Will Core Curriculum Standards Affect Homeschooling?

You may have already heard about something called the Common Core State Standards Initiative. It is often referred to as Core Curriculum Standards. There is a lot of information about it online. The shortest explanation is that the Common Core State Standards Initiative is a set of curriculum that is intended to establish a single set of clear educational standards for students in kindergarten through 12th grade in English and Mathematics. There has been a lot of controversy about the Common Core State Standards Initiative. Those who support it feel that it will provide a equal set of standards that … Continue reading →

In the News: Preschooler Forced to Eat Chicken Nuggets in School

In the news today was a story that should not have surprised but alas I was anyway. Fox News reported that a preschool girl was not allowed to eat the lunch her mother packed for her because the contents did not meet “”U.S. Department of Agriculture guidelines.”” The student was provided a lunch of chicken nuggets provided by the school cafeteria to provide the nutrition she needed to live. In what world can chicken nuggets provided by a school lunchroom be considered edible much less healthy? You may be thinking that her mother surely packed her a lunch of wood … Continue reading →

Homeschool Letter of Intent

It is time again to send out letters of intent to homeschool to the superintendent in your local school districts. Not every state requires a letter of intent so you must check your state laws if this coming fall will be your first year homeschooling. The letter of intent seems daunting to many first time homeschoolers. Questions range from what should be included to how to format the letter. The letter of intent is the first step to filing legal paperwork regarding your homeschooling choice. What is a letter of intent? Simply, the letter of intent is exactly how it … Continue reading →

End of the year homeschool reports

It is almost that time! Depending on where you live, and what stage your homeschooler is in, it is very likely that you need to summarize your homeschoolers year. Personally, I need to compile my son’s year in an effort to get his college entry portfolio started. I am also required to write a report for my own records for both kids, so this is what I will do. In other states, you may actually need to mail a report to the school district. For my personal needs, I keep my kids end year report pretty simple. I list the … Continue reading →

When homeschooling becomes an issue in divorce

When families decide to homeschool it is usually a joint decision between both parents. However, when families divorce, one parent is suddenly vehemently against allowing the other parent to continue. In most of these cases, it is a matter of punishing and controlling the homeschooling parent… never mind how it affects the child. The thing that homeschooling parents need to most understand is that homeschooling decisions should not be made in a bubble. No matter how strongly one parent feels about homeschooling, it is best to not proceed unless both parents feel as strongly. Don’t’ try to cajole, sweet talk, … Continue reading →

California Homeschool Ruling looks Positive

There still hasn’t been a ruling on the final verdict on legality of homeschooling in California. Apparently the child abuse case that started the whole thing has been dismissed. Still, the greater issue is still under consideration. Here is a bit of background from the Latimes.com On Thursday, the family court judge terminated its jurisdiction over two of the eight children of Phillip and Mary Long, who were accused of mistreating some of their children. All of the children are currently or had been enrolled at Sunland Christian School, where they would occasionally take tests, but they were educated in … Continue reading →

California Homeschoolers Wait for Judgment

Yesterday was a big day for homeschoolers in California. It is the day the Oral arguments in the Los Angeles 2nd District Court of Appeals were heard regarding the right of homeschoolers to continue teaching kids at home. Follow the story here: Answering Questions About California’s Now Infamous Court Case Why What Happens in California Matters Update of California Homeschool Ruling Effect of Calfornia Ruling Felt in Nebraska All reports show that the ruling is up in the air. HSLDA is not showing its usual smug confidence that homeschoolers will walk away victorious. Anti homeschool advocates are remaining strangely quiet. … Continue reading →

Homeschooling in Wyoming Part 2

This is not legal advice. As someone who lives in a state that is highly regulated, I cannot emphasize enough the need for you to advocate for yourself and make a point to know your state laws. While the school district will most likely provide you with a printed copy of the laws and regulations for home schooling, a local home schooling group can be a valuable asset when it comes to navigating your way through the system. Wyoming is one of the easiest states to homeschool in. Very little paper work is required. For more information on their laws … Continue reading →

Homeschooling in Wisconsin

This is not legal advice. As someone who lives in a state that is highly regulated, I cannot emphasize enough the need for you to advocate for yourself and make a point to know your state laws. While the school district will most likely provide you with a printed copy of the laws and regulations for home schooling, a local home schooling group can be a valuable asset when it comes to navigating your way through the system. Wisconsin is a very easy state to homeschool in providing lax laws and flexibility to its homeschoolers. (Yes, I’m jealous!) Compulsory Attendance: … Continue reading →

Homeschooling in West Virginia: Assessment Options

This is not legal advice. As someone who lives in a state that is highly regulated, I cannot emphasize enough the need for you to advocate for yourself and make a point to know your state laws. While the school district will most likely provide you with a printed copy of the laws and regulations for home schooling, a local home schooling group can be a valuable asset when it comes to navigating your way through the system. Generally, I try to write about one state in one blog. However, West Virginia has a lengthy list of assessment requirements and … Continue reading →