Unschooling: The Ultimate in Lazy Parenting

The Good Morning America clip sparked yet another discussion on unschooling at Momlogic Unschooling: The Ultimate in Lazy Parenting

Daily Buzz Questions Unschooling

Good Morning America did a segment on unschooling and now the Daily Buzz is abuzz about unschooling.

Creepy

Pa. district took 56,000 images on student laptops - Nation Wire - SunHerald.com

Graduation Ceremonies and Homeschooling - It's Not Oil and Water! By Camille Rodriquez

You can read the article here.

Scitable

This is a great Science Resource and best of all it is totally FREE.

Carnival of Homeschooling

Our Curious Home is hosting this weeks Carnival of Homeschooling.

Homeschoolers Leery of Bill White

With a strong homeschool supporter like Bill White running for governor, why are homeschoolers less then enthusiastic about him?

Recent comments about the dropout rate and Bill White's position on homeschooling have been dramatically distorted for political purposes.

Bill White is on the record as a strong supporter of homeschooling, and as governor he will protect the rights of parents to make educational choices for their children.

Well first he wanted  homeschoolers counted as dropouts.  Then  fearing he would lose the VOTES of homeschoolers and homeschool supporters  he came out saying he is a strong supporter of homeschooling.

In recent months, a number of reports have exposed public schools that falsify records in order present a lower than actual dropout rate. In many cases, students who have dropped out are falsely declared transfers or homeschooled students. When a public school falsely declares a child who has dropped out as a homeschool student, it hurts the credibility of all parents who choose homeschooling.

Let me get this straight. The public schools are the ones falsifying data but Bill White blames homeschoolers and says  it's their credibility that is at stake. Mr. White if you truly supported homeschooling you would place the blame where it belongs on the public schools that are falsifying data and would acknowledge that it is the public schools credibility that is hurt. After all the public schools are the ones who are lying falsifying data.

Bill White believes in accountability and results. If you care about a result, you measure and test it. Many homeschooled children in Texas are held to rigorous standards by their parents and teachers who share this belief.

The public schools are suppose to be accountable to the taxpayers who support them therefore they are measured and tested. Homeschool parents on the other hand (who do not receive tax money to support their homeschool endeavors) are not accountable to the state but it sure sounds as if Bill White wants homeschoolers TESTED, and that he wants homescoolers to be accountable to the state.

I can see why homeschooler in Texas are leery of Bill White. He certainly doesn't sound like a homeschool supporter to me.

Homeschool and Etc.: Bill White for Texas Governor!

Read Mrs. C's delightfully snarky post.
Homeschool and Etc.: Bill White for Texas Governor!

Chanel Volpel column: Homeschoolers don't match stereotypes

Read the article here.

W&L Professor's Memoir Offers Insight into Short-Term Homeschooling

Read W&L Professor's Memoir Offers Insight into Short-Term Homeschooling. I will have a chance to review her book soon.

223rd Carnival of Homeschooling: Open House

The Nerd Family is hosting the 223rd Carnival of Homeschooling: Open House. I can't wait to drop by for a nice long visit.

Alasandra's Place: Books I Read in March

Alasandra's Place: Books I Read in March

52 Totally Awesome Science Experiments You Can Do At Home

Are you looking for Science experiments you can do at home? check this site @ Phlebotomy Technician Schools out.

If you ask stupid & insulting questions don't expect to be treated with kid gloves

A rather immature blogger posted a list of homeschool questions some offensive, some plain stupid and some seemed to be serious questions. Then she got in a huff when homeschoolers didn't answer them the way she wished them to be answered. What is the point of asking questions about a topic if you aren't willing to listen to all the answers?

1. Why do homeschoolers choose homeschooling? Do the kids get a say in this choice?

This question was fine and seemed to be motivated by a legitimate desire to learn more about homeschooling. But why don't we ever ask public school parents why they choose to send their children to public school and if their kids get a say in the choice.

2. How do HSers (homeschoolers) know they will be good at homeschooling?

Again this question is fine, but why don't we ask public school teachers how they know they will be good teachers, or public school parents how they know they will be good parents? 

3. What are the benefits of homeschooling?

Good question but again why don't these bloggers ever question the benefits of public schools or private schools for that matter.

4. Okay. Seriously. If parents are stupid — as in, not all that bright from an academic perspective – should they homeschool? 

OK, this question is insulting. Why not ask if a couple isn't all that bright should they have kids? And if she means that they weren't top of their class straight A students, has she talked to any public school teachers. Most of them were average students who made B's & C's especially those who teach the elementary grades.

5. If parents are stupid, do they know they’re stupid and perhaps shouldn’t homeschool?

Another insulting question.

6. Or are the available curricula (check me OUT) so amazing that they render anyone a teaching genius, so it’s okay if you start out dumb — or dumber?

OK, this could be a legitimate question about curricula, but it is worded to insult. Why not just ask if the available curricula makes it easy for anyone to teach it?

7. What does a HSing parent do if they don’t understand something they’re supposed to teach? I’m serious here. I could never teach, oh, calculus, for instance.
Legitimate question and she managed not to be insulting.

8. Why does it seem a disproportionate number of homeschooled kids become obsessed with Ren Faires and crossbows and Celtic music and pan flutes and penny whistles, etc.?

OK, this question was insulting and STUPID and apparently no one ever taught her that if you ask a stupid question you are bound to get some stupid answers.

9. Uhm, is there a pan flute and penny whistle curriculum? 

Again STUPID AND INSULTING.

10. Do many homeschooled kids think TV is the devil and therefore don’t watch it?

Another slightly insulting question and apparently she is assuming that all homeschoolers are Fundamentalist. Why not ask why some public school kids aren't allowed to watch TV?

11. Where/how/in what ways do homeschooled kids hang out with kids other than their siblings? 

A rather stupid question, but giving the blogger the benefit of the doubt perhaps she was clueless and really did want to know.

12. Do most homeschoolers belong to a network of homeschoolers who share their “worldview”?

Again she seems to be making assumptions and unaware how diverse the homeschooling community is.

13. If so, how do homeschooled kids get exposed to other worldviews and learn independent thinking skills?

Again another stupid question.

14. I mean this question quite sincerely because I don’t know the answer, but is there such a thing as a secular homeschooling curriculum or does most HS curriculum contain religious elements?

This was a legitimate question and is worded fine. But if she was really interested why did she delete many of the comments that answered her question. I gave specific examples of secular boxed curriculum in my response.

15. Is homeschooling an anti-culture choice or a hope for a better educational choice or both?

Legitimate question.

16. Does a HSing parent really have to come up with 5 or so hours of lessons every day? How do you handle the disparity of ages in children?

Another good question.

17. Do homeschools offer Christmas, Valentine’s, or Sadie Hawkins dances? What about senior proms?

This question was fine.

18. So how do boys and girls learn to interact with each other?

Another stupid question.

19. What about sports teams, drama clubs, etc.?

Some people do seem clueless about all the many opportunities homeschoolers have so I consider it a legitimate question.

20. If you homeschool, would you do it again or recommend it to a friend? Please explain your yes or no.
Great question.

My answers to her questions can be found here. At one point they were approved and showed up in her comments and then the next day they were gone. Not sure what she found insulting about them.

