October Schedule - What’s Happening at the Center?
We are getting settled into our fall schedule and we still have some openings for you to begin. We will have our regular, free introductory seminar on October 12 at 6:00 p.m. We will be offering our Brain Development and Learning workshop in two parts - October 26 and November 2 at 6:00 p.m. Attached you will find a flier for all of our October activities. The cost for this workshop is $20.00 (includes both nights and handouts). Contact us to find out how to get started: – maggie@centerforneurodevelopment.com (253) 581-1588 You are welcome to forward this newsletter or print it out for distribution as long as you include all of our contact information.
Also, this month we will continue a 6-week series given by Dr. Gary Kiefer, one of our medical advisors. Every Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. beginning on September 16, he will address health issues that affect learning – Heal Your Body, Heal Your Mind, Heal Your Family.
Dr. Kiefer is a graduate of Kent State University with a BA in Sociology. His early clinical career began by working in the field of addiction counseling and rehabilitation. Later he earned a degree in Natural Science. His thirst for natural healing became a personal lifestyle along with a growing love of organic gardening and herbal medicine led him to the study of natural healing. He received his Naturopathic Medicine degree at Bastyr University. For the last fifteen years he has studied and used German homeopathic remedies in combination with digestive remedies and a healthy diet. He continues to update his medical skills on a regular basis, a habit he does not want to break.
Position Available: Brain Training Coordinator and / or Brain Trainers
We are praying for God to send us a person or persons who will train to work with our clients and their parents on implementing Individualized Neurodevelopmental Plans. Contact us for more details.
Classroom / Meeting Space Available
Want to earn some extra cash? Offer classes for homeschoolers in the afternoons. Or, use our meeting room for evening activities. If you would like to offer classes or hold activities in our center, please contact us for information, schedule a time to come by to visit our center so we can get to know you and show you around.
“Challenges and Changes”
IAHE Informer for the November/December 1999
By Marcia D. Blackwood ICAN Certified Neurodevelopmentalist
An Approach to Remediation
Several times over the last year, I have been asked to explain the general approach that I use as a neurodevelopmentalist. I have written several articles on different aspects of my approach but have not given an overall picture of it. This month I will attempt to do so.
The very foundation of the neurodevelopmental approach is an understanding of the brain structure and capacity. The newborn child possesses all the brain cells he will ever have. These brain cells are not replaced if they are injured or die. The brain has approximately 100 billion cells (accounting for approximately 3% of the brain mass), and 100 trillion connections (97% of the brain mass).
God has perfectly designed the container here—the more you put in, the more the brain will hold. There is generally more than one area of the brain that can assume the same function, and the brain is able to modify its structure and its performance in response to the environment.
The increase in the weight and size of the brain of a maturing child is due to the production of connective tissue. Stimulation increases the number of connections within the brain, and, as these increase, so does the efficiency and organization of the system. The endless variety of specific stimulation accounts for the great differences among individuals in the development of the sensory pathways, motor pathways, and function.
Function, then, is a reflection of how well the brain is organized or how efficient it is in taking in information and using it. Function can be greatly reduced if the brain does not receive the stimulation and opportunities that enhance its production of connective tissue. At any time in the life of a child, the process of neurological organization can be stopped or at least slowed by injury or environmental deprivation. But the process can be greatly increased and enhanced by carefully planned activities that stimulate connective tissue production.
How then do we go about approaching the planning of specific activities that will ultimately lead to neurological organization? One of the tools of the neurodevelopmentalist is a developmental profile against which we can evaluate the present function of an individual (child or adult). We look at and evaluate the receptive areas of tactile, auditory and visual competence, as well as the expressive levels of language, fine motor competence, and gross motor skills. Thus we know where a person is functioning as each level of development is identified from birth to the accelerated or mastery level. We can then identify the next specific step in the child’s development and proceed to provide the child with specific activities or input to accomplish that next step.
The function or lack of function we observe is so rooted in development that as development progresses, function improves. We can prompt the development to occur by using specific stimulation with appropriate frequency, intensity, and duration. These are the keys to change for the neurodevelopmentalist.
Stimulation needs to be specific for development to occur. A brightly colored and vividly decorated preschool room may be stimulating, but without direction to specific activities, the stimulation is random rather than specific. The stimulation needs to be specific to the skill needed or connections to be made to improve function.
