I just learned about this fabulous initiative called 'Montreal Freeschool' today via eMail! Sounds Wonderful!
The Montreal Freeschool is a grassroots initiative of individuals acting collectively to create educational opportunities for children and adults outside of the institutional environment of formal schooling.
They are a not-for-profit group, working with the support of MUCS (Montreal Urban Community Sustainment) to construct a network in which skills, information and knowledge are shared via classes and workshops without the hierarchy or costs associated with other paths to learning.
They invite everyone to participate and welcome all people regardless of age, race, orientation or physical or mental ability.
If this is your first visit to Homeschool Nations - Quebec, Canada...
Welcome! Bienvenue!
I've tried to create a site that's easy to use, which isn't always easy to do, given that it's a blog! I've also tried to provide every available resource to assist you! Like links to support groups; links to articles and facts surrounding the legal issues we face in taking on home-based education; and links to free curriculum for our curriculum starved province.
If you're new to homeschooling or you're thinking about homeschooling, I would suggest you follow the link, called Homeschooling Laws / L'école à la maison: la Loi, that's located at the top right-hand corner of this blog (under the Bienvenue greeting!) This link has information about starting homeschooling, how to conduct assessments, links to Quebec's school boards , eGroups and many articles of support!
If you are looking for reading material...you can always look into a subscrition to The Old Schoolhouse Magazine. (They have a contest under way. They're watching for order number 30,000. The winner is going to absolutely LOVE the $800 prize package! And the last 100 orders (they're pretty close now), EACH of the final 100 will get 5 surprise gifts. Go browse the Schoolhouse Store. The shipping is always free and you just might win some great prizes too!) Or if you are looking for a magazine a little closer to home, check out Homeschooling Horizons Magazine, created by homeschoolers from the West Island of Montreal! Go ahead and request a FREE copy! They'll be happy to provide you with one! You'll be happy to discover, you're not alone, there are many more homeschooler's among us in Quebec!
Don't forget to join one of the fabulous eGroups that we have available. You'll find a complete list on our Homeschooling Laws / L'école à la maison: la Loi page. But I do have a new group to tell you about called the Montreal Homelearners eGroup! The owner describes it as, 'A place for homelearning families to find each other, share information, offer support, make plans and discuss our homelearning adventures. Our members include French and English families, kids and babies of all ages, and all styles of homelearning.' Oops...One correction: they are not (just) an eGroup - they have 2 meetings a month (one for parents only, one for parents with kids) and other activities once in a while. It's described as more of a Support Group...
If you need anymore information and you can't find it here, feel free to contact me! I'd be happy to assist you!
Isn’t it funny, how the most seasoned homeschoolers sort of hum and haw, when it comes to approved curriculum and the homeschooling laws concerning equivalent education? I will not profess to be a seasoned homeschooler, to be honest, I usually feel pretty green! In all honesty, I don't believe that anyone is quite sure about what curriculum is best or even what curriculum to use. We have public school friends who don't even have textbooks for many of their subjects! They share the available textbooks in class or they recieve printouts!
It seems that everytime someone new to homeschooling asks about curriculum and especially approved curriculum, we tell them to visit the MEQ’s site and to go with what feels good! But if you are a textbook kind of family that can sound kind of scary!?! What are you supposed to do now? You decided to homeschool because you wanted to help your children succeed but what materials do you use? Well, just for us traditional homeschoolers, I’ve found a few links that you’re going to be very thankful for!
If you are new to homeschooling, this is one crazy and scary dance! It was and sometimes still is for me. I found a file called ‘Outside Canada Education ‘How To’ Book’ created for Military families! Okay? What does that have to do with you? It’s got a section called ‘Instruction At Home’! This section lays out the laws, how to make an education plan, and curriculum examples. It’s far from complete and again, it’s intended for Military families but it does give a clear picture of what’s expected of you.
This next link, I really, really like, it is the Education Library. This site has all the links to Canadian Sources for educational websites and links; Quebec Sources of websites and links; Quebec’s Education Laws/Acts; Children’s Literature websites; Lessons; and so much more! It’s quite useful and you’ll want to send this link to your desktop or better yet, just visit Homeschool Nations-Quebec, Canada’s Legal section, where you'll find this post in the future!