It is too bad she got in a huff and deleted comments. There was a chance for a honest and open dialog between homeschoolers and non-homeschoolers. Unfortunately since the blogger was too immature to handle answers that didn't pander to her prejudices that chance it gone. And bloggers if you genuinely want to learn more about homeschooling homeschoolers will be glad to answer your questions but don't ask insulting questions and expect to be treated with kid gloves.

Questions for Homeschoolers

 Tracy at beyond the pale has some questions for homeschoolers. Go to her blog and answer them by posting a comment to her post.

Obviously I can only answer these questions as they pertain to my family. Homeschoolers are a diverse bunch.

1. Why do homeschoolers choose homeschooling? Do the kids get a say in this choice?

We choose to homeschool for several different reasons. First my eldest son was way ahead of his class. His fourth grade public school teacher suggested I homeschool after she had spoken to the principal about promoting him a grade level and was told the School Board wouldn't sign off on it as they had a vested interest in keeping children in school for as long as possible for the "funding". We also did not agree with the Mandatory Public School UNIFORM policy the School Board implemented. And yes, my kids did get a say when we decided to homeschool.

2. How do HSers (homeschoolers) know they will be good at homeschooling?

How do you know you will be good at anything? Parents of preschoolers probably have some idea if they would be good at homeschooling. Have they successfully taught their children how to behave? Do they enjoy spending time with their children doing educational things?  If so they will probably be successful homeschoolers. For those with children already in school they can ask themselves how they fare with homework? Do they enjoy helping their children with their homework? Do they enjoy spending time with their children? While homeschooling isn't like "doing homework" some of the same personality conflicts and frustrations would occur in both activities. 

 

3. What are the benefits of homeschooling?

OK, This one has LOTS of answers and I am sure to leave some out. But a few of the benefits. My eldest son was able to start college at 16, since homeschooling allows you to move at your own pace. Homeschooling allowed us to take several fabulous vacations as we weren't tied to the public school calendar and could travel when the opportunity arose. We were able to spend more time together as a family. The kids were able to pursue subjects they were interested in that were not offered at the public schools in our school district.

 

4. Okay. Seriously. If parents are stupid — as in, not all that bright from an academic perspective — should they homeschool? 

Talk to some public school teachers most of them will tell you they didn't do that well in school. In fact a majority will tell you they were B & C students, not the high achieving A students.

 

5. If parents are stupid, do they know they’re stupid and shouldn’t homeschool?

You don't seriously expect an answer to this question do you? 

 

6. Or are the available curricula (check me OUT) so amazing that they render anyone a teaching genius, so it’s okay if you start out dumb — or dumber?

I am choosing to assume you mean a parent may not have knowledge pertaining to a certain subject.  I think it is perfectly permissible for Homeschooling parents to learn along with their kids. For example I learned Japanese along with my children by using Power Glide.

 

7. What does a HSing parent do if they don’t understand something they’re supposed to teach? I’m serious here. I could never teach, oh, calculus, for instance.

• There are homeschool co-ops where parents who do understand calculus will teach your child calculus while you teach something that you are proficient in. 
• If you have the money you can hire a personal tutor for your child. 
• There are online courses your child can take. 

8. Why does it seem a disproportionate number of homeschooled kids become obsessed with Ren Faires and crossbows and Celtic music and pan flutes and penny whistles, etc.? 

Wouldn't know as none of the homeschoolers I  know are interested in these things. My kids obsessions are Digimon and Halo.

9. Uhm, is there a pan flute and penny whistle curriculum? 

Not that I know of.

 

10. Do many homeschooled kids think TV is the devil and therefore don’t watch it?

NO!!!!!! Since we don't have Cable TV (a decision based on finances) my kids usually prefer spending time on the Internet to TV viewing though. We also have a large selection of DVD's.

11. Where/how/in what ways do homeschooled kids hang out with kids other than their siblings?
For younger kids homeschool groups usually get together for park days and field trips. Older kids hang out with their friends at the same places public school kids do; the mall, Internet cafes, sporting events, the movies., each others homes, etc.

12. Do most homeschoolers belong to a network of homeschoolers who share their “worldview”?

No, We belong to an inclusive homeschool group, Parent Educators and Kids (PEAK).

13. If so, how do homeschooled kids get exposed to other worldviews and learn independent thinking skills?

Even the homeschoolers who belong to exclusive homeschool groups are out in their communities.  They use public libraries, they shop at local stores, they eat out.

 

14. I mean this question quite sincerely because I don’t know the answer, but is there such a thing as a secular homeschooling curriculum or does most HS curriculum contain religious elements?

Yes, there is secular homeschooling curriculum available. If you want a boxed set you can use Oak Meadow, Calvert, K12, etc. I personally loved creating a personalized study program and picking out textbooks in which case you can select from a wide array of textbook publishers including the same ones the public schools use.

15. Is homeschooling an anti-culture choice or a hope for a better educational choice or both?

In our case it was a better educational choice.

16. Does a HSing parent really have to come up with 5 or so hours of lessons every day? How do you handle the disparity of ages in children?

Honestly there is so much to learn, and when you are really enjoying the experience 5 hours flies by. My children are pretty close together age wise (22 months) so it wasn't really a problem. I did some classes with both children, in subjects where their abilities were further apart I worked with the eldest in the morning and the youngest in the afternoon.

17. Do homeschools offer Christmas, Valentine’s, or Sadie Hawkins dances? What about senior proms?

Some homeschool groups do. It all depends on what is important to the members of the group.

18. How do boys and girls learn to interact with each other?

You have to be kidding! The same way public school students do.

19. What about sports teams, drama clubs, etc.?

My children took part in recreational soccer, there are various other recreational sports children can participate in. Some of the larger homeschool groups have their own sports teams and drama clubs. There are also community theater groups homeschoolers can join. Many museums offer educational opportunities which homeschoolers are able to utilize. My children took an Art History Class for Homeschoolers at the Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of Art.

20. If you homeschool, would you do it again or recommend it to a friend? Please explain your yes or no.

Having successfully completed our homeschooling journey, both my children are in college, (My eldest son is working on his Masters and my youngest is a college freshman) I certainly recommend homeschooling as a valid educational choice. My only regret is that I didn't homeschool from the beginning. If I could go back we would have been a homeschooling family from Kindergarten.

Why Homeschool: Homeschoolers in the News

This was one of the interesting submissions to this weeks CoH Why Homeschool: Homeschoolers in the News. Drop by The Homespun Life to read more Carnival of Homeschooling Submissions.

I agree with Janine here I doubt if Jarred Mitchell Harrell had attended public school or private school it would have been mentioned in this article. I would also like to know who did the so called homeschooling and when.

You would have thought his bizarre upbringing mentioned in this article would have been of more interest.

Mississippi court records describe a bizarre series of events that found Jarred and his sister bounced between their mother and Harrell (their father) for parts of their young lives.

Annis got custody of the children. Harrell got them back three years later following the events outlined in a judge’s 1990 order in the case.

Shortly before the Harrells separated, she was working as a secretary for Joe Newman, a married, eccentric local inventor. The two became lovers with the knowledge of Newman’s wife, while Annis still had custody of the children, the judge’s order states.

In February 1989, Newman publicized what the order states is a 17-page “news release” in which he announced he was married not only to his wife, but to Annis Harrell and her 8-year-old daughter. The order does not indicate why the release was issued or how, but the order says Newman described himself as a prophet of God and that his wife believed him, among other things.