Frequency refers to how often the child will participate in that specific activity. The more frequently one addresses the activity, the more frequently the brain must also address the new stimulation. Thus, it is more likely to effect changes within the brain and for learning to occur.
Intensity refers to the strength of the input during the activity. I feel that it is by far the most important of the three, yet is the most difficult to maintain. I have found myself pushing on to “finish” when intensity has dropped to zero, and realize that I’m not going to get productive or positive results if I continue. We may be able to make a child stay in one place for an extended period of time (duration) while we go over and over the material (frequency), but the child has much control over the intensity of the input. If the child is “turned on” he learns rapidly; if “turned off”, learning may never occur.
Duration is the length of time of input. We try to keep the times of input short so that the child will respond positively to the more frequent and intense times of activity. Activities of long duration are counterproductive.
The processing skills of children are very important. If processing skills are low, children often do not discriminate the sounds of phonics and although they are being taught phonics, they LEARN to sight-read. These same children are often impulsive, as they do not always connect effect with cause until after they have carried out their impulses. They are sometimes socially immature and do not always fit in with their peers - they are not aware of “personal space” don’t read body language, and don't understand all the aspects of humor so do not “get” the jokes told in groups. They are often on the outside, looking in when in their peer groups, but will often interact very well with younger children. For further information on processing skills, see the May/June ‘99 issue of the Informer.
Hemispheric dominance is another important factor in helping children with the neurodevelopmental approach. Dominance refers to having one hemisphere of your brain that is in control. In order to have dominance established, you need to have a dominant hand, ear, eye and foot on the same side of the body. If your child is cross dominant or mixed in dominance, he will have a great deal of trouble with long-term memory. The dominant hemisphere is where logical and analytical thought is. When a child is working in his subdominant hemisphere, when something happens, his reaction is going to be emotional rather than logical or analytical. To read more about dominance as an issue in learning, see the Sept/Oct.’97 issue of the Informer.
We believe that parents are the most effective teachers and are the experts on their children, so they are an integral part of any evaluation. Their observations and insights are invaluable in determining how to remediate any learning inefficiencies. For children who are not learning well under their present circumstances, that is not in any way a reflection of their potential. It is, rather, a reflection of the inefficiencies they have today.
For more information:
Maggie Dail, MA
Special Helps@
Center for Neuro Development
8907 C Gravelly Lake Drive SW
Lakewood, Washington 98499
(253) 581-1588
E-mail: maggie@specialhelps.com
Website: www.specialhelps.com
www.CenterforNeuroDevelopment.com
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 99369
Lakewood, Washington 98496-0369
Individualized Online Classes
? A Writer’s Guide To Powerful Paragraphs
? Biographies – 8 books and 8 essays
? Write Your Roots –by Carol Thaxton
? Learn to Write the Novel Way by Carol Thaxton
? Literature and Christianity 1 Tape/3 books/9 essays
? Writing Powerful Personal Narratives / College Applications
? Contemporary Issues and Position Papers
? How Should We Then Live and Position Papers
Courses may be customized. Contact us for details
2009-2010 Online Class
ECONOMICS / COMPOSITION
Students read books and respond to questions posed by the instructor – short answer, paragraphs or essays – on a private yahoo group.
Politically Incorrect Guide to Capitalism
Uncle Eric’s: What ever Happened to Penny Candy?; The Clipper Ship Strategy and The Money Mystery
Academy Northwest Classes
2009-2010
Tuesdays – 1:00-3:00
1st Semester - Life Practicum - .5 credit
2nd Semester - Integrated Science Lab – up to 1.0 Credit
Homeschool Helps Classes
Brain Training – Individualized (Diagnostic) Math, Language Arts or Neurodevelopmental Program – Up to 3 hour periods to provide a combination of neurodevelomentally friend stations and one-on-one time with teacher.
Up to 5 days a week.
ANW Tuition
ONE CREDIT OPTION PER SEMESTER $100.00
Full Load Option Per Year –
Registration - $90.00 (by 6/20)
$125.00 (after 6/20)
Tuition- $480.00
Plus monthly tuition for each class – see below.
