iLEARN
by Cassie Johnson
W
Is Homeschool Right for Your Family?
hen COVID-19 hit and schools closed, parents found themselves simultaneously working from home and thrown into the role of teacher. This was a huge adjustment for many kids and parents.
Homeschool is popular in our area and a significant number of families considered it even before the pandemic. Both parents and kids are naturally concerned about school reopening this Fall. For some, going back to a classroom, even part-time, may not be a viable option. For others, the online school option isn’t working. Here’s what you can expect and some tips on how to make the transition if you decide to homeschool. According to the National Home Education Research Institute, about 2.5 million students in the U.S. are homeschooled and that number is rising. My son and I will start our eighth year of homeschool this August. As a veteran homeschool mom myself, I’m happy to offer advice and answer a few common questions. I can tell you I don’t have all the answers or perfect solutions – we all learn as we go! The generation of 80’s and 90’s kids are now parents of school aged children. Homeschool is nothing like it was when we were growing up. The times when homeschoolers lacked social interaction are long gone. Facebook and other social media can help you - I can almost guarantee you know someone who homeschools. Just one post asking, “Who knows about homeschool groups around here?” and the information will fill your comments.
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AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2020
Rules Apply
Be forewarned, there are actual rules in homeschool. We don’t sit on the couch in our pajamas watching KET all day (insert eye roll here). Kentucky is a homeschool-friendly state with few requirements or restrictions. If you choose homeschool, the first step is to notify your county superintendent with a Letter of Intent. Preferably, send this no less than 10 days before school starts. This letter simply states that you have chosen to homeschool your child. You must send a letter each year you choose to homeschool. Each homeschool is considered a private school. For requirements and a sample letter, visit education.ky.gov. Kentucky requires all homeschools to keep an attendance record and have 170 to 175 days with a total of 1,062 hours of instruction time. This averages to about a six-hour school day. You also need to keep records of educational work for the entire year. In other words, keep your paperwork! Print online lessons after completion or save them to a USB drive so you have a solid record of your child’s work. Reading, writing, spelling, grammar, history, math, science, and civics must be included in your curriculum. No state testing is required in Kentucky after each grade level, however you can do that if you choose to. Do your research on sites like hslda.org and movingbeyondthepage.com to find out the specific requirements of your state.
Purchase Area Family Magazine
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