
http://homelink.dpsd.org/

"We are excited to partner with parents who home school their children by providing quality educational opportunities and resources." 
THe MEPP program, held at Five Mile Prairie .  from their "ABOUT" page advertising their program,; www.mead354.org

Partner?  Schools want to partner with parents.  Don't be fooled.  Be independent, or at least know that when enrolled in these programs you are being invited to enroll your child full time in a public school and working under the administration of the school district.   

Our Homeschooling Law, the RCW is what legally allows you as a parent to accept the responsibility for your own children, you of course, agree to provide the certain conditions of a well rounded education... but the parent.... not a paid school official directs all aspects of this learning, even diplomas.  Why would you, (if this is what you want yo do,) "partner" with those who fought to take away the freedom of parent to "homeschool?" It is imperative that prospective homeschoolers know what is homeschool and what is not.

Homeschoolers determine the coursework of study completely, they do their own record keeping and when testing is necessary they determine the administration of tests.  They are free to set the pace of learning for the individual student, and free to commit to doing the educating of their own kids, enlist tutors and and create cooperative learning experiences with other homeschooling families, all by their own discretion and without a government agency's assistance.  This much like private schools is a model quite different from a public school system managed by statesmen and government paid educators who answer to voters as well as parents for the coursework, calendar,and expenditures. 

Some people think the PPPs are great, the best of both the public school and homeschooling worlds, however they are, in every way shape and form, full time public school.  PPPs might feel like "home schooling," they might even be promoted by people who used to know about homeschooling or used to homeschool, but one must remember that to join schools are required to tell you that you are full time enrolled and then they call your their PARTNER, which means, the schooling of your children, done at home is subject to their over-site and the WAC.  They want you to think you can be a homeschooler and be enrolled full time in public school.

Home Based Educators, historically called homeschoolers here in WA are not under that same rules and regulations that govern students enrolled full time in public schools. This is because homeschoolers are not public school students,  Despite this, they can, at the request of the student's parents be enrolled (part time) in what is called an ancillary class.  In this case, parents who utilize the school for a class or two in no way give up their liberty as parents to be the director and overseer of their child's individual education. You can be a homeschooler and participate PART TIME in a public school class offering, but you cannot be a homeschoolers AND full timed enrolled in public school.

If you join one of these partnership programs, and they tell you that you are enrolled full-time in the public school....guess what... you are a public school enrollee... full time.  Do freedom a favor and call yourself a member of a Parent Partnership Program, not a "Homeschooler."  You are governed by a different law than those pioneering homeschoolers fought for... you are governed by the WAC.  This of course does not make you less of a concerned or involved parent.  Make no mistake, there are a lot of concerned parents with kids who attend public school, involved parents who work with their kids on schoolwork daily at home.   What you call yourself in a PPP has ramifications for future homeschooling legislation as well as the cultural awareness of what homeschooling is... and isn't.

Parent Partnership Program websites often use the word "homeschool" or home schooling" in describing what it is they do.   These programs are being paid for, sponsored and managed by the particular local public school.  If you want to homeschool, instead of partnering with the local public school, be independent.  Contact a state homeschool support group, get involved in your local  homeschool support group or start one of your own.  If you are in a Parent Partnership, be proud of your school, your yearbook, wear your school colors and obey your school's rules and regulations, but please, don't think or make others think, that what you are doing is actually homeschool.

Happy Independence Day 2014!

Freedom

One family came to America from Germany for freedom, the freedom to homeschool.  Their story made the headline news.

Fox News Report January 2014

The US president thought to deport that family, but now that family is being allowed to stay.

ABC NEWS and HSLDA reported in March  2014 that the Romeike family from Germany would not be deported.  This is because the  U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear Uwe Romeike's appeal.  They are free to stay in America and homeschool their children.

You may watch their story here:

Someone was watching out for that family.

America is the land of the free... and you have to know that a price was paid for the freedoms we enjoy today.  If you and I do not understand the value of freedom, who will?

Some people just don't get it.

Watch this anti-homeschool TV commercial from a politician and see what he advocates.

"I believe public education is the foundation of our children's lives."

See the president suggest that children "not be allowed" to drop out of school.

“When students don’t walk away from their education, more of them walk the stage to get their diploma”

“When students are not allowed to drop out, they do better. So tonight, I am proposing that every state – every state – requires that all students stay in high school until they graduate or turn 18.”  

Are schools prisons where people are forced to learn or opportunities? 

 How do you FORCE someone to stay in school and how do you FORCE someone to learn?

