|
|
|
| Home | Legal | About Us | Link To Us | Bookmark Us | Recommend Us | Suggest a Link | Search | Feedback | Contact | |
| |
|
|
|
Homeschooling Methods - Part 3 of 4 by Natasha Campbell |
|
The first two articles (Part 1. & Part 2.) in this series dealt with formal homeschooling, unschooling, deschooling, eclectic, unit studies, and the Charlotte Mason method. Although all of these are forms of homeschooling, each having some similarities, they differed in styles and workload. In this article we will cover umbrella schools, cyber-charters, and the classic methods of homeschooling.
Umbrella Schools AKA Charter Schools and Co-Ops This style of homeschooling is where a private institution provides the materials homeschoolers need, including a teacher, while still educating the child at home. Most schools of this type provide teaching assistance as well as learning materials. Some provide a set curriculum, in which you are expected to return papers or records to them for grading and credit. Courses cover typical public school subjects. Many of these schools offer benefits such as graduation ceremonies, transcripts, and diplomas. Co-ops are similar to umbrellas, but generally cover only one or two subjects each semester or year. They tend to be much less formal; although more organized groups may have set hours and days when they meet. Smaller co-ops are often a group of local homeschooling families who get together to share expenses, enter competitions, and go on field trips. Umbrellas schools work well for families that want a specific plan and structure, with a pre-set curriculum and more traditional grades and testing. Umbrella schools may take the pressure off families in states with confusing or restrictive homeschooling laws. Umbrellas may be a good option for families who do not have confidence or personal knowledge to handle more advanced classes. Since some states require the teaching parent to have a college degree, an umbrella school can offer coverage when a parent lacks required certification. Pros 1. Umbrellas cover state requirements and deal with confusing or rigid state laws while offering accountability and accreditation. 2. Umbrellas often provide books, curriculum and other materials. 3. You can receive benefits such as diplomas, testing, and evaluation and may have access to educational consultants who will help with choices or problems. 4. Co-ops offer support and socialization. 5. Using a co-op is an excellent way to share costs and materials. Cons 1. Umbrella schools can be very expensive. 2. Some state scholarship programs will not recognize the given diplomas. 3. The requirements and workload can be strict. 4. There can be a lot of paperwork, mailing and record-keeping involved. 5. Some church co-ops may ask you to sign a statement of faith before participating, a problem if you do not happen to hold to the stated beliefs. Cyber-Charters A cyber charter is similar to an umbrella school, except classes and instruction are delivered entirely or largely through the Internet. In some charters, you may choose your own curriculum, while others may require you to use their own. Many have on-line teachers who are available to assist with questions, or help students. Teachers may hold online classes or lectures, but most of the time the student will be expected to work at their own pace with self-guided materials. You may be required to first enroll with your local school district, which will then be responsible for payment of the cyber school fees. Many school districts do not welcome a new cyber charter, and some states do not allow cyber charters to operate at all. Some areas have strict laws regarding cyber charters, and they must have a legal agreement with each district, and may be expected to follow the local school district's education requirements. Cyber charters are an option for families whose states require the teaching parent to have a college degree. Pros 1. Cyber charters cover state requirements and deal with confusing or rigid state laws while offering accountability and accreditation. 2. You will often be provided with books, curriculum and other materials and these will cover most or all of the basic subjects. 3. You can opt to receive benefits such as diplomas, testing, and evaluation and may have access to educational consultants who will help with choices or problems. Cons 1. Cyber charters can be very expensive. 2. The requirements and workload can be strict. 3. Despite most schooling done over the Internet, there can still be a lot of paperwork, mailing and record-keeping involved. A word of warning. Some cyber charters have a lot of complaints about poor educational programs, lack of accountability, misappropriated funds, and teachers without credentials. As with any homeschooling program, make sure you research these programs before placing your money, and your child's education, into their hands. Classic AKA Classical The classic approach emphasizes traditional methods of teaching; rigorous academic standards, dedication, and classic languages such as Latin and Greek. Many classic homeschoolers believe that education is inherently enjoyable for children, and that children can achieve the high standards. The classical method works to develop independent learning, critical thinking, and logical analysis. This is done through concrete thinking and memorization in grade school; analytical thinking and understanding in middle school; and abstract thinking and articulation in high school. Classic homeschooling covers grammar, logic, rhetoric, history, art, culture, Latin, Greek, philosophy, and literature. Pros 1. The child takes responsibility for his own learning. 2. The curriculum can be tailored to meet the strengths and weaknesses of each child. 3. It saves money. Children can use the same basic courses and materials. Cons 1. The requirements and workload can be strict. 2. Parents are responsible for tracking down books and other resources, and for choosing and creating the assignments that fit their children. 3. Classical education may be lacking in areas like math and science. 4. Care must be taken to satisfy state or district requirements. 5. The parent may need to do extensive pre-reading and possibly further their own education in order to teach their child some of the subjects. Homeschooling offers the family so many ways to educate their children. In our final article, we will discuss methods such as tutoring, independent home study, and the Waldorf method, just to name a few. © 2002 Natasha Campbell. All rights reserved. Re-printed with permission. Originally published on Suite 101. |
||
Natasha Campbell has spent nearly her whole life in California, mostly in the Los Angeles area. She is a published poet, freelance writer, avid reader, and an aspiring children's and young adult writer. She enjoys old movies, techno music, and horseback riding. She has homeschooled her youngest son since kindergarten and homeschooled her middle school son during the summer. | ||
Would you like to contribute an article on a homeschooling topic? Contact us.
| Site Terms of Use | Advertise | FAQ | Privacy |