Homeschool Helps Tuition
ANW Classes -Online or In Center
$75 month – each class
Non-ANW Online or In Center Classes
$50.00 month – each class
BRAIN TRAINING
One-on-One - $50.00 per hour
One-on two - $50.00 for two hours
EFMP Respite Provider
Ask about other payment options.
Classes and Seminars for Parents
Able to Teach – Family Academy’s parent qualifying class.
Offered as hybrid (class and online)at:
TCC in Tacoma and Gig Harbor
(253) 566-5020 and (253) 851-2424
Pierce College – South Hill Park
(253) 964-6502
and completely online through:
Cascade Bible College (Family Academy contact) (800) 877-4586
Homeschooling the High Schooler – contact us for information.
Maximize Your Child’s Learning Potential – 2 hour seminar. www.specialhelps.com (Offered free 2nd Monday evening of every month at the Center for Neuro Development at 6:00 p.m.)
Brain Development and Learning (Reading, Math, Other Subjects) – sometimes given as an all day or series of 2 hour seminars.
www.specialhelps.com
If you would like to offer a class in our building contact us:
Maggie@homeschoolhelps.com or (253) 581-1588
For more information about us: www.centerforneurodevelopment.com
--
Maggie Dail, MA
ICAN Certified Neurodevelopmentalist
www.centerforneurodevelopment.com
AUGUST 27-29
Ghormley Meadows Christian Camp, Rimrock, WA
Speakers: Scott Brown, Peter Bradrick, Troy Hacking LAST DAY TO REGISTER: MONDAY, AUGUST 17th!
2 ~ Form Due September 15th:
Declaration of Intent to Homeschool
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State law specifies that families choosing to homeschool turn in a DOI form to their local school district by September 15th each year.
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:
Use only the form provided by CHRISTIAN HERITAGE, CHRISTIAN HOMESCHOOL NETWORK, or HSLDA
These links provide the form you should use as well as answers to questions you might have about the WA State “Declaration of Intent to Homeschool Form.”
Mail form rather than delivering it in person. Use certified mail to provide a record of it being sent.
HOME SCHOOL LEGAL DEFENSE ASSOCIATION
Join Christian Heritage and get a $20 membership discount for this vitally important national organization—here to defend you or others against unlawful infringements of your right to homeschool in all 50 states.
***********************************************
Be sober-minded; be watchful.
Your adversary the devil prowls around
like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
Resist him, firm in your faith,
knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.
~ 1 Peter 5:8-9~
April 23-25th, 2009
Overlake Christian Church
Redmond, WA Guest Speakers:
Voddie Baucham
Scott & Deborah Brown
Mike Riddle, Wade Myers CH Chorale … and more!
No MD Teas Scheduled for 2009 08 CD’s by Deborah Brown & Daughters
& 2005-2007 Tea CD’s
Now Available
~ See Heading or Online Store tab
2010 CH State Conference
April 22-24th, 2010
Overlake Christian Church
Redmond, WA SPEAKERS:
Ken Ham -Answers in Genesis Kevin Swanson – Generations with Vision Wade Myers – New Venture Lab CH Chorale … and much more!
WATCH Notes
What's new, great sites,
tips & upcoming events
Greetings!
Greetings from the Board of WATCH!
You've been on our minds though we haven't been in your inbox for two months. Between the birth of a baby (congrats, Lisa), a surgery (sorry, Bev), and the deaths of two loved ones (sympathy, Bill & Diana), we have been stretched. Life moves on, however, and we want to share it with you. In this issue, be sure to check out the amazing suggestions from the Homeschool Concierge, find encouragement from Todd Wilson-one of this year's Keynotes, mark your calendar for the next WATCHTalk, and catch up on the latest news about the upcoming WATCH convention, August 7 & 8. We invite you to make yourself a lemonade, pull up a chair and enjoy the break!
June Episode:
"Parenting is Heart Work" - Dr. Scott Turansky & Joanne Miller
WATCHTalk w/Diana Waring
Join us via your computer as Diana interviews Dr. Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller from the National Center for Biblical Parenting, Tuesday, July 7 at 1:00 p.m. We will be discussing practical, relational, and heart oriented ways to interact with your children-especially in times of conflict. You won't want to miss this one!
Lies Homeschooling Moms Believe. . . an excerpt from Todd Wilson's book
LIE-"You are the ONLY one who is falling apart and feels the way you feel."