 Alerted to the public statements, state child welfare officials sought to take the children from their mother, who officially married Newman in September 1989. During a court hearing in the custody matter, Newman said his marriage to the daughter was spiritual, not sexual, and that he would debate with God whether to consummate the marriage, the order states.

Annis divorced Newman and tried to get her children back, though a judge called her attempts manipulative and refused. But in 1993 about five years after Harrell got the children, he gave them back.

Announcement

Figures in Motion will be giving away two copies of Dinosaurs on the Move - by Cathy Diez-Luckie just leave your information on the contact page to enter.

Recommended Geek Dad's How to Teach Physics to Your Kids

Worried about teaching Physics to your kids?

However, as luck would have it, I recently got the chance to interview Union College physics professor Chad Orzel. Orzel is a blogger, a dad, husband of fellow sci-fi/fantasy fan Kate Nepveu and owner of a very intelligent German Shepherd mix named Emmy. And thanks to a couple of entertaining dialogues with Emmy about the mysteries of quantum physics, Orzel is also author of a new book called How to Teach Physics to Your Dog.wired.com, How to Teach Physics to Your Kids, Mar 2010

You should read the whole article.

Secular Homeschoolers Don't Owe the Fundies Anything

Could the author of  Darwin Has a Pity Party (and I about have an aneurysm) at least read Charles Darwin's The Orgin of Species before she starts bashing him and if Creationist actually understood the meaning of a SCIENTIFIC THEORY,  it would be nice.

Here are some terms used in Science and their definitions.

1. A hypothesis is an educated guess, based on observation. Usually, a hypothesis can be supported or refuted through experimentation or more observation. A hypothesis can be disproven, but not proven to be true. 
2. A scientific theory summarizes a hypothesis or group of hypotheses that have been supported with repeated testing. A theory is valid as long as there is no evidence to dispute it.
3. A law generalizes a body of observations. At the time it is made, no exceptions have been found to a law. Scientific laws explain things, but they do not describe them.

 Evolution is not "just a theory". Any scientific theory must be based on a careful and rational examination of the facts. Creationist look really stupid learning impaired when they use the "just a theory" argument.  Newton's theory of "Universal Gravitation", is "just a theory" too but you don't hear Creationist demeaning it by saying "it's just a theory".

Scientist are not afraid of textbooks like those from Apologia, they just think they are full of lies false information. Let's put it this way so hopefully everyone can follow along. If some Christian Publisher choose to publish a science textbook claiming the Earth was flat and that the Sun revolved around the Earth and peddled it to homeschooers wouldn't we all agree that the book was worthless and full of lies?

And the arrogance of  this Fundamentalist Christian is astounding.

I have a message for secular homeschoolers. We welcome you into our ranks. We're glad you're here. Nobody is happier than I am that you have decided that the government run school system is broken and you want your kids out of it. But please remember, your freedom to homeschool was earned on the back of fundamentalist Christians.

Homeschooling was not started by Fundamentalist Christians and my freedom to homeschool wasn't earned on your back. Fundamentalist Christians stole co-opted the homeschooling movement in the 80's.

From Homeschooling: Growing and Thriving in the 21st Century

 Many people who are just now beginning to homeschool are not aware that the modern homeschool movement began as something of a cultural phenomenon. In the late 1960s, researchers estimate that the number of homeschoolers in the U.S. was between 10,000 and 15,000.² These early homeschoolers were often considered the rebels. In Home Schooling: From the Extreme to the Mainstream, a paper published by the Fraser Institute, the authors state, "Although the contemporary image of homeschooling parents depicts a homogeneous, deeply religious, socially conservative sub-group of the population, back in the 1960s and 1970s, most homeschooling parents were members of the counter-cultural left, principally advocates of New Age philosophies, hippies, and homesteaders."³

So maybe you should take your own advice honey and remember homeschoolings roots. Modern Day Homeschooling was started by a bunch of SECULAR hippies and homesteaders. Why don't you try showing us a some RESPECT.

Carnival of Homeschooling

This weeks CoH is hosted by Home Grown Mommy.

I wish Elijah Friedeman was kidding

I don’t understand the shock that is expressed when homeschoolers teach that God created the earth. It would be one thing if public schools offered a perfectly fair and balanced view of science, but as it is a public school education will teach you that evolution is the only acceptable explanation for our existence. So why is it suddenly outrageous that homeschoolers teach creationism?  I recognize that the criticism for all things homeschool won’t go away for a while, if ever, but the continued misrepresentation of the facts and the double standards are completely unacceptable and should disturb even those who don’t homeschool.

I don't think the problem is that parents are teaching their children that God created the earth, the problem is they are teaching it as Science. Creationism/Intelligent Design DOES NOT stand up to the scientific method, and has no place in a science classroom. Although IF Fundamentalist want to teach it to their kids I support their right to do so.

I don't support Fundamentalist acting like they are the only homeschoolers. There are plenty of  homeschoolers that TEACH EVOLUTION!  My ire is raised when Elijah Friedeman and others lump all homeschoolers together as anti-science buffons.

FYI: HOMESCHOOLERS TEACH EVOLUTION!!!!!!!

Highly Recommended

I highly recommend The Starbuck Chronicles by Bernard Cornwell if you are looking for historical fiction on The War Between the States aka The Civil War. He treats both sides fairly and does a wonderful job explaining the motivations that lead to the war. The only problem with the chronicles is HE HASN'T FINISHED THEM.

Texas church bans child's photograph of Passion

Jackson was assigned to portray the seventh Station of the Cross, where Jesus fell for a second time while carrying the cross to the site of his crucifixion. The home-schooled fifth-grader, who is taking a class on religious symbols in art at a Catholic church, decided to do a modern depiction of Christ being beaten by a Roman soldier.

Read more: Texas church bans child's photograph of Passion - Nation Wire - SunHerald.com

In Search of American History

In my search for the Perfect High School American History Course, I have stumbled across some interesting info.

On my parents bookshelf I discovered The Federal Union by John D. Hicks (Third Edition), which covers history from 1492 until 1877. It's wonderful! I also found Government and Politics in the United States by Harold Zink (Third Edition). My Father used both books when he was in college. I plan to have Lord Epa read both books before we start using the official classroom textbook. Which thanks to Tracy I now have. We will be using Glencoe's History of a Free Nation. While it's not perfect it does a good job of presenting different viewpoints and it has a TON of resource material. Many thanks, Tracy

Scott Powell also suggested several books that I plan to have Lord Epa read, they are:
1. Woodburn, Moran, and Hill, "Our United States"
2. Montgomery, "The Leading Facts of American History"
3. Harlow, R.V, "Growth of the United States"
4. Bassett, J.S., "A Short History of the United States"
5. The American Heritage Pictorial Atlas of United States History
Scott, thank you so much for the book list.


Speaking of Scott Powell, he has developed A Remote History Program for Children offered by VanDamme Academy which will be available to homeschoolers. This new program is the same curriculum Scott uses to teach his students in the elementary grades, and will be offered as a teleconference, like A First History For Adults.

