Home Schooling

Home Schooling

Updated July 13, 2011

Home schooling, once dismissed as a fringe activity practiced by head-in-the-sand reactionaries and off-the-grid hippies, is now widely considered an integral part of the mainstream education system. Growing more common every year, the practice has gained attention due to home-schooled students sweeping up scholastic and athletic honors at national competitions and high-profile politicians opting to teach their own children at home (Lyman, 2007).

Consider these statistics: In 2009, approximately 1.5 million students were home schooled, up from the 850,000 students the federal government estimated were home schooled in 1999 (Ray, 2009). Some researchers even say that number is conservative and could be as high as 2 million students. From 2007 to 2010, the number of children home schooled increased by an estimated 7 percent; the number of children enrolled in schools increased by less than 1 percent over the same period. (Ray, 2011).

Back in 1980, home schooling was illegal in 30 states. It was not until 1993 that all 50 states made the practice lawful. But in recent years, the practice of home schooling has taken off. While reliable numbers are hard to come by since states define and track home-school enrollment differently, some experts argue that home schooling is the fastest-growing form of education in the country (Ray, 2011).

The most vocal and organized home schoolers have tended to be religiously motivated, most often conservative Christians. But a newer breed of home schooler is emerging that not motivated by religious belief or countercultural philosophy. Uppermost for these parents are concerns about violence, peer pressure, and poor academic quality in their schools.

So who chooses to home school their children and why? Data from the U.S. Department of Education suggest that although families who home school represent a wide spectrum of racial, ethnic, religious, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds, most are white, religious, and conservative. The majority are also well-educated, middle-class, and have two or more children. According to a 2007 survey of parents who home school their children, 36 percent said providing religious or moral instruction was the most important reason for doing it, while 21 percent said they were most concerned about their child’s learning environment. Dissatisfaction with the local academic institutions ranked as the third-most important reason for home schooling their children, with 17 percent giving that response. (Bielick, 2008).

Although some research has indicated that home-schooled students perform better on standardized tests than children in traditional schools, the claim that home schooling offers children a superior education is much disputed. One study of more than 11,000 home-school students found that students typically score 34 to 39 percentile points higher than the average student on standardized tests (Ray, 2009). Another study found that 25 percent of home-schooled students were enrolled one or more grades above their age-level public and private school peers (Rudner, 1999). These findings mirrored the study showing that home-educated students scored, on average, at or above the 84th percentile in all areas on standardized achievement tests (Ray, 2009).

But some educational researchers have argued that such studies draw from a select population of students. For example, the students in Rudner’s study were predominantly white and Christian and, critics argue, did not accurately represent the overall population of home-schooled students (Welner, 1999). Scholars also point out that these studies have only proven that home-schooled students perform well on standardized tests. But the studies have no way of indicating whether the same students would have scored equally as well on those tests had they been attending conventional schools.

Opponents of the movement worry that there is no way to assure that all home-schooled students receive a quality education. In the eyes of some public school teachers and administrators, this lack of quality control makes home schooling a dangerously deregulated enterprise. For example, according to the Education Commission of the States, most states do not require parents to obtain any sort of teaching certificate in order to home school their children. Only half the states monitor home-schooled students’ educational progress by requiring any sort of evaluation, such as a test, portfolio, or teacher evaluation. But there are several exceptions: New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, North Dakota, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania require home-schooled students to take tests and require parents to submit their curriculum for approval as well as undergo professional evaluations (Education Commission of the States, 2009).

Generally, however, most states have no systematic approach to regulating the practice of home schooling. As a result, organizations such as the National Education Association, the country’s largest teachers’ union, have come out against home schooling (NEA Resolutions, 2007).

The general public has some concerns about a lack of regulations, as well. In a 1997 Gallup poll, 88 percent of respondents agreed that home schools should “be required to guarantee a minimum level of educational quality.” In a 1999 poll, 92 percent of respondents said home-schooled students should take the same state and national assessments required in public schools. And although the number of people opposed to home schooling has dropped over the years, the majority, 57 percent, still regarded it as a “bad thing,” in 1997 (Phi Delta Kappan and Gallup, 1997 and 1999).