And this last site, the best site that I’ve found to date that tells us textbook families what other public school children are learning and when, would be the
When I moved to Quebec about ten years ago, I was so lonely and in need of knowing other mothers with children, had I known about this place that I'm about to tell you about, it would have changed my life! It's the Women's Centre of Montreal.
They have a team of 55 employees and close to 300 volunteers, who are called upon to intervene in various spheres of women’s lives, from family to conjugal situations, as well as their social and professional integration. Mothers participate in collective kitchens, educationaloutings and training sessions!
Since the Centre’s establishment in 1973, more than half a million women have sought its services in order that they may develop their autonomy and lead productive and rewarding lives. It is also a place where they can share the only remedy which, according to Pandora’s legend, makes life’s miseries bearable: HOPE…
Continental Book Company is an excellent resource center for Spanish, Bilingual Spanish, English as a Second Language, French, German, Latin and Italian publications.
There titles are continuously updated through research and suggestions received from their best sources: their customers. They can also supply you with virtually any available titles from Spain, Latin America, Mexico, France, Canada, Switzerland, Africa, Germany, Austria, Italy and, of course, the United States. Their multilingual staff will provide both the materials and the information needed to help you find the perfect language resources! YES, even in french!
If my dh had a choice to make today he'd send the kids back to school! He's one from the old school's way of thinking. He believes they need to be tested, compared to one another and that they need to compete in order to succeed in life. I rarely give in to this type of thinking but it gets very hard to make my point, without concrete proof that they are learning what they need, to have a successful life later. Because my kids are in the secondary years of their education, I've only supplied links for their age group, if you'd like skill testing links for younger children just let me know...Oh, and one other site I found looked really interesting because of it's own proficiency tests and for its services to homeschool families, called Camp Internet ~ Homeschool Campus! Lucky Americans!
Whatever holiday you are celebrating this season, Christmas, Hanukkah, Diwali, Kwanzaa or any other, we wish you the very best and hope you will join us in spreading the joy of the season!
If you are new to home based education, you've come to the right place and if you have further questions, post them here as someone will know the answers! I've attached 'links' to the various sites, that I felt would be helpful, to navigate the sea of legal issues that you might be experiencing. In this section, you will find links that directly affect you, such as the laws pertaining to home based learning, the various school boards in our region, articles on homeschooling, and much more.
J'ai attaché les 'liens aux divers emplacements', cela que je me suis senti serais utile, pour diriger la mer des issues légales que vous pourriez éprouver. Dans cette section, vous trouverez les liens qui vous affectent directement, tel que les lois concernant l'étude basée par maison, les divers panneaux d'école dans notre région, des articles sur homeschooling, et beaucoup plus.
Quelques approches éducatives/ Types of Home Based Education
Rideau Valley Home Educators' Association is a Christian organization. Our purpose is to offer support to home schooling families as well as to increase awareness and acceptance of alternative education by the community and school boards. The association serves a membership made up of families from the Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec region in Canada. We welcome as members anyone interested in the education of children at home.
English Speaking Quebec Secondary School Aged Homeschoolers Association - support group for english speaking homeschool parents with secondary school aged children. C.P. 74058, 600 Montee Du Moulin, Laval, Que. H7A 4A2 Phone: (450)665-8420
École P.E.A.C.E. - Alternative School - PEACE est un organisme à but non-lucratif dévoué à l’éducation humaniste et l’éducation à la paix.
Central Quebec School Board - Many of you who remove your child from school will be asked to sign a 'Contract', you will find two PDF files here which contain a contract for primary grades and secondary grades. You are NOT required by law to sign these forms.
This next section deals with CEGEP and what qualifications are necessary for continued education in Quebec. The Ministère de l'Éducation states --
'Vocational education is open to both young people and adults. Three types of programs are offered: programs leading to a Diploma of Vocational Studies (DVS, replacing the Secondary School Vocational Diploma as of July 1, 1998); programs leading to an Attestation of Vocational Specialization (AVS); and programs leading to a Vocational Education Certificate (VEC).'
I also found this pamphlet put out by SWLSB, in 2005-2006, to encourage young people to return to the education system. Information is located on page 5. Very useful information on French programs and diploma Vocational Studies.
