Home schooling has come a long way

TownHall.com ^ | Tuesday, June 4, 2002 | by Phyllis Schlafly

[homeschool mama]

bump!!!

[homeschool mama]

**Interesting I just yesterday received in the Mail A brochure from K-12 (Bill Bennett's home schooling network) and Low and behold a Ohio Based group is offering all K-12's stuff under the guise of a Virtual Charter School for Free. This offer apparently includes a FREE Computer! **

I lead a homeschool support group of 34 families. Some of these families have opted to go the Charter route. When asked why the #1 reply is, "$$$"

[homeschool mama]

**Here is a good web page to get started on: www.triviumpursuit.com or for some great women's information and encouragement try www.aboverubies.org**

Thanks mucho!

[homeschool mama]

Thank you! I have my work cut out for me, Carolina! :o)

[homeschool mama]

heehee...what a sweet story. The innocence of children is so precious. :o)

[homeschool mama]

**Yeah well see, this is where you tell him to get off, and tell him exactly where else you are going to take your business... **

Yesiree bob!

My daughter received a gift certificate for Barnes and Noble. After choosing a few books she offered the certificate to the store clerk. He looked us up and down and asked why my daughter wasn't in school. My daughter piped up that she was homeschooled. He then proceeded to ask questions relating to the 50 states..which she answered correctly. He shrugged his shoulders, mumbled something about socialization, and put the books in a bag.

Then it was my turn. I think he now has a better understanding of home education and hopefully, *hopefully*, his critical and ignorant attitude toward homeschoolers will be changed.

Needless to say, we'll not visit B&N in the future.

On the other hand, Borders (in my area anyway) has been a wonderful experience for homeschoolers. They happily compute my discount for books and make certain I know about upcoming 'teachers discounts and teachers appreciation days'. :o) I lead a homeschool support group of 34 families so this is received well. The managers of Borders have commented on how well behaved and respectful our group's kiddos are. big smile.

[Domestic Church]

Many involved in drafting this bill read FR regularly, some are freepers, some just lurking and gleaning. I know I've referred folks on statewide and national HSing boards to articles here.

[ladylib]

A student could also use Bennett's courses privately. He was apparently upset that more homeschoolers don't use his courses, but many are suspicious because he aligns himself with public charter schools. I've only heard good things about K12 however.

[ladylib]

Maybe you should write a letter to the president of Barnes and Noble and tell him/her of your daughter's unfortunate experience there and how well you are treated at Border's.

[don-o]

to supply the names of homeschoolers in their districts because the state plans to offer on-line charter schools

Here is what we got today from Tennessee

12 yr old Ben took state mandated tests two months ago. Northside PS promised scores.

Today we learn that homeschooler testers get forwarded to the state capital clearing housr first.

I think that the next testing if my boys will be not so easy for the power.

[Zon]

The State of Florida allows homeschoolers

"The Florida State Legislature got the message in 1985 and legalized home schooling."

Well now, isn't that special. They actually thought it necessary to legalize parents being able to teach their children themselves instead of sending them off to mandatory indoctrination day-camps.

[Constitution1st]

Hi homeschool mama! I home educate, have for 8 years, and we are using the classical christian distance learning website oxfordtutorials.com There are others as well, that you may already know about, such as Schola-tutorials, and Escondido. The classicalhomeschooling.org is a great website. I also have triviumpursuit.com the Bluedorn website mentioned by SLB; they have a mailing list you can join.

We were not always classical home educators; we made the switch a few years ago. I also have "The Well Trained Mind" book by Bauer and Wise. Now that the children are older (13 and 16) they have taken to it, and my son is going to start debating this year. There is a Christian debate group- NCFCA (National Christian Forensics and Communicators Association) that is linked on the left side of the home page of HSLDA.org Scroll down the left side, you'll see it- it is on a black background. They can link you to groups that are debating, if you are interested.

We are so pleased that we chose HSing. My daughter is an English Lit/Writer gal, and we've found that her courses over the internet, cannot be matched by public nor even elite private schools. I think it is the future, for you can take it and your children anywhere, and they can do their school anywhere, anytime.

[homeschool mama]

Thank you so much for your treasure box of information! I hadn't heard of oxfordtutorials.com and have made a note to spend time at the website. The other sites I have found and spent time at. I especially enjoyed the Bluedorn site.

We're making the change from unit study to a chronological application. Jumping around the timeline hit and miss doesn't thrill us, and at 12 years old our daughter is more than ready to have a grasp of World History in proper context.

I did see the debate link on HSLDA but doubt we'll be checking into that this year. She's quite shy and would be mortified in standing in front of people. However...a wonderful woman living in the next town not only homeschools her 5 boys, but teaches spanish, french, writing, poetry, and um...debate. We'll see. Our daughter will be taking spanish and writing from this woman so one never knows what could happen...:o)

Our daughter's forte certainly isn't writing/lit...rather, it's math and science. We call her our little engineer. December will begin our 7th year homeschooling and we have no regrets either. :o)

Thank you again for sharing this information. It's so very appreciated.

HM