Students who have been home schooled tend to disagree. Recent research suggests that many home schoolers are happy with their parents’ decision to educate them outside the traditional school system. In 2003, the Home School Legal Defense Association commissioned a survey of over 7,000 adults who were home schooled and found that 95 percent were glad they had been home schooled. Ninety-two percent believed their home schooling had been advantageous to them as adults and over 82 percent said they would home-school their own children (Ray, 2003).

While debates over the benefits and risks of removing children from traditional learning environments continue, the home school movement has carved out its place in America’s education system. Every state has now established at least one home-schooling association and several states have begun to develop regional associations. Public programs that offer support to home-schooled families are also popping up around the country. Alaska sponsors a program whereby teachers can communicate with home-schooled students all over the state via email, telephone, and home visits. California has developed an independent-study program for home-school students. Iowa and Washington now require schools to admit home-school students part time (Hardy, 2001).

Nationwide, it has been estimated that 20 percent of home-school students enroll in public schools at least part time (Bielick, 2008). In addition to state initiatives, parents of home schoolers are banding together to organize group activities, such as sports events and field trips, for their children.

 

 

Bielick, S., “1.5 Million Homeschooled Students in the United States in 2007,” U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2008.

Education Commission of the States, “Issue Pages: Home Schooling,” updated 2009.

Hardy, L., “Learning Without School,” American School Board Journal (188:8), August 2001.

Lyman, I., “Homeschooling Comes of Age,” Mises Daily, September 2007.

National Education Association, Resolutions, 2007-08.

Phi Delta Kappa and Gallup, “The Annual Phi Delta Kappa/Gallup Poll of the Public’s Attitudes Toward the Public Schools,” 1997 and 1999.

Ray, B., “2.04 Million Homeschool Students in the U.S. in 2010,” National Home Education Research Institute, 2011.

Ray, B., “Homeschool Progress Report 2009: Academic Achievement and Demographics,” National Home Education Research Institute, 2009.

Ray, B., “Home Educated and Now Adults: Their Community and Civic Involvement, Views About Homeschooling, and Other Traits,” National Home Education Research Institute, Home School Legal Defense Association, 2003.

Rudner, L., “Scholastic Achievement and Demographic Characteristics of Home School Students in 1998,” Education Policy Analysis Archives, (7:8) 1999.

Welner, K., “Contextualizing Homeschooling Data: A Response to Rudner,” Education Policy Analysis

Train Up A Child

Now there is an easier said than done project and yet one that will make a difference today and tomorrow!

I’m sure none of us profess to have all the answers in this area and sometimes are happy to learn from the observations of another. Here is an interesting article by Lara Velez that I find helpful.

Let me share it with you.

Do You Make These 8 Mistakes With Your Teenager?

By Lara Velez

We have all heard horrible stories about out of control teenagers-or even other Moms complaining about the “teenage years”. I have also heard the “we choose our battles” phrase far too much. Honestly, the only way to raise a teenager is HANDS ON. Parents must be involved in what is going on in their children’s lives. We can never assume that they will always make the right choice or that they have outgrown the need for parental input.

My oldest daughter is 18 and a fabulous young woman. I am honored to be her Mother. From my experience raising a teenager, I have seen a few mistakes that many well intentioned parents make-without even realizing it!

8 Mistakes Many Parents Make with their Teenagers

1. Lack of Communication. It is vital that parents communicate with their children. Teenagers are no exception-if anything, it is even MORE important to keep the lines of communication open. We should be asking them how their day was, what’s wrong, how are you doing, how can I pray for you, do you need to talk, etc. Open ended questions are very important.

Another side of communication is training conversations. These take place at various points in life. For instance, after a questionable movie, ask important, open-ended questions about the moral compass, and main character choices of the movie and so on. Another opportunity for training conversations is when they make poor choices, choose bad friends, etc. Any and every opportunity given should be utilized.

Yes, they may roll their eyes, but not only will they thank you later in life, they will secretly love you for it!

