Ask and answer homeschooling questions here.
This is a place where you can post your own questions for other members of the homeschooling community to answer and discuss. You can also reply to questions posted by others. Please note that answers on these pages may or may not be provided by MHA volunteers. If you want to ask a question of an MHA volunteer directly, please e-mail mha@homeschoolers.org.
Go ahead and post your questions below.
To keep this page tidy, please use the following format, and post new questions above existing ones. It is also nice if you date your questions.
Example:
Q2: (10/3/2006) Newest question asked (new questions at top)
A2: Second answer to Q2.
A1: First answer to Q2.
Q1: (9/27/2006) Older question
A2: Second answer to Q1.
A1: First answer to Q1.
Your questions here:
Q23: (8/13/08) Does anyone know of a family looking to hire a teacher to homeschool their child or a tutor in the south metro? Please let me know if you do. Licensed Elementary teacher 416008 license # Shannon McEachran 612 978 5046
Q22: (1/2/2008) Hi, I’m thinking about homeschooling my 8-year old son who has Down’s Syndrome. It would be helpful if you could help me with a couple of questions. First, what is the benefit of having an IEP? Who writes it? Do I become the IEP manager? What services, if any, will the district provide (I’m in the Wayzata school district)? If services are provided will I be asked to go to the school? (I’m not sure I want the services I would just like to understand how the process works.) My second question is for anyone who has dealt with a child who is very stubborn. Jonathan is 8 and can be a great learner but he’s so resistant. Has anyone had sucess homeschooling with a child like this who frequently needs a lot of persuasion? I will add that his resistance is greater with math and trying something new. He loves reading and words but he can resist anything on occasion.
A1: (2/08) The advantage of having or retaining an IEP while homeschooling- One- any testing accomodations or tools required to learn better are written into an IEP and can be used for creating a better college experience. Two- You can try to write goals for your son that the school system ultimately would work with you towards meeting. Yes, I believe you become the manager. You would co write it with the school district and anyone providing him services. Even if you decide not to utilize the services, just having it within the IEP is a good idea. I highly recommend that if you are a member of MHA, to join the MHA Special Needs Yahoo group.
Q21: (2/15/2007) We have just moved to Saint Paul, in the Highland Park area, and are looking for homeschooling friends, and also for children to play with our 6-year old son. We are a conservative libertarian, Polish-American family. Our son is interested in knights, karate, sports, building toys and drawing. If anybody is interested in getting in touch with us, or in helping us to get around in this new place, we would really appreciate it. mattdueholm@yahoo.com
Q20: (2/24/2006) I have been homeschooling my stepdaughter since kindergarten. She will be going into second grade in the fall. Because she will be 7 years old, I will need to fill out the form for the district. The only category that applies to me, as her teacher, is that I am the parent of the child. Except that I’m not. I am her stepfather by marriage, not by legal adoption. Her father still has visitation rights, but very little say about her education. He has no problem with me homeschooling her. However, does anyone know if I am able to claim parental status on the form? Or does my wife need to claim that she is in charge of her daughter’s education? –Shoreview Homeschool Dad
A1: The compulsory law defines ‘parent’ in 120A.22 Subd. 3: clause (a): In this section and sections 120A.24 and 120A.26, “parent” means a parent, guardian, or other person having legal custody of a child.
I would personally include step parent within the scope of parent. However, it might be wise to have your wife fill out the reporting form (use MHAs). However, she can have anyone she wants assist in the home education. This way, you can still be the the primary instructor, and she can take care of the paperwork.
