Guide to 2013-14 Edition Homeschooling in Florida All You Need to Know to Learn Without Boundaries

Supporting Your Homeschool Journey FPEA Florida Homeschool Convention

year and for inspiration for the year ahead. and equips leaders to meet the needs The 17,000-plus attendees make the four- of homeschool families throughout the day event over Memorial Day weekend year. Attendees receive private early en- one of the largest and best homeschool trance into the Convention exhibit hall. conventions in the country. With over 130 workshops and hundreds of exhibitor Exhibit Hall booths, the Convention is more than able Imagine a super-sized mall where all the to equip you for your homeschool jour- stores are homeschool-related. That’s the ney. And best of all, everything takes place Convention exhibit hall — your place he FPEA supports your home- in the comfort of the luxurious Gaylord to shop till you drop, homeschool-style. school journey through purpose- Palms Resort. Visit www.fpea.com and If you are new to homeschooling or if T ful information, practical direc- click on Convention & Events for the you’re a first-time Convention attendee, tion, personal engagement and positive latest Convention information. be sure to visit the Mentoring Moms encouragement. We work to ensure that booth in the exhibit hall, where expe- all families have the freedom to learn Leaders Forum rienced homeschool moms can answer without boundaries, doing so through a Local homeschool leaders (both current your questions and help you make the statewide convention, regional and local and potential) draw renewed pre-Con- most of your experience. conferences, and other events. vention vision through the annual FPEA The annual Convention is a place for Leaders Forum. This full day of speak- celebration of the end of your homeschool ers and activities inspires, encourages www.fpea.com/guide FPEA Florida Homeschool Convention

Speakers Graduation Weekend Legislative Events Along with keynote messages, choose Finally, no homeschool journey would The FPEA plans statewide and regional from 130 lectures and workshops that be complete without graduating seniors. events to help let the united voice of best meet your needs. Speakers address a At the FPEA Statewide Graduation homeschoolers be heard. Attendees meet wide range of topics designed to meet a Ceremony, held the morning after the with representatives and celebrate the variety of homeschool needs. official end of the Convention, nearly legal freedom to educate their children 300 home-educated high school seniors at home. The events include distinct fea- Programs and Fun for Children walk the aisle in the celebration of the tures designed to meet the diverse needs If you plan to bring your children to completion of their homeschool pro- of Florida homeschoolers. Please visit the Convention, there’s plenty going gram. The ceremony is just one part of www.fpea.com and click on Convention on just for them. Two age-appropriate, a memorable weekend of events and & Events for the latest information on faith-based programs will be held all activities planned just for the seniors, legislative events for 2013 and beyond. day Friday and Saturday. For those not their parents and their families. participating in either the children’s program or the teen track, Gaylord Can’t Wait for 2014 — Can You? Palms Resort offers an irresistible mix Plans for the 2014 Convention are already of activities — family-friendly movies underway. Beginning in December 2013, on the big screen in the hotel atrium are details for 2014 will be available — visit only the beginning! www.fpea.com and click on Convention & Events so you don’t miss a thing!

Guide to Homeschooling / 2013-2014 Providing the next generation with tools to defend the Christian faith, Put their sCriPture into aCtion, and beCome doers of the word

Apologia Academy offers college-preparatory programs in basic and advanced sciences, apologetics, Bible, and Christian worldview through a dynamic virtual classroom experience that combines Apologia’s acclaimed curriculum and experienced teachers with the best technology. seventh grade science bible and to adults worldview

• Seasoned Christian instructors Award-winning Apologia middle • Introduction to Apologetics • Bible-based curriculum school and high school science • Creation vs. Evolution courses • God & Government • And More!

