Mar. 15, 2010 - The Obama Takeover of Education
"[O]n Monday, my administration will send to Congress our blueprint for an updated Elementary and Secondary Education Act to overhaul No Child Left Behind. What this plan recognizes is that while the federal government can play a leading role in encouraging the reforms and high standards we need, the impetus for that change will come from states, and from local schools and school districts. "What does this mean? According to Susan Ohanian, a longtime opponent of national standards and the proposed reforms,
In order to qualify for the pots of money President Obama is eager to hand out, states must accept 100 percent of the Common Core standards document. They cannot pick and choose. Exercising any judgment based on what teachers and parents know about kids and about literature is forbidden. To get the Obama bribe, state politicos must promise that schoolchildren will be forced to swallow ALL the Kool-Aid. If states want federal money, they have to reform education the Obama way.This is a case of which came first the chicken or the egg?
The Obama Administration will claim all of the education reforms are state-led and the federal government is merely supporting their initiatives, but are states enacting the desired reforms because money is promised for states that Race for the Top and win first prize?
Already, there are rumors that Title I (special needs funding) will be tied to education reforms and the National School Boards Association released a statement last month indicating that the proposed reforms,
"amounts to an unnecessary overreach by the federal government to coerce states to adopt a particular approach or be shut out of future funding for key programs."And what about homeschoolers? Our issue isn't funding but freedom. Common Core Standards will impact us, they will become the defacto national standard and lead to even more federal regulations (tied to funding, of course).
Recognizing the potential risks, HSDLA had this to say in May, 2009 about national common standards,
"If groups of states on their own want to establish common standards for public schools, that is one thing. HSLDA firmly believes that educational decisions should be left up to the states and local school boards, not Washington, DC. However, we believe that any attempts by congress to create nationalized standards, curriculum, or testing would be unconstitutional, and harmful to students and families. Homeschool famlies have demonstrated that parents, not bureaucrats in Washington, best know their children and what htey need to learn."I searched their website for more updated information and nothing more recent appears to have been published. I hope they speak up soon.
A draft of the Common Core State Standards is now available online. The time for public commentary and opposition is now, not when Congress is deciding how much to pay each state for their compliance.
This is not the time for homeschoolers to sit and watch from the sidelines as the states gobble up federal funds and Obama's blueprint. At the very least, forward this post to others who may not be aware of the "other takeover" going on in Washington, DC.
This isn't a partisan plea against Obama, but a real desire to all homechoolers realize that national standards will be a huge deterent to our ability to homeschool in the United States. He didn't start these reforms, but he is currently the President moving them forward. And make no mistake about it, these reforms, modeled after Europe, will impact us. We must speak up or risk losing our ability to direct the education of our children. And unlike the German homeschoolers, there will be no place for us to go to seek asylum.
For more info...
Heather has a post about national reforms and special needs homeschooling.
Susan Ohanian has a site Stop National Standards with loads of info (Facebook group here.)
Education Week: Debunking the Case for National Standards
-Spunky
Reposted with permission from Spunky Homeschool.
Mar. 13, 2010 - ~*News From A Land Far Far Away*~
Hello everyone!
I don't have much time but I thought I'd share this real quick with y'all. :)
Let me know what you think too, thanks!
Oh, it is my favorite season
When all the plants are growin’.
When I see blooms on the trees,
And flowers sprouting from their seeds.
Oh, it puts a smile upon my face
When flowers surround my house like lace
When the sun is shining down on me
It is a beautiful thing to see
Oh, when I see a new creature each day
It makes my heart feel alive and gay
I see them hop, run, and fly away
And it makes me want to do the same
Oh, when the wind blows my hair,
As I work in my garden with great care,
My thoughts blow away in the air
Off to someplace, off somewhere
Oh, it comes and goes
But one thing everyone knows
Is it will come back again for those
Who wait for when it grows
So oh, I keep my dreams here
Until this time comes again next year
I will wait for you my dream
I will wait for you my spring.
Sheilla Kiwi
Mar. 12, 2010 - Featured Blogger ~ Mrs. H
This week I'd like to introduce you to Mrs. H of Creekwood Chronicles. Her About Me information reads almost like my own blog, so I felt all kindred spirit like and wanted to spread the news.
If you're a lapbook lover then you'll enjoy this post, but what I like about it is how she used the lapbook as an extra activity for her children to do while staying with their grandparents! What a neat way of keeping up with school, helping the grandparents keep little hands busy, and having something to show mommy and daddy when they come home!
Mrs. H is a second generation homeschooler, and a friend of hers was asking about homeschooling. She created a series of posts to answer some of those questions about homeschooling.