This is the lie that is more damaging than all the other lies...And it just so happens that this one of also the most universally believed. All moms believe the lie that they are the only one who is falling apart and feel the way they feel.
You think you're the only one who has ever hidden in the closet and cried until you could cry no more. You think you're the only one with bad habits, or who acts ways and says things that you wish you didn't. You think you're the only one who is lazy or a perfectionist.
You might agree with all the other things we've talked about so far, but you're still convinced that you're the only one who is as bad as you. And sometimes being with a group of homeschool moms heightens your feeling of failure.
I know my wife has felt that way. She's attended homeschooling support groups where ladies share how wonderful homeschooling is and the great results they've seen in their children. Inside, she feels alone and isolated, afraid to share her gut feelings, fully convinced that no one else feels the same desperate feeling that she feels.
After all, she tells herself, they've got it all together.
If lies like these (and others) go unchecked and unchallenged, I guarantee the joy will be sucked right out of your home, your marriage, and your life. You will wake up everyday dreading homeschooling and hoping that something will change to stop the nightmare.
You will put undo pressures on your children, your spouse, and yourself. You will be tossed to and fro with every homeschool discussion until you're a blathering mess.
Well, be of good courage. The wind is about to change, releasing a flood of joy back into your life. It won't come from a 15-step program, eating the right foods, or choosing a different curriculum. It will come from believing the truth and then taking a few actions to assure that the lies you are bombarded with will not take root.
Mom, the best is yet to come.
Todd Wilson, one of this year's keynotes, will be sharing truths that will set you free from the lies homeschooling moms believe. Don't MISS IT!
We encourage you to come and bring your homeschooling friends with you.
Announcements for Washington State Homeschoolers
WATCH 2009 Homeschool Conference, August 7 & 8.
While you are considering coming to this year's convention, I'd like to encourage you to take a moment to watch this short animation. It shows graphically how important each one of you are, how much we need each other, and why WATCH is continuing to function as a lighthouse.
This year's keynote speakers are Ken Ham of Answers in Genesis and Todd Wilson of Familyman Ministries.
Our confirmed workshop speakers are: Heidi St. John, First Class Ministries Lee Binz, The Homescholar Ann Dunagan, Author of The Mission-Minded Child Patrick Nurre, Northwest Treasures Dr. Tracy McKenzie, History Professor, University of Washington Diana Waring, Diana Waring Presents! Carla Williams, Author of eleven books, including As You Walk Along the Way
Melody Waring, homeschool & university graduate.
This year's teen program features Bill Jack, Worldview Academy. Includes these sessions: Torn Between Two Worldviews (an intro into worldview) Counterfeit Reality (an examination of how films teach us to embrace a different worldview--
specifically dealing with evolutionary thinking in films) Which Bias is the Best Bias to be Biased By? (based on his interview with Robert Baaker, who is a
paleontologist, was a consultant for Jurassic Park and is a former Pentecostal
street preacher.) Artificial Authority (based on Matt. 23, beware the leaven of the Phaisees. What Christians,
evolutionists and secularists can have in common---but shouldn't.) WWJD? What Would Jesus Drive? (a discussion of the Green Gospel and the impact of radical
environmentalism on the church)
Our children's program is from Children's Conferences International. This year the children will be a part of "Pirates of the Cranium" where they will enjoy dramatized stories, ventriloquism, singing, and dynamic scripture memory, all designed to strengthen their walk with the Lord.
The cost for this year's conference reflects the uncertain economic times.
That = PRICE REDUCTION!
Cost: $50 for two day conference, spouses free
$30 for one day pass, spouses free
At the door registrations, $60 for two days, $40 for one day
Conference attendees get special $15 discount on new WATCH membership
Early bird registrants (before July 1) get free e-book on organization (valued at $19.95). You'll be GLAD you signed up early when you see how great a help this e-book will be in organizing your home!
This month, your Homeschool Concierge suggests great things to do this summer:
#1) Cartoons and animated movies are fun to watch. When we homeschooled our two sons, they were intrigued by this medium, but, as you may know, it takes a lot of work and skills to create animation. That didn't stop them from wanting to try, eventually producing some short clips as school projects.
Do you have a budding animator or artist in your home? If so, how will you encourage your student's interest? The high cost of software can make it difficult to get into computer animation. And, you not only have to be computer savvy, but artistic to boot. Never fear! Your passport to animation learning is here!