On the flip side; do not be afraid to admit when you screw up, and have to tell your kids that you made a mistake and are sorry for it. We are not perfect, and when we use this kind of honest and repentive communication, it goes a long way with them! It also teaches them to know how to admit when they are wrong!

Communication SCREAMS “I love you”!

2. “Just a Phase” Mentality. I am a strong adversary to this thought process. Attitude is never a “phase”. It is disrespectful and should be disciplined accordingly. Poor music choices and revealing clothing are not “phases”, they are children screaming to be parented! We are to TRAIN our children in the way they should go…Lazy, apathetic parenting is why we have the public school violence and lack of juvenile respect towards adults in this society.

3. Too Trusting v/s Too Nosy. There is a delicate balance with teenagers. We do need to be completely involved in their lives. However, we do not need to invade every aspect of their privacy-UNLESS there is suspicion of dangerous choices, lying, etc. Otherwise, we need to build a trusting relationship with open and honest communication to prevent huge problems. Teenagers WILL make mistakes. However, if we are in constant communication with them, they will be less likely to be willing to harm that relationship.

My daughter tells me she can hear my voice when she is tempted to do wrong. That must mean I am doing something right! LOL!

4. Poor Listener. Teenagers are people too. They need to feel like we care about what they have to say and how they feel about things. Make eye contact when talking and respond as appropriate. Trying to have a deep conversation while driving with them is not really listening. Take him/her to lunch or find a way to sit and really listen-often! Their feelings DO matter and should always be taken into consideration.

5. Lack of Validation, Affirmation and Praise. We live in a crazy world that beats you down via music, media, peers and self doubts. We need to be their biggest cheerleader and loudest advocate. We need to tell them daily that they rock, they are pretty/handsome, smart, funny, amazing, one of a kind, important to us, loved, a super star, fabulous, good job, well done, you can do it, I believe in you, and any and all positive things we can think of-all the time-every day! Seriously.

Another side of this is making sure we validate their feelings and convictions. They are young adults and God has many things to say to them and use them to do!

Validate, Affirm, Praise…REPEAT!

6. Allowing Them to Teach Themselves How to Live. A popular phrase I hear among parents is; “we have to choose our battles…” Huh? Everything about raising a teenager in today’s world IS a battle! We need to be diligent, hands on, with passion and interest in every aspect of their lives, choices and relationships. Being a parent is far more than providing food, shelter and clothing for our children. It is training them to live moral, disciplined lives as adults so that they can be productive, and hopefully spread the love of Christ through the testimony of their lives.

Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. – Proverbs 22:6

They cannot “teach themselves”. That is not even a Biblical mentality. WE are responsible for training them and we will give an account one day before God as to how we trained up His precious gifts. Let’s make sure that we are being the kind Mother (parent) that God desires for us to be-not society!

Something to think about: For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body. – 2 Corinthians 5:10

7. Lack of Relationship. Life can get too busy and schedules downright out of hand. Quality time with our kids is one of the most important investments we can ever make. A relationship does not “just happen”, it must be cultivated, nurtured and prioritized. We cannot avoid our teenagers simply because we cannot relate or understand them. We must make every effort to spend as much quality time as possible with them-doing things together, playing, talking, activities, etc. However, sitting and watching a movie should not be the only form of quality time. Honestly, it really does not equate to “quality time”. Something that involves communication is a better choice when building and maintaining relationship.

8. Not Praying Enough! Never underestimate the power of prayer! It is more powerful than many people think! Pray for every aspect of your children’s lives; choices, relationships, spiritual growth, future, purity, their future husband/wife, and so on. If you can think it, you should pray it!

The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working]. – James 5:16b (AMP)

In closing, if you see that you are making even one of these mistakes in raising your teenager, stop! It is never too late to make a change for the better. The most important thing you can do is raise your children to fear the Lord, love others, forgive and live disciplined lives. This can only be done by DOing. It will not happen on its own.