~AL 03/01/06
Q19: (1/26/2006) Hi, I am looking for other homeschoolers in the St. Louis County area. We live in the Duluth Heights area, and I am having a difficult time finding other homeschoolers. One of my children that I am homeschooling is 11 and he has special needs (autism) I’d really like to see if there are any other families homeschooling special needs children. Feel free to contact me at booskies@yahoo.com
Thanks so much Stacie
A1: Stacie, MHA just updated their Support Group Directory, so e-mail them with a request for the Directory! mha@homeschoolers.org
~AL
Q18: (12/19/2005) Round Lake Parents tired of the lack of education our kids are getting. We are concidering pulling our kids (13, and 9) out of the school system here in Round Lake because our oldest son is being harassed buy one of his teachers and our daughter is being left behind in her class. What we are wondering is… can we pull them out in the middle of the year (now) and home school them until we move in Feb (I have a new job in Ohio, that starts in Feb)?
Thank you for any help you can provide, ericksontroy@hotmail.com
A1: Yes, you can begin homeschooling at any time. The October 1st date is just an annual deadline (goal) for ongoing homeschooling families to send in our reporting forms.
Q17: (10/1/2005) Inver Grove Heights Mom in Search of Home Schooler!
My 10 year old daughter is miserable in her 5th grade class and I have a friend in New Brighton who home schools her boys. I am a single mom who works full time and am interested in having my daughter join your children in your home for teaching. I am particularly interested in home schooling in a Christian, Bible-based environment. I am open to suggestions for the appropriate fee and other details, but am willing to be flexible. If you home school in Eagan, Inver Grove Heights, West St. Paul, or Mendota Heights (which are areas near our home), and are interested, please call Laura at 651-848-2932. Thank you!
Laura
Q16: (9/7/2005) I would like to find other homeschoolers in my area - Loring Park, Wedge Neighborhood of Minneapolis. I have a daughter who is 12 and son who is 8. We are looking for play, learning, social activities.
Q15: I was wondering how Chaska school district rates with homeschoolers? I am new to Chaska and new to homeschooling this year. I would love to know I am not the only homeschooler in the area. :) April Tvinnereim, mother of 4 children,Ages: 7 1/2, 6, 20 months, and 3 weeks. gtf_academy@yahoo.com
Q14: Hi I am looking for information about annual testing resources for my 11 year old, 5th grade, daughter. Thanks. Kara Zenith, bonsaibanana@redwing.net
A1: Hey Kara, the MHA Handbook has a comprehensive list of testing suppliers. Consider joining for only $25 a year. The benefits go beyond just the great list of test resources.
Q13: Hi - I am not currently homeschooling, but I really want to. I have a 12 year old, and a 9 year old. As I have researched homeschooling, I hear many stories about kids who grow up to be better educated, independent, well adjusted adults. I believe those stories, yet I also hear many failure stories about kids who grow up and cannot function in the real world. I also know these to be true and real. I hear the success stories on homeschooling web sites, and I hear the failures from people I personally know. Don’t get me wrong, I still lean strongly toward homeschooling, but what I am seeing is that it can go terribly wrong if one doesn’t know what they are doing. I don’t know the percentage of successes vs. failures, and I don’t see that there are any studies that reveal that. My question is, what are these successful parents doing that the failure stories are not? I know all homeschool parents are unique, but there must be some common threads that run throught the success stories, or perhaps there are common threads among those who fail. I really need some advice as to how to go about homeschooling to prepare my children for life. I don’t want to take on this venture not knowing what I am doing. Is there anywone that can help me?
A1: There are children who don’t succeed in homeschool, and children who don’t succeed in public school. While I too do not have percentages of successes vs. failures for either group, I am still pretty confident that the stats would show a higher rate of academic and social failure among public school children.
I think the better question is, what helps (not necessarily guarantees) in making children successful in life? Parents who are dedicated, totally commitmented to their children’s well being (academically, socially, spiritually, physically), is key. Oh, good resources, and parents who know how to find and implement those resources is helpful too.
Ideally, homeschooling parents should also have the right temperament for raising and educating children. We should be helpful, flexible, encouraging, inspiring, and kind. I don’t think there is a firm and guaranteed list on how to create well-adjusted children- homeschooled or otherwise. These skills mentioned would be useful for any parent to have.