Stykz (pronounced: "sticks") is a simple, FREE computer animation tool that lets you create movies with stick figures and build the animation frame by frame. The program itself is a work in progress with more features being added (and some bug fixes, too) continually. But it can serve as an important learning platform and artistic outlet for anyone interested in trying their hand in computer animation. So give it a try and see where your students might go with this. Could they animate some Bible stories? The sky is the limit!
In fact, after graduating from homeschool, my sons ended up continuing on to the Art Institute of Seattle where they both received degrees in Computer Animation. Today they are using their skills to animate projects such as the "Junior's Giants " DVD episodes and illustrating their own successful book series "Heroes of Promise" and "The Codebearers Series" with their distinct 3D Computer Animation style.
#2) If you want your students to learn how to do things on a Mac computer, then this summer at a free "Apple Camp", they could make a movie, create a photo slideshow, write and record a song, put on a show for everyone, and have a blast doing it all. At Apple Camp, kids learn how to do cool stuff on a Mac and discover their hidden talents along the way. Apple Camp occurs at every Apple Retail Store, and each free workshop lasts three hours. Sign up your student today and get ready for an adventure!
#3) Summer vacation is coming and if you haven't planned your family's vacation, now's the time!
With budget limitations squeezing most families cost is certainly a factor this year. But no matter where you live, there is an interesting vacation spot close by!
The Discover America website will help you explore your vacation options.
If you have a destination in mind, you can learn about attractions and activities.
Or maybe you just want to go hiking or hit the beach. In that case, you can explore by activity.
You can view stunning photos of vacation hotspots. Learn more about a city's culture and history. You'll also find help booking hotels and finding travel deals.
Discover America is the official U.S. travel and tourism site. So you know the information is accurate and complete!
#4) Thomas & Friends is "chugging into a station near you" this summer!The Northwest Railway Museum in Snoqualmie, WA is hosting a Day Out With Thomas this July. "Take a 25 minute ride with a full size Thomas the Tank Engine and meet Sir Topham Hatt.Enjoy storytelling, live music, build with Lego Duplo bricks and much more!"
Tickets are $18 for ages 2 and up and advance purchase is recommended as tickets tend to sell out fast for this event. Dates are July 10-12 and 17-19, 2009.
The Northwest Railway Museum is located in Snoqualmie, Washington.
Please call us at (425) 888-3030, or email to
info@trainmuseum.org
Todd Wilson's Cartoon
WATCH & Pray
Dear Friends,
Gorgeous flower beds; straight rows of vegetables; orchard row after row already bending under the weight. All that is wonderful. Then you look under the leaves or lean over for a closer look and there are the weeds. If the foliage with its growth and promise is like our families, then the weeds are like our sin: we hope to pull them out quick before anyone sees. What if someone passing by notices a family weed, like kids pushing each other or getting angry or crawling under the fence into the neighbor's place? So, we run around pulling up weeds as fast as possible, "Do not hit your sister again!" "You better not let me catch you doing that again!" or a really useless one, "You act like a bunch of heathens!" Some weeds go down farther and spread wider than others. That means there are no easy, one-time-only applications guaranteed to always work. We need so much wisdom and grace for parenting. That has a double intention, because we need them from God AND from each other. Ask our Father, it is His delight to give us the kingdom, and ask each other. Read the Bible about sin, grace and forgiveness to allow God to teach you, then pray for wisdom to learn the application, then be gentle with others who are also in the weeding business.
That is all fine and good, but the bigger deal right now is that, over summer break, many families are dealing with the really big issues of which school, whether to home school, how to provide the best environment for their children. God will help you with your family's growth and training, so go ahead and watch out for each other, too. Pray for the families around you and around Washington who are trying to make these big decisions, even while they struggle daily with the ongoing weeds like we all face. During summer, many other big decisions come up concerning housing needs, searching for better jobs, community activity, and so on. Interceding for your friends and neighbors facing such decisions will be such a valuable help to them. Teach your children to pray for others and to demonstrate grace this season.
Our state and federal law makers come home in the summer, establishing local offices. Pray for them, but also that God will make a way for you to meet them and to associate a name with a face. Ask our Father to make connections for them with you and with other wise counselors during break time. Look at Romans chapter 13 to find ways to pray for them, that we might have peace and they might have a blessing.