'If you live in Québec and are at least 16 years of age, you can contact the adult education centre at the school board in your region to take the Secondary School Equivalence Examinations (SSEEs) that will allow you to obtain an Attestation of Equivalence of Secondary V Studies (AESS).'
"To be admissible in a program leading to a Diploma of College Studies, applicantsmust have: a) A Secondary School Diploma which includes the following subjects: Secondary V Language of Instruction, Secondary V Second Language, Secondary IV Mathematics, Secondary IV Physical Science, and Secondary IV History of Quebec and Canada. OR
b) A Secondary School Vocational Diploma (DEP) which includes the following subjects: Secondary V Language of Instruction, Secondary V Second Language, and Secondary IV Mathematics."
Please, consult the MELS website for more information about the CEGEP System!
RÉCIT FGA - Provincial Service - General and Continuing Adult Education (FRANÇAIS) There are lots of resources to assist your children. This site also list available workshops!
Ministère de l'Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport - Direction général de la formation des jeunes - Education, Loisir et Sport’s site offers a variety of Information Documents on examinations from elementary to secondary education, available in English, but located on the French site.
L'éducation à domicile au Québec: les raisons du choix des parents et les principales caractéristiques sociodémographiques des familles par Christine Brabant
Homeschooling Horizons Magazine - Homeschooling Horizons Magazine provides its readers with all the information needed to provide their child with a learning-rich environment. Printed ten times per year, the magazine is the only all-Canadian, low subscription rate homeschooling magazine in Canada.
Homeschool and More - Online Catalogue - Homeschool resources, tips, supplies and more!
CHER is committed to providing quality educational materials to parents, teachers, and grandparents who have a heart to make a difference in their children's education. Teaching your children can be fun and attainable with our wide variety of educational materials. Canadian Home Education Resources has something for everyone, ranging from excellent literature, to math books and manipulatives, to science books and kits, to history and geography books and games, from phonics programs, to writing programs.
Both groups are Canadian for Canadians and work in this way: you sign up for the
lists. Send a message to the group with a 'For Sale' tag
in both the 'Subject line' and the 'body of the message'
Canada and Quebec Homeschool /Unschool eGroups/Lists:
Your eGroup is not listed here? Send me an eMail! I'll add it to our list of resources for Quebec Home Learners!
L'école à la maison ! Cette liste est destinée au partage des idées, des expériences, du quotidien des parents qui ont choisi ou envisagent l'enseignement à la maison pour leur/leurs enfants.
Montreal Homelearners! The owner describes this eGroup as, 'A place for homelearning families to find each other, share information, offer support, make plans and discuss our homelearning adventures. Our members include French and English families, kids and babies of all ages, and all styles of homelearning.'
HomeSchool in Quebec ! For all homeschooling families in Quebec, Canada regardless of religion or curriculum used, to share ideas, legal information, ask questions and give advice.
Learn Quebec - (LEVEL/GRADE: 1-12) This site allows for the access of Math, Science and Technology, English language and Social Studies curriculum related materials from the English Schools Network. There are both French and English materials on all sites except for the Math/Science and Technology selections
Afrocentric Homeschoolers Association is a nonprofit resource for homeschooling families (and individual teens) everywhere in the world which are engaging in Afrocentric, Africentric, Black-oriented, Black-positive, African, African American or pro-Black education.
Based in Ontario, Canada, AHA has been operating since 1996. Our colors are purple (for the richness of our heritage), and yellow (for the sun in our skin and lives). Membership is free.
Note: Never forget... your homeschool is YOUR homeschool! You do what works best for YOUR family! Visit our legal/légal section, where you will find information about support groups, curriculum suppliers, school boards, assessments and much more!
Les Éditions Duval sont un producteur canadien de matériel pédagogique destiné aux élèves de la maternelle à la 12e année. Nous publions des outils pédagogiques en études sociales, en sciences et en langues – notamment en anglais, en français, en cri, en pieds-noirs et autres
Duval House Publishing is a Canadian producer of learning materials for students in kindergarten to grade twelve. We publish social studies, science and language learning resources in English, French, Cree, Blackfoot and other languages.