“We wanted to let you know what an “Apologia’s support of its students is the gold encouragement you have been to our family. Our standard. Thank you so much!” Parent daughter’s desire to know God and make Him known has increased tenfold since taking your classes. 40% disCount Thank you for your dedication, your obvious love for for current students on Apologia textbooks for what you do, and the faithfulness to lead, teach, Academy courses in which the student is enrolled! and encourage others to know truth.” Parent

www.fpea.com/guide ApologiaAcademy.com Facebook.com/ApologiaAcademyOnline 5 Legal Issues 8 How to Legally Homeschool in Florida

19 District School Superintendent Contacts

23 FPEA District Directors Accountability 24 How to Find a Support Group

25 Nontraditional Private Schools

28 What About Tutoring?

29 Virtual Schools

32 What Is a Homeschool Co-Op? Inspirational Articles 36 Think Like a Teacher

38 How to Survive Homeschooling Without Developing That Unsightly Twitching

40 Learning Styles

43 Wading Through the Curriculum Jungle

44 Educational Methods Overview

46 Traditional Curriculum

Guide to Homeschooling / 2013-2014 6 48 Classical Christian Education: A New Look at an Old Model

50 Unit Studies

52 Charlotte Mason Method

55 Learning Lifestyle

57 The Principle Approach

59 Unschooling

62 Delayed Academics Special Interests 64 Single Parents

66 Homeschooling the Special-Needs Child

68 Asperger’s Syndrome

70 Dyslexia High School 73 Homeschooling the High-Schooler

81 Graduations and Celebrations

83 Bright Futures Scholarship Requirements

www.fpea.com/guide 7 88 Other Ways to Pay for College

89 Free College at Your Fingertips

96 Taking the Test

98 Joining the Military Other Issues 100 Join Us at the Convention!

104 Strategic Partnerships

106 Curriculum and Materials Vendors and Developers

116 Field Trip Information

131 Downloadable Forms

132 Kids Love Florida History – Really!

134 FPEA Member Discounts

Guide to Homeschooling / 2013-2014 8 Legal Issues How to Legally Homeschool in Florida

ome education is one of five ways to tendance records and enrollment registers. Hsatisfy Florida’s compulsory-atten- Students enrolled in these schools, even if The information outlined in this manual dance law. Statute 1003.01 (13) gives taught by their parents at home, are private parents the choice of achieving regular school students. More information­ about is current as of publication. Though it is school attendance­ through one of these nontraditional private schools, designed to provisions: assist parents in teaching­ their children at believed to be legally accurate, it is for home, begins on page 25. • Public school informational purposes and not meant as • Parochial, religious or denominational Private Tutoring Program school Florida Statute 1002.43 legal advice. To clarify the status of any le- • Nontraditional private school Parents may choose to hire a private tutor • Home-education program to educate their children. The law requires­ gal information,­ contact your FPEA District • Private tutoring program a tutor to hold a Florida certificate in the grades and subjects in which instruction is Director (see page 23) or local homeschool Four of these options are in the pri- given. These students, even though taught vate sector — ultimately parents choose at home, are private school students. More group leader. the setting, curriculum, opportunities information may be found on page 28. and educational experiences. In all cas- es, a child turning 6 before February 1 How Do I Comply With the of the school year is subject to compul- Home Education Law? sory at­tendance and must attend school By definition, a home-education program regularly the entire year. is “sequentially progressive instruction of a student directed by his or her parent Home-Education Program in order to satisfy the requirements of Florida Statute 1002.41 Statute 1003.21 and 1002.41.” Under this statute, parents who choose The parent is not required to be a to teach and direct the education of their certified teacher or have any educational own children at home must notify their quali­fications. As the parent, you are the district school superintendent and meet primary instructor for, and supervisor of, all requirements of this law. The child must your child’s education. Supplementary show educational progress each year. instruction through other activities is Students registered with the school district per­missible and encouraged, including are, by law, home education students. The extracurricular athletic or music activi- parent must keep a portfolio rather than ties, Florida Virtual School, part-time en- records of instructional hours or days of rollment at a public or private school, or attendance each year. More information dual enrollment in a college or university. begins on page 10. People often ask if it is legal to teach other people’s children. If someone else Non-Public Schools becomes a child’s primary instructor and Florida Statute 1003.23 (2) directs the child’s education whether in Parents may choose to register their the home or not, and if the instruction children in a private school (parochial, reli­ takes place daily and consistently, then gious, denominational or nontraditional). the instructor must hold a valid Florida The school is responsible for keeping at- teaching certificate in the subjects and www.fpea.com/guide 9

