Homeschooling in
High School
Can it be Done?
Homeschooling in |
|
By Joyce R.
Now is the time to get organized. The state of Idaho
will not accept homeschool credits toward high school graduation unless the student is
enrolled in a accredited correspondence school. So starting with 9th grade, I
advise homeschool students to decide on one of the following options:
*Study diligently at home and prepare to take the ACT tests. Enter college without a high school diploma. A GED is also required to attend college in Idaho.
*Study at home through an accredited correspondence or online school for grades 9-12 and graduate.
*Attend the Leadership Academy Charter school (in Pingree, Idaho) for grades 9-12 and graduate.
*Return to public high school for grades 9-12 and graduate.
Homeschool students who are planning to go to college do not need to graduate or earn a high school diploma. Once they take a few college classes, the fact that they didn't get a high school diploma doesn't really matter. They should prepare to take the ACT or SAT (plus the GED test or Compass Test if they are planning to attend an Idaho College.) Check with the college you are interested in to see what their requirements are for homeschooled students. If the students does choose to enrolled in accredited correspondence courses, make sure the college you choose will accept the credits from that school.
If a high school diploma is important to your student, he/she can enroll in an online, or regular correspondence school. The school will send the assignments through the mail, or they will be online. The student submits the assignments to a distance learning teacher who corrects the assignments and gives a grade and credit.. The student who is not planning to go to college would be wise to earn a diploma because the GED may be less respected than a diploma on by many employers. Correspondence Schools
Homeschooling during the high school years has many benefits.
Those of us who have done it are glad we did. Homeschooled teens are often closer to their
families than public school teens. Parents get to know them better, and are better able to
understand their teens needs and challenges. Teens usually give more respect to the parent
who is also their teacher. Avoiding the negative influences in the public schools is also
a big plus.
Most assignments can be done independently by the student and
checked off at the end of the week. Here is a list of studies for the student who wants go
on to college.
Organization:
It's important to teach your students to be organized and accountable about school. Each
student needs a notebook with dividers. In the front should be a assignment section with
an outline of what he/she is to do each day, and a place to check off, or grade each day's
work. Write down page numbers to be read etc. Since the student knows what the assignments
are, he/she can just do them, without waiting for instructions from you. Include all
written work in the notebook in it's own section. Check the work each day. Unless you
excuse an assignment for a good reason, require all assignments to be completed that day,
or made up on Saturday.
Reading/Literature
Choose classic literature that is uplifting, inspiring, and makes you think. Literature
improves vocabulary and language. You can also assign some books from the historical
reading list. That way you student will learn a little history in a pleasant way. Assign a
chapter, or a number of pages you feel are a reasonable goal. When the book is finished,
assign a book report.
• OR buy literature books from ABeka full of uplifting classic stories.
www.abeka.org
History/Geography/Social Science
Put emphasis on U.S. History. Learn about noble men and women who made a positive
difference in the world. Combine writing and social studies by assigning research reports.
I really like ABeka books for history and science. These are about 1 grade level above the
public schools, for example, an Abeka 7th grade book is really closer to a 8th grade
level. I sometimes order books a grade or two lower for subjects my student struggles
with, or dislikes.
www.abeka.org
Spelling
Spelling is traditionally taught through the 8th grade, but older students often still
need spelling help.
I like the book, "The Natural Speller." It has word lists sorted by spelling
rule. Assign 6 words a day that have a spelling rule in common. Add words that the
student has misspelled in his own writing.The student studies the words and has a spelling
test on them, plus the lists for the last 2 days. If he gets any of that day's words
wrong, he writes the missed word 10 times, studies again, and repeats the entire spelling
test. If he misses any of the words from other days, only require him to write those words
5 times and don't require a retest. If necessary add old words to the new list again if he
is having trouble. This book has spelling rules, Latin and Greek root words, dictionary
practice etc.
Natural Speller
Design-A-Study
408 Victoria Ave.
Wilmington DE 19804
Math
Saxon Math 1-800-284-7019 www.saxonpub.com
Saxon is expensive, but really explains the concepts and gives daily practice. They have
an online placement test for your student to take to find out which middle or high
level book he/she should start with.
Abeka Math is also good. 1-800-874-2352 www.abeka.org
Do an hour to two hours of math each day, plus 5-10 minutes of math facts practice
Finishing Algebra I will be a good preparation for the GED test. Finish at
least Algebra II to prepare for college entrance tests.
Writing/Grammar/Composition
Get a good basic grammar/composition book. You can use it all four years. Now do all kinds
of writing, including lot of research reports. You can also use these English Rules.
For teaching creative writing, I really like Wordsmith. It breaks down
the writing process into easier steps, and is enjoyable for the student.
Worksmith by Janie B. Cheaney www.commonsensepress.com
or buy this book through Latterday Family Resources: www.LDFR.com
Foreign Language
If you have the time, foreign language will broaden your student's outlook, and
open doors in many fields. It is recommended, by not required at most colleges at
this time.
Devotional/Seminary/Service
Singing hymns, reading scripture, and reading uplifting stories or poetry are all
good devotional activities. This is also a good time to set individual and family goals,
and to enjoy being together. Service- Teach your teen to find joy
in helping others. Be an example!
Part Time College Enrollment
Talented high school students who have not yet passed the GED may make application
to ISU as non-degree seeking students (maximum 7 credits a semester) For his/her first
college class, pick a favorite subject so your student will do well. She/he will gain
confidence and valuable knowledge and experience. Each credit hour costs about $90. A
typical class is 2 or 3 credit hours.
Part Time Enrollment at ISU.
Electives
Round out your student with practical, and artistic studies in your student's
areas of interest.
Work Experience
A teen can learn a lot from a part-time job. The student will learn about
being on time, being responsible, and managing money. Working as a volunteer teaches
many of the same lessons too, and introduces your teen to great friends.
Take the ACT for Practice
Students may take the ACT for practice. In our family we begin taking the ACT
at age 14, then every year, or twice a year after that. This has several benefits:
• The test identifies areas that need work. (And provides motivation to work in that
area!)
• The student gets practice with the format, difficulty, and environment of the test.
• For an extra fee you can get a copy of the test, student's answers, and the correct
answers so the student can study his mistakes
Test registration forms may be picked up at ISU or from a high school counselor.
Registration for the test is about $20.00. The test is given about
every month during the school year, but you must register several months ahead.
Copyright © [Southeast Idaho Homeschool Association]. All rights reserved.
Revised: June 21, 2005.