Note: This is blogging, you'll need to check out the titles in the right-hand column, archives or continue on to the next page! No time? Check out the RSS feed. Never forget... your homeschool is YOUR homeschool! You do what works best for YOUR family! Visit our legal/légal section, where you will find information about support groups, curriculum suppliers, school boards, assessments and much more! If you find any of these blog entries helpful, let me know, leave a comment below! I'd enjoy hearing from you!
Do I have a right to home educate? What is the law? What are my rights?
Yes. The law regulating home based learning in Quebec is the Quebec Education Act.
Section 15 (4) of the Education Act excuses the following students from attending public schools: "A student who is provided at home, instruction and a learning experience, which, according to an evaluation made by or for the school board, are equivalent to what is provided at school."
Am I required to keep records?
Yes, and no. The interpretation of the law varies from school board to school board. Many families have their children evaluated by the Canadian Testing Center or their individual school boards. But unschoolers tend to fly under the radar and have managed to avoid having their children evaluated for or by their school board. You are not required to provide a list of goals, or objectives for your school year. Neither are you required to provide a list of the type of curriculum you plan to use. But, be prepared to do so, most of the school boards are strict on this point. Even though the law is vague on this point, homeschool records are still valuable tools. They'll help you keep track of lessons, monitor anad assess your child's progress, provide verification of your child's education, and document the educational background of your child for continued education.
Are there mandatory hours of instruction? attendance?
Yes. Every school board in Quebec has their own interpretation of the law, you'll need to inform yourself, by visiting your school board's website or by calling. (A list of all the school boards can be found in our legal section)
Section 14 relates to compulsory attendance:
Every child resident in Québec shall attend school from the first day of the school calendar in the school year following that in which he attains 6 years of age until the last day of the school calendar in the school year in which he attains 16 years of age or at the end of which he obtains a diploma awarded by the Minister, whichever occurs first.
What are the requirements? Are there any 'special requirements'?
No. The Québec Education Act makes no reference to the parent needing a teaching certificate or any form of higher education. This includes a high school diploma or equivalent. You are NOT required by law to sign any contract provided by your school board.
Do I have to inform my child's school that I will be homeschooling?
Although not required by law, it only makes sense that if you withdraw your child from school in order to homeschool, it is best to send the school a letter of intent so they know your child is not simply truant. If you have never registered your child in any school, such a letter is not necessary
Section 18 relates to truancy and should not be applied to homelearners: If a principal determines that a student is repeatedly absent without a valid excuse, the principal shall, after notifying the parents, report the matter to the Director of Youth Protection.
Is there any available funding?
As yet, no. The Department of Education/ Ministère de l'Éducation does not provide financial support in either direct grants or through tax credits. (My accountant has found ways to use many of my receipts;)
Does the Department of Education provide a home-schooling program?
Yes. If you choose to register through your school board, they will provide curriculum but you must follow their outline for the year. As well as hours of instruction, record keeping, in-house visits, testing and evaluations.
So, in Quebec, The Education Act
allows parents to legally homeschool
requires no teaching certificate to home educate
makes no reference to the 'teaching' parent's education; does not require the teaching parent to have high school diploma or special education
does not require homeschooling families to register with any governing body
makes no reference to visits or assessments of homeschooled children by school board officials
the family does not have to seek prior approval for home schooling
makes no reference to parents attaining approval for their method of homeschooling
there is no requirement that parents give notice to a school board or the government of their intention to home school their children if they are not contacted by the school board
Home visits or assessments by school boards as a condition for home schooling is not required by law.
"Evaluation" does not mean a test administered by a government school
The right of a principal to report a family to Youth Protection is for situations involving truancy or absenteeism and not for legitimate cases of home schooling.
Laws Pertaining to Homeschooling / Lois Pertinent l'École à la Maison:
Copy of Quebec's Education Act (Print this out! You have the legal right to homeschool in the Province of Quebec! Know your rights!)
Chapitre 1, Section 2, Obligation de Fréquentation Scolaire
15. Est dispensé de l’obligation de fréquenter une école l’enfant qui :
4) - reçoit à la maison un enseignement et y vit une expérience éducative qui, d’après une évaluation faite par la commission scolaire ou à sa demande, sont équivalents à ce qui est dispense ou vécu à l’école.