Guide to Homeschooling / 2013-2014 10

grades being taught. Legally, this type of The notice must be filed in your district teaching falls under private tutoring (see school superintendent’s office within 30 page 28). However, this does not pre- days of beginning your home-education clude someone with primary responsibil- program. It is wise to do this immediately ity for the child from home-educating the after establishing your program, espe- child. The definition of “parent” in Statute cially if you are withdrawing your child 1000.21(5) “is either or both parents of from a public or private school, to ensure This article is based on material orig- a student, any guardian of a student, or avoiding truancy allegations. Send your any person in a parental relationship to a no­tice return-receipt requested to prove inally published in An Orientation to student, or any person exercising super­ it reached its destination. Though there is visory authority over a student in place of no official form that must be submitted, a Homeschooling­ in Florida by Vicky the parent.” link to a downloadable sample notice of intent may be found on page 131. Simply Goodchild. Your Six Responsibilities write or type the information, then send it to your superintendent’s office. A Summary of Your Six Responsibilities According to the Law Compulsory Attendance Age Essentially, six stipulations must be fol- According to Florida Statute 1003.01 lowed to comply with the law: (13), all children ages 6-16 are required to attend school regularly. If your child • Send a notice of intent to your district turns 6 sometime between the begin- school superintendent. ning of the school year and February 1, • Maintain a portfolio of records. that child is required to attend the entire • Make your portfolio available for in- school year, and you are required to spection by the superintendent upon notify the superintendent. 15 days’ written notice. In the rare case where your superin- • Submit an annual evaluation for each tendent returns your letter of intent if child to the superintendent. your child is 5, a conversation with the • Preserve your child’s portfolio for two superintendent about the mandatory years. kindergarten portion of the law would be • Submit a letter of termination upon appropriate. completion of your home-education When you begin to teach your 6-year- program, upon enrollment in a public old, you may start with kindergarten, or private school, or upon moving from first grade, any other grade or even the the county. continuation of a preschool program. Kinder­garten does not necessarily start Let’s look at your responsibilities in at age 5; however, in the public school greater detail. system, if the child turns 5 on or before September 1 of that school year, he may 1. Submitting Your Notice be regis­tered for kindergarten. of Intent It is permissible to teach kindergarten Your written notice of intent must include when your child is 5 even though you are each of the following: not required to register your child with the superintendent or provide an end-of- • Name of each child (age 6-16) the-year evaluation. • Birthdate of each child named • Address Is Kindergarten Mandatory? • A parent’s signature Kindergarten is mandatory only if you will be enrolling your child in a public school www.fpea.com/guide 11 for first grade. Placement is determined by this allows for more spontaneity in your the principal, and even if you have doc- teaching and for capturing teachable umented kindergarten and turned in an moments. evaluation, the principal still can decide to Sample materials must also be includ- have your child repeat kindergarten. ed. The law refers to these as “samples Unless a parent is absolutely sure of any writings, worksheets, workbooks the child will be home-educated in first or creative materials used or developed grade, the safest route is to register your by the student.” The following section child with the county for kindergarten. addresses documented records and You would then be required by law to sample materials in more detail. turn in an evaluation for that year. Some school districts will not allow a child to Your Documented Records: Choosing be registered for kindergarten for home Your Record-Keeping Style educa­tion. Check with your school It is important to choose a style of record district regarding what process might be keeping that will not only fulfill the law, used if the child was not home educated but also meet your needs based on for kindergarten and was to be enrolled factors such as time, number of children, in a public school for first grade. The and degree of dedication to filling out school, for example, might assess the your log book. No particular style must child after a month or two and move the be fol­lowed, so feel free to explore differ- child into first grade. ent approaches. If a child is registered for kindergar- Some families keep only brief nota- ten, the school would require proof that tions, or a dated list of educational activ- your child has satisfactorily completed ities and a dated list of reading materials a kindergarten program, so an evalua- by title. This would be the bare minimum tion would need to be submitted to the required by law for this part of your school district. Some private schools portfolio. Other families prefer to keep may also require this. Entry into any de­tailed records of each subject on each grade beyond first will not require proof day using a regular teacher’s planning of kindergar­ten but may require demon- book (available at any school-sup- stration of minimum skills for the grade ply store). Some simply use entered. a calendar and jot down brief accounts of what 2. Maintaining Your Portfolio type of learning takes Your portfolio must contain two parts, place each day. Still the first being documented records. others keep some- Le­gally speaking, documented records thing more like a are “a log of educational activities which daily or weekly is made contemporaneously with the journal rather instruction and which designates by title than separating any reading materials used.” “Contem- subjects. Any poraneously with the instruction” means of these forms the documentation should occur at the is acceptable. same time as the instruction. This keeps The point is your documentation and materials in that as you chronological order, which aids in the teach your chil- evaluation or inspection process. Since dren, you should be Florida law does not require lessons to recording their activities be planned or approved in advance, and reading materials.

