Homeschool Priorities

As we start a new school year we should always set and evaluate our priorities. They are more important than anything else we do in preparation for homeschooling. Why you may ask? All other homeschool choices should revolve around proper priorities for you and your homeschooling journey.

How does that work? If your family priority is raising children of character then you want to choose curriculum that reinforces your character values, participate in activities that reinforce character, and when things go awry, re-evaluate your reactions to where that child’s action or your reaction fell in the priorities list. Why does it matter? Many of the causes homeschoolers get burnout is they are trying to direct their homeschool by other people’s standards and not their own. If you priority is not about having a math genius, then why are we having a melt down at the kitchen table over those math problems? That’s not to say that we give up on doing math altogether, but maybe we reevaluate the methods we’re teaching it with, the speed at which we are going or just the recognizing the need to step back and evaluate this in the scheme of your homeschool priorities.

Institutional School priorities consist of compulsory attendance, required knowledge, rule compliance and skill building. These are not bad things but homeschoolers have different priorities. Most often we homeschool our children for a special circumstance, personal family needs or values and/or a child’s well-being. So Homeschool priorities are usually values, attitudes, habits, skills, talents, interests, and knowledge that focus more on that individual child or your family as a whole. Setting priorities help you to have a less stressful homeschool day, enable you to say no to your children as well as to others that infringe on your homeschool day or activities, give you a more defined direction and a criteria for which to measure your homeschool journey.

 Priorities will change over the years. Priorities for one child may be different for another based on their skill sets or challenges. Priorities should also be prioritized. However, everything can’t be a priority. Keep it simple and the obvious priorities should probably be under 5. Those priorities need to look at the big picture not each individual school subject – that’s lesson plans. Priorities can be fluid but ultimately you will find comfort and direction in having set those priorities. It’s like the old saying goes, “Don’t set the cart before the horse.” The schooling is the cart but you’re missing the horse if you don’t have priorities.

The After Life (Homeschool Empty Nester)

This year has been a year of transitions. My baby went off to college, I stepped down from homeschool leadership and am trying to find that "real job".  Hundreds of resumes later and a long list of no's will do a number on your self esteem.  I have a four year degree in Marketing; so 20 years later it's outdated.  I have management experience in retail and admin experience as well, also apparently outdated. I have run a very successful non-profit for the last 20 years but the problem there is salary and raises are ZERO, thereby no substantial job history.  It's frustrating to say the least.

So what did I do the last 20 years. I raised two children, boys at that. I should have received hazard pay. I homeschooled all 13 grades of school, twice. So the homeschool mom is a professional cook, taxi driver, teacher, housecleaner, etc. The quote below is just for a stay at home mother not a homeschool mom. I can't find the article now but that figure was three times this one.

"Research conducted by Salary.com has revealed that the average stay-at-home mother contributes a total of 94.7 hours of work to her household each week, and that it would cost a total of $112,962 annually to compensate these efforts. While this vast sum is no surprise given the myriad chores that the stay-at-home parent has to undertake, it is in fact far lower than the $138,094 value applied to the work of stay-at-home moms in 2007."
Read more: The Worth Of Stay-At-Home Parents | Investopedia http://www.investopedia.com/financial-edge/0712/the-worth-of-stay-at-home-parents.aspx#ixzz4WbXiX5KO 

In addition, I created a homeschool group that grew from 5 families to 600 - leadership, management, marketing, accounts receivable, accounts payable, non-profit tax filing, event planning, motivational speaking, academic training, teaching/tutoring all subjects and grades, academic coaching, and probably much, much more, I also created a sports organization for homeschoolers. I assisted several other teams and organizations across the country on how to do the same and then wrote a book on how to do it. I created and coached a speech and debate team that received national level honors in several speech categories and all three types of debate. On the side to make actual money did direct sales, graded English and business communications papers for a local online high school, babysat, waited tables, homeschooled other people's children, and administered standardized testing.

But somehow I'm not actually qualified to do much of anything. New hiring practices all process through standardized on line application processes. These don't translate my skills and experiences and thereby I can't get an interview. The few interviews I do get I'm of course - OVER Qualified.

Words of warning to the mom of that last high school or homeschooled child. Start looking before they graduate. Make connections to people in small businesses that will value what experiences you bring instead of being a resume in a pile in an online recruiting site. If you need to hone up on skills with more training or education, take a refresher class or update certifications. If you're better than me about actually making money in the homeschool field (to me it's been a ministry and it's hard to charge too much) then don't leave the best job you've had. Hopefully these suggestions will improve your transition to the next stage in life.

Standardized Testing for Homeschoolers- FAQs

I am a certified tester for BJU Testing. I am certified to administer and regularly offer both the ITBS and Stanford Testing. I can administer the additional COGAT  and abilities test as well.  Most testing is done in April – August when you complete your school year but it is not necessary that you be through with your school year to test.  I offer a group and in home private testing each year in May. 