Q12: Hi I am new to homeschooling and have 2 questions for anyone who may be willing and able to answer them. I am starting homeschooling in the middle of this year and was wondering if anyone knew what accrediting agencies are acceptable in the state of Minnesota to qualify for an exemption. I love the idea of unschooling but since this was a last minute decision for me this year, I have chosen a packaged curriculumn through a correspondence school called Calvert schools. This school claims to be accredited by Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools as well as by the Commission of International and Transregional Accreditation (CITA). Does this qualify me for an exemption? Also…public school has ruined my son’s confidence in his abilities and his once joyful love of learning. I have full physical and legal custody but his father is against homeschooling. If he were to take me to court can anyone tell me the chances of the court deciding in favor of homeschooling. Could my decision to homeschool affect the custody I now have of my son? Any knowledge or suggestions would be much appreciated
A1: There are only two accrediting agencies recognized by the State of MN. Calvert isn’t one of them. You are not going to be exempt from the majority of the reporting requirements for homeschoolers. The two organizations that are recognized are called TEACH and HEBEA. You can find out about them through the Dept. of Education. You may use any program or curriculum you like however as part of your homeschool. Being accredited offers few benefits in my opinion.
Consider joining the Unschooling group based in the metro area. The MHA SG Coordinator can provide information- just e-mail MHA at mha@homeschoolers.org to get in contact with her.
You have the legal right to homeschool in MN. I recommend that you connect with other local homeschoolers. Discuss with them your concerns. They can give you advice on how to document your son’s home education. Knowing how to document can help calm your fears about possibly facing a judge. Additionally, they may also provide guidance on how to reassure the father of your son that homeschooling is working- or how to deal with continued skepticism on his part.
~AL
Q11: Hi, I have a couple of questions.
My son is a junior at Forest Lake HS and will probably just drop out by the end of this year if we don’t find a radically different approach to helping him finish up high school. The idea of homeschooling appealed to both him and to us. Kind of an odd time to start homeschooling. But I still want to investigate the possibility. So I had a few questions that maybe you could answer for me:
- What is the reputation of Forest Lake Public Schools (dist 831) among home schoolers?
- Is it possible to home school part time (say for academic subjects) and attend regular classes at the HS part time for other, less academic subjects (I am thinking of classes like art, shop, etc. which involve a lot of specialized expertise and equipment)?
- Could we use the same curriculum that is used at Forest Lake HS for classes like English, Math, History, etc.? or will they refuse to recognize the use of that in a homeschool environment?
- Where will his diploma be from? Forest Lake? State of MN?
- Can you start in the middle of the year?
I have looked around the web and have had trouble finding pointed answers to these questions. So, any direct answers you can give me would be highly appreciated.
Regards, Tom Plocher
A1:
- Check out the wiki GoodBadUglyDistricts page to find out if Forest Lake has been ‘graded’
- It depends on your school district. Some districts are very homeschooling friendly. Ask the district about “Part time enrollment”. You may also wish to speak to someone at the Department of Education in the Enrollment/Educational Options section.
- You could inquire at the district about getting your hands on their curriculum, but why would you want to use their books? There are far better materials out there that are easier to come by. As for getting their stamp of approval…you don’t need them to recognise your materials or curriculum. MN state law allows homeschoolers to use whatever materials “curriculum” we deem appropriate. It’s one of the reasons that homeschooling works.
- Homeschoolers in MN do not receive diplomas, unless you make one yourself. You can look into an accrediting agency (ask the Dept. of Ed.) about working through them to obtain a diploma, but I personally would never jump through those hoops. If you are concerned about college admissions- plenty of homeschoolers get into college without diplomas. In fact, many colleges are actively seeking out homeschoolers. Here are a few links to site about homeschoolers and college admission policies.