As we on the Board of WATCH and other volunteers complete preparations for the August conference, please pray God's blessing for the speakers and vendors; for the Eastside Four Square church who meet weekly at the location we will be using; for God's directing us in planning and implementing the great event He has in store. Pray for the parents and students whom you know need to attend to have the oportunity; to have the finances and the time available; to have the hope that real encouragement and instruction will be waiting for them.
Pray for us, we pray for you, and maybe it will be our lives that are changed!
Thank you. Bill Waring, WATCH President
How can you be a part of the ministry of WATCH?
We're glad you asked!
#1) Please pray regularly for this ministry:
wisdom, provision, grace for the work, volunteers.
#2) Consider becoming a member. Click here for more
information.
#3) Ask the Lord if He would have you share in the work of this
ministry through a special financial donation or through a
donation of your time as a volunteer.
The WATCH Board is thankful for the opportunity to serve YOU!
Most of you know that I've been actively volunteering for the Washington Homeschool Organization for many years. I strongly believe in the purposes of WHO.
Each bi-monthly issue of the "WHO's News" that goes out electronically to all members, contains page after page of helpful homeschool information. I especially enjoy the feature column From the Chair. Chair, Emmett Comer, always writes on timely topics. The most recent issue is no exception. His article is attached.
This article (below) is an example of the work WHO does for Washington homeschoolers. Are you a member of WHO? I encourage everyone to join WHO and support their work for the homeschoolers of Washington.
Statement of Unity Concerning Public School Alternative
Learning Experience Programs
by Emmett Comer
Recently, the Washington Homeschool Organization released
a statement concerning Public School Alternative Learning
Experience Programs (PSALEP), more commonly referred to
as alternative education, or alt ed, programs. The response
to this statement has been overwhelmingly positive, mixed
with a few negative reactions as well. For the most part, it
seems that the statement has hit the mark. Of course, any
time a stand is taken on an issue, there will be those who
don’t agree, or feel that the stand is out of line. We understood
this when we wrote the statement, and it was part of the consideration of releasing it.
Anyone familiar with WHO knows that the organization has a long history with PSALEPs.
Since their inception back in the mid 1990’s, WHO has been making its concerns and position
about them known in a variety of ways. This new statement is simply a distillation of previous writings,
testimony and input provided along the way to parents, legislators and administrators. The
focus of the statement is, and remains, on the programs themselves. Some of the negative feedback
we’ve received regarding the statement is from people who are involved in PSALEPs, who felt
they were being judged personally. This is regrettable. The choices that parents make are legion,
and while WHO’s stand on alt ed may infuriate some, and disappoint others, we can only continue
to state, like a broken record, that WHO is focused on the programs and their administration.
Throughout the history of the homeschool movement, there have been established, predictable
social understandings of homeschooling. WHO’s statement reflects the concern that, instead
of being identified with an independent homeschool, homeschooling may become indistinguishable
from public education. And yes, there is the overarching question, isn’t there? What is homeschooling?
Is it a matter of address, or a matter of control and responsibility? It seems difficult to
define for some, while for others it seems to come very easily. The answers for what it is are so
varied that it is nearly impossible to say “this is homeschooling”. That is understood. However, I
do believe it is possible to say what historically it has NOT been. WHO’s stand focuses on our desire
to ensure that homeschooling, whatever it is, does not become synonymous with public education.
Let’s take one sentence from our statement, with emphasis added on the bold words:
“The term “homeschooling” must remain identified, at its core, with families who have chosen
to take upon themselves the responsibility for their child’s education and not identified with a
state government-operated program.”
WASHINGTON
HOMESCHOOL
ORGANIZATION
Emmett Comer
serves as Chair
of the Board for
the Washington
Homeschool
Organization.
Our statement is really about the words in bold:
“The term homeschooling must remain, at its core,
not identified with a state government operated program”
I fully admit, the grammar is terrible, yet if one can make allowances so the essence of that sentence can be revealed, I believe it is very clear. Why would a public school program be considered representative of homeschooling? Is it, as many public school programs seem to imply, simply a matter of address? How would that perspective change the history of homeschooling? This raises a series of questions in my mind on this issue:
· When people talk about how homeschooling was illegal in our state before 1985, what exactly were they referring to?
