Homeschooling: The third option between sending kids to public or private schools

Special to The Acorn



Special to The Acorn



"Any parent can homeschool," said Linda Davis, vice president of the California Homeschool Network. Davis, who’s been homeschooling her children for 12 years, began because her son had a difficult time in third grade.


"We explored other options," said Davis, "and when I was told about homeschooling as a possible option, I started to attend weekly homeschooling support groups that met at a local park. I was so impressed with the homeschooled children—how bright, attentive, collaborative and helpful they were—that I began to seriously consider homeschooling."


According to the current Education Code of the state of California, "All children between the ages of 6 and 18 must attend a public full-time day school unless otherwise exempted."


There are two exemptions to this "compulsory schooling law": first, the private tutoring exemption which allows children to be instructed at least three hours per weekday by a teacher holding a valid California teaching credential; it must be for the grade taught. Second, the private school exemption for children enrolled in a full-time private school.


Homeschooling families in California may comply with the compulsory school law by enrolling their children in a public school, charter school or private school that offers an independent study or home-study program; employing a private tutor who has a California teaching credential for the grade taught; or establishing a private school by filing an R-4 Affidavit.


The filing of an R-4 Affidavit enables a family to create their own private school which may be in their home.


"Homeschooling is different to every single family," said Davis. Some approach it as a traditional classroom. Others treat it as child-directed learning. With a traditional approach, sometimes a bell is rung and children sit at desks. With a child-directed model, learning is based on the individual child’s interests and goals which lead to other areas of activity.


"Homeschooling is a growing option for families as an educational alternative, which is not limiting learning to a traditional classroom setting," Davis said . Some parents homeschool because of increasing violence in schools, drugs, a fast-paced social environment, a desire to control curriculum or because the child is either an over- or an underachiever.


"I’ve enjoyed personally filling in the gaps in my own education," said Davis. "It’s been fun to learn beside my own kids as they’ve been learning. We’ve all become enthusiastic, lifelong learners, rather than just studying for a test."


What kind of commitment is required of parents who want to homeschool? "In order to homeschool, they have to like being around their child and must devote a lot of time to interact with that child," answered Davis. For some families, it means being with their children 24-7, said Davis.


Some parents return their children to public schools because homeschooling is hard work and they need a break. For students with special needs, said Davis, homeschooling can put additional stress on the main caregiver. It isn’t for everyone.


Homeschoolers enrolled in a public school or charter school Independent Study Program are furnished or loaned texts and workbooks by the school at no cost, Davis said.


If parents choose a private school or their own private homeschool, curriculum materials are usually purchased by the family. Children in these programs can help select their own instructional units.


"Homeschoolers can mingle with all age groups," said Davis. "They have rapport with adults on a comfort level not always seen in a public school situation."


Park days and support groups which are available provide socialization in an unstructured way. Field trips are planned; enrichment classes are given; families share materials and give advice and support. Grandparents can even become involved in the homeschool-ing experience.


"Families go out of their way to insure that the children are in social situations," Davis said. Interacting with fellow homeschoolers has been a bonus for her and her children.


Because homeschoolers are usually great self-starters and highly motivated, Davis said, more colleges and universities are accepting them. The Independent Study Program (in which the student is enrolled) issues a high school diploma or an equivalency certificate can be obtained by passing the California High School Proficiency Examination.


According to Davis, homeschoolers have no problem attending a university. Some choose to take classes first at a community college, and after earning about 65 credits, transfer to a four-year college or university.


For families who decide to homeschool through a public school district’s Independent Study Program (ISP), they may contact their local school district’s main office. If an ISP isn’t offered, an inter-district permit can be filed for enrollment in a neighboring district.


Oak Park Unified School District has a Home Independent Study Program for kindergarten through 12th grades and can be contacted at (818) 735-3200.


Las Virgenes Unified School District, which is contemplating an ISP program in the near future, is now conducting research on it.


Call for information regarding your school district at its administrative offices.


California Homeschool Network is an inclusive, statewide homeschooling organization which represents homeschoolers in California. Get more information by visiting their Website at www.californiahomeschool.net. Linda Davis can be reached at lrsdavis@pacbell.net.





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