We're heading into our 4th year of homsechooling (how'd that happen?!), and I'm finding that I'm getting more parents asking us about homeschooling as the kids are getting older and more invilved in extracurriculars where they mingle with kids from public school. I've gotten pretty adept and fielding the standard questions regarding socialization, curriculum, etc. What still manages to throw me and lead to uncomfortable silences is when they ask "so do your kids get tested every year, or have to hand in their work for evaluation?". Homeschooling isn't very mainstream or common around here. Our province has pretty much zero regulations. We have to submit an Intent To Homeschool at the beginning of each school year, and that's it. We don't report to anyone or answer to anyone. We have no required testing or evaluations (though we can choose to participate in the provincially funded standardized testing in 3rd, 6th and 9th grades if we want). At the realization that I'm homeschooling with no government accountability, the most common reaction is shock and disbelief, closely followed by disapproval. I have no idea how to respond to that.
We only have to test every 3 years starting at the end of 3rd, but even those scores don't have to be turned in-so basically we have no academic regulation (we do have to turn in monthly attendance reports) Just tell them the stats that homeschoolers score better than PS kids consistently across the board (like 30% better!) Or lie tell them you tested them and they did so great you don't worry about it any more. Tell them you cover a topic until your kids 'get it' instead of moving on cause 'most' of the class 'got it' so they learn more than their PS peers.
Smile, I can relate. Same here in Ontario. And yes it gets down to why do we need to test. We know whether they know the information or not. Further to testing it only proves your child can study and pass a test not how well they have retained and can apply the information they have learned. I am not focusing on testing because I know when they know it and when they are lost. Testing is needed in PS for two reasons to complete statistics on education and to evaluate the masses at once. Plain and simple at home that need isn't there. Besides that the government isn't responsible for my children I am. And ultimately whether they go to PS or not I still and responsible for making sure they get an adequate education. I think disapproval stems more from people thinking that if any Joe Blow can teach their kids what about uneducated people and where would that leave the kids future then? So maybe make the point of saying that you are glad you are educated enough to know you are capable and that its working for your family. Certainly there are people it wouldn't be good for.
No regulations here in IL. I inform people whenever I can about homeschooling. The more you know, the more they seem to respect it as a viable option. I feel like a door-to-door salesmen sometimes. Most people open the conversation nicely. You answer questions until they make a decision. I have never had a door slammed in my face, but I have had the people I spoke to give my name and info to others considering homeschooling. I enjoy sharing with others how wonderful it is. In your circle of people, it seems that they might have some sort of issue with the lack of regulations more than the idea of homeschooling??? If so, I'd focus on the fact that the government is already requiring you to submit a document with them and that is enough oversight. (here in IL, we don't even have to do that)
I'm not required to test, but I do it anyway. Why don't you just turn the tables on them. Tell them they're welcome to test your kids themselves. LOL
I think the fact that here we have to test them every year is kind of ridiculous. Especially since then you have a probationary year if they don't perform at some unwritten level. Like really? And I don't know if that means starting at 6 years old, which is awfully early to be subjecting kids to that IMO. Tell them that you don't need the government to tell you if your kids are performing well, because you spend all year with them.
I tell them that no, my children don't have to take the OGT (Ohio Graduation Test). I tell them that I take full responsibility for my children's education. And if they question that, I tell them that's the law, and pass them some bean dip. I try not to get too involved in a discussion.
We are only required to send in a letter of intent. When people question me as to how I know they are learning I tell them "Well, I can't possibly spend every day with them and not know that they are learning!" When they ask if we do AIMS tests I tell them "No, we aren't required to do the AIMS testing, and I won't be giving them the AIMS because it's not important to me to know if they are meeting AZ standards, I know they are learning and that's enough for me right now." Most people are fine with my answer, and those that aren't well, I don't see me changing their minds so I don't bother to try.
I've had people ask that too. We have no regulations either. But I haven't had the disapproval that way. It is more typical for someone to recommend that I stop by the local school district and find out what to teach I do plan on testing periodically. This will be our first year testing. It keeps me accountable in case I have neglected an area.