Ever had a Purim party? Me either, but it looks like Mrs. H and her daughter had a lot of fun with their friends, and they learned to appreciate the book of Esther even more!
Please go say hello to Mrs. H! She has a lot of fun things to share with everyone!
Tia Linchied
Senior Editor of HSB
Mar. 12, 2010 - Special Words for Special Needs ~ Spring Means Change!
I am careful, considering the winter we just had, but I think it is official that spring is here! With spring has come longer, warmer days and changing clothes.
My mother would use the daylight savings weekend to go through the season's clothes and prep for the new season. As a parent myself I realize that my autistic children are not so prepared to let the new season come in. In the fall and spring I always see an increase in sensory issues. Including a resistance to change to the new clothing for the changing temperatures.
In this case spring calls for lighter coats, t-shirts, and putting away the turtlenecks. If you don't have a sensory child or a child with autism this may seem a bit silly. Let me assure you that the changing of the seasons is big. As we ask the kids to change, the sunlight timing changes, the temperatures change, everything is confusing and upsetting to our kids. This is a huge family issues every season.
Now how can we get through this season with out major problems?
1. Don't change everything all at once. Take out the heaviest clothing that your child is not attached to first. Work your way out from there. Then when you get to several shirts, sweaters out of the clothing loop buy more that are season appropriate.
2. If your child is still young, use the brushing technique. This helps your child be prepared for different sensations on their arms and legs. Many kids balk at short sleeves or shorts because that means more things can touch them.
3. Be creative. There was a well loved sweater that my daughter just wouldn't let go. I ended up putting it on her teddy bear. That way she could snuggle with it and see it, but not wear it in hot weather.
4. Allergies this time of year may make your job harder. If your child is normally affected by sensory problems, then you throw on top of that a constant physical irritant, you will get a grumpy, sick feeling kid. Try as best you can to reduce allergy problems--especially in their bedrooms.
This time of year is fun. Watching for the first flower of spring. The birds are returning. The world outside is waking up and changing. For our kids who resistant to change, that can cause anxiety. Parents our job is to head that off. Your family life will be calmer and your homeschooling will be more successful!
Heather lives in West Virginia. She and her husband have been homeschooling their 5 children for 8 years. Due to a genetic disorder their children have multiple special needs. Heather is also dealing with personal health difficulties. Living life to the fullest for the glory of God is their goal! Visit Heather's page at www.homeschoolblogger.com/gfcfmomofmany/ or at www.specialneedshomeschooling.com
Mar. 11, 2010 - Chapter 7
Alright, still going! Missed a few days, but I'm still working to get everything posted! Thanks again for all the comments!
Chapter 7
Since Lawson was the only one with a horse, they had to run, stopping every so often to rest.
On one of these rests Lawson asked the young Rangers a question.
“So what did you guys do today?” he asked casually.
They looked at each other. A silent agreement passed between them, but Lawson couldn’t tell what. He had trained them well.
“Oh, we did this and that,” Aaron replied.
“Did you cut her hair while she was sleeping?” Lawson wanted to know what had happened between the two and he was determined to find out.
“Oh no! Well, actually, he kind of helped me,” Kit replied quietly.
Lawson raised an eyebrow.
“With your permission?”
“Of course.”
“Hmm. Well, I’m glad to hear it went well and I don’t see any new cuts or bruises.”
“I, uh, don’t think you be seeing any of those…or at least, not purposely made,” Aaron said.
“Is that so?”
Aaron looked at Kit for help. She sighed.
“We’ve agreed to get along,” Kit said.
“Only get along, eh? You’re doing an offal good job at it, then. Come on, just admit it.”
Kit frowned at him.
“If you know then why are you asking?”
“I just wanted to hear it come from either or both of you.” Lawson smirked.
“Fine. We made peace this morning and then we just kind of went from there through the day,” Aaron said.
“So you’re saying…” Lawson prodded.
“We’re friends! Okay?!” Kit hissed.
Lawson grinned.
“Okay, Kit, I think I believe you.”
She rolled her eyes and leaned against a tree.
“Aaron, Kit, when we get to the city, I don’t want you to not voice your opinions since you’re young…even if you are speaking to your elders. Do respect them though. Nobody likes to be demeaned,” Lawson said. “You both are young, but never the less, you are Rangers.”