Think of it this way, at the end of your days; you will not think on the house you built, the things you acquired, the career you succeeded at, the money you saved or the places you traveled. You will, however, think about the life you poured-or did not pour into your children’s lives. You will think about the loved ones at your side-or not at your side. Build a healthy foundation now, and I believe with all my heart you WILL not only WANT to but WILL hear…

Her children rise up and call her blessed (happy, fortunate, and to be envied); and her husband boasts of and praises her, saying, Many daughters have done virtuously, nobly, and well [with the strength of character that is steadfast in goodness], but you excel them all. Charm and grace are deceptive, and beauty is vain [because it is not lasting], but a woman who reverently and worshipfully fears the Lord, she shall be praised! Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates of the city! – Proverbs 31:28-31 (AMP)

Copyright © Lara Velez, All Rights Reserved

About the Author: Lara is a professional blogger, wife (http://bawtptl.com) and homeschooling Mother of two. She is a published writer, web designer, business owner, brand ambassador, reviewer and Mom of Faith (http://momsoffaith.com/). She enjoys cooking, writing, scrapbooking, and web design.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6856662

Teaching the Christian Worldview

How does a school give a Christian worldview to every student?

Fundamental to this endeavor is good teaching that presents a clear, Christian perspective. To provide a broad, scriptural foundation in the mind of the student from their earliest years, proper use of Christian curricula and application of biblical truth to curricula in all subjects is required. Development of the Christian worldview is vital both to the spiritual well-being of the student, and to his or her development as a person.

One of the primary differences between Christian and public education is the choice of curricula. The so called ‘separation of church and state’ has necessitated that public schools move away from curricula that acknowledges the truth of the Christian faith or its impact on American life. Even the morals associated with America’s religious heritage are regularly denied in our public textbooks, being replaced instead with moral relativism, religious pluralism, globalism, and the deification of tolerance. (The tolerance of everything except traditional Christianity, that is.)

In contrast to the secular curricula used in public education, Christian schools teach ideas that rest on God’s Word as the ultimate source of truth. Teaching and textbooks integrate understanding of the scriptures into every subject.

Science includes discussion on the theories of origin but acknowledges God as the Creator and helps students look for His order in the natural world.

History, good and bad, is taught from the perspective of human sinfulness and Divine sovereignty and grace.

Reading/English classes include biographies of renowned Christians, teaching morals along with better reading skills.

Physical Education emphasizes Christ-likeness and character development.

Even classes like Math, which may not always have an immediate scriptural application, are opportunities for students to practice diligence and self-discipline and see that behind everything, God created a universe with order and purpose.

Every class is an opportunity to teach the student about Christ and their purpose in the world.

The clearest contrast between Christian and public education is the Christian inclusion of Bible classes in the curriculum. Not only is the Bible fascinating history, peerless literature, and the single most influential book in the development of Western Society, to the Christian, it is the manifesto for daily living.

Christian schools generally reflect, in some way, the mission that we have at Parkway Christian Academy, Roanoke – where I teach. Our mission is to prepare our students for college, career, and Christ. Preparing them for Christ involves both offering them a personal salvation through the gospel of Jesus Christ and helping them to grow into mature Christian adults. Central to this maturing process is a thorough understanding and application of the scriptures to one’s life. Therefore we require all students to study the Bible every year they are at PCA.

Good Bible education seeks to match Bible lessons to the cognitive development of the child. During their earliest years (K-4th grade), when the students are only capable of understanding concrete concepts, study focuses on Bible stories and characters. Students learn about the principle heroes of the Bible and how they served God. Adam and Eve, Noah and the Ark, David and Goliath, and Daniel in the Lion’s Den would be some of the Old Testament lessons. From the New Testament students learn about Peter and the Storm, Saul on the Road to Damascus, Paul and Silas in Prison, and of course, the life of Jesus Christ.

“Like newborn babes, long for the pure milk of the Word, that by it you may grow in respect to salvation, if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord.” (1 Peter 2:2-3)

Early focus on the Biblical narratives serves two purposes; it forms the foundation for more advanced study of the scriptures, and it begins to shape the child’s values. The heroes of the Bible exemplify faithfulness, courage, honesty, and self-sacrifice. As children learn to embrace these heroes as their own, they naturally desire to emulate them. While our culture offers heroes who are talented athletes, gifted musicians, and buffoonish cartoon characters, Christian schools also offer students Biblical heroes. The ultimate goal is that the child would learn early to love and imitate Christ.

