The Benefits of Home Education

Grad Panel Discussion May 27th, 2013

Nathan F., Heather M., Jason v., and Bailey M. were home educated throughout high school and shared their thoughts about post-secondary life in a Q & A format with a full house of HSCF parents & teens. Here are the general themes discussed:

The benefits of home education: - teaches self motivation & responsibility (No one else is going to do what you need to!) - teaches independent learning (perfect skill for post-secondary) - lots of time for reading and/or writing - can explore a wider range of interests which might lead to career choice - have more time to volunteer - have flexibility to learn in different ways & try various curriculums -have time to work part or full hours & save for post-secondary

What do you wish your home education had included? - more writing of essays, journaling, poetry, etc. instead of simply creative - more group or teamwork esp. studying together with others - more time with friends

How would you have resolved these wishes? - parents could either have been firmer and/or student could have taken more initiative - been more intentional about styles of writing since there is lots of writing expected later on - been more intentional about getting together with other families to discuss a book or video or course, etc. - it's still better to homeschool than to go to public school just for friends

How did you manage admission requirements? (One student is apprenticing/NAIT; one is at Concordia; one at King's; one at the U of A) - persistence in phoning/meeting with admissions staff - kept a portfolio through high school years (a record of academics & achievements) - supportive letter from facilitator - equivalency tests - trade entrance exams & record of work experience hours - completed 30-level subjects in various ways in a gap year (e.g. proving music equivalency, taking a summer school course which is a few weeks, challenging the exam, online course, night school which is nice because it tends to have mature students) - completed a college level course while still in high school e.g. through Athabasca or open studies (has pros & cons, depending your readiness for that subject) -different institutions & programs (e.g. RAP) have different reputations; once you know the program or place you want, keep persistent & tailor your homeschooling accordingly How did you know what you wanted to do with your life? - had time to explore various options & find a passion -went to open houses, campus tours, student-for-the day options -didn't know for sure, but it was easy to switch since first year courses are so broad -knew for sure!

How would you recommend a high schooler figures this out? -begin early to attend campus events! Go to lots of open houses, events, library, departments, etc. especially while in grade 10 & 11 so that you can narrow down your studies by grade 12 & to lessen the feeling of intimidation of being on a big campus. - meet staff. Ask lots of questions early on! -be intentional about looking into various programs and learning about what's out there - study what you enjoy! -job shadow -many first year programs are general studies, so it's easy to switch to another program & follow your interests as you learn what they might be; don't feel rushed. -it's okay to discover as you go

Should you only study what you enjoy, or should your parents force you to study other things? - okay to study what you enjoy, but also study related subjects...e.g. if you like English, then study history too; or if you like chemistry, then study math too - first year courses are broad so you can't be hyper focused on only your favourite subject - parents, pay attention to the curriculum: did you choose it for your own learning style? the student might enjoy the subject taught via a whole different curriculum and not actually hate that subject itself -parents, compromise if needed: if a student is not remotely interested in science, have them read science-related books rather than do labs -parents be firm on the things that will open doors: non-negotiables (e.g. core subjects)

Surprising things about attending post-secondary... -the amount of writing (lots!) -homework i.e. getting a syllabus and having to hand stuff in by the deadline -amount of tests in the trades -"sitting" in a classroom...upright - you're a number -you're faith is challenged even in Christian post-secondary

Thoughts about faith... -high school kids need to be ready spiritually long before going to post-secondary by having responsibility/discipline for own devotional time e.g. setting aside time to read Bible, worship, pray since post-secondary becomes so busy; there is no longer familiar routine like there might have been at home in the mornings or after dinner at family devotionals; tougher to maintain Christian habits -know how to react to evil -you *will* be challenged in your faith, so be prepared to know what you believe and why -keep the family connection; you will need it -get involved with on-campus group ministries -don't expect to be fed spiritually (just the opposite) - expect a Christian campus like King's or Concordia to include folks with all sorts of beliefs

About friends... -there are good and bad friends out there -it's easy to make friends & harder to keep them -public school kids are used to seeing their friends everyday; homeschool kids tend to pick up where they last left off. -be intentional about making friends in your classes, young adult group, etc.

About finances... - homeschooling allowed each of the grads to work & save while still at home -apprenticing allows you to earn while you learn -if you're not a good saver, become intentional about it -remember scholarships -live at home -take a gap year to work & save in between finishing high school & starting post secondary

A gap year? -it's an individual choice -take a course or two while working -if you think you might need standardized exams, take them early on while your high schooling is still fresh -you can apply as a mature student if you've taken time out between high school & post- secondary to work or travel -you can register in grade 12 homeschool again while doing upgrading, work experience, etc.

Thoughts on homeschool curriculum ... (Each grad was homeschooled traditionally throughout high school and was accepted into post secondary programs without an Alberta Education diploma. Some grads earned specific credits only, required for admission.) -use what works for the student (not necessarily the parent!) -study subjects that you intend to use at some point in the future -do lots of reading (and writing) -take any sort of post-secondary courses while still in high school (on campus, by correspondence, open studies, unclassified student, work experience, summer classes, night school...) -although there are endless options, specific curriculums mentioned included Apologia (Dr. J. Wile), Saxon Math, Tree of Life, Teaching Textbooks, MathUSee, WISDOM online courses, Artes Latinae... -when Alberta Education curriculum was required for specific courses, homeschool curriculum choices were a refreshing supplement So is/was post-secondary hard after using all this homeschool curriculum? -Yes! Math is still math... -No! I had covered that topic already... -Actually, the easier and harder topics balance each other out -what would have helped is to review the table of contents as taught in 30-level courses to see that our homeschool studies covered material that professors might expect us to know (Parents, your facilitator can discuss where homeschool curriculums differ from AB Ed curriculum, and /or suggest resources so you can assess your student's readiness for post-secondary in each subject.)

Would you homeschool your own children? Yes; I want to; I want to; I see the advantages & like it, but might not since I'm going into education :)

THANK YOU Grads for your insightful & encouraging discussion!