And now for a brief interview with Scott Powell

(Alasandra)What lead you to develop the Remote History Program?
(Scott)The basic reason is I love to teach history! I am a historian working at fantastic private school, but to this point I have not been able to specialize in the one area where I truly feel a passion for teaching. I was driven to create the "Remote History Program" because I want to teach history, and only history! By reaching out to the homeschooling market, I hope to make that possible and to provide a product that students and their parents will really love.

(Alasandra)Can Homeschoolers receive credit for it?

(Scott)That is an interesting question. If I understand the question, let me try to answer it this way: At VanDamme Academy we have students up to 9th grade, so we usually face questions of accreditation when it comes to the acceptance of our students into high school. Typically, our students are so well prepared that it's not a problem. (The more academic the school, the easier it is for our students. Public high schools are far more rigid, and, quite frankly, irrational.)

(Alasandra)Are there textbook and test to go along with it? If not how would I asses my child's progress in the course?

(Scott)That's an easy one. I provide tests, quizzes, small homework units, and writing assignments as part of the course. I also provide grading keys to everything. So every aspect of the course is taken care of in that area. Also, I offer bi-weekly "teacher-teacher" conferences so that parents can get tips on implementing the program from me, and get answers to other questions.

(Alasandra)What makes your program different from the others?

(Scott)There are many important differences between this program and others typically available to homeschoolers. For one, you get direct access to me, a specialist in the subject. The most important dimension of the program, however, is that it takes seriously the idea that history--and I mean history, not "social studies"--is accessible and indeed essential to the education of a child. What sets this program apart is that it covers all of Western civilization in three years. It is not a series of disparate units, but rather an integrated story, that shows children, on a level accessible to them, the most important people and events of the past, culminating in the present.

(Alasandra) Thanks Scott, and good luck with your Remote History Program For Children.

This is an old post but I thought it would prove useful to those of you looking for an American History book.

Other additions:
The Making of America by The National Geographic
Chronicles of America
Chronicles of America Series
A People's History of the United States

Any textbook you can not buy directly from the publisher can be purchased from The HomeSchool SuperCenter or Amazon.com

NC teacher suspended for writing 'loser' on students' paper

Read all about it in the FayObserver.

HT: H.E.R.P. & E. S.

Alasandra, The Cats & A Dog: Contest ~ Easter Theme

Alasandra, The Cats & A Dog: Contest ~ Easter Theme:
"We are doing another contest, this one has an Easter Theme. You can win a great prize, there is stuff for home bars at All Barstools.com as well as lots of other stuff at the other CSN Stores. You may pick a prize from any of their stores for $100 or less if you win. We like their Pet Store. To enter click here and post your entry ..........What Easter means to you, A funny Easter picture, How you Celebrate Easter, whatever you want just have fun with your entry. We will accept entries all the way until midnight Easter Sunday (April 4th) Monday (April 5th) we will set up a poll and you can vote for your favorite entry. Oh we forgot to mention you has to live in the United States or Canada.

The login is osso (at)cableone(dot)net
and the password is Latimer 2009
Remember the L is Latimer is capitalized.

~AFSS"

Homeschoolers Go to College

Read about Grown-Up Homeschoolers and College Admissions - MIT Student Kristina Bjoran Applying for College Without Transcript.

Public School Student Defends Homeschoolers

Public School Student Maria Tomlinson wrote Viewpoint: Before criticizing homeschooling, get to know the people involved..

Highly Recommended

Laura Brodie, Ph.D. shares her experience as a short term homeschooler in Short-term Homeschooling: Why Bother?

Group decries public school textbooks on Islam as inflammatory

A series of children's textbooks on Islam contains misleading and inflammatory rhetoric about the religion, inaccurately portraying its followers as hostile and deserving of suspicion, according to a Muslim civil liberties group.

The Pennsylvania chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations is set to begin what it calls a public awareness campaign Wednesday against the "World of Islam" books by Mason Crest Publishing.

Group decries public school textbooks on Islam as inflammatory - Nation Wire - SunHerald.com

DeSoto County public school crossing guard arrested

A DeSoto County public school crossing guard is free on bond after being charged with two counts of sexual battery only days after being arrested and posting bond on drug charges.
DeSoto County public school crossing guard arrested - Regional Wire - SunHerald.com

Drunk PUBLIC SCHOOL teacher allegedly bites man's ear in attack

A middle school teacher was accused of biting off part of a man's ear during a confrontation at a St. Paul diner.
Drunk PUBLIC SCHOOL teacher allegedly bites man's ear in attack - Weird News - SunHerald.com

Carnival of Homeschooling, Celebrating Life

Beverly's Homeschool Blog is hosting this weeks Carnival of Homeschooling, Celebrating Life

Public School teacher pleads guilty to sex crime

Former Bay High School teacher Steven Seth Tadlock has pleaded guilty to sexual battery of a teen, though the alleged victim asked the courts not to prosecute him, according to Jackson County court records.

Former Bay High teacher pleads guilty to sex crime - Crime & Courts - SunHerald.com

Talk Radio & Homeschooling

Tuesday Thom Hartman will interview Professor Jerry Coyne

Hour Two: Why is the religious right dumbing down homeschooled kids? Thom talks with Professor Jerry Coyne of the University of Chicago about the missing link in textbooks…evolution 

A better question would be why is the religious right dumbing down kids. Public School Students aren't immune from the rights agenda, just look at Texas.

The Huffington Post Texas Textbook MASSACRE: 'Ultraconservatives' Approve Radical Changes To State Education Curriculum

The Board removed Thomas Jefferson from the Texas curriculum's world history standards on Enlightenment thinking, “replacing him with religious right icon John Calvin.”

History's first draft: Newt Gingrich but no liberals Textbooks being written for Texas students appear to lean to the right

The Rehabilitation Of Joseph McCarthy? Texas Textbooks Process Grinds On

What's at stake here is not just what Texas students learn in high school. Because the state represents one of two largest markets in the country, publishers tailor their books to the Texas standards. Those same textbooks are then sold in smaller states around the country.

While amendments to the history standards may be easier to understand, McLeroy and the rest of the conservative bloc are at least as passionate about leaving their mark this time around.

He told the Washington Monthly (in a lengthy feature very much worth reading):

 "The secular humanists may argue that we are a secular nation. But we are a Christian nation founded on Christian principles. The way I evaluate history textbooks is first I see how they cover Christianity and Israel. Then I see how they treat Ronald Reagan--he needs to get credit for saving the world from communism and for the good economy over the last twenty years because he lowered taxes."

Texas Textbooks

Glen Beck, Texas Textbooks, And The Erosion of Separation Between Church and State.

In tomorrow’s New York Times Magazine, Russell Shorto has a story that looks at the battle over the soul’s of the Founding Fathers and how the Texas School Board and affiliated organizations (the Legal Right) work to establish that not only was the country founded on Christian principles but that the US’ laws are Biblical in origin. Barton makes an appearance, below. In the article, Shorto writes that like last year’s battle over “intelligent design,” this year’s battle over the religious birth of the nation has a long history:

If you think science textbooks in Texas fared better think again Texas Board of Ed Neuters Science Textbooks' Global Warming Language

A setback for science education in Texas

At its March 25-27, 2009, meeting, the Texas state board of education voted to adopt a flawed set of state science standards, which will dictate what is taught in science classes in elementary and secondary schools, as well as provide the material for state tests and textbooks, for the next decade. Although creationists on the board were unsuccessful in inserting the controversial "strengths and weaknesses" language from the old set of standards, they proposed a flurry of synonyms — such as "sufficiency or insufficiency" and "supportive and not supportive" — and eventually prevailed with a requirement that students examine "all sides of scientific evidence." Additionally, the board voted to add or amend various standards in a way that encourages the presentation of creationist claims about the complexity of the cell, the completeness of the fossil record, and the age of the universe.

