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Homeschoolers Eligible for College Financial Aid
In the past, there were some roadblocks for homeschool students that wanted to apply for federal student aid for college. Today, thanks in part to the growing prevalence of homeschool students and the support of the U.S. Department of Education, financial aid is available to them. It is no longer necessary to have a high school diploma to obtain financial aid for higher education.
Specifically, homeschooled students are eligible for federal student aid for college if they have "completed a
secondary school education in a homeschool setting that is treated as a homeschool or private school under State law" (1998 Amendments to Section 484(d)(3) of the Higher Education Act of 1965).
When a college receives federal funds, its financial aid and scholarship programs are subject to federal regulations. In the past, many of these colleges instructed homeschoolers, in accordance with federal law, to take a GED exam or an ability-to-benefit test (such as ACT) in order to qualify for federal aid. However, this has not been the case since the Higher Education Amendments of 1998.
As a homechooler looking to apply for financial aid, you should know that there is nothing else required, beyond what is required to gain admittance to college. You no longer have to produce a GED and the Department of Education has said that homeschool students "are not required to take an ability-to-benefit test" (Federal Register, Vol. 64, No. 204, 64 FR 57356).
In conclusion, the law is on your side. Congress has revised federal law affecting homeschoolers, and the
U.S. Department of Education has changed its policy as well. Both recognize that homeschoolers should be admitted to college and granted financial aid without being required to take additional, or more tests, than their traditionally-schooled counterparts.
Labels: Homeschooling
How the Homeschooler Should Prepare for College
As homeschooling becomes more prevalent in the U.S., colleges and universities are reporting an increase in the number of applications from
homeschool students. Gone are the days when these students were viewed with skepticism. Most colleges are developing policies to evaluate homeschooler's records. There are things a homeschooler can do to prepare for college. The key is to start early!
College Admissions
A number of Admissions Departments have set specific standards to judge homeschooled students. Things that are considered include:
Student Portfolio -- Students should keep a formal record of their work. The portfolio serves as a representation of the student's high school career. It should include research papers, final examinations, a complete reading log, awards, etc. -- anything that would provide a solid representation of their work.
Letters of Recommendation -- Students should include letters from adults that know them well or works with him or her in the community. If they've worked at a summer camp, tutored people or participated on a sports team, they can have the experience and contributions highlighted in a letter.
SAT or ACT Test Scores -- These standardized tests can show the students' range of knowledge and demonstrate their ability to grasp concepts. The tests lend more weight to the application and show that the students are well rounded in their education.
Colleges Courses -- Many community colleges and universities allow high school students to enroll in a course and receive credit. Students can show admissions representatives that they have the initiative and can succeed in college.
Application Essay -- Some schools require an essay to be included with the application. This is a good opportunity to highlight accomplishments and how they have prepared the student to succeed in a college setting.
It is important to focus on areas other than transcript information. Many colleges weigh test scores, letters of recommendation, and the application essay more than transcripts when considering homeschoolers for admission to their schools. It is the perfect opportunity for students to impress admissions representatives with an application that sets them apart from the rest.
The KeyIt is never too early to start preparing for college when a student is being homeschooled. If a homeschool student plans to attend college, he or she should start contacting schools and determining admission requirements as early as age 14. By starting early, he or she can make sure they have the right academic requirements, extra-curricular activities, etc. and get on the right path to their future.
Labels: Homeschooling
Take Advantage of Online Summer School
Get an academic boost!
Summer school offers the opportunity for you to get ahead. Choose a summer credit recovery program to get the credits you need. It is the perfect time to make up a class or take a new class for an academic advantage. Enroll in an online high school class for the benefits of a self-paced, flexible summer school education.
Have you considered taking a summer school class? There are many benefits to a summer credit recovery program -- a little time can make all the difference. Get a jumpstart on your requirements!
Spend more time - Taking a class during the summer enables students to spend more time on one subject than might be spent during the regular school year. Choose to tackle a difficult subject and really understand the material.
Have a relaxed learning experience - Summer school offers the opportunity to learn with no pressure or outside distractions. It is a more relaxed time of year, with fewer responsibilities than the regular school year. Enjoy learning!
Choose a flexible schedule - Online summer school lets you learn when and where you want. You don't have to travel to a classroom. Simply turn on your computer and get started! A summer credit recovery program lets you fulfill your requirements on your own terms.
Stay sharp - Summer is a good time to keep your math and reading skills sharp. Don't get lazy! Keep your brain active with a challenging class that meets your academic requirements and gives you a jump start on the school year.
Get the credits you need - Summer school puts you one step closer to graduation. Enroll in a summer credit recovery program to make up the credits you need - get on track! You can take a summer school class online and transfer the credits to your high school. Whether you attend an online high school or traditional high school, you can fulfill your requirements.