“Here is a pouch for each of you. It is full of several plants that have been crushed. Mix a very small amount of it with water and force it down the throat of someone who has got the fever. When we get there, I want you two to work together. Also, if any of the patients are in advanced stages and are hallucinating, one of you will have to hold them down,” he paused as he stood up. “One more thing, look out for signs of the fever in anyone who doesn’t have it, including us. The only sign will be fatigue, and it will be hard to see. After they pass out they’ll have a red rash on their chest. That’s when you know. Now we better get going, we’ll be there soon,” Lawson said.
~***~
They arrived on the outskirts of
They walked into the city on a wide dirt road that had wagon tracks running to and fro. They could look all the way through the city just by standing at the beginning of the main road. But Kit could see several roads branching off into the city. She looked around in wonderment.
Aaron smiled at her.
“Obviously you’ve never been to a large city!” he said.
“I’ve never been outside Trinia!” she answered.
They walked a little ways down the road before seeing any signs of life, but what they saw made Kit want to lose her stomach.
There stood a gruff looking man. He carried a white bag over his shoulder…the type of bag that held a body. The man set it along the road. As Kit looked, the line of bags continued down the road, several were stacked on top of one another.
Kit went pale, as did Aaron.
Lawson quickly pulled them away down a side street. He didn’t say a thing. What was there to say?
They turned down several different roads, winding this way and that. Kit somewhat kept track of where they were, but she had a hard time concentrating.
Eventually Lawson stopped at one of the largest buildings made of stone and looking like a castle. He threw up his hood and nodded at his young Rangers. They followed his lead by throwing their hoods on as well. Kit looked up to the top of the building with curiosity.
Lawson walked straight up the front porch to the guard in front of the door.
The guard had, at first, looked stern and unnerving with his frowning brow and long spear. But seeing the Rangers approaching from the fog, his eyes got wide and he moved out from in front of the door to let them pass. He watched as Lawson opened the door and walked in. Kit and Aaron followed dutifully side by side.
They walked into a large room with nobody present. It was a rather plain room, with only a few tables. The tables however, were quite beautifully crafted and had valuable pieces of glass placed on top.
Kit wanted to look around, but her training wouldn’t allow such odd behavior for a Ranger. So she glanced around once, taking everything in, and then start straight ahead. She did keep her senses tuned, for it was natural to do so in a place she’d never been.
Without hesitation, Lawson walked toward the tall double doors on their right.
Their feet didn’t make a sound as they crossed the stone floor and opened the doors, which surprisingly didn’t creak.
This room was much more interesting.
A green drape with a merchant ship amidst mountains hung on the wall in front of them. The odd symbol represented
Maps and books were covering the rest of the walls. Desks stood everywhere buried in dust covered books. But the largest desk stood at the center of the back wall. It was mostly clear. A short, worried looking man stood while a somewhat sturdier man paced in front of him. The short man had been speaking, but at their entrance he paused mid-sentence.
Lawson raised his head to show gleaming eyes then walked up to them.
The man who had been pacing walked up to him and grasped Lawson’s forearms in greeting.
“Hello friend! You don’t know how wonderful it is to see you and to have your help,” the man said.
“You know that’s why I’m here, Nate,” Lawson replied, “These are the newest additions to the Rangers: Kit and Aaron. I trust their opinion and hope that you will too.”
“I’m so happy to meet both of you. But enough chit-chat, we’re in a crisis.”
“What have you done to stop traveling?”
“I sent soldiers to surround the borders, and we caught almost everyone.”
“Almost?”
Nate looked uneasy as he turned around to the nervous looking man.
“This is the main doctor of
“Yes, to the best of my ability, Sire,” he said in a voice more steady than his character implied.
“To my understanding, and as you have already stated, you have sent soldiers surrounding the city only minutes ago. I was about to report to you on their progress when your…friends arrived. Your soldiers, Sire, have been successful in stopping all traffic from the city, sometimes using force. But none were killed. And stopping traffic into the city was not hard to do. Every quarter mile around the city a few men stands holding a white flag. Of course nobody wants to come near the city.” He paused. “Do you want me to tell about Michael?”
Nate nodded and sat at his desk with his head in his hands. He looked much more stressed after this subject came to pass.
“Very well, Sir. Rangers, Michael is…well…the “head’ of the villagers and less wealthy. He basically speaks for them, and though they speak highly of him, most villagers are content to leave their heart and duty to Sir Nathanial. But never-the-less he does voice their opinions and some villagers have rebelled with him over a small matter, leaving the city. The problem was going to be solved soon. However, they left a day before I issued the quarantine. I am desperately afraid they carry the disease,” he said.
“How many does he have with him?” Aaron asked, looking up from under his hood.
The doctor was taken aback, but answered,” We’re not quite sure, but we think it no more than 100.”
Aaron nodded his head.