According to a 2008 study ["Evolution and Creationism in America's Classrooms: A National Portrait" from PLoS Biology 2008; 6 (5)], 16% of US science teachers believe humans were created by God in the last 10,000 years."

Maybe the focus should be on the textbooks Texas is adopting instead of the textbooks a minority of homeschoolers choose to use to teach their students. 

Public School Teacher accused of sex crimes against student

Public School Teacher accused of sex crimes against student - Crime & Courts - SunHerald.com

A $60,000 bond was set Friday for a St. Martin teacher accused of engaging in sex acts with a minor girl who attends the school, Jackson County Sheriff Mike Byrd said.

Robert Griffin, 39, of Ocean Springs, was arrested Thursday and charged with one count of molestation of a child under the age of 16. On Friday, sheriff’s investigators charged Griffin with an additional count of sexual battery for allegedly having sexual relations with the student.

Public School District computer technician faces child porn possession charges

Public School District computer technician faces child porn possession charges - Crime & Courts - SunHerald.com

A computer technician for the Jackson County School District has been arrested on a charge of possession of child pornography, with additional charges pending, according to Jackson County sheriff’s investigators.

Those Fundie Public Schools

Betcha thought I was going to say homeschoolers. While some liberals are wasting their time harassing homeschoolers the Fundamentalist are taking over the Public Schools.

The Texas Board of Education on Friday approved a social studies curriculum that will put a conservative stamp on history and economics textbooks, stressing the superiority of American capitalism, questioning the Founding Fathers’ commitment to a purely secular government and presenting Republican political philosophies in a more positive light.

The conservative members maintain that they are trying to correct what they see as a liberal bias among the teachers who proposed the curriculum. To that end, they made dozens of minor changes aimed at calling into question, among other things, concepts like the separation of church and state and the secular nature of the American Revolution.


Cynthia Dunbar, a lawyer from Richmond who is a strict constitutionalist and thinks the nation was founded on Christian beliefs, managed to cut Thomas Jefferson from a list of figures whose writings inspired revolutions in the late 18th century and 19th century, replacing him with St. Thomas Aquinas, John Calvin and William Blackstone. (Jefferson is not well liked among conservatives on the board because he coined the term “separation between church and state.”)

Guess IF you want your child to get a liberal education in Texas you will have to homeschool. Read the rest of the article here.

Alasandra's Place: Dog Murdered for Defending His Home

Alasandra's Place: Dog Murdered for Defending His Home:

"The officer was at the home investigating a complaint of children not attending school and was trying to find a parent when he went to the door of the house, Wallace said.

While investigating, Wallace said, the officer was told a 2-year-old was possibly inside the home unattended. When the officer opened the door to go inside, the dog bit him.

The officer then fired his weapon and killed the dog, Wallace said. It turned out there was not an unattended child inside the home.

Don't POLICE OFFICERS have to knock and wait for someone to open the door? What right did this Police Officer have to invade someones home and kill their pet????????"

Are public school teachers stressed?

Sound Off of the Day for March 11

“The stress level among faculty members at school is going through the roof. Elevated blood pressures, migraines, chest pains, hives and exhaustion are taking a serious toll on both administrators and teachers. Educational professionals: Please get your rest and take care of your health.”

Miss. school prom off after lesbian's date request

A northern Mississippi school district decided Wednesday not to host a high school prom after a lesbian student demanded she be able to attend with her girlfriend and wear a tuxedo.

Read more @

Miss. school prom off after lesbian's date request - Regional Wire - SunHerald.com

Lesbian battles to take her girlfriend to high school prom ACLU has threatened litigation if she’s barred from attending - Education - SunHerald.com

Lesbian battles to take her girlfriend to high school prom ACLU has threatened litigation if she’s barred from attending - Education - SunHerald.com

The anti homeschoolers are always talking about how public schools are more like the "real" world. What struck me from reading this article was this

Biloxi Superintendent Paul Tisdale and Gulfport Superintendent Glen East said it’s the same in their districts. They added you have to be a student at the high school to go to the prom or get permission if your date attends another school.

In the "real" world how many of us work at the same place as our date/spouse. I remember awhile back a girl had to fight for the right to take her fiancee who was in the Army to the prom. The public schools are clearly in the wrong and I hope the girl is allowed to wear a tux and take whoever she wishes to the prom. I also hope that students who are involved in relationships with people from other schools are allowed to take their significant others to the prom without jumping through hoops. It is ridiculous you have to "ask" permission to take someone to the prom if they don't go to your school.

Not your stereotypical homeschoolers

Musings, Thoughts, and Ponderings: Why I Do and Do Not Homeschool

Pioneer Woman ~ Homeschooling: Why I Homeschool, and What My Approach Is

The Chicago Tribune paints a more accurate picture of homescooling in their article Co-op creates community for home-schooled kids.I too belong to an inclusive homeschool group (PEAK) that embraces all beliefs and life style choices.

Homeschool Report Finds: 80% were homeschooling for non-religious reasons

A poorly written and researched AP article Top Homeschool Text Dismiss Evolution spread across the Internet like wildfire bringing the anti-homeschoolers out in droves.

The comments at Think Progress were particularly nasty. On the other hand the debate at Pharyngula's was extremely interesting and for the most part civil. I have to say I was surprised by PZ Myers stance on Homeschooling.

I'm one of those people who thinks we ought to be consistent and require everyone to attend an accredited school, public or private, and that private schools ought also to be required to meet certain secular standards, such as that their science education ought to address the evidence reasonably.

For some reason I expected him to be a homeschool supporter, oh well at least he can sing. And who knows maybe after reading the comments from the secular homeschoolers he will change his mind.

The big hang up for a lot of the anti homeshcoolers was the result of this poorly worded survey

Federal statistics from 2007 show 83 percent of home-schooling parents want to give their children "religious or moral instruction."

As one of the Atheist commentators (LadyShea) pointed out even Atheist may have checked this answer because most parents want to provide their children with some sort of moral instruction. So it didn't necessarily mean that 83% of homeschoolers were religious zealots as most of the anti homeschoolers assumed.

Also the study was preformed by the National Home Education Research Institute which is linked to HSLDA (Homeschool Legal Defense Association run by the Evangelical Fundies). See Milton Gaither's post Brian D. Ray and NHERI, part 2 for more information on the link between NHERI and HSLDA


Another survey Tapestry of Homeschool Survey Report paints a far different picture of homeschoolers.

• 90% of the respondents were married, 4% were single, a little over 3% were in domestic partnerships.
• 80% were homeschooling for non-religious reasons.

The Tapestry of Homeschooling Survey Report was conducted by Learning is for Everyone. Because these statistics don't jibe with the anti-homeschoolers misconceptions some of them  were loath to accept the survey.