Summer school provides you with a convenient and easy way to complete high school. Whether you enroll in one or more classes, you can take the time to learn the material and participate in a relaxed learning atmosphere. Enroll in an online high school today and choose the flexible way to learn. It's not too early to plan ahead!
*Please note: There are no summer school classes available in 2008.
Labels: Homeschooling
Homeschooling Knows No Bounds
The arguments against homeschooling don't hold up today against the opportunities for quality distance learning. With the introduction of the Internet and advances in technology, the home classroom can have all of the advantages of a traditional classroom.
Once upon a time, resources were very limited for homeschoolers. There was very little known about this unusual teaching method and little support in the community. Homeschoolers were isolated from the classroom and teaching materials were hard to find. That's not to say that it wasn't successful for some people. There are many successful homeschoolers in history -- from Leonardo da Vinci to Winston Churchill. Today, there is just a larger support system to make it successful.
All of the resources and technical capabilities that mirror the classroom are now available to the distance learner. First, there are online classes available to homeschoolers that can teach high school students the subjects they need to know. If parents are not well-versed in more difficult subject matter, they can use online classes to complement their teaching methods. Second, the Internet can provide guidance with course materials, teaching methods and overall support. There is a wealth of information available through the simple use of a computer. Third, e-mail and interactive software enable parents and students to stay in touch with teachers, support groups and other students. They are not alone in their homeschool experience.
Homeschooling is becoming more commonplace today. It doesn't just appeal to one small segment of society anymore. It is often a great option for students who need to stay home for health reasons, desire to work at their own pace, find themselves unable to concentrate on their work in the traditional setting, or need to schedule their learning around a career (such as acting). Today, these students can easily prepare for college and get a fully-recognized diploma through homeschool programs.
There are no limitations to the homeschool experience. Technology has enabled the homeschooler to stay informed, stay in touch, and stay on top of their education.
Labels: Homeschooling
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
Homeschooling and Distance Education Connection
Across the U.S., parents are turning to distance education to help educate their kids. There are a growing number of
online resources rising up to meet this demand. Publishers and online schools are creating materials and courses to assist parents, teachers and students with their endeavors.
Distance education first became legal in all 50 states in 1993. Current estimates by the U.S. Department of Education put the number of children being homeschooled between 1.5 million and 2.1 million. The numbers have been increasing at a rate of 7 percent to 15 percent each year. It is estimated that as many as one out of 10 kids in the U.S. receive some homeschooling by age 18.
What are the reasons behind this trend? An increasing numbers of parents are deciding to homeschool their children for many different reasons. This includes personal, religious, socioeconomic, physical, and more. From providing their children with a better education to spending more time as a family unit, there are many reasons parents choose to homeschool.
Many parents and guardians are finding that they lack the time or background to effectively teach their children. This provides an opportunity for online schools to offer parents the necessary assistance with their homeschooling efforts. Online classes can supplement their teaching and provide the structure they need. Students can learn at home in a safe environment and get accredited learning through convenient
online classes.
Distance education provides the perfect solution for homeschooling parents. It offers parents direction in their homeschool efforts. When their children enroll in a class, the students get a learning experience that is tailored to meet their needs with classes and tools that are proven to work. Parents can use these resources as their child's main learning tools, or complement their own efforts as a teacher. Either way, they get the peace of mind that their children are getting a quality education.
This provides a unique opportunity for distance education schools to create quality
home-based programs for parents and children alike. It is important to keep the needs of the individuals in mind when creating a program. Accreditation, quality coursework, live student support and teacher accountability are important issues.
Distance education can provide homeschoolers with the following benefits:
- Fully recognized diplomas
- Accredited learning
- College prep classes
- Live student support
- Qualified teachers
- Up-to-date learning materials
Parents will realize that they are not alone in their homeschool efforts. Publishers and online schools are available to provide assistance with their instruction. Gone are the days when parents would be required to create a customized curriculum by themselves. Today, they still have that option, but many parents are finding additional resources helpful in creating the perfect educational experience for their children.
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Labels: Homeschooling
Homeschooling: How to Get Started
Homeschooling is becoming a common alternative to traditional classroom teaching. Today, more parents and guardians are opting to teach their children at home, with an estimated 750,000 to 1,000,000 students learning in a home environment. Many parents believe that
homeschooling provides their children with a custom or more complete education than public or private schools. It is easy to get started, you just have to do your homework.
Legality -- Can I Teach my Child from Home?
It is legal to
homeschool your child in the U.S. and many other countries. Each state has different laws regarding homeschooling, which can range from simple guidelines to more formal legal requirements. Look for a local, state or regional home education organization to provide basic information on the laws that pertain to your state.