As students get older (5th-10th grade), Bible classes, like all subject matter, broaden in scope to match the developing cognitive abilities of the students. The scriptures are typically taught in a more systematic way, covering the Old Testament, the Gospels, and the remaining New Testament books. As the students’ overall knowledge of the Bible grows, core Christian doctrines like sin, salvation, grace, heaven, and hell are explored. The goal of this stage of biblical instruction is to inform the student about what the Bible teaches and how to apply it to their life.

“Prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.” (James 1:22)

Alongside a systematic teaching of the Bible, the student needs to be given opportunity to become a doer of the word through serving others at school, home, church, their community and perhaps even other places in the world. Through discovering and using their gifts and talents in Christian service, students learn what they must do to become heroes of the faith themselves.

The final two years of High School are typically used to synthesize everything the student has learned about the Bible and Christianity into a cohesive Christian Worldview. Up to this point the student has learned how a Christian lives and what a Christian believes. This synthesis should inspire the student to embrace their Christian faith as blossoming adults by learning why Christians believe what we believe. As they enter the intense questioning stage of middle adolescence, students should be encouraged to critically examine and question the faith which has been presented to them by their family, church, and Christian school.

This questioning is best pursued by contrasting various world religions and worldviews with Christianity. ‘Understanding the Times’, a resource published by Summit Ministries, is a very useful curriculum tool. This text compares Christianity to Islam, Secular Humanism, Marxism, and Postmodernism, and other worldviews. These belief systems are compared over a wide range of topics, such as theology, ethics, politics, and economics. Students are presented with the beliefs of the various worldviews and encouraged to ask hard questions. Extensive evidence is then provided that the Biblical/Christian approach to each of these topics is the most truthful and practical.

“Everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food is for the mature, who through practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil.” (Hebrews 5:13-14)

The discernment of good from evil, right from wrong, or Christian from non-Christian can oftentimes be difficult. However, for today’s high-school graduates it is vital, particularly if they intend on continuing their education at a secular university. Consider this quote by Richard Rorty, influential postmodern thinker and former Professor of Humanities at University of Virginia and later an esteemed Professor of Philosophy at Princeton:

“The fundamentalist (Christian) parents of our fundamentalist (Christian) students think that the entire ‘American liberal establishment’ is engaged in a conspiracy. These parents have a point. When we American college teachers encounter religious fundamentalists, we do not consider the possibility of reformulating our own practices so as to give more weight to the authority of the Christian scriptures. Instead, we do our best to convince these students of the benefits of (humanistic) secularization. Rather, I think the students are lucky to find themselves under the benevolent teaching of people like me, and to have escaped the grip of their frightening, vicious, dangerous parents.”[i]

Many of our graduating students will go off to college for further career training under the tutelage of professors who consider you (parents and Christian teachers) to be frightening, vicious, and dangerous! It is no wonder that so many Christian young people stray from their faith during their college years, only to return with heartaches and the scars of sin.

It is absolutely vital that our children develop a Christian worldview and understand why they believe what they believe. This will help them stand in the face of attacks they will most certainly face in college and in life. It will arm them with the knowledge they need to live their faith in a way that honors God and impacts their community and the world. [1] Robert B. Brandon, Rorty and His Critics (Malden, MA: Blackwell Publishers, 2001), p 21-22.

 By David Duncombe

 http://www.renewanation.org/newsletters/teaching-the-christian-worldview/

New Online Store

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We have t-shirts, hoodies, mugs and more!

http://www.cafepress.com/heritagehomeschool

Reaching Your Child For Christ

Reaching Your Child For Christ

This awesome responsibility called parenting comes with instructions! The word of God is faithful to instruct us. We find these words in Proverbs 22:6;

                Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old,  he will not depart from it. KJV

It is rendered this way in the Young’s Literal Translation;

            Give instruction to a youth about his way, Even when he is old he turneth not from it.

This is a promise to our hearts and a promise for our children.

The following article by Jeff Keaton, founder of renewanation speaks to us on this issue of training up a child.