Guide to Homeschooling / 2013-2014 12

Attendance According to Statute 1002.41, home educators are not required to keep atten­ dance or meet “the requirements of a school day as defined in statute 1002.01.” A county or state official cannot require you to keep or show attendance records. The best way to deal with such a request is to ask your FPEA District Director to look into the matter (if necessary, see page 23 for more information on iden­ tifying your District Director).

Your Sample Materials According to the law, the second part of your portfolio should consist of “samples of any writings, worksheets, workbooks, or creative materials used or developed by the student.” There are many ways of keeping sample materials, ranging from a large box with everything in it — even sports “Activities” include field trips, partici- trophies — to file folders with just a few pation in co-ops, piano lessons, tutored samples of work from throughout the sub­jects, 4-H activities, science labs, school year. dual enrollment, three-R’s assignments, Another idea is to use a three-ring Scout­ing, sports activities, etc. It is not binder with pocket dividers (available at necessary to list every single activity or any office supply store). You can label every book being read. each pocket with the subjects to be Your entries should be recorded often covered: English, Spelling, Handwriting, enough to be considered “contempora­ Math, Social Studies, Science, Fine Arts neous with the instruction,” as defined / Music / Arts and Crafts, and Miscella- earlier. Keep in mind, though, that the neous, for example. Each day you can statute was purposely worded so as to simply deposit the work in the front of keep the log from becoming an atten- the appropriate pocket, with the most dance register, so do not feel obligated recent work on top. At the end of the to keep daily records or any specific year, you can use a separate notebook number of days (see Attendance below). for gathering a good sampling of materi- If you plan to keep a daily log, make als for an evaluator in lieu of bringing all your entries daily (five to 10 minutes per the work. Whatever method you adopt to day) or at least weekly. Avoid waiting keep your sample materials, remember too long, because you will forget many that they need to be kept in chronologi- of the spontaneous “goodies” worth cal order for ease in showing educational mentioning. It is not necessary to teach progress. Be sure to put dates on all every sub­ject every day. You just need to your work samples. teach it often enough to ensure sufficient Another nice addition to your portfolio progress is made by the end of the year. is a photo album. Since many families The pace will depend upon your child. are using a more hands-on approach to their schooling and less paperwork, pho- www.fpea.com/guide 13 tos can be sufficient to show that your matter of routine, but does have the right child either was involved in a creative to inspect it if the 15-day written notice activity or attended a field trip. is provided. You are not required to show If your child is too young or not ready your portfolio to anyone requesting it with- for writing assignments, allow your child out proper notice. The inspection is only to to dictate to you. Keep these papers in make sure the portfolio is legal; the super- the child’s folder. intendent cannot evaluate its contents. The portfolio can be as elaborate as Another option is to educate your you want to make it as long as you in- 4. SUBMITTING AN ANNUAL clude the list of dated activities, reading EVALUATION selected evaluator about what the law materials and the sample materials. The law requires an annual educational Your portfolio does not need to be, and evaluation, which the parent or guardian requires. Consider giving this manual should not be, a major time-consumer. must file with the district school super- There are many advantages to keeping intendent’s office. The parent is respon­ to your evaluator to aid in identifying more elaborate records. If you choose to sible to ensure the evaluation arrives have a Florida-certified teacher inter- there. It is suggested you send it certified what is required from both parties. Also, view your child and review the portfolio, mail, return-receipt requested. The an- a more elaborate portfolio helps that nual evaluation is due by the anniversary though you may prefer a more objective teacher determine your child’s progress date of the submission of your letter of in relation to his level of ability. Addition- intent. Nothing in the law requires fami­ evalu­ator, nothing in the law states that ally, should the superintendent request to lies to comply with any other date, nor inspect your portfolio, you will feel confi- can the local school district enforce an a parent certified as a Florida teacher dent in showing records of a fully devel­ arbitrary deadline. oped home-education program. And if The following presents a closer look at cannot evaluate his or her own child. you are considering future enrollment for your evaluation options: your child in public or private school, a This also applies to other relatives of detailed portfolio may assist the princi­ Your Five Options for Annual pal in determining course credits. It also Evaluation your child. will be very helpful when you begin to The home-education law provides five write high school transcripts and apply evaluation options: The FPEA has suggestions and guide- for college scholarships. Finally, a more detailed log may serve as ready-made • An individual evaluation by a Florida- lines for inexperienced evaluators. Our lesson plans for younger siblings as they certified teacher of your choice. get older. • Any nationally normed student lists contain evaluators who are experi- In whatever manner you keep your achievement test administered by a portfolio, remember that it is an exten- certified teacher of your choice. enced and also include bios for each one. sion of your personality and style, and • A state student assessment test. should not be allowed to become an • A psychological evaluation. undue bur­den. Experiment and find the • Any other method mutually agreed correct approach for you. upon by the parent and the superintendent. 3. MAKING YOUR PORTFOLIO AVAILABLE Option #1: Individual Evaluation Florida law requires you to make your This is also referred to as a home eval- portfolio “available for inspection by the uation, personal evaluation or a teacher superintendent or the superintendent’s evaluation. As the parent or guardian, agent, upon 15 days’ written notice.” The you select a Florida-certified teacher to superintendent, or his or her agent, is review the portfolio and have a discus- not required to inspect the portfolio as a sion with your child, or in some cases,