The sources the AP article cited are
Apologia Educational Ministries: http://www.apologia.com
Bob Jones University Press: http://www.bjupress.com/page/HS+Home
Jerry Coyne's blog, "Why Evolution is True": http://whyevolutionistrue.wordpress.com/

Jerry Coyne is a scientist and his only contribution to the article was to give his opinion on the textbooks. I personally think he was to kind to the publishers as their textbooks are truly awful in my opinion.

Apologia Educational Ministries and Bob Jones University Press are two Christian Publishing Companies that have a vested interest in convincing people that if they homeschool they must buy their products. Did the AP reporter really expect them to say "Oh, some homeschoolers do use textbooks from Secular Publishers"?  Why were no Secular Publishers who cater to the homeschooling market interviewed. Saxon a well know Publisher of Math Textbooks has a site just for homeschoolers Saxon Home School.

Now thanks to sloppy reporting by the AP many people have come away with a false sense of what homeschooling looks like. I can just hope the truth about how diverse the homeschooling community truly is will travel across the Internet as quickly.

Another Teacher Sounds Off

Makes sense

I am a local public school teacher. Cutting five days off the school year would work. After we take our state-mandated MCT2 tests in May, we have five to six days left of school. These children’s minds are now closed. We have poked, prodded and done all except take blood from them. After the “tests,” they don’t hear a thing except how many days are left before their summer vacation starts. As long as the “tests” were given the last days of school, removing the five days would work.

Public School Superintendent accidentally fires gun during class

Superintendent accidentally fires gun during class - Nation Wire - SunHerald.com

Let's Party !!!!!!

 

Drop by Homeschool Bytes to read this weeks Carnival of Homeschooling ~ The Party Edition.

A ? Answered

Marlis said...



http://www.principalspartnership.com/fourdayschoolweek.pdf


Alasandra, there is an interesting article about a 4 day school week being considered in some areas to combat dwindling budgets. The above link appears to be over all convinced that it is a positive change which wouldn't affect students at all. Admittedly I skimmed over it since I haven't found enough time to read it yet. I wanted to forward this to you since I found this so entirely appalling. Let us know what you think about this.

My answer is probably going to surprise Marlis. IF I had young children and they were in PUBLIC SCHOOL I would be in favor of the 4 day school week. Mainly because my husband has a 4 day work week and I just think it is easier for families if everyone has the same schedule. When my husbands company went to the 4 day work week our homeschool went to a 4 day week too. Although if we didn't get the work done Monday through Thursday due to sickness or a field trip we used Friday to catch up.

That being said I really hate the 4 day work week. By the time Friday rolls around my husband is so exhausted from the 10 hour days and shortage of sleep that Friday is basically spent recuperating.  But I do see how a 4 day work/school week would be better for the environment, save a company or school district money and provide workers/students with a day to keep business & doctors appointments.  So I think it would be a matter of some families would like it and others wouldn't. There would be some drawbacks but there would be some advantages. Like much of life there would be pros and cons.  Unfortunately public schools are not able to do what is best for each individual child and must make their decision on what is best for the community as a whole. Parents who choose to homeschool are free to tailor their child's schedule to suit their families needs.

Teachers Sound Off

According to one retired Coast teacher.
Test scores rule

As a recently retired Coast teacher, I can tell you that the only motivation for superintendents and their districts is test score results. Teaching children to think and be creative is not an issue. Teaching for the spring test begins the first day of the school year, and that is the yearlong learning theme of all classrooms. The joys of teaching, and the joys of learning, have been taken away.

Another teacher critizes the budget cuts
Cuts will cost

I am a local public school teacher and worry that parents don’t realize the effect the budget cuts will have on our children. Possible cuts could include the loss of lead teachers, assistant principals, resource officers, teaching assistants, special education programs, extracurricular activities, and school days. There are between 27 and 30 children per room in most schools and these numbers are expected to increase. These cuts are coming. I don’t need to have technology, chalk boards, books, paper, pencils or desks, but is that how you want your child to learn? Is your child going to be safe when there are no security personnel on campus? This kind of school was OK when you were a child, but in today’s society I would wonder. What do you want for your child? You no longer have a choice, because this is what your school is being forced to become.

Another retired teacher offers a solution
Cut administration

I was a teacher for 25 years and the “cuts will cost” Sound Off hit home with me. Perhaps for the wrong reasons. When began school there was a teacher in every classroom and each school had a principal and a secretary. That’s all. I don’t remember the number of people in the superintendent’s office but I don’t think it was more than five. There were about 30 children in each classroom and by all indications, our teachers did a fine job of educating students. Now there are lead teachers, assistant principals, resource officers, special education program directors and heaven knows the multitudes in the superintendent’s office! The schools today are over-administered. Perhaps a budget cut will cut some administrative positions.

Secular Homeschool Textbooks Not That Hard to Find

According to Dianna Narciso

Atheist, secular, and religious homeschoolers who have no argument with evolution, struggle to find homeschooling books that accurately present science. Unfortunately, they often have trouble finding textbooks in all subjects that aren't saturated with Christian doctrine.

Well at least she realizes all homeschoolers aren't Christian Fundamentalist (sigh). But no, we don't have trouble finding secular textbooks just do a Google search for Secular Homeschool Textbooks and voila.

I have to agree that I did generally wind up using the same textbooks public schools used or at least the same publishers. But ..................it really wasn't a problem, and yes the books were pricey. But I am perplexed by the people who seem to think it is nearly impossible to find secular textbooks to use for homeschooling. I do agree that there is a market for secular homeschoolers and it is growing every day, perhaps some bright young homeschool entrepreneur will fill the niche.

The Raw Story Gives Homeschoolers A Raw Deal

According to The Raw Story Top US home-school texts dismiss evolution. REALLY!!! What is the top homeschool text?  Homeschoolers are a diverse bunch and I assure you we do not all use the same textbooks. Far from it, the beauty of homeschooling is we can search out the best text to fit our children's needs.

Home-school mom Susan Mule wishes she hadn't taken a friend's advice and tried a textbook from a popular Christian publisher for her 10-year-old's biology lessons.

Mule's precocious daughter Elizabeth excels at science and has been studying tarantulas since she was 5. But she watched Elizabeth's excitement turn to confusion when they reached the evolution section of the book from Apologia Educational Ministries, which disputed Charles Darwin's theory.

As a Homeschool Mother I reviewed each textbook I choose for my children, I didn't just blindly buy a book because so and so said I should. When I asked for advice concerning textbooks I asked people whose educational philosophy was similar to my own. There is no way I would have used Apologia Educational Ministries for anything. And how could Susan Mule not know what was in the book if she was preparing lesson plans for Elizabeth. You don't blindly stumble into a chapter, when you homeschool you prepare for the chapter in advance.

Christian-based materials dominate a growing home-school education market that encompasses more than 1.5 million students in the U.S. And for most home-school parents, a Bible-based version of the Earth's creation is exactly what they want. Federal statistics from 2007 show 83 percent of home-schooling parents want to give their children "religious or moral instruction."

Christian based materials do not dominate the growing home-school market contrary to what  is stated at The Raw Storey. Many homeschoolers choose to buy textbooks from mainstream publishers. The same publishers that furnish textbooks to public schools. Also while 83% of homeschoolers my want to give their children "religious or moral instruction" the 83% are not necessarily Christians; Muslims, Pagans, Buddhist and those of other religions also homeschool and wish to pass their "beliefs" on to their children. Also MANY Christians Homeschoolers do believe in evolution and teach evolution to their children.

