Arizona And Home Schooling
3rd November 2006
Arizona, which has more than 32,000 children being home schooled, including almost 13,000 in Maricopa County, requires parents only to file an affidavit promising to teach reading, writing, math, science and social studies. There’s no mountain of paperwork, no army of bureaucrats looking over their shoulder
Personally I think it’s an interesting decision why parents choose to homeschool. The fact is Arizona has a large enough community to sustain this, and I think it is a powerful testimony to the home schooling movement across the world.
Here are some basic issues raised:
1. Socialization as an issue - a local community of home-schooled children are important for socialization. However, most can also communicate with adults, giving it the thumbs up for socialization - nothing better than to be more flexible in communicating with people of any age group!
2. Loss of a good second income - parents who home school their children will eventually discover that they have sacrified income for time. I’m not sure where this is coming from, but I do know that parents who can organize their time effectively will find leverage in a couple of things - first, development of enthusiasm for learning in their children. Second, development of autonomy so that their children take responsibility for developing themselves. Third, using income generation AS the schooling approach. Why not? It’s effectively simpler now to learn about business because everything is online.
A great source is www.InternetMarketingSingapore.com -Â I know most of you may be away from this part of the world, but still, the content there is fantastic for anyone who wishes to start a learning journey together with their children. Who says your children can’t help you to earn an income while you school them?
3, Pressure and stress. I know many parents experience tremendous pressure. Curriculum issues abound - TOO MUCH INFORMATION! You will need to cope effectively. However I strongly believe that parents who have it together will realize that it’s not just about taking matters into their own hands - it’s about leveraging. With the right community and the right approach, community based learning can take on a brand new meaning. Perhaps while you are undergoing your periods of stress would be the best time to educate your own children, so that learning is even more authentic.Â
Home-school guidelines (Arizona)
State law: ARS 15-802 says every child between the ages 6 and 16 years shall attend a school and shall be provided instruction in at least the subjects of reading, grammar, mathematics, social studies and science. The person who has custody of the child shall choose a public, private, charter or home school.
Home-school definition: A school conducted primarily by the parent, guardian or other person who has custody of the child or instruction provided in the child’s home.
Home-school registration: If the child will attend a private school or home school, file an affidavit of intent with the county school superintendent stating that the child is being provided with instruction in a home school.
Interscholastic activities: A child who resides within the attendance area of a public school and who is instructed at home shall be allowed to try out for interscholastic activities at the public school.
High school education with home schooling: A guardian can provide the high school curriculum and teach that program to the student and a GED test can be taken at age 16. If an accredited diploma is desired, the guardian must use an accredited online or correspondence program as their curriculum base. Guardians can also issue their own diploma.
Special education: If federal monies are provided to a school district or a charter school for special-education services to home-schooled or private-schooled pupils, the school district or charter school shall provide the services to both the home-schooled pupils and the private-schooled pupils in the same manner.
Testing of home-schooled students: Not required under state law.
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