- Diploma and Independent Study Programs on Cafi’s page: http://www.homeschoolteenscollege.net/diplomaisp.htm, School is Dead; Learn in Freedom-Colleges that admit homeschoolers http://learninfreedom.org/colleges_4_hmsc.html
- Also, there is a great book out there called “Transcripts and Portfolios for Homeschoolers” I loaned out my copy so I can’t provide the ISBN. I highly recommend that you read it. Homeschoolers are better off providing one of these instead of a diploma to college admission officers.
- Yes, you can start homeschooling mid year. Just make sure that you send in your reporting form to the superintendent on or before the day you remove your child from public school to avoid truancy concerns.
PS- If your child is over 16 years of age, he/she is no longer required to attend any school (public, private, home).
Q10: I have a bachelor’s degree, but my wife does not. We are both providing instruction to our children. Are we required to submit a quarterly report card?
A1: No, you are not required to submit quarterly report cards if you have a bachelor’s degree. ~A.L.
Q9: What are the differences between the Minnesota Homeschoolers’ Alliance and the Minnesota Association of Christian Home Educators?
A1: MHA is the statewide non profit non sectarian (no religious bent) organization run by homeschooling volunteers in support of all homeschooling families. A huge melting pot.
MACHE is what they say they are- while they are open to anyone joining, they are a Christian based group.
That’s the major difference. There are minor differences as well. MHA umbrellas the Minnesota Homeschooling Teens group. MHA has conferences, workshops, library information stations, e-mail updates and e-lerts, phoneline support, personal connection assistance to members, and more. You can check out their membership page for a great list of additional membership benefits.
Q8: I am a licensed math teacher wondering if there is a need for math tutors in homeschools - specifically in the Minneapolis area. I know there are many positions open in the public schools, but I’m less interested in them, probably for the same reasons homeschoolers are not interested in public schools. If you could offer advice and suggestions on how to fill this need (assuming there actually is a need)I would greatly appreciate it. I’ll watch for replies. You may also contact directly if you would like at swhite@efca.org Thank you!
A1: Dear swhite@efca.org
Try advertising in the classifieds of the MHA quarterly newsletter, The Grapevine! E-mail mha@homeschoolers.org for more information. The prices are very reasonable.
Q7: I am looking for textbooks for teaching American History and U.S. Government High School level subjects. I am simply looking for the good old textbooks most of us learned from years ago, or their current equivelant. If you have any available or could recommend a source please email me at bjh@osii.com
Thank you
Also…I would love to see a page available for posting books to buy/sell on
the website. Thank you
Partial A1:
If you want more wiki pages, you should make them and not just say you want one. That’s how wiki works. See the section on hyperlinks in HowToUseWiki and see AddingPage. BookExchange. –GerrySkerbitz
Q6: I’m homeschooling my 17 year old daughter who has Down Syndrome. I’d love to hear from any other folks homeschooling ‘special needs’ kids, especially teenagers. kellyjudson@e3mil.com
A1: I’ve sent you (kellyjudson@e3mil.com) an e-mail with support network information. ~A.L. MHA Volunteer
Q5: I’m going to begin homeschooling my 13yo son this fall for the first time. I can’t find a listing of any local (Rochester) support groups to answer my questions. Like, seeing Andrea Jepson’s question, I had no idea that an IEP would still be relevant. My son’s on one. How would keeping one help? How do I figure out what kind of instructional calendar to send with the MN compulsory instruction report? Who besides myself do I list as instructors if he’ll be taking community educ classes sometimes? etc. Thanks for any help anyone has. Cecily Sample CecilyMS@hotmail.com
A2: Calendar: There are many ways to approach this. I’ll list a few.
Take a standard calendar, highlight the days you intend to include in your homeschooling year, and submit with your reporting form or, mark on the form that you homeschool a certain number of months each year.
