What do you all think of Virtual Schooling?

I didn't know if I should post this on the regular board or here. Someone's gotten their panties in a wad on another board over a couple of us saying we don't think Virtual Schooling is really homeschooling, just how we feel about it. I don't care what anyone else thinks about it, just not something I would do because my whole point to homeschooling was to get AWAY from the ps system here lol.

So do you consider virtual schooling homeschooling?

 

I think

the home schooling community at large is best served by being at the very least, tolerant of each other's choices. If we snub our noses at people who choose virtual schooling then we need to accept unschoolers who snub their noses at anyone here who chooses to use curriculum.
That said, people whose children are enrolled in virtual academies that are government funded are in fact part of the public school system. There is no disputing that. The school likely received full funding for those students. So, officially, they are not called home schoolers. But, having been part of an online school offered by our public system a year ago, I can say with all confidence that my children were still homeschooled. What they did on line was not the meat of their day. What that school offered us was something we felt we needed at that time. Nobody would have told me that my kids weren't homeschooled that year. I was with them, I guided them, I helped them etc.
I don't see any need to distinguish between the types of choices people make. I think it's divisive at best and a bit snooty at worst. That's just me though. I am so thankful for the abundance of choice in education and I'm also happy when each family finds the right fit for them.
Michelle

 

Maybe I came across the wrong way- or I'm reading you wrong lol. But I'm not snubbing anyone- I know a LOT of people here who are totally anti virtual schooling because they feel it gives too much control to the school system. And maybe it's how it's run here.

If you do virtual schooling here you are at the mercy of the district. You use their curriculum, have to take the sol's, basically you use the same curriculum they'd use in the classroom- at least that's how it was told to me by the school when we decided we were going to pull dd.

I probably came across any virtual schooling lol. I'm not against it, just not something I would do for us. I could care less how anybody educates their children. In our group we have all types- unschoolers, eclectic, relaxed, virtual, all types.

I was just curious what others thoughts were. Apparently I'm being thought of as judgemental for voicing my opinion on the matter when someone had asked about virtual schooling in the first place and wanted others thoughts on it lol.

I guess the way I look at it is if the school district is so involved, then what would be the point- for HERE, I don't know how other places work. I know HERE you are in contact with a teacher every week, you turn the work into THAT teacher, you take the SOL's when everyone else does.
We all homeschool for different reasons and that was the point I was trying to make elsewhere. I basically put it that I was homeschooling BECAUSE of the schools here and that I didn't think virtual schooling was homeschooling because of what I've already written.

Oh I should probably just stick my foot in my mouth now lol.

 

I don't know how to address this one without hurting anyones feeling.. I was talking to the another lady the other day and she was so excited her children were taking all there classes in co op and she wanted to know if I was going to do that... I said if I did that I would send them to school thats not homeschooling.. but I guess that is just my point.. I can see one or two classes but 6 thats alot.

 

I am one who is totally against virtual school, but at the same time, I feel it should be a viable option. We have people on this board who do it, and they are an important part of our "community" here. I cannot tell them what they do is "wrong" for their family, no more than I can tell a person who sends their children to a private or public school that they are "wrong". I believe in the right of hte parent to make that choice.

Having said that, I do wish there was more of a distinction between children that attend Virtual School and those that do what I do. While I don't want an "us and them" mentality, I believe that virtual school DO muddy the waters for those who don't understand homeschooling. I've run into people that feel that ALL homeschoolers get their supplies, etc. given to them by the public schools. They see homeschooling as WHERE the instruction takes place. They don't understand the difference between those that have made the life-style choices to direct their child's learning personally, and those that chose to take an active part in their child's education, but is willing to let the government oversee it.

 

There's a thing going on in PA about the virtual schools and their accountability. I wish I had read the articles more closely, but the gist of it was they weren't keeping good enough track of the students they were serving.