Testing laws vary state to state. Testing  is mandatory for homeschoolers in GA starting in the 3rd grade and every three years thereafter making standard testing years 3rd, 6th, 9th (most use PSAT or SAT in later highschool). Some states require yearly testing and may mandate who administers those tests and where and when and if  they must be reported. Some colleges are now requiring a standardized test score in lieu of a graduation test for admissions. The 11th and 12th grade test are the same test so you can take this either year for your college admissions requirement. I did it as a EOCT and added it to my transcripts even though it wasn't required at our schools we applied to.  If your child was in a public and probably even a private school and taken out, you probably tested the last year they were there with either ITBS or Stanford. CRCT is a curriculum based test not a standardized test and neither it nor Gateway (A GA curriculum based test) count per homeschool law, so do not count from those tests taken in public school, only the standardized one. 

 I recommend only doing 3rd grade up testing. There is really no need in testing younger grades and if you want to do so then get a practice test book available at any book store (Barnes and Nobles, etc) and give them a practice test and see how they do. It would only be for your info and would be good practice for coming years of testing and less stressful on a young child. Also the actual tests have to be read almost word for word (regardless of whether your child can read. It's only in the teacher’s edition) for all younger students.

What if my child is not grade level - you may order a lower grade level test to fulfill the requirement. This may also improve the overall test situation for your child as you are not setting them up to fail.

What’s the difference in ITBS/Stanford and recommendations?  Take what you took before if you have tested before so you can properly compare scores and your child is used to it. If you were in public you probably took ITBS and if you were in private you may have taken Stanford. Stanford is not timed but rumored to be harder (more specific in Science and History than ITBS).   Both test the same areas and are scored the same except Stanford adds a listening section (ITBS 3rd grade also has a listening section.) ITBS is timed but we can work with Special Needs situations and not time it.

Regarding Special Needs: I have done these tests for special needs as well. Basically what is usually done is it is not timed, turned in as such on the tests when I mail them in for grading and they are just not added into the national norm but they are graded based on the norms. In some situations I (or a helper) may end up reading the tests to the student, but not all sections can this be done and we may not help in any way with the actual answer, just read the
question and options.


Practice for the tests: Bookstores such as Borders, etc. carry practice tests - McGraw Hill is a popular one. School Box in Gwinnett has a good selection of practice tests. Stanford specific practice tests can be
ordered from BJU and several other providers. In general the practice tests are usually a little harder than the actual test so don't be alarmed and use  it as a teaching tool. The CRCT has practice tests (previous years'
tests)available online at the GA Dept. of ED. website for FREE! While I said this is a curriculum based test not standardized the types of questions in the Language and Math sections are very similar.

The results should not come as a surprise to a homeschool teacher. Each area is broken down specifically as to spelling, word usage etc. They also add explanations to the form.

Excellent scores - if your child scores several grades above where he is that doesn't mean they are ready to jump those grades in school. Basically each section has questions spanning approx. 6 grades. There was probably only
one question in that section that was that top grade question and your child answered it (and the others) correctly. That is how the grade equivalent (GE) score works.  If your child scores in the 90^th percentile or above in the Core then they are qualified as Honors and 8^th grade and up can join the National Honor Society. Local chapters can be found on through the national organization.

Poor test results could be attributed to many things and should not be taken as indicative of your homeschooling abilities. Some children don't do well on tests. Timed sections can definitely cause scores that are not what you expected. Some children will rush on all sections for fear of not completing in time and do poorly. Sometimes they can be due to a new testing environment. Some areas if you evaluate the test you can figure out why your child scored low. I have had parents concerned about a math score but when they found out it's mixed operations throughout the set they know their child will just do them all with whatever operation it started with. Low scores in areas just gives you things to work on in the coming year not an excuse to pack it in and give up on homeschooling!! You don't turn your scores in to anyone here in Georgia and no one is coming after you for poor scores. In states that more weight is placed on testing, ensure your child is reminded of test taking strategies and to read all the directions.

What do you do with the tests: Here in GA, Nothing!!! You turn them in to no one. Keep them on file for 3 years. Use the results if they are indicative of a need to improve a child in a specific area for the next year. Some parents
don't even allow their kids to see the scores. Most schools (at least public ones) would not even take them for re-admission into a school, they will require a admissions test instead. Test because it is the law, it is nothing to be stressed over.

What about GATEWAY, CRCT etc. - Gateway is only a Gwinnett PS test and not required of or accessible by homeschoolers. CRCT is curriculum based, not nationally normed and does not qualify nor is it accessible for homeschoolers.

Are there other tests - yes these are just the ones I offer. The law states it must be a nationally normed test is the only thing. ITBS and Stanford are the most popular in our area. CAT (California Achievement test) can
be ordered I believe through School of Tomorrow and Seton Testing and a few other sources and
can be administered by a parent (many tutors actually use this for needs assessment so you might want to do this yourself as opposed to paying a tutor). ITBS can also be administered by a parent but you must fill out
paperwork to be a tester, send them a copy of your 4 year college diploma, and be approved. 