1988, c. 84, a. 15 ; 1990, c. 8. 3 ; 1992, c. 68, a. 143 ; 1994, c. 15, a. 33.
Annexe
Instruction Publique Section 5 De la Frequentation Scolaire Obligatoire Jusqu'à L’Age de Quinze Ans
257. 2) Celui qui reçoit à domicile un enseignement efficace.
Protection de la Jeunesse, Chapitre 4, Sécurité ou Développement, Division 1
Sécurité ou Développement Compromis
38.1 La sécurité ou le développement d’un enfant peut être considéré comme compromise : b) s’il est d’âge scolaire et ne fréquente pas l’école ou s’en absente fréquemment sans raison ; c) si ses parents ne s’acquittent pas des obligations de soin, d’entretien et d’éducation qu’ils ont à l’égard de leur enfant. . .
38.1 1984, c.4, a. 18
Conclusion
L’aspect controversé de la scolarisation à domicile consiste à savoir si l’enfant instruit à la maison, évolue dans un milieu social, matériel, culturel et humain, suffisamment diversifieé pour lui permettre de cultiver, dans le mesure de ses capacités, l’ouverture sur le monde, le sens de l’appartenance socio-culturelle à partir de laquelle se construit l’identité d’une collectivité, la tolérance de plus en plus requise pour chacun puisse être un élément dynamique dans une société pluraliste. Il est à espérer que la scolarisation à domicile favorise une éducation de qualité à la lumière du paragraphe tiré de la « Déclaration des Droits de L’enfant » qui inspire la politique de la province de Québec en matière éducation :
« Il doit bénéficier d’une éducation qui contribue à sa culture générale et lui permet, dans des conditions d’égalité de chances, de développer ses facultés, son jugement personnel et son sens des responsabilités morales et sociales, et de devenir un membre utile de la société. »
Nicole Tardiff, Direction générale des Programmes, Division de L’Organisation Scolaire Août 1986
Note: It's summer! I'll be checking in periodically during the summer! If you need me, send me a post! Because this is blogging you'll need to check out the titles in the right-hand column, archives or continue on to the next page! No time? Check out the RSS feed. Never forget... your homeschool is YOUR homeschool! You do what works best for YOUR family! For more information, visit our legal/légal section.
As previously mentioned, the School Boards, have certain expectations of home based educating families. If we'd like to make things work and ensure the future success of homeschooling families, we must try to band together to create an across board assessment system for our 'students'. I'm sure there are many people out there who would not agree with me on this issue and I happily invite them to share their views here. I have already shared with you the codes for both Secondary grades and elementary grades. I would assume, mostly because I received very little feed back, that the majority of us are looking for a way to keep the government happy, while continuing to educate our children as we see fit! Yes?
Now, on to our Secondary student. There is so much available information on the internet, for those of us searching for help with our children's portfolios. Two great webpages École à la maison L'Essentiel and Le Portfolio (en français). The authors have put together examples of how your child's portfolio should look! Unfortunately, there is very little that pertains to the Province of Quebec and even less on how to prepare 'our' homeschooled child's transcript for Cegep! I have provided the few resources we have available, in 'Our Legal' section and will provide what could be the base of your transcript now!
The one question that we have all been asked, 'What about socialization?' You can be sure, this is the question on the minds of the acceptance committee, at your child's future Cegep. The one advantage our kids have, among many, is that they are able to take courses, workshops and most importantly, volunteer work. It is very important to document all of these experiences. Why? Not only does it show your child's achievements but it also shows that your child is able to interact with all age groups, not just that of his peers! And it's a clear indicator that your child has the maturity to handle many situations.
You will want to list additional student information such as;
achievements
interests
activities
special programs
workshops
personal checklists and inventories of such, and written notes by you, the teacher-parent.
reference letters from employers
proof of volunteer work
Think of it as you would a CV. You want to convince the Cegep of interest that your child is the student they want! Just a reminder for some courses, especially for those who have used a more unit study approach, will need to provide and explain, in detail, what all was done in each course and how much time was spent studying this 'subject'. This helps factor in the credit hour actually achieved.