I submit it for your perusal.

William Cook

Heritage Home School Academy

 

Who is Evangelizing Your Child?

You might be surprised to hear that every school in America today is teaching religion.I know, we’ve been told that the separation of church and state does not allow for the teaching of religion in government schools but religion is being taught in an aggressive fashion, every single day. You ask, “What religion is being taught in America’s public schools?” It is the religion of Secular Humanism. Merriam – Webster’s Dictionary defines Secular Humanism as “a humanistic philosophy viewed as a non-theistic religion antagonistic to traditional religion.” You ask, “What is the core belief of this religion?” The core belief is simply that man is the center of all things and that God does not exist!

I have never met a serious Christian who would consider sending their child to a Muslim school or a Hindu school or even a Mormon school. Why? It’s very simple. Christians don’t want their children to grow up to be Muslims, Hindus or Mormons. We want our kids to grow up to become Christians.

However, millions of Christians send their kids off to be trained every day in the religion of godless secularism and seem to think nothing of it. Humanist Charles F. Potter understood better than most Christians. He said, “Education is thus a most powerful ally of humanism, and every American school is a school of humanism. What can a theistic Sunday School’s meeting for an hour once a week and teaching only a fraction of the children do to stem the tide of the five-day program of humanistic teaching?” Great question!

Is it any wonder that the church has lost such a great number of young people? Once their faith in the Word of God has been eroded, it’s almost impossible for them to take the church serious.

Many Christians are waking up and God is beginning to birth a new generation of parents who get it. These moms and dads are refusing to bow down to the cultural pressure to conform to the patterns of this world. They are refusing to surrender their child’s heart and mind to those who would corrupt it in so many ways.

Parents all over America are once again taking control of their children’s education. For many years now, Christians have surrendered their children to the secular system because they simply believed they could not afford a Christian education. However, the cost of secularizing a child is eternal and far greater than the cost of providing a Christian education.

Parents are quitting jobs in order to homeschool their children. Others are selling cars and boats and moving into smaller homes in order to place their children in a Christian school. These parents get it! They understand that the battle for the soul of America is being fought in the arena of worldviews and the primary battlefield is the classroom.

At this point those who are involved in public schools are about to stop reading. Please stay with me. I commend every person who has been called to work in the public schools. I have great friends who work in the government run education system and they are making a difference. I have great friends who have their children in public schools and because of their excellent training at home and church they are overcoming the lack of Judeo-Christian training at school. However, if we are going to turn America around, we must take radical steps to regain control of what our children are being taught. America is rapidly moving way from her Judeo-Christian heritage and if we do not do something soon, our nation will utterly self-destruct. We are decaying from within more every year and soon we will implode.

Obviously, Aristotle wasn’t a Christian but he made an amazing observation when he said, “All who have meditated on the art of governing mankind have been convinced that the fate of empires depends on the education of youth.” The American empire is in decline because we are no longer educating children in the principles that once made her great.

Abraham Lincoln also understood the future impact of education. He said, “The philosophy of the classroom in this generation will be the philosophy of politics, government and life in the next generation.”

All over America and even the world God is birthing the dream of educational transformation in the hearts of His followers. It is time for Christians to regain control of what their children are being taught. It is the only hope for our future. If we stand by and do nothing, we will be a completely secular nation in the very near future.

If your heart is stirred by the great vision to make weekday, Christian education available to every child in America, contact us today to see how you can join the movement. We are looking for people who will offer their wisdom, work and/or wealth to change the life of a child and the future of our nation.

What can we do to stop this great work of evangelism by the secular humanist?

First of all we must wake up and accept the fact that they are doing a better job of evangelizing children to their belief system than the Christian church is.

Second, we must be as smart as they are and realize that as long as we are giving them our children for 13 years, they will continue to indoctrinate our children.

Third, we must take away their opportunity to evangelize our children by removing as many children as possible from their daily influence.

Fourth, we must make Christian, worldview education available to all, not just the well off.

This is the mission of RENEWANATION!

By Jeff Keaton

http://www.renewanation.org/newsletters/who-is-evangelizing-your-child/

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