Okay, here's the deal.
We did little to no schooling last semester due to the move and househunting. The house we bought "needed" a little renovation - using the term lightly as the kitchen was fine, but the house has a history. The former owner killed his wife, then himself in the kitchen 2 years ago. Pretty gruesome, hunh? So, we got this great deal on the house that we decided to pray over, then remodel to look nothing like the original inside. (No Jen, there were no blood stains or visible reminders, just the newspaper articles online and the chatter of the neighbors...If the realtor hadn't told us, we'd never have guessed.)
Needless to say, my stress levels with renovations and daily "to-do's" are overwhelming. In December I stumbled on the Colorado Virtual Academy (online charter school that parents administer at home, but it IS a public school program) and decided to apply. The only reason we would be allowed to apply was because we have not lived in CO for a full semester, and would not be subject to their "kids must be enrolled in public school for at least one semester" rule. Which, of course, we never would have done. (I just realized that I would never accept the above sentences in my kids writing...sorry...been a while and I've lots to say!)
Well, long story short, we're doing COVA at home and subjecting our kids to standardized TESTING. Oh, horrors! Actually, they would have to take some form of tests annually as homeschoolers anyway in CO.
So, what on earth happened to me? I spoke with a dear friend (and homeschool mentor) who had moved last summer to California from Missouri. Due to the high cost of housing there (hubby is a music minister) they were forced to make some changes. She enrolled in a charter system that pays for all non-religious materials (like Math-U-See, Shurley English, all novels, biographies and history books, music books, etc.) and requires reports to the state monthly. They felt the benefits outweighed the sacrifice. This got me thinking, praying and evaluating whether this compromise would harm the kids. Here's our thoughts and how we determined to try it for a semester.
The pros: Responsible use of tax dollars for a change, and of our resources; free excellent/rich curriculum (albeit secular, only 2 out of dozens of books won't be read in our home); free loaner computer plus internet service; science and art supplies; free workshops and training on just about every subject should we choose to go; less time lesson planning and searching for the right materials; easier for me to tell the kids to get their assignments online and get busy; more time for me to play with the little ones (in theory - reality is that I'm spending more time phoning contractors to show up!); VERY easy to use our Christian curriculum to supplement what is provided (for example, we're using Beautiful Feet's "History of Classical Music" along with their Intro to Music course to highlight Godly men and make a really cool lapbook); makes me actually do something worthwhile with the kids' time since I have to report to someone two times a month; Best of all, I'm still the "Teaching Adult" even though the kids have an assigned teacher should we have any questions.
Our biggest concern was whether we could skip or opt out of any evolutionary teachings in science, or obvious anti-God bias in History should we encounter that. Our "teacher" homeschooled for years before COVA and is a born-again Christian with similar beliefs as ours. She said we are welcome to skip any lessons or modify any lessons as long as we replace them with other experiences or books- in other words, don't just play around instead of doing something worthwhile and educational. They actually encourage (school wide in their newsletter) trying other methods than the provided workbooks to teach lessons. The examples were lapbooking, notebooking, creating menus and building forts/castles to act out the time period being studied,etc. The goal is to see active learning, not just checking off boxes. They even encouraged us to use narration rather than tiring the kids out with all the handwriting the k12 curriculum suggests! The reading books they sent were many of the ones recommended in Tapestry of Grace, Sonlight and Beautiful Feet. Quite amazing, actually.
The Cons: It is still a public school. We have to do testing. My son placed a grade lower than he "should" be in math and is feeling inadequate about that - he wouldn't have known otherwise as I've kept the 2 olders on the same level to simplify my life.
The biggest CON: THE GUILT! I cannot believe we're doing public school at home. I feel horrible that I'm just not organized and/or smart enough to get my kids to do all the great things I hear about at conferences: notebooking, lapbooks for every subject, nature study, apologetics training, debate, and on and on. My heart aches to allow my kids to have those experiences with me. I keep thinking that maybe we will once the little ones are old enough to be less demanding of my attention. And the laundry starts doing itself...
I would like to say that we had wonderful learning experiences without structure and guidance imposed on us. Reality is that, although my kids have learned some things and we did have some fun, they don't love learning, and they don't necessarily want to do anything more than fill in some blanks and be done with "school" for the day. I'm the one who wants the hands-on fun learning. I'm the one who wants to read books with them all day. I'm the one who didn't require memorization of the math facts and chose a "fun" non-traditional math program. I'm fully to blame here.
So, what's the lesson from all this? I'm not nearly as judgemental of those in virtual schools. Many moms I've met through COVA are supplementing with Christian materials, and learning to homeschool so that they can pull out by high school. I've met grandmothers who are teaching their abandoned grandchildren, so they can break the cycle of poor public school choices they made the first time around with their own children. They would never homeschool, but this allows them to nurture these wounded kids at home and teach Godly principles. I've met single parents who can teach their kids at home because of the free materials, and still hold down a job to make ends meet. I've met Christian dads who stay home with their kids, since the wife's benefits and salary outpaced theirs, and are able to begin at-home careers for the first time.
I discovered that most parents are insecure about teaching their own (yes, that is a public school mentality inflicted on parents), but that they are more confident after trying this method and are willing to consider going independent in the future should the virtual schools not get their funding. Without these programs, how many kids would be sitting in a classroom with a teacher who is anti-Christian? with students that are carrying weapons? with perpetrators waiting for them to walk home?