Guard your freedom of voice in our children's education and your freedom of choice too.

“We should not allow the federal government to dictate what our children learn; rather, parents, through their teachers, local schools and state systems, should be able to direct the education of their children.” Ted Cruz (R-Texas)

Senators Introduce Resolution Denouncing Obama Administration’s Coercion of States with Common Core

Public Schools NEVER have "Enough Money"

Did you know that teachers in the public schools  spend a lot of out -of -pocket money to make their classrooms complete. A 2012 survey found that on average teachers spend over 350 dollars each year of their own money on instructional materials and supplies for their individual classrooms.  They purchase items like play equipment, snacks, first-aid and hygienic paper products, winter necessities like gloves and hats for kids who come to school without or who need a spare, art supplies, even classroom computers and I-pads.  They care about their kids they spend hours with everyday and some report that the red tape it takes to get everything that is needed to keep things running smoothly and make a classroom comfortable or dun abd interesting  is difficult; besides, schools, especially in less affluent areas, have very limited budgets.  

Schools are always telling the public that they are in need.  They campaign for  levies; kids selll gift wrap door to door. Schools also look for handouts each year, donations of pencils and paper and glue sticks and other things given to parents in list form to purchase for the school each year.  Our poor schools, they just never seem to have enough money, but they are always taking on new buildings, buying new textbooks, starting new programs.

Spokesman Review, Sept 16, 2013 ran an article that talked about the school district starting a "charter school."  They will need about 2 million dollars to  make this special school for a few kids who get to go to the school if they win a lottery.  Do you think they will ask for pencil donations to the school?

Another article from October 15th was about how Spokane Schools are failing in the areas of language arts so they are changing their curriculum- overhauling reading and writing by replacing it with Common Core.  The school "needs" this overhaul because only 57 percent of the districts fourth graders are passing the statewide writing test.  

Maybe they cannot write because paper is not being supplied to them by the school for writing?  
Another article, dated Dec. 4th , told how Spokane schools grades  K-8 were planning to ditch what they were doing for math and try a free math program offered on-line, but only until someone could create a text that meets the standards for Common Core that schools are moving towards implementing, even though they have not seen the textbooks yet.  When the textbooks come out, (from the companies hired by common Core to create the texts, then they will HAVE to purchase them, but until then.... this math program,  EngageNY,  is supposed to be great... and it's "free."  However, our every changing schools are going to stop doing that when the Core Curriculum is ready to be purchased, and that will be quite an expense.

No one really knows how much it will cost to implement this Common Core, but it will be expensive.  Not only that but the people in positions of authority who have agreed to do it, have agreed sight unseen. No one has seen the materials that will be used as of yet. There will be the cost of training and testing... computers.... books.... but there is an even greater cost than what can be measured in money.  The greatest cost to every state and district, to every man, woman and child, will be the loss of local control over our schools.  With the immplementation of the Common Core program, school will cease to be run by local, elected officials and instead will be managed by appointed federal employees.  The cost is astronomically expensive,so expensive that some states, like Kansas and Alaska, who signed up, are thinking to bail out. 

In a Fox News Report dated Feb 2, 2014, Perry Charliamonte reported that in Maryland, educational experts estimated that it will require $100 million to upgrade their computers statewide to support the testing done in conjunction with Common Core.. Where does a school district get that kind of money?  In Washington State,  no one will talk real number, mainly because they haven't a clue.  This page will give you some estimates. 

Randy Dorn, Washington's superintendent of public instruction declined to give any numbers when he was interviewed by Jodi Lawrence-Turner in a January 29th, 2014 Spokesman Review article. He commented  that the cost of Common Core is "beside the point." He added,  “We aren't preparing students to be career and college ready, so I can’t put a price on it.”  He justified implementation of Common Core whatever the cost, saying, "If we fully fund basic education, that will free up local dollars.”  

Are you wondering.... How is it that we are not "fully funding basic education" already? Isn't that what taxes and levies pay for, what teachers in the schools are already working hard to do?  What "local dollars" will be freed up when we as a state, spend millions of dollarson Common Core that the school never seems to have?   

Oh yeah, it must be that money that parents and teachers, (not the school funding,) use to provide all those pencils and paper in our children's classrooms.  Just think.... of all the money that will be freed up locally when everything children do in school is done on a computer and parents and teachers no longer will have to purchase pencil and paper for the schools! 


Sign the Petition to stop Common Core:
http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/stop-common-core-in-washington-state1.html