Well, that's it for now! If I think of more to add, I will! If you have anything to add, please feel free to do so! I'd really like to hear from you!
L’évaluation ou examen n’est pas obligatoire au Québec. Toutefois, pour obtenir un diplôme d’études secondaires officiel, les examens du ministère du secondaire 4 et 5 sont exigés.
Ces dernières années, les évaluations ont soulevées beaucoup de débats. Les pédagogues ne s’entendent pas sur la façon d’interpréter les résultats aux examens et sur la façon de mesurer les apprentissages. Il n’est pas démontré qu’il existe une relation entre la qualité de l’enseignement, l’apprentissage réel de l’enfant et la qualité des résultats aux examens.
Le nouveau programme du ministère recommande le portefolio. Celui-ci consiste à garder dans une chemise, une boîte ou autre, tout ce que l’enfant a fait: bricolage, lettre, exercices, agenda des sorties, photos, liste des livres lus, etc. Si vous souhaiter pour une évaluation formelle pour connaître les apprentissages de votre enfant, vous pouvez utiliser les tests de Suzanne Day, spécialement conçus pour l’école à la maison. (705) 726-5971 wces@bconnex.net
Exemple d’une lettre, envoyée à la commission scolaire, qui fait état du droit du parent à donner un enseignement éducatif à domicile à son enfant.
Madame, Monsieur,
Je vous avise, par la présente, que je me prévaux de la dispense d’obligation de fréquentation scolaire accordée par la Loi de l’instruction publique à l’article 15, paragraphe 4 qui se lit ainsi:
¨15. Est dispensé de l’obligation de fréquenter une école l’enfant qui: (...) 4- reçoit à la maison un enseignement et y vit une expérience éducative qui, d’après une évaluation faite par la commission scolaire ou à sa demande, sont équivalents à ce qui est dispensé ou vécu à l’école.¨
Je vous fournis par la même occasion la description de l’enseignement et de l’expérience éducative que vivront mes enfants, dont les noms figurent ci-après, à la maison.
(Prénom Nom)......................... né le (date de naissance) (Prénom Nom)......................... né le (date de naissance) (Prénom Nom)......................... né le (date de naissance)
Vous pourrez constater qu’une telle expérience éducative est de nature à rencontrer et peut -être même à surpasser les objectifs pédagogiques provinciaux et qu’elle ne compromet certainement pas ni la sécurité, ni le développement de ces enfants (cf. l’article 38.1 de la Loi sur la protection de la jeunesse).
Description de ce qui se vit à la maison comme enseignement et expérience éducative:
(Donner ici simplement la liste des instruments utilisés: manuels, cahiers d’exercices, logiciels, sites internet, etc. Ajouter les projets éducatifs planifiés comme les sorties éducatives, les cours d’arts, les activités sportives ou d’éducation physique, les projets d’apprentissage, les jeux éducatifs, etc).
Il nous fera plaisir de répondre aux questions que vous pourriez avoir face à notre démarche , le cas échéant.
Veuillez agréer, Madame, Monsieur, l’expression de mes sentiments les plus distingués.
Votre Nom
123 rue joyeuses Montreal Québec
Note:Because this is blogging you'll need to check out the titles in the right-hand column, archives or continue on to the next page!
Studentawards.com – Visit Canada’s largest free scholarship search site – we match Canadian students directly with thousands of scholarships, awards and bursaries.
Boursetudes.com.com – Visitez boursetudes.com, le principal service de recherche de bourses gratuit au Canada – nous trouvons des milliers de bourses d’études, subventions et prix s’adressant aux étudiants canadiens.
Bienvenue
Welcome to Homeschool Nations - Quebec, Canada! Your page for information and links to help you navigate the world of homeschooling! Serving both the French and English Homeschooling Communities in the Region of Quebec!
Bienvenue aux Nations de Homeschool - Québec, Canada! Votre page pour information et les liens pour vous aider à diriger le monde de l'ecole a la maison! En service pour Familles Francophones de Homeschooling et Anglophones dans la région de Québec!
This section will hold upcoming events in our Province! If you have an event, let me know! Email Me
Cette section tiendra des événements suivants dans notre Province ! Si vous avez un événement, me permets de savez! Signalez Moi
• Educational Outings and Events
