Are There Different Ways to Homeschool ??

What are they ?
What will work best for my child ?

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Homeschooling types - Page Two

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An umbrella school (AKA charter school, correspondence school, or independent study program) can offer accountability & accreditation for families in states where restrictive education laws make it difficult to homeschool. Some will provide a set (purchased) curriculum, and often you are expected to return some papers, tests, or records to them for grading & credits. Courses are set up by "scope & sequence" or grade levels, and will cover typical public school subjects. There may be a required number and/or type of books to read, specific reports or papers to write and attendance sheets to fill out. Many of these schools offer "perks" such as graduation ceremonies, transcripts, and diplomas, and some even include a membership in the HSLDA (Home School Legal Defense Association).

You may be able to find church or community based groups that have organized a less-strict umbrella school to help families "cover the bases" in restrictive states, as well as some "flexible" umbrellas that allow you to pick and choose your own curriculum (for their approval). In Pennsylvania there are a few statewide "networks" that offer a diploma program, evaluations and yearly testing, with varying requirements for earning their diploma.

Co-ops are similar to umbrellas, but generally cover only one or two subjects each semester or year. They also tend to be much less "formal"; although the larger, more organized groups may have set hours and days when they meet, and expect regular attendance. Smaller co-ops are often just a group of local homeschooling families who get together to share expenses, conduct science labs, enter competitions, go on field trips, and/or take advantage of any special talents or knowledge within the group.

Homeschoolers may decide to hire or use a tutor for specific classes, more often in the higher grades for advanced or technical classes or labs, but occasionally to help a child who has some learning difficulties or delays. Tutors can be as simple (and cheap) as a friend of the family who lends their expertise in a subject that you've decided to explore, or as "fancy" (and expensive) as a nationally known "learning center"

Dual-enrollment is a situation where the child is partly homeschooled, but also attends a public, private, or church school for some classes. Older or advanced children may also be dual-enrolled in college-level courses, most often through their local community college.

*Note* - Some public school districts have created their own "charter schools" for enrolled students (such as home-bound students with long-term illnesses or those who are unable to attend for diciplinary reasons). These are not the same as independently-run correspondence schools, and are not considered homeschooling per se.

See -
An Overview of Charter Schools: - for more information and links.
ALso -
Umbrella & Correspondence Schools

UP SIDE

• Umbrellas will cover the state requirements and they understand how to deal with confusing or rigid state homeschooling laws.
• Umbrellas can give reassurance and validation to a family just beginning their homeschooling program. (and perhaps offer a way to quiet those doubting family members ?)
• You will often be provided with books, curriculum and other materials & these will cover most or all of the basic subjects.
• You can opt to receive "perks" (diplomas, testing & evaluation, etc.) and may have access to educational "consultants" who will help with choices or problems.
• Co-ops offer support & "socialization". (yep--the dreaded "S" word)
• Using a co-op for labs, such as dissection kits or chemistry, is an excellent way to share costs & materials.
• A tutor (whether professional or just a friend) may be a good way to fill in any gaps in the parents' knowledge, and can provide enrichment or a special expertise.
• Dual-enrollment is an excellent way to continue homeschooling, but allow a child to take courses or obtain services that the parents are not able to or do not wish to teach (speech or physical therapy, foreign languages, chemisty & other lab classes, advanced math or physics)

DOWN SIDE

• Umbrellas and even some statewide support groups tend to be VERY expensive, and the "extras" they offer may pile up the cost even further.
• There is some controversy about the actual value of these "accredited" diplomas, many colleges will accept a simple home-brewed transcript and/or parent generated "diploma"
• Advertising and information distributed to school districts and colleges by formal diploma programs may undermine the confidence and legitimacy of families who choose to "go it on their own".
• Some state scholarship programs will not recognize the given diplomas, be sure to check before making your choice. (*currently the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (for grants and loans) will only accept diplomas given through 7 recognized networks)
• The requirements and workload of an umbrella school can be too strict or stressful, and leads to the same problems you may find with a formal "school at home" program.
• There can be a lot of paperwork, mailing and record-keeping involved in using an umbrella or correspondence school.
• Some church or "exclusive" 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.

Who will this work for?

• Umbrellas or Correspondence schools work well for families that desire a specific plan and structure, with a pre-set curriculum and more traditional grades & testing.
• The recognized schools can fulfill a need for outside accreditation and a "recognized" diploma (either to cover state laws or to satisfy doubtful family members)
• Using an umbrella school may take some of the pressure off of families in highly-restrictive states or who must deal with confusing (badly written or open-ended) laws (PA, MA, CA, NY, NH, RI)
• Umbrellas, dual-enrollment or tutoring may be a good option for families who wish to continue home learning in the higher grades, but do not have confidence or personal knowledge to handle more advanced classes.
• An umbrella school can offer "coverage" when a parent lacks required certification (some states require you to have a high school diploma or GED, others may require a college/teaching degree)

Back To Choices

Cyber Charters are the newest option available to homeschoolers. A cyber school is similar to an umbrella or correspondence school, with a few important differences. Classes and instruction are delivered entirely or predominantly through the Internet or other computer linkages to students in their homes or in locations other than a "traditional" classroom. In some charters, you may choose your own curriculum (within certain guidelines) and how many/which specific classes you wish to take. The traditional subjects are included, and you may be able to use outside options for Physical Education and the Arts (YMCA, church or community athletic groups, private art, dance or music classes/tutors). Other cybers may require you to use their own complete and set curriculum for each grade level. Many cybers have "on-line" teachers who are available to quickly assist with questions, or to help the student who is having difficulty. Teachers may also hold occasional "webcast" classes or lectures, but the majority of the time the student will be expected to work at their own pace with "self-guided" materials. With some cyber charters, the student and/or family may be required to visit the cyber school's office or base of operation, either to enroll or to fulfill certain attendance requirements during the school year. With most cyber charters, parental involvement and supervision is encouraged and expected.
If you choose to use a cyber charter, you may be required to first enroll with your local school district, which will then be responsible for payment of the cyber school fees. This raises some controversy over whether a "cyber-schooled" student is still considered "homeschooled", since they are now registered within the public school system. Many school districts do not welcome a new cyber charter, and some states do not allow such charters to operate at all. In some areas the public school administrations and/or school boards are bringing legislative action in an attempt to shut down or invalidate exisiting cyber charters. 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 "compulsory education requirements".

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donna donnell-1998/1999/2000

The Donnell House
www.oocities.org/Heartland/6565/