To identify a tester in your area you could contact BJU Testing or Seton and they have lists of certified testers in your area. Inform your tester ahead of time of any special needs or testing environment concerns you may have to see if they can accommodate them or give you suggestions to prepare your student for their testing style.

Parents stress out way too much about testing. Don't pass that stress anxiety on to your children. Let them enjoy it as a different activity and environment for the day and they will do much better. I have had students running back and forth to the bathroom or in tears because their parents have put undue pressure on their performance on the tests. Let them just do their best and only use the test as a tool for where to focus on next year. The joy of homeschooling is we don't have to teach to a test throughout the year. So remember we didn't teach to it so don't worry if they didn't ace it. But homeschoolers do notoriously well on testing even with little to no emphasis placed on test prep. But far and beyond how they test is that we instill a love of learning. Don't let testing destroy that.

Burnout

Burnout! We’ve all been there. Some more often than others. We love our children; we want to homeschool; but you’re just done, feeling somewhat like a failure or just too tired to battle any further. Some of the common mistakes we make that take us to burnout are: OVERSCHEDULING, too rigid lesson plans, lack of support, comparing kids, setting goals or expectations too high, or someone within or near the family not adjusting to your homeschool schedule.

 Overscheduling is very common place. In our area there are awesome opportunities for homeschoolers on every corner, homeschool groups, park days, homeschool days at museums, the zoo, the co-op classes, scouts, dance, karate, sports, etc. My kids laugh that we car school at times because we’re always on the go. Some families can handle that better than others. But if you’ve overcommitted your kids in one place you must remember to let up somewhere else. They can’t get math done if you’ve been out of the house every day this week. Now if all those events were worthwhile, then math can wait. If Math means more, then you’ll have to cut some of those good options.

 Lesson Plans can be great but they can also be a great weight around your neck, pulling you under. I venture to say that within the first month everyone’s already off their perfectly designed lesson plan they labored over all summer. It’s been meticulously designed to include every possible element in every subject and works exactly to the day to work though in 180 days. But someone forgot to tell the in-laws, the neighbors, the church committees, the co-op teacher that gave extra homework, etc.

 Interferences are endless. Instead of looking at these inconveniences as detrimental to your homeschool look them in the eye for what they are: learning experiences. As a parent with a child that successfully navigated college it’s very clear that homeschoolers learn and see that there are distractions and interruptions in life. It’s part of the learning process to learn how to navigate them and keep on track. Being able to adjust is a key to an abundant life. Lesson plans may be better if they have general concepts to cover each month with more flexibility in how and when to get those goals accomplished.

 Support issues come in many forms. Maybe you don’t have the support of an extended family members and it’s a frustration. Maybe the lack of support is closer and even a spouse that is always questioning you or requiring proof of success. Maybe your family is supportive but you feel like you’re out there all alone navigating the homeschool world. Homeschool support groups serve this purpose. There are others out there that have the same experiences, problems, relative, tried something you’ve always wondered about, successfully navigated that curriculum, learning disability or have a child with similar tendencies. Surrounding yourself and your children with other homeschoolers help your self confidence and can be very uplifting. It’s always beneficial to be around others that understand what you do day in and day out. Pulling away from other people and homeschooling in isolation is generally going to fester insecurity, loneliness and doubt. Guard your homeschool boundaries from those that figure you’re always available because you’re home or they don’t have anything pressing to do so they figure you don’t either or the exact opposite that they have REAL jobs and you don’t so can you… But do not isolate yourself either. Even most school teachers don’t teach EVERY subject, multiple grade levels. Homeschooling is a unique situation that takes a unique group of friends. We all need help and support at some time in our lives. Successful and/or seasoned homeschoolers can also feel satisfaction and belonging to continue in homeschool activities to help the newbies.

 Other ways to avoid burnout are to set homeschool priorities. Write them down and post them somewhere you’ll see them, because 6 months from now when the burnout starts you’ll have forgotten those priorities. Looking back on those priorities help to keep things in check on regular basis. Remember that if schools had the perfect answers, set up, or curriculum then they would work for everyone. Don’t feel pressured to meet other’s standards. As a homeschooler you have 7 days a week, 365 days a year to get it in and then even next year you are not passing your child on to anyone else. You can cover what you didn’t get to and are well aware of the holes they have that will need additional work. Also the purpose of homeschooling is to teach your child to love to learn. If that goal is accomplished, it won’t matter if anything is missed because they will know how to go back and learn it for themselves.

 So Burnout is natural. You are not a failure. You can do it. Take a few steps to analyze the cause. Take a few days to relax and de-stress then you can get back to it. It’s definitely worth the work and stress.