"The majority of home-schoolers self-identify as evangelical Christians," said Ian Slatter, a spokesman for the Home School Legal Defense Association. "Most home-schoolers will definitely have a sort of creationist component to their home-school program."

Those who don't, however, often feel isolated and frustrated from trying to find a textbook that fits their beliefs.

First off I doubt the majority of home-schoolers self identify as evangelical Christians. H$LDA has a vested interest in promoting this fallacy. I also fail to see why any homeschool parent should feel isolated or frustrated while looking for a textbook.

Secular Homeschool Curriculum
Saxon Math
I was very happy with Amsco School Publications, Inc. for Science and EMC Publishing for Literature and Language Arts. For those publishers who do not sell directly to homeschoolers most textbooks can be found at the Homeschool Supercenter or Amazon.com.

What another Homeschooling Mom has to say on the subject Homeschooling and Evolution.

NH PUBLIC SCHOOL teacher accused of sending nude photo to teen

NH teacher accused of sending nude photo to teen - Nation Wire - SunHerald.com

Book Review: the Raindrop by Brian D. McClure

the Raindrop by Brian D. McClure Illustrated by Buddy Plumlee

The Illustrations by Buddy Plumlee are great. I loved just looking at the pictures. It is really nice when children's books have lovely illustrations so the children can enjoy looking at the book when the adults don't have time to read to them.

I loved the way Brain D. McClure explained the water system in a way a small child could understand. I also appreciated the underlying message that no matter how small we are, we are part of a greater whole and can accomplish great things together.

Lovely Book, I highly recommend it if you have small children.

A list of books by Brian D. McClure can be found here. To learn more about Brain and the Universal Flag click here.

Fired Public School teacher charged with enticing student

Fired PUBLIC SCHOOL teacher charged with enticing student - Local - SunHerald.com

Political Asylum for Homeschooling?

Ronda Kaysen  @ Momlogic doesn't think being forced to send your child to a government school amounts to persecution Political Asylum for Homeschooling?

Her post of course brought out the anti-homeschool BIGOTS in full force one commenter had this to say.

Why would any parent confine their children’s knowledge only to that which the parent knows, robbing those children of the diverse and expansive knowledge of professional educators? Furthermore, why should any society be forced to harbor such? Homeschooled children are denied the opportunity to learn incredibly valuable lessons about navigating social groups, working alongside those different from themselves, and being both a contributor to and participant in a larger community. To those who would argue that it’s a parent’s right to confine their children’s experience to that which the parents deign appropriate, I say that is neglect, abuse, and excessive control of precisely the wrong things. All the world needs is more religious wingnuts with zero knowledge of history, psychology, sociology, science. (eyeroll)

- Libby

What an ignorant and offensive statement. Homeschooling doesn't confine a child's knowledge, in fact homeschooling opens more doors then most public schools do as homeschooled children are treated like individuals instead of clones. Also homeschooled children have more opportunities to engage in their communities then most public school students who are stuck inside a classroom are offered.

Most homeschool parents seek out resources; including the Internet that allow themselves and their children to explore the world. They are actively involved in their communities and interact with a far wider range of people then public school students will ever encounter in their classrooms.

I am really tired of bigots  like Libby who know nothing about homeschooling harassing, bashing and insulting homeschoolers.

Carnival of Homeschooling

Homeschool Buzz is hosting the Oddities Edition of the CoH.

Teaching the Bible for Cultural Literacy

Deborah Markus weighs in on Teaching the Bible for Cultural Literacy. I have got to go check out the LOL CAT Bible.

Certified teacher joins home-school world

Amy Travis explains why homeschoolers don't need government regulations in Certified teacher joins home-school world.

Listen to a Symphony of Science

You can visit the Symphony of Science site here.

Drunk PUBLIC SCHOOL mom allegedly runs through school with sword

Drunk PUBLIC SCHOOL mom allegedly runs through school with sword - Weird News - SunHerald.com

Much Ado ............. in the Public Schools

No public school coach or teacher should be promoting his/her religion to their students. If it was reversed and a Muslim coach was trying to convert the students, you can bet the Christian parents would be up in arms. But the question here seems to be was it a coach or one of the team members parents.

Trey's son, Paul Hancock, is a member of the Fordson wrestling team and so Trey Hancock would often attends meets and practices.

Now if ALL parents could attend meets and practices, I don't see how the coach was suppose to keep one parent from attending.

OH Please!!!!!! Freedom of speech and Freedom of expression doesn't just mean speech and expressions Christians don't find offensive. Did the teens exercise poor judgment and bad taste. CERTAINLY but it should have ended at the school doors.

At least nine Arab-American students on Monday sparked controversy at Edsel Ford High School in Dearborn by wearing sweatshirts with a design evoking the 2001 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center.


Administrators lectured the students and their parents, and one of the teens offered a public apology Tuesday night at a public meeting.

But now the Conservative Media have decided to use it as an example of poor persecuted Christians can't express themselves but Muslims can.
Spunky ask

Do you remember the second-grader in another state who was sent for a psychiatric evaluation for daring to draw a "violent" picture of Jesus on the cross at Christmas?

Well yes, I do. This is what happens when you have Zero Tolerance policies in place. I also remember other children who were victims of Zero Tolerance Policies but didn't seem to garner the same amount of sympathy from Christian Bloggers.

N.M. Public School Parents Upset Over Porn in Classroom

Cliff High School students studying World War I history saw a few seconds of pornography during viewing of a video about the 1919 Treaty of Versailles. A History Channel program apparently had been recorded over a porn tape.

N.M. Public School parents upset over porn mix-up in classroom - Weird News - SunHerald.com

Carnival of Homeschooling

Super Angel over at The Daily Planet is hosting this weeks Carnival of Homeschooling.

Roll On Mississippi: Part 1 ~ The Chickasaw

Roll On Mississippi: Part 1 ~ The Chickasaw

Zero Tolerance = Zero Intelligence

"There is zero intelligence when you start applying zero tolerance across the board," he said. "Stupid and ridiculous things start happening."

I couldn't agree more

Read all about Alexa Gonzalez, the 12 year old arrested for doodling here.

SmallWorld: Carnival of Homeschooling: Think Spring Edition

Enjoy a breath of fresh air with the SmallWorld: Carnival of Homeschooling: Think Spring Edition

Meridian, MS teacher faces sex charges

Read more at Meridian teacher faces sex charges - Regional Wire - SunHerald.com

A life less ordinary?: Homeschool wars: abortion vs Darwin

I highly recommend reading A life less ordinary?: Homeschool wars: abortion vs Darwin

A Dim View of Public Schools

I read Tom's A Dim View of Homeschooling and thought I would respond.

Tom says

This boy had come to me after a previous bout of homeschooling, essentially two years behind his peers, but was just beginning to make steady progress

I know many public school students who are two years or more behind their peers. Maybe you should spend more time worrying about them Tom and less time worrying about homeschoolers. In fact when I started homeschooling my children Youngest Son had come home with a large packet of school work after completing third grade in public school and a letter stating

This is all the material that we didn't have time to teach during the school year. Please teach this material to your child over the summer break so he/she will be ready for fourth grade.