 

I think I'm just so far caring what others think of our homeschooling adventure, that I'm solidly in a to each their own mentality. If someone thinks I get something supplied to me for being a homeschooler....who cares?! Not me.
I have no concerns if someone understands the educational choices we've made any more than I care if someone understands anything else about us.
I don't see how anyone could not feel snubbed, when in sharing space with homeschoolers, some of those same people tell them they aren't really homeschoolers because they use a virtual school. While I fully understand they are in the public system and doing school at home, I don't see what good it does to contribute to a divisive atmosphere.
Home schooling can be schooling at home, it can radical unschooling and then everything that falls in between.
Some children may very much enjoy structured education without being in a bricks and mortar building. I know a couple who do virtual school, are done everything in a couple hours each day and then spend loads of time in self guided learning, classes with other homeschoolers and enjoying free time.
Maybe I just mellow as the years go on but I still homeschooling to included an incredibly broad range of family choices.
I wasn't suggesting that anyone is being judgemental at all. I just have a broader definition of homeschooling which definitely includes school at home. It's all about choice and doing what works, from my view.
Michelle

 

My only problem is PS virtual schools is this:

Last year, when our public school district launched it's first online classes, they did so with a well stated purpose. They said that for now, these classes would serve regular school kids, but that eventually, they intend to "require" homeschoolers to use the system. The superintendent naively (or boldly) thinks that the homeschooling community needs to be directly under the umbrella of those who know 'best' how to educate. He is deeply concerned by our ability to run rampant with how/what we teach.

Now, I'm not sure how he plans on getting around our state or federal laws, but with an attitude like that, I guess he thinks that he'll manage.

So my problem with the virtual school being established here isn't even with the school, per say, but the intent thereof.

 

in that case

this would not sound like a wise choice to make then? I would avoid a situation such as that. However, as someone who spent a yearly very ill, I was extremely thankful for the support I received from School District 91. They were very understanding and accomodating. I said no where I felt they had overstepped and established quickly that I had no intention of following their guidelines to a T, and was fine if my children's report cards reflected that. I was polite but firm and had no issues. I've known people to deal with the same district and have nothing but problems. Sometimes, and this is only from my own experience, I think we private citizens need to remind teachers who they work for. Tax payers fund schools and therefore, the teachers work for us. Of course I understand that all school districts are not the same but I think we are able to set the tone in more situations than we realize.
My favourite and most useful words when dealing with officials are "is that a requirement, a preference or a request?"
I respect anyone's decision to not ever deal with officials. I've never had a problem doing so. Never felt compromised.
Michelle

 

Interesting topic indeed!

My DD did K through a virtual charter school last year. The school, in their literature, made it clear that students were not 'homeschooling.' But to be honest with ya, it was ALL symantics for me! I mean, my daughter was home and I was teaching her. Maybe not a politically correct term, but I definitely felt as though she was being 'homeschooled.'

It wasn't until I started exploring HSing 'independently' that I even realized there was a chasm between homeschooling and virtual schools. For me, it was all about pros and cons:

Pros/ Cons:(for us!)
1. For the first year of me teaching her and her starting K, it seemed like a great idea that 'they' would provide the curriculum. Okay, I thought I would be disciplined enough to teach my DD the Bible on our own, but I wasn't! After 'school' was done, I was done. Also, they provided us with Calvert K, which I was not impressed with and it actually seemed overwhelming for me. They also provided Time4Learning (ChildU is the commercial version) and that was great, but I used it on and off. About the middle of the year, I went and bought Hooked On Phonics (which we LOVE), and started hitting different websites to print out free worksheets with stuff I felt she should be learning. Her teacher NEVER had a problem with this.

2. Her teacher would visit her weekly and make sure we were on track. I had never taught before on any level (well, Sunday school) and had NO idea what my K should know. The charter school helped with that. Last year taught me discipline, as I had to record EVERY hour we spent doing school, and had a minimum we had to meet. It really gave the confidence that 'I could do this.' Quite frankly, I got tired of the teacher visits. He was a SUPER guy, absolutely no reflection on him. But just getting the house ready every week, the kids cleaned and dressed, and the fact that I work from home and had 2 jobs (at home) during last year made this difficult for me. Also, the time recording was the same as for public school, and of course, with one-on-one attention this was a riduculous requirement.:roll:

By the end of the year (9 months of schooling) I was burned out. Burned out of searching all over the internet for material every week (again, stuff I wanted to teach). I was concerned that I would not do well at all with 1st grade with MORE hours to record every week, so I started thinking about going independent. My chief motivations were so we could do year-round schooling at our leisure and using a Christian-based curriculum. I unregistered Tori from the charter school in July when I got my LifePacs in the mail, lol. The funny thing is, I have a friend who has homeschooled 2 of her 3 boys to graduation, and THIS YEAR she registered her last son for the virtual charter school. She is just tired, but she will not send him to a 'public school'...