Finding the Support You Need
Some home education departments will also provide a list of support groups in your area. These support groups are usually run by volunteers who also homeschool their children. You can find a support group in your area to get the encouragement and information you need from experienced homeschooling families.
In addition to state and local support groups, private groups can be particularly helpful. Their services range from providing books, materials and other resources to consultation, testing and distance education programs. These groups are designed to serve homeschooling families and not only sell the supplies and services you need, but provide helpful information and referrals.
Additional Resources
There are many resources available to the new homeschooler. Get the information you need to get started on the right foot. Read books on homeschooling. Browse web pages and links and read different articles that are available to you.
Remember that the benefit of
homeschooling is that you can customize the education to fit the needs of your children and your family. You can choose the educational methods that work best for you.
Digg StoryLabels: Homeschooling
College-Bound Homeschoolers
In recent years,
homeschooling has become a prevalent means of learning for students in the United States. It is commonplace to find homeschool students at the elementary, junior high and high school levels. Most estimates confirm that the number of these students continues to increase each year.
As they progress from one grade to the next, the question of college eventually comes into the picture. Colleges and universities are receiving a growing number of applications from homeschool students. Are they ready for college? Should these students be assessed in the same manner as traditional classroom children? Will they be successful?
Does homeschooling prepare students for college?
Yes! It has been determined that homeschooled students and traditional classroom students exhibit similar academic readiness for college. The test scores of homeschool students are high (Rudner, 1999).They tend to score above the national average on both the SAT and ACT, the primary tests used by colleges in evaluating college applicants. When homeschool students enroll in private or public schools, they tend to start at one or more grades above their actual age level.
Do colleges recognize homeschoolers?
About one-third of colleges and universities have adopted measures to fairly review the credentials of homeschool students (Cohen, 2000). A majority of admissions departments at these schools already have specific standards in place. There is common advice for homeschool students that plan to attend college:
1. Seek early counsel (prior to the start of 9th grade) from colleges they want to attend.
2. Prepare a student portfolio that includes the coursework (transcript prepared by parent or other homeschool teacher), academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and SAT or ACT test scores (Patrick Henry College, 2000).
How do homeschoolers do in college?
It has been determined that homeschoolers do just as well in college as their traditional classroom counterparts. In a study conducted by Sutton and Galloway (2000), it was concluded that home school, private school and public school students were equally successful in the areas of achievement, leadership, professional aptitude, physical activity, and social behavior. In short, homeschoolers were just as likely to succeed in college as other types of students.
Find out more on how
participating in home schooling online can prepare you for college. If you would like to find out how to prepare for college or enroll in an accredited homeschool program, please visit us at
http://www.alliedhighschool.com/.
Labels: General, Homeschooling
The Benefits of Homeschooling
Making the Decision to Learn from HomeAlthough it has been a predominant form of education throughout history, many people consider homeschooling to be a new concept. They might be surprised to learn that our Founding Fathers were educated at home. A homeschool once only included the idea of parents assuming the responsibility of educating their own children. Today, the modern homeschool has evolved to include the use of computers and other technically-advanced equipment that simulate the real classroom in a household setting.
Online homeschools cater to the needs of elementary, junior high and high school students.
Benefits of Homeschooling 1.
Low Teacher-to-Student Ratio - With anywhere from 15 to 35 students in a class, teachers in a traditional classroom have limited time to give students one-on-one attention. When students are homeschooled, they have a greater chance of getting the individualized attention they need. Teachers can focus on one student at a time.
2.
Instant Feedback - When students participate in a
homeschooling program, they can get immediate feedback regarding their assignments, quizzes and exams. Likewise, they can let their teachers know if they do not understand a concept or need extra help. There is two-way communication.
3.
Customized Curriculum - Homeschooling allows students to get an education that is tailored to their needs. For those students requiring extra help or needing additional challenges, they can participate in a
homeschool curriculum that focuses on specific areas. A customized curriculum also enables them to set their own pace. They can navigate a lesson as slowly or quickly as they choose.
4.
Less Distractions - Homeschooling programs enable students to solely focus on the task at hand. They can pay 100% attention to their studies, without any worries, social distractions or pressures of a regular school setting. When students learn at home, they can also schedule their classes to suit their schedule.
5.
Time Management - At home, students can sit down and get right to work. There is no wait time before they can read a lesson or start an exercise. They are no longer bound by a school schedule as a teacher performs role call, attends to another student or handles a discipline problem.
6.
More Flexibility - Learning in a home environment enables students to have greater flexibility than in a traditional classroom. They can set their own schedule. If they want to study or take their tests at night, they have the freedom to do so. Families can take a vacation in the middle of the week, or use their kitchen for a chemistry lesson. The possibilities are endless!