So all the third graders in one public school were behind and the parents were expected to catch them up over the summer.  Seems to me if the school officials thought I was capable of teaching material that they failed to teach and that was vital to a successful fourth grade school year I could just as easily homeschool full time. My Eldest Son who had just finished fifth grade in public school was behind in Math because his teacher for the second semester in fifth grade wanted to teach kindergarten and didn't like higher Math, so she just skipped it. So all the fifth graders in one public school class didn't have Math for an entire semester.

Tom said

before long her son came to into view and began chanting, "I wanna go back to school, I wanna go back to school."

Remember we are talking about a third grader here. Kids chat a lot of things "I want ice-cream", "I don't want to go to bed" ........................ Just because a kid is chanting something doesn't mean it is good for them or that they should get it.

Tom said

Discussing the visit on the drive back to school, we both had the strong feeling that the mom was just plain lonely. She wasn't working at the time, seemed depressed and wanted her son around to keep her company. The incident at school may or may not have happened in the manner that her son described it, but we suspected that she was using it as a way to justify having her son home with her for essentially selfish reasons.

Some public school teachers could be accused of teaching a class for essentially selfish reasons. Certainly all my Eldest Son's Fifth Grade Teacher for the second semester was interested in was the pay check. She didn't even want to be a fifth grade teacher she wanted to teach Kindergarten.  His original fifth grade teacher had resigned during the middle of the school year in order to take a higher paying job as a school counselor. Although to give him credit he did pop into the class and try to help out Miss I want to Teach Kindergarten whenever he could, but I really can't say either one put the children's welfare over their own economic well being.

Tom seems like a decent public school teacher who genuinely cares abut the students under his care but all public school students aren't  lucky enough to have a teacher like Tom.

Parents have the right to homeschool their children without having to jump through hoops imposed by the states. As homeschool parents bear the full financial burden for educating their children the states have no right to impose regulations.

My eldest son started college at sixteen after being homeschooled sixth grade on, he now has a BS degree in Computer Science and is working on his Masters. My youngest son is in his first year of college full time after being homeschooled since fourth grade. He took two classes his senior year of Homeschooled High School at the local community college for dual credit.

~Alasandra, a retired homeschooling Mom

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Public School Cafeteria Worker Throws Food in Students Face

Teen, cafeteria aide charged in food fight brawl - Weird News - SunHerald.com

A Connecticut public school cafeteria worker and a 13-year-old girl face criminal charges after police said a food fight turned into a real fight. Waterbury police said the fifth-grader at Gilmartin Elementary School threw vegetables at 55-year-old lunch aide Rosa Robles last Thursday, and Robles responded by throwing vegetables in the girl's face. Police said a fight broke out when the girl punched Robles in the face. Authorities said both suffered cut lips, and the girl also had scratches on her face. School officials said Robles is on paid leave and the girl has been suspended.

Homeschoolers don’t cost you

Emilie Fogle points out that unlike Public School at Home (online) students Homeschoolers don’t cost you.

Homeschooling families cost their local school districts and the state of Washington nothing. We do not purchase books, computers or finance our lunches and field trips with state or local money. Some 25 years ago our legislators wisely recognized that parents would be responsible for “all decisions relating to philosophy or doctrine, selection of books, teaching materials and curriculum, methods and timing.” We ask nothing from the state and the state recognizes our responsibility for our children’s education.

Carnival of Homeschooling

Raising Real Men is hosting this weeks Carnival of Homeschooling, with Valentines being so close she is using the theme What Homeschoolers Love.

Public School Student Crashes Car Into His Public School

Teen crashes car into school, drives down hall - Weird News - SunHerald.com

Public School Student Shot by Fellow Student

Attorney: Ala. school shooting likely gang-related - News Updates - SunHerald.com

Lemonade Stand Award

Alasandra's Homeschool Blog has been named a Lemonade Stand Award winner!  The Lemonade Stand Awards recognize blogs that demonstrate great attitudes or gratitude. Thanks for passing this along to me Jennifer from Blogging 'Bout Boys.

Now for my 10 picks.

1. Homeschooling on the Hudson
2. HERP&ES
3. Ramblings, Rants & Remedies - Natalie introduced me to blogging and I hope to see her blogging more soon.
4. Corn & Oil
5. Home Spun Juggling
6. Roscommon Acres
7. O'Donnell Web
8. Electric Barbarella
9. Kitten's Homeschool
10. Tales of Homeschool

My apologies for taking so long to post this.

Fed Up

I am rather fed up with those who lump all homeschoolers together, as if we were clones of each other.

No one would make the absurd statement that all public school students are socially awkward even though some are. But all to often we hear "homeschoolers are socially awkward" , because some idiot somewhere has meet ONE socially awkward homeschooled child. They probably know tons of well adjusted homeschooled children but because they don't fit their stereotype of a "homeschooled child" they never realized those children are homeschooled.

And then there are those who decide we are all Christian Fundamentalist who don't teach our children real Science based on some Christian Fundamentalist Homeschool Website they stumble across, where the highlight of the "Science Fair" is converting some old lady to Christ. There are many secular and inclusive homeschool groups whose members do teach Real Science but they don't fit the stereotype of the typical homeschooler so they don't garner much attention in the media or the blog world.

Then there are the liberal do-gooders who feel compelled to tell everyone else how to raise their children (often they don't have children of their own but they are self proclaimed experts on what is best for your child). They scream that homeschooling needs to be regulated so homeschoolers will have to teach their children "real science". All the while ignoring what public school students are taught.

Revisionaries How a group of Texas conservatives is rewriting your kids’ textbooks by Mariah Blake

The jovial creationist ( Don McLeroy) sits on the Texas State Board of Education, where he is one of the leaders of an activist bloc that holds enormous sway over the body’s decisions. As the state goes through the once-in-a-decade process of rewriting the standards for its textbooks, the faction is using its clout to infuse them with ultraconservative ideals. Among other things, they aim to rehabilitate Joseph McCarthy, bring global-warming denial into science class, and downplay the contributions of the civil rights movement.

And why should we care what textbooks Texans chooses to educate the children trapped in their public schools.

(Because) the Lone Star State has outsized influence over the reading material used in classrooms nationwide, since publishers craft their standard textbooks based on the specs of the biggest buyers. As one senior industry executive told me, “Publishers will do whatever it takes to get on the Texas list.”

Living in the Bible Belt I am thankful that the state had no control over what I taught and I was free to teach my children the THEORY OF EVOLOUTION. The liberal do-gooders better be careful what they demand. They may just get the regulations they are agitating for only to see Creationism rammed down children's throats by State Boards of Education.

Other liberal do-gooders worry about homeschoolers being unvaccinated even though all states allow medical exemptions of public school students and many states allow exemptions on religious or philosophical grounds. BTW, it was my choice to have my children vaccinated, but I think all parents should be allowed to make an informed decision regarding vaccinations.

Frankly I am fed up with the stereotypes and the put downs. Instead of expanding so much energy attacking and harassing homeschoolers go fix the public schools. Then if you still have a problem with homeschooling I'll listen. But until you fix the public schools keep your nose out of homeschooling.

*In the interest of full disclosure both my boys were homeschooled. My eldest has a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and the youngest is in his first year of college.