So, would I use a charter school now or in the future, after tasting freedom? Probably not.

Would I recommend the virtual charter school to someone else? Yeah, I would, if it could meet their needs (like it did mine last year) AND if it got their kids OUT of brick-and-mortar public school! I'm sure across the board homeschooler/virtual schoolinng parents have the same mind set about actual public schools. We want our kids safe; we want to be a part of their education and have OUR values implanted in them.

Anyway, just thought I would share opinion based on my experience. Oh, also, something that was helpful for this me this year is that they changed the laws in our state in July making HS very easy here in Nevada. I file a letter of intent and then nothing else...ever...unless I move. Before July, I had to keep track of attendence days and have a 'mentor' to be able to homeschool. The more I read about the gov't and public education certainly makes me not ever want be 'in bed' with them again, but my experience with the virtual school was generally a good one. But I'm sure we will be flying solo from now on...

Dang...this was long!

 

I'm sorry I think I'm a bit lost?! Is saying that a virtual academy isn't homeschooling the same as snubbing someone? That makes no sense to me. IMO, virtual acadmy and/or online school whatever you want to call it. . .ISN"T homeschooling. But I'm not snubbing anyone. . .or do I have to snub to make that statement?!


I have always said, that it is the parent's primary job to educate their children. No one else is responsible for making sure that their children have what they need to be successful in life. BUT the parent may ensure their child's education by homeschooling, or sending to school, or whatever else they see fit. It's the parent's choice but just bc you send your kids to school (or virtual academy) doesn't mean that negates your responsibility as a parent. It just means that you have chosen to enlist help.

On a practical level, there are a handful of hsers here who do virtual academy type stuff bc it makes meeting the regs easier. I totally get that. If someone really doesn't get why anyone would do that, I would suggest you come live here and do what we have to do to hs--UGH!!!!

 

sneaky where are you? Funny how now I will be looking at dh's transfer choices next month to see where it would be easiet to homeschool LOL!

 

Spinning, thank you so much for sharing!!! :love: I believe that parents would easily burn out with a virtual school, unless they are not supplementing at all, but that would not be in agreement with the most basic philosophy of homeschooling: Truly educating the child. Teaching to the text is not the best way to educate children, particularly the younger children.

This is one of my main concerns with the idea. I don't like to be dependent on the government because once one is dependent, one has given the government control, which means a loss of rights--history is just full of examples, and right within your own home--No, thanks! Just feeling like you must clean up when the teacher comes, so that you don't give off any indication that Children Services should investigate further.... That would be a big "NO, DON'T DO THIS" to my husband and me.

I think virtual schools are good option for a parent just pulling the children out of public school and starting to homeschool for the first year perhaps, but it is a rather confining approach to education, as Spinning suggested. Once a parent has some confidence, I would think the parent would rather choose to homeschool.

I received notice a couple of weeks ago that Georgia now has a state-wide virtual school. I am not interested at all. I can see where getting credits in high school might appeal to some families, but... I guess, I am the road less traveled type. It may be a more difficult path to walk, but certainly more interesting and more rewarding.

As to whether a virtual school is homeschooling...? The lines are getting muddied, but homeschooling, to me, is not just about location and it is not just helping with assigned homework. There is more to it than that. A public school at home program where a child has a teacher supervising is not homeschooling, to me, however that is not to say that the parent is not homeschooling, as in Spinning's case, along with the program.

 

New York. I had written blogs on all the laws of every state and we definitely have the most paperwork from what I can see. There was only one other place where I thought it looked harder to hs and I think that was Hawaii? But gosh, I would totally go to Hawaii--hard on homeschooling or not!:lol:

 

I think, from what I know so far, Texas or Missouri would be your best bets.