You may highlight every other day, week, or month. You can claim to homeschool Mon-Friday, Sun-Wed, or Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for seven months out of a 12 month cycle. There is no wrong calendar because in MN, there is no minimum nor maximum number of days, hours, or weeks required to homeschool. I suggest that you don’t attract attention, so a more traditional looking calendar is ideal. If you mark that you intend to homeschool only three days within a month, that may raise eyebrows. You do not need to mark when you are going on vacation. Simple is best. I prefer writing on my form in the calendar section the following: We homeschool 365 days a year.
A1: Instructors on form- We use many ‘instructors’ in our children’s education; Grandpa, the music tutor, coaches and instructors through community education, or another parent or teacher in the homeschooling coop, but they are not the primary people in charge of insuring my child is homeschooled. We as parents are. Therefor, we list only ourselves on the reporting form. We can use whomever we want to assist in our homeschool, but they are not responsible for the entirety of the home education.
Q4: I am going to start homeschooling my seven year child this fall. We live in the Saint Paul school district, and my son is on an IEP, which I intend to keep him on, although I will provide all services myself. I’ve had some discussion over this matter with Terri Gockenbach,(?)but I still feel unsure of how to provide the appropriate information for an IEP, and yet protect my family’s privacy to the greatest degree possible. My experience with St. Paul as a special ed parent, before we open enrolled to another district, was that it did not respect the laws that govern special education. I do not expect things to be much better as a homeschooling special ed parent. I would like to make a connection to someone who is homeschooling a child on an IEP, especially in St. Paul, but I would happy to hear from anyone in any district. Andrea Jepsen aljepsen@yahoo.com
Q3: I think that it may be best for my 12-year-old to continue homeschooling through high school graduation. Does anyone have any advice on legitimizing her graduate status?
A1: As her homeschooling parent, you decide when your daughter graduates. Most families use the norm referenced standardized achievement test at 12th grade level as the major factor in determining if the student is ready to graduate.
Q2: (8/04/2002) Where are there postings of add to sell or buy materials? I’m specifically wanting to buy used 7th grade Sonlight texts. w.russell@worldnet.att.net
A1: If you want a new Wiki page, just make one! Check out AddingPages. Like this: WantedForSale.
Q1: (6/30/2002) My son is just entering high school this fall. Many different curicula publishers seem to have a differnt way of calculating credits toward graduation for each class. Example, One full year of English I grants 1 credit toward HS graduation. Minnesota requires 12 credits. It’s looks to me like this class is really worth 3 credits. How can I calculate the weight of a credit? veronica@fiestadiscounts.com
A2: I will second everything AL says, and add a comment of my own. When my son was applying to the University of Minnesota for PSEO, I read Cafi Cohen’s “And What About College.” She reprinted in her book the narrative transcripts she prepared for her own kids as they were applying for college. I found those tremendously helpful, and used them as a template for the narrative transcripts I prepared for my son. There was a level of sophistication and detail in Cafi’s work that I didn’t find in “The Homeschooler’s Guide to Portfolios and Transcripts,” so I’d recommend reading them both. (KP)
A1: Most of the more prestigious colleges are looking for students with excellent academic backgrounds. They recommend the following:
English 4 credits
Math 3 credits
U.S. History 1/2 credit
U.S. Government 1/2 credit
Laboratory Science 1 - 3 credits (3 credits for engineering, biology, chemistry, & physics majors)
Foreign Language 2 credits
College Prep Electives 3 credits (additional credits in math, science, foreign languages, and performing arts)
For a more detailed explaination, visit:
http://www.efn.org/~hisnet/highcred.html
That said, I don’t recommend trying to establish “high school credits” for the work and learning that your teen has accomplished. This can open a whole can of worms regarding who approved the credits etc. which you want to avoid. Your teen can be accepted into a college without diplomas, the GED, high school credits and grades. I highly recommend reading The Homeschooler’s Guide to Portfolios and Transcripts. ISBN 0-02-863738-0 (~AL)