“Please, tell us more about the fever. And I want to be updated on the number of lives it’s taken,” Nate said.
“It hasn’t faltered at all, and I cannot stop it. It grows and still has so many lives to feed on. We estimate the lives taken at no more than 200,” finished Dr. Fredrick.
“How many reside in the city?” Kit asked.
“More than 1000 before the fever.”
“I have brought a substance that cures the fever. How, I am not sure, but it does work. I would like to talk to Nate in private while Kit and Aaron go out to help.”
“Of..” Nate started.
“You have a cure? Why have you never introduced it to the world?” asked the doctor, who was now pink with frustration.
Kit watched on in wonderment. She thought the doctor a rather strange man.
“The plants I gather to make it are extremely rare and only bloom a few weeks of the year. I will gladly tell you the plants, but I rather doubt it will help you any. As it is we may not have enough for the city,” said Lawson.
“I am sure you are telling the truth,” said Nate kindly. “Kit, Aaron, you may go about as you wish. Here is a map. All citizens with any signs of the fever have been ordered to go to the hospital or school. Doctor, you are free to leave.”
The doctor bowed his head in respect and left.
Lawson turned to face Kit and Aaron.
“I want you at the public pub an hour after night fall to discuss our action on Michael and his men,” he said.
They nodded and followed the doctor out the door, leaving Nate and Lawson deep in conversation.
Mar. 11, 2010 - Communication Corner ~ Be Clear About Your Time Zones
Daylight Savings Time is a great time for us to be reminded of a communication issue facing us today as never before. As we spend more and more time communicating to the world on the internet, it is increasingly important that we make reference to more than just the time of an event.
I've seen people send out invites to a podcast or an online party by saying:
"Join me this Thursday at 8am for some really great thing you won't want to miss!"
Unfortunately, that leaves many of us wondering if we will miss it. Is that 8am PST, MST, CST or EST? Or is it another standard time across the globe? Last year I was invited to an event I thought would be fabulous. I just wasn't able to reach the person posting in time to get the time zone clarified for the event so I missed it. So did a lot of people.
It's always best to put in more than one time zone too as some people are not sure how they relate.
"Join me this Thursday at 8am PST/11am EST...."
The more clear/precise you can be in your directions, the more effective you will be and the more attendees will be able to find your event.
A time saving tip from your friends at Art of Eloquence.com!
P.S. If you happen to live in a part of the world that does NOT participate in Daylight Savings Time (like parts of Arizona) please do remember to change all of your online appointments in your Outlook calendar or elsewhere. Though the time doesn't change for us, the TIME ZONE does!
Mar. 10, 2010 - Homeschooling Through High School ~ Got Girls?
This week's entry honoring National Women's History Month is a bit of an extension of my last month's writings. We've been talking about developing our emerging adults' (our high schoolers') "saltiness." I began to think of the many wonderful young ladies in our circle of family friends whom I've come to know and love over the last 6 or 7 years. These young ladies are being carefully and intentionally raised for the Lord, and to esteem the role of wife and mother, and I am so grateful to their parents! (I have two sons, you know...)
"My daughter will stay at home, under the protection of her father, and will serve God by serving her father and our family until He brings a husband to her in His perfect time."
"My daughter is going to college to get her degree and plan for a career; if God brings a husband to her, and she then decides to be a full-time wife and mother, that's wonderful...but she will finish her education and have that degree."
I tell you what, this is one hot debate. I won't "weigh in" here, at least not directly. I see incredible validity in both points. I see serious potential problems in both points.
But here's something to think about: as these young women (and how about the daughters at home who are nearing their 25th or 30th birthdays, and to whom God has not yet brought a husband?) grow and mature, are we giving them back to Him? Are they daily seeking God's direction for these years of unbridled time and physical energy, when they are not yet bound in childrearing and homemaking? (Do NOT get me wrong...it's a GOOD thing to be bound to!)
My thoughts turned to such questions this week as I finished yet another enjoyable read from the YWAM Publishing Series, "Christian Heroes Then & Now." These are quick and easy reads, but not without impact. I have read, among others, these biographies (all descriptions are taken directly from YWAM Publishing's webpages for each book):
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Gladys Aylward Gladys Aylward, a housemaid from England, dared to trust God in the face of dire and seemingly hopeless circumstances. Her amazing adventure of faith and determination is one of the truly great missionary stories of our era (1902-1970).
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Amy Carmichael Amy Carmichael's life was one of simple, determined obedience to God, regardless of the consequences. Her service in India is a vivid example of the impact one person who will fear God and nothing else can have.