 

Just for a totally different perspective.....
We have no virtual schools here at all. So it simply is not an option. There was a time when I would have really appreciated having that as an option, and we probably would have moved into hs sooner if it was available. But it's not.
So I think it's great that you have options. That everyone can find sonething that's right for them. However you classify it, choice is always a good thing.

 

Idaho has great laws, too! My cousin came from there recently. She was joking about us moving that way. I told her in jest "NO WAY! Not unless you can tell me what the homeschooling laws are there!" Actually, she's a realtor, and she said she really SHOULD be up on them, so we looked them up on HSLDA. I seemed to remember there's NO reporting at all, just about!

Another thing about virtual schools is that we are again putting the kids into "one size fits all" curriculum. My son is doing 2nd grade math, 3rd grade reading, science with his 11yo sister, and history with both the 11yo and the 13yo. With Virtual School, he would be a 2nd grader, PERIOD. It would be more work for me, because I would be forced to teach three separate science and history, plus reading and language which I incorporate INTO history and science.

As Becky mentioned, Virtual Schools have a perception of accountability issues. Because they ARE public, they are accountable to the public. But there seems to be two kinds of people that use them. There's the people like those on here, who are very much involved in their children's education and use the system as it was intended. But there's quite a group of others who do not. You've got high school kids that are unmotivated, with parents that work all day and are not involved in their kids' lives. (I am NOT saying that all working moms are not involved!!! Plenty are!!!) These kids are absent from regular schools most of the time. Their parents pull them out of regular school, go to work, and expected them to work independently on the computer. These kids aren't self-motivated to begin with, and blow it off.

As far as the "separation" between "homeschool" and "virtual school", to me it's similar to the distinction between public school and private school. There are differences AND similarities, but they are NOT the same thing. And it's up to the INDIVIDUAL FAMILY to decide the "rightness" or "wrongness" of each. I want to make sure the peole understand the differences, so that in the future my choice won't be taken from me.

 

No there's more than that. . .NJ, CT, ID, AK, OK, IL, IN, MI all have no paperwork requirements in addition to TX or MI.


You should avoid: ND, VT, RI, NY, PA & MA They are all very highly regulated.


The following only require parental notification but you don't have to send in anything else. . .(Note that in some states parental notification comes in terms of affidavits or other assundry legal documents.)


CA, NV, AZ, UT, NM, MT, WY, NE, KS, WI, MS, AL, KY, DE & DC

HTH

 

I guess it may depend on which end you are on? If one is sitting in a group of homeschoolers and have been told that some in the group don't consider them a homeschooler at all....I'd consider that a snub. I don't think it serves any purpose to promote dividing lines in any homeschooling community.

The original post said this "Someone's gotten their panties in a wad on another board over a couple of us saying we don't think Virtual Schooling is really homeschooling,". I think some people would see that as a snub. Although I would choose not to respond emotionally to a different opinion, I know many who would. Many homeschooling parents have not yet deschooled themselves. It can take them years to feel as though they don't need a fancy, expensive curriculum, the state or large support groups. It's not always crystal clear for all that we are capable (and even our children themselves ) of guiding our children ourselves. If someone feels they need help for part of their day or if a child prefers official involvement, why does that not still fall under the homeschooling umbrella? Think about it, they don't have a community at the school because it's a virtual one, and then in a homelearning community they are considered not so. Where do they fit? I think everyone likes to feel that they fit somewhere. My own homeschooling community has room for everyone.
Obviously we are different paths of thought on the topic but that's okay, isn't it?
Michelle

 

Absolutely, my daughter is only six and she is doing at least three different grade levels. This is also why I don't do curricula made for schools or any other boxed curriculum. Such programs are just not flexible enough.

Amen. :angel:

It is not meant to be an insult. It is a classification. Although some people find classifications insulting, they are necessary, particularly in law... and homeschooling is most definitely subject to law. I feel that the legal classifications need to be well defined, so that homeschooling does not come under the same legal requirements as doing public school at home.