Here's a thought: How many Christian organizations that lambast virtual schools can say they have filled the void that virtual schools do for single parents, grandparents, or even insecure parents by giving them support, encouragement, and free curriculum until they can stand on their own to homeschool? Hmmm. Something I may have to research.
Is virtual schooling the PERFECT option? Not really. But, it is meeting our need at this moment, and I'm grateful. So, if you're disappointed, I am too. Not because it's sinful to join the public school system, but because I'm not as strong as I thought I was, and I've wrongly judged others who've made decisions I thought were against homeschooling's best interest. I've lots to learn.
Comments
Feb. 22, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Happyhome
Your story is so similiar to others I have heard. Most who have joined K12 or other similiar programs feel guilty because many hs organizations have told everyone for so long that these groups are bad. I believe some view anything to do with ps as a step (or two) backwards. I disagree. Hsing is evolving and taking on many different forms for different people. As you pointed out, this type of schooling has given people the opportunity to hs who never may have done so otherwise. I do not believe there is one right or wrong way to hs. What bothers me is when people assume there is only one way...their own!
We joined a similar group this past year and I have to say I did so with trepidation. I had heard all the cons and listened to the speakers at convention bemoaning this new branch of hsing. I have to say, we have had nothing but positive experiences. So they had to go in for testing...big deal. It didn't hurt them one bit. It did show me how well they are doing and the kids thought is was fun! ;o) The main reason we joined was to pay for extras...karate and violin lessons mainly. We choose our own curriculum and they will pay for things that are no religiously based. That pretty much ruled out our entire curriculum (except for MUS), but the extra for lessons has been great. I talk to our assigned teacher once every couple of months on the phone for about two minutes..."Hi, how are the boys doing? Do you have any questions? Great! Bye!" That really is the extent of it.
Let me encourage you...instead of being disappointed in what you are not doing, focus on what you are doing right now. Don't compare your school experience to anyone elses. If this is where the Lord has led you at this time in your lives, then you are in the right place.
Hang in there!
Angela
Feb. 23, 2007 - Swaziland
Posted by Anonymous
Melanie: Swaziland is an ok place to visit, even with small children. More than welcome to come for a short term trip. Email is daran at childrenscup dot org. Email me and I'll get you the details on who to contact at 'Cup in the US for info and planning for a trip. Blessings! Which child did you sponsor at Madonsa? Daran
Feb. 23, 2007 - welcome back!!!
Posted by JeninNB
Don't beat yourself up!!!
Your kids are still home... you are still using some great materials (even "hardcore hs'ers" use stuff they're not completely sold on), and you are being a good steward.
I'm glad you're back. I missed you!
jen
Feb. 24, 2007 - Re: ps-ing at home
Posted by Anonymous
I agree with Angela. Her encouragement is worth repeating... "...instead of being disappointed in what you are not doing, focus on what you are doing right now. Don't compare your school experience to anyone elses. If this is where the Lord has led you at this time in your lives, then you are in the right place."
'Ailina
Feb. 26, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by mamaduso
Ok, the whole house thing is just a little um wierd/freaky etc. But out God is great and to pray over it was a super idea. He can cleanse it like no one can.
The school thing. Really, don't beat your self up to repeat the others. You are doing absolutely the best thing for your family and it is YOUR family. The kids are still home with you right?! Good. I have a friend who uses K-12 and they love it. As for the ps thing, well honestly you have opened my eyes to a different perspective and I thank you for that. I think the biggest reason people speak against it is because of the fear of somehow the gov taking away our hs freedoms. We don't want to answer to anyone. But most of us don't have anything to fear because most hs kids are doing great. You are doing great!
Susan
Feb. 27, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by eyecorn
You know, I read this post and all about the virtual school and it sounds good!
My DS is 8th grade and as much as I want to do the hands on stuff with him, he's not into it anymore. Plus, he needs the structure of texts and strict lesson plans if he's going to get into the top college of his choice...So, ya' know, the choice you made sounds very appealing.
Now, my DD is the hands on, lapbooking, notebooking type of learner. But, it can be VERY difficult to have these two types of learners...it's almost like you do double the planning.
So, enjoy where your family is right now. God has brought this before you to enjoy.
Mar. 5, 2007 - Welcome Back!
Posted by LearningGlory
I have wondered where you were. Glad your back.
As for the schooling, the kids are still home "where they belong" as Gena is fond of saying. You have just chosen a curriculum and format that works for you.
Blessings from Maine!
-Tammy
Mar. 13, 2007 - :)
Posted by Sweetie
hum, I have to agree, the house-thing kind of gives me the shivers! LOL Sounds like you have LOTS of changes happening right now! Wow! hugs for you as you continue to school your children and make the best decisions for them and your family. Sounds like you're doing great!
Jul. 25, 2008 - Thanks so much for this post
Posted by Gretchen
I was having a very hard time articulating how I feel about recently starting COVA. I have homeschooled my oldest through 3rd grade, and this year felt the need for a little more structure now that I will have 3 different grade levels to teach. Alos a friend who is new to homeschooling had signed up for COVA, and was encouraging me to check it out. I'd love to hear more about your experience with COVA! I am off to read more of your site. Thanks again!