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Homeschooling is Here to Stay
Many people still view homeschooling as a relatively new concept. Truth be told, this method of teaching has been around for hundreds of years. In 2003, the National Household Education Survey estimated that 1.1 million students were being homeschooled. Although it's a small number compared to the total number of children in actual classrooms, it's a respectable number that should get people's attention.
Homeschooling is not going anywhere. As more and more people opt for this teaching method, the available resources and support groups will grow. There are currently resources available on the Internet, a growing number of support groups, and educational materials being created for homeschooling. Colleges are even now accepting non-traditional documentation, or transcripts, in the admissions process.
Opponents say that homeschoolers don't get a well-rounded education, are missing out on the socialization process or aren't receiving the proper foundation for their future. However the numbers speak for themselves. Homeschoolers consistently seem to outperform their public-school counterparts by an average of 30-37 percentage points in math and reading, according to a survey of test scores conducted by the National Center for Home Education.
Not all homeschooling is the same. The key is to have a strong curriculum that covers all of the necessary areas. While there is the freedom to explore new ideas and focus on areas of interest, the teacher needs to make sure that the basics are taught. There is evidence that the quality of homeschooling tends to be higher when a strong curriculum is in place. The student needs a strong foundation to successfully assimilate into colleges, workplace and society later in life.
There will always be naysayers about homeschooling, but a quality homeschool experience can be just as good as a quality public school education. The key is to stick to a strong curriculum and take advantage of the resources available to homeschool teachers. Parents have an abundance of tools - it's just a matter of finding the right ones and creating a positive school experience for their children.
The prevalence of homeschooling will continue to increase over time, especially as it becomes a more accepted practice in society. What was once viewed as extreme, is now being recognized as a valuable way to teach children. Parents who were once alone in their schooling efforts now find community support groups, online chat rooms, educational programs to supplement their curriculum, and more. With the flexibility, convenience and far-reaching academic potential of homeschooling, people will see this teaching method grow dramatically in the coming years.
Labels: Homeschooling
The ABCs of Accreditation
Accreditation is the single most important factor when considering an online high school education. If you are looking to enroll, you need to make sure that the school is accredited. Don't let your efforts be wasted. A school that is not accredited can lead to a dead-end when it comes to going to college or applying for a job. You want to make sure that you receive a quality online high school education that will open the door to possibilities.
What is accreditation? Accreditation is the process of evaluating a school or educational program to determine whether it meets the standards set up by an accrediting organization.
Why is it important? Accreditation is important because it assures current and prospective students that the academic programs as well as staff, support and related resources have been reviewed and critiqued to guarantee their highest quality.
When you apply to college or go on a job interview, the school or employer will be assured that you have the necessary academic background. You can be confident that your credentials will be accepted at colleges and employers nationwide.
How does a school get accredited? When a school is accredited, it undergoes a thorough review conducted by an accrediting agency. The review typically happens every few years and involves an in-depth examination of the school. The outside agency looks closely at the course materials, educational support services, staff, resources, and more to determine if they all meet specific criteria.
What happens if I choose a school that is not accredited? If you choose a school that is not accredited, you may find that your diploma won't be accepted by a college or employer. Your education may not be recognized as quality and relevant in the workplace or classroom.
What can I do to determine if a school is accredited? Find out the accrediting organization directly from the school. You can verify the accreditation by contacting the organization and/or doing research online. This information is readily available on the Internet. You can determine if the school was approved for accreditation. If it was turned down, you can find out why. See what other schools are accredited by that organization and how long they have been in business.
Think of it as a stamp of approval. Accreditation from the right agency means that you will receive a quality education that has been critiqued and reviewed to meet specific standards. You have to be especially careful when you enroll in an online high school course. Sometimes what you think you're getting is not the case at all. Do you homework and make sure you choose an accredited education.
Labels: Accreditation, General
