Self-Test

SELF-TEST: EFFECTIVE HOMESCHOOL
What does it take to have a successful homeschool? Are you children getting a great education? You'll probably agree that most of the items in this test are necessary for success. For each statement give yourself a score from 1 to 3.

1 - I struggle with this.
2 - I am doing okay, but there's room for improvement.
3 - I'm confident about my efforts.

I HAVE TIME, ENERGY, AND RESOURCES
( )    I have at least 2 - 5 hours each day to spend on school with my children, depending on their ages. (Younger children need at least 2-3 hours. Older children need 4-5 but during some of that time older children may be working independently)
( )    I have time after school and on weekends to correct assignments and prepare new assignments.
( )    I have access to teaching materials
( )    I have the knowledge (including teacher manuals as needed) to teach my children.
I CAN GET ORGANIZED
( )    I write plans, make assignments, and have goals for my children's education
( )    When I need to find a pencil or the answer book, I can usually find it easily.
( )    The children know what their assignments are for the day without having to wait too long for me to tell them.
SELF-DISCIPLINE AND SELF-SACRIFICE
( )    I am willing to put many of my own interests aside to make time for my children's education.
( )    I am willing to live on less money to be home to teach my children.
( )    I can usually tear myself away from an interesting project when my child needs my help right then.
( )    I let the phone or doorbell ring without answering it when I am in the middle of teaching my children.
I AM PATIENT
( )    I have the patience to kindly teach difficult subjects to balky or frustrated children.
( )    I am glad to have my children around me all day, 7 days per week.
( )    I can put up with the clutter required when kids are learning and doing projects.
I AM CONSISTENT
( )    I require my children to do their assignments and chores each day.
( )    I am usually caught up on checking their work and getting their next days assignments ready.
( )    I try to limit days off.
I REQUIRE ACCOUNTABILITY
( )    I give my children assignments that must be turned in to me, and I correct their assignments to give them feedback on how they are doing.
( )    I give them tests, have goal interviews, or have other ways to make sure they are progressing
( )    I teach them that ultimately, they are responsible for what they learn, but I do all in my power to make sure they are educated.
I CAN MOTIVATE MY CHILDREN
( )    My children will obey me and do their assignments (with a minimum of fuss.)
( )    My children are learning and advancing in skills and knowledge.
( )    For the most part, our homeschool is pleasant, and the children enjoy learning.
MY CHILDREN HAVE SOCIAL INTERACTION
( )    My children have regular opportunities to play with friends.
( )    I am willing to drive my children to the homes of their distant friends if necessary to give them this interaction.

If you scored:

55-75 POINTS:
You have an excellent school. - Your children are learning and doing well. Keep up the good work, but beware of burn-out. Make some time for yourself once in awhile!

45-55 POINTS:
You are teaching, and they are learning. It's working! Take the time to make some goals and improve in your weak areas, and hang in there!

35-45 POINTS:
Read some homeschool-help books from the library; go to a homeschool convention; make some goals, and work to make your school an excellent one. If you are feeling burned out, make a list of all the reasons you want to homeschool. Put them up on the wall where you'll see them every day; then work to make your school an effective one. Your kids are depending on you.

25-35 POINTS:
Education is vital in our society. All children deserves a good education so they can eventually support themselves and their families, and so they can understand the issues of our day.. Homeschooling is a responsibility that takes commitment and self-sacrifice.   You will need to make some major changes in your life in order to effectively teach your children. You may want to consider accredited programs or ask other homeschool parents for help. But don't give up; the love you have for your children is the most importantt prerequisite to being a successful homeschool parent.
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