Here in MO it's only a letter of intent. No testing or turning things in to the government. I think: If your homeschooling then doesn't that men you're trying to get away from the government in your schooling anyway? Really?
Regarding testing, I just let them know that no testing is required for homeschoolers in CA, not even the CHSEE (exit exam) UNLESS they are with a charter or virtual school. I say that we are not affiliated with either, and usually people don't ask any farther. I have been doing this 10 years, and either its my age or disposition, but people usually don't ask about testing anymore. Only once in a while. The standard comment is "How can you stand your kids all day"! OP: Maybe I wouldn't mention that you have no governement accountibility. I would word it different. To fellow homeschoolers, your freedom is exciting. To the public and their public school mentality, they are shocked and you'll get a negative response. Maybe if testing is brought up, you could say "We are not affiliated with govenment schools so testing, as you are familiar with, is not necessary".
I just had that happen this weekend! This person asked me " so who holds you accountable?" I told him I didn't feel like I needed a babysitter because I took my God-given responsibility seriously. I NEED for my children to succeed so I am better able to determine how my children are doing and I don't wait for the state to decide. He still didn't like my answer, but it's not my job to convince him.
I would have said "the same people that hold PS accountable.....NO ONE!" The US is last (technically next to last) in international test scores-obviously they are accountable to...who...the parents? The students? Who??? :roll:
My state has a yearly assessment requirement, however we can opt to not do a standardized test, and have a teacher evaluate the student's portfolio. OR we can have a licensed psychologist do a yearly evaluation of the child, and not the portfolio itself. We are planning on using he teacher evaluation method. What I would tell people is that you are complying with all of your state's requirements, and that your children are progressing wonderfully. Also, perhaps you could look into evaluation software, like A++? It doesn't count for anything official, but you do a pre-test at the beginning of the year, and a post-test at the end. It shows your child's progress, and how they would compare to national averages in standardized test scores.
I live in the great state of Texas (a little hot around here, but almost no snow shoveling!!). We have to only submit an intent to homeschool if we are removing our child from school. As far as I know, if the child never went to school- then nothing. They "require" that we teach English, spelling, math, and good citizenship (I think that is all). I love the freedom. I love the fact that my son doesn't have to face the TAKS test; he used to get VERY stressed out. I have had some confused or doubtful reactions, but I think it is because (like me) they only know the "school system" and anything outside of that is foreign. I suppose if someone became very harsh I would have to strongly defend myself, but that hasn't happened. I also used to think that testing was necessary and good. Now I see it as largely detrimental in a lot of cases. Are there times when testing may be necessary? Yes, I would like to know that my doctor was tested on his knowledge of the human body. I would also like to be confident that my lawyer (if I ever need one) know the laws. I believe there are many other ways to show an understanding of a concept. There are discussions. There are written reports. There is the student "teaching" back a concept. There is the using of the knowledge in a practical way. I would go about it this way: if the person is interested and questioning, I would gently explain the other ways of expressing knowledge. If they are just harassing, I would end the conversation or at least steer clear of that subject.
We've been asked this alot, especially with graduating a child last year. I tell them, no, our state doesn't require any testing. But I require my child to know the information before going on to the next chapter, next year's level/book, etc... I tell them I have very high standards.
Jackie do you have to have an portfolio evaluated by a teacher every year in lieu of the standardized tests? I'm in Columbus as well and though this year is preschool I am hopefully going to start Kindergarten next year.
Yes. I have a friend who teaches at a Christian school in the Columbus area. She does my evals for free. And to be quite honest, she just glances at stuff, because she knows what my kids are doing all year long. Often when she comes over, I'm sharing with her something my kids are learning. Not bragging, but more of a natural sharing about what her class is doing, and what mine is doing. So she knows without looking what my kids are up to. Technically, my husband can sign off on the kids, since he's certified to teach in Ohio, but we've never done that.
Here in NJ we have no oversight either and that is just how I like it. I had to write a letter to withdraw my older daughter from school but that is because she was already in the ps system. With my younger daughter I didn't have to notify anyone. When someone asks me about testing or portfolios I tell them I comply with all state mandates. Most people have no clue that there are no state mandates in NJ lol...