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Corrie ten Boom Corrie ten Boom's life of determination, faith, and forgiveness in the face of unimaginable brutality and hardship is a stunning testimony of the sustaining power of God (1892-1983).
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Mary Slessor While many missionaries died within months, this fiery mill worker from Scotland labored in love among the unreached tribes of Africa's Calabar region for thirty-nine years (1848-1915). One of my top 3 favs!!!
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Betty Green WWII veteran Betty Greene's desire to use airplanes to help spread the gospel was realized when she helped found the Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) (1920-1997).
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Lottie Moon After becoming the most educated woman in the American South, Lottie Moon (1840-1912) spent thirty-nine years in China. As she watched her fellow missionaries fall to disease and exhaustion, she became just as dedicated to educating Christians about the often preventable tragedies of missionary life as she was to educating Chinese people about the Christian life.
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Ida Scudder During nearly sixty years in India, Dr. Ida Scudder pioneered rural healthcare and the medical training of Indian women. An amazing testimony to the courage, compassion, and truth found in Christ (1870-1960). One of my top 3 favs!!!
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Lillian Thrasher Others thought that a lone American woman in Egypt would surely be killed or starve to death. Instead she cared for thousands of desperate children, with unwavering faith that God does indeed look after the orphans (1887-1961). One of my top 3 favs!!!
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Florence Young New Zealander Florence Young (1856-1940) rose to her calling and became a fearless and faithful witness for Jesus Christ in the remote and dangerous Solomon Islands and in China during the deadly Boxer Rebellion.
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Rachel Saint Despite the martyrdom of five missionaries by Waorani spears, Rachel boldly persisted in following God. In one of the greatest testimonies to God's grace and power in our time, this pioneering Bible translator would live for two decades with her own brother's killers, for the joy of seeing them become brothers and sisters in Christ (1914-1994).
As I read these wonderful books, the over-arching message stood out in stark relief: God called these brave young women into HIS service. These were young women who were listening for His call. By obeying Him, they were able to do nothing short of miraculous feats through the power of Jesus Christ.
Speaking of Above Rubies, its founder, Nancy Campbell, is a modern-day pioneer of the faith! You can learn more about her story in a series of 3 short videos, HERE. In the second video clip, Nancy mentions the overwhelming office-work load of the ministry. Did you know that Above Rubies offers graduated homeschooled young women a 2-month missions opportunity in Tennessee to help them with their magazine and web tasks? They call them "Rubies' Girls." After you've watched the videos, if you want more information, click HERE and scroll down to "Volunteer Opportunities."
The high school years need to be a time of training for many things, but most importantly for seeking God's will and listening for His voice, and being prepared to answer His call with, "Here am I, send me."
May God Bless you and your homeschool this week!
~Lori
March 9, 2010 - Wordless Wednesday: My Grammy
Mar. 9, 2010 - Kitchen Moments ~ Cookbook for Quick Breakfast Ideas
With Daylight Saving Time just days away, I thought you might like a book recommendation for some quick family friendly breakfast ideas; especially since breakfast time will be coming even earlier next week!
The Vegetarian Family Cookbook by Nava Atlas has excellent ideas for making breakfast not only fast but healthy. Even though my family isn't vegetarian, I use this book quite a bit, and is one I frequently pick up when I want to add something new to the menu. Many of the recipes can be adapted easily if your family would like some eggs, cheese, or meat on the breakfast plate. Here are just a few of the tasty breakfast ideas and recipes in this book: Cream Cheese & Berry Rollups, Breakfast Quesadillas, breakfast sandwiches, Yogurt Pancakes and Muffin Tin Popovers.
Check out this great book for adding some delicious new dishes to your menu plan this week. Not limited to breakfast, you'll find plenty of recipes for lunch, dinner and snack-time, as well!
Blessings,
Catherine
Catherine Love lives in the heart of Texas with her husband Carl, and their 3 daughters, Sarah, Hannah, and Cana. They enjoy cooking, gardening, and learning new things as they seek to live a lifestyle of learning together as a family. You can read Catherine's Kitchen Adventures and more on her blog- Seeds of Love.
Mar. 8, 2010 - ~*News From A Land Far Far Away*~
Hello to all my dear friends whom I have missed! :)
Did you miss me? lol
I can't write anything much today but I thought I would let you know that I am back and I will
be replying to your comments asap. :)
Well here are some pictures that I took with my Dad yesterday. I hope you enjoy!
I hope you enjoyed the pictures! I'll write another entry sometime this week with more about what I did while I was gone, ok? :)
God Bless y'all!!
Sheilla Kiwi