Homeschooling provides people with an additional option to traditional educational methods. Whether students are homeschooled by their parents or take homeschooling online, they can be in charge of their education and make decisions about what is best for them. They have the freedom to create an education that is customized to their needs. It provides them with choices.
For information on high school homeschooling or additional homeschool resources, please visit
www.alliedhighschool.com.
Labels: Homeschooling
The Distance Education Story
ANHS November, 2005 - By, H. Brunson
You have decided that you want a change. Maybe you want to return to school full time or take one class to get ahead. However, you might have special learning needs, have a busy schedule, or live far away from a school. What do you do? Distance education enables you to complete your coursework away from an actual school campus. Think of it as a virtual classroom. You independently get your high school education through online classes. This enables you to be in charge of your future, with the ability to make your own decisions regarding every aspect of your education. In todays society, distance education is becoming a necessary alternative to traditional face-to-face instruction. There is a greater percentage of students facing extenuating circumstances. Also, many individuals are unable or unwilling to attend an onsite school. As a result, there is a growing need for different educational methods.
Benefits of Distance Education
Distance education is on the rise. With availability, enrollment and course offerings dramatically increasing in the last decade, there is a greater need for quality home-study programs. More individuals are taking advantage of the distance learning option. It provides you with the following benefits:
Flexible schedule: You can learn on your own time and at your own pace.
Convenient setting: You can attend class from almost any location.
Accessible materials: You can retrieve class materials at any time.
Relevant content: You can gain real-world experience.
Ease of use: You can easily access class materials.
Work/family balance: You can maintain the responsibilities in your life while you attend high school.
Labels: General, Homeschooling
1.1 Million Homeschooled Students in the U.S.A. in 2003
By, National Household Education Surveys Program
Until 1999, little empirical information existed about the prevalence of
homeschooling nationally (Bielick, Chandler, and Broughman 2001). In 1999 and 2003, the National Household Education Surveys Program (NHES) collected nationally representative data that can be used to estimate the number of homeschooled students in the United States. Data from the 1999 NHES showed that there were an estimated 850,000 homeschoolers in the United States, about 1.7 percent of the school-age population (Bielick, Chandler, and Broughman 2001).
Students are defined as children ages 5 through 17 with a grade equivalent of kindergarten through grade 12 (K12). Interviews were conducted with the parents of 11,994 students (239 of whom were homeschooled). When weighted properly, these data represent approximately 50 million students ages 5 through 17 with a grade equivalent of K through 12 in the United States in 2003.
Students are considered to be homeschooled if their parents reported them as being schooled at home instead of at a public or private school for at least part of their education and if their part-time enrollment in public or private schools did not exceed 25 hours a week.
Number and Percentage of Homeschooled Students in the United StatesAbout 1.1 million students (1,096,000) were being homeschooled in the United States in the spring of 2003. This represents an increase from the estimated 850,000 students who were being homeschooled in the spring of 1999. In addition, the estimated homeschooling rate (the percentage of the school-age population that was being homeschooled) increased from 1.7 percent in 1999 to 2.2 percent in 2003.
Parents' Most Important Reasons for Homeschooling Their ChildrenIn the 2003 NHES, parents were asked whether particular reasons for homeschooling their children applied to them. Parents were then asked which one of those applicable reasons was their most important reason for homeschooling.
Thirty-one percent of homeschoolers had parents who said the most important reason for homeschooling was concern about the environment of other schools. Thirty percent said the most important reason was to provide religious or moral instruction. The next reason was given about half as often; 16 percent of homeschooled students had parents who said dissatisfaction with the academic instruction available at other schools was their most important reason for homeschooling.
ConclusionFrom 1999 to 2003, the number of homeschooled students in the United States increased, as did the homeschooling rate. The increase in the homeschooling rate (from 1.7 percent to 2.2 percent) represents about 0.5 percent of the 2002-03 school-age population and a 29 percent relative increase over the 4-year period. While data from the NHES cannot explain why homeschooling was more prevalent in 2003 than in 1999, it can provide insight into why parents homeschooled their children in 2003. Nearly two-thirds of homeschooled students had parents who said that their primary reason for homeschooling was either concern about the environment of other schools or a desire to provide religious or moral instruction.
References
Bielick, S., Chandler, K., and Broughman, S.P. (2001). Homeschooling in the United States: 1999 (NCES 2001-;033). U.S. Department of Education. Washington, DC: National Center for Education Statistics.Schenker, N., and Gentleman, J.F. (2001). On Judging the Significance of Differences by Examining the Overlap Between Confidence Intervals. The American Statistician, 55(3): 182-186.
Labels: Homeschooling