· When people used to call OSPI with homeschooling
questions, why did OSPI refer them to WHO?
· When a legislator calls WHO asking for input on a homeschool issue, what are they expecting information on?
· When we first told our friends we were homeschooling, what made them look at us so funny?
· Why did my family, parents, siblings, etc. panic when I told them we were homeschooling our children?
When I seek to resolve these questions, it becomes obvious to me that public school programs aren’t the answer, and have not been identified with homeschooling in Washington for the last 25 years. WHO, and many others, would simply like that long-established understanding to remain intact. We believe the difference, that distinction if you will, is what ensures our freedom to homeschool as we wish.
We have had so many requests for copies of the statement and permission to print it that it has been updated and placed on our website for easy distribution to any who have an interest. It is also printed on the next page. Additionally, there is an online venue for groups and individuals to sign-on in support of the statement, and I hope that you will take the time to read it and consider it in light of the rich history of homeschooling in our state.
Certainly homeschools have not been seeking to be identified as public schools. In the end, it seems very little to suggest that similarly, families, not public school programs, be identified with homeschooling.
Permission to publish this article granted provided it is published in its entirety and not used for profit.
Copyright Washington Homeschool Organization 2009
Statement of Unity Regarding the Washington Home-Based Instruction Law and Public School Alternative Learning Experience Programs
Independent homeschooling, under the Washington State Home-Based Instruction Law RCW 28A.200, clearly places responsibility for all aspects of a child’s education in the control of parent(s) and/or guardian(s). Since the RCW, signed into law in 1985, those who select home-based instruction have consistently been referred to by media, academia and themselves as homeschoolers. These homeschoolers are identified by their choice to take full responsibility for their child’s education and the requirements outlined in the Home-Based Instruction Law.
In contrast, Public School Alternative Learning Experience Programs (PSALEP) defined in WAC 392.121.182, are government public school programs where the local school district retains control of student learning. Formation of these escalating programs began in 1996 with the introduction of the PSALEP’s rules by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Of concern to statewide independent homeschool organizations is the blurred distinction between Home-Based Instruction (homeschoolers) and participation in a PSALEP government-defined school. Additionally, troubling aspects involve the marketing of PSALEP’s to already-declared homeschoolers and the use of the Declaration of Intent to Provide Home Based Instruction Form as a marketing tool to solicit enrollment.
Currently, a growing number of public school districts throughout Washington are creating Alternative Learning Programs that target homeschoolers for enrollment and thereby funding. Additionally, existing programs are changing part-time enrollment requirements to necessitate nearly full-time participation, even requesting oversight of education in the home. We believe PSALEPs are redefining and undermining the Home-Based Instruction Law and placing the nature of independent homeschooling in Washington State at risk.
While styles may vary, major Washington State homeschool organizations agree that maintaining the strength and understanding of our Home-Based Instruction Law is vital to the health of independent homeschooling in Washington State. The term “homeschooling” must remain identified, at its core, with families who have chosen to take upon themselves the responsibility for their child’s education and not identified with a state government-operated program.
This statement is made by statewide independent
homeschool organizations:
Washington Homeschool Organization (WHO) ~ January, 2009
Christian Heritage Home Educators of Washington ~ January, 2009
Christian Homeschool Network (CHN) ~ January, 2009
Washington Association of Teaching Christian Homes (WATCH), March, 2009
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Well, be of good courage. The wind is about to change, releasing a flood of joy back into your life. It won't come from a 15-step program, eating the right foods, or choosing a different curriculum. It will come from believing the truth and then taking a few actions to assure that the lies you are bombarded with will not take root.
WATCH 2009 Homeschool Conference, August 7 & 8.
Our children's program is from 
#2) If you want your students to learn how to do things on a Mac computer, then this summer at a free "Apple Camp", they could make a movie, create a photo slideshow, write and record a song, put on a show for everyone, and have a blast doing it all. At Apple Camp, kids learn how to do cool stuff on a Mac and discover their hidden talents along the way. Apple Camp occurs at every Apple Retail Store, and each free workshop lasts three hours. Sign up your student today and get ready for an adventure!
#3) Summer vacation is coming and if you haven't planned your family's vacation, now's the time!
#4) 