Guide to Homeschooling / 2013-2014 14

administer a test as an evaluation tool. can be used for any grade level, and The FPEA provides lists of evaluators in especially helps a child experiencing their areas. This evaluation usually takes learning disabilities or delays in reading place in an informal, home-based set- or math skills. This evaluation method is ting, utilizing oral screening and possibly particularly­ recommended for children in written requirements where applicable. the elementary years who may feel too When selecting a teacher, make sure you much pressure from a standardized test, clearly understand how the evaluation especially one given in a classroom-type will be conducted and what criteria will set­ting. It may also be preferred by fami- be applied. lies that don’t wish to place emphasis on In this option, the portfolio plays a sig- test scores or by families that utilize the nificant role. It may be best to select an unschooling approach to education. evaluator at the beginning of the school Once the evaluating teacher has con- year, then determine what the evaluator cluded that your child has demonstrated will look for in the portfolio. This will aid educational progress, the teacher sub- in your decision regarding portfolio style. mits the written evaluation to the parent. The discussion with the child can vary If the teacher concludes that your child widely from one evaluator to another. has not progressed sufficiently, and you The language of the law is quite do not agree, it is permissible to seek vague here. Some evaluators the opinions and evaluations of other simply talk over the portfolio certified teachers. with the child, while others per- When you obtain the results, you are form an informal oral screen- responsible to submit the written evalua­ ing based on basic skills. tion to your superintendent’s office. This Still others administer written evaluation does not need to be formal testing. detailed, nor does it need to be on an of- Legally, the ficial form (for a sample, check with your evaluator looks for local group or FPEA District Director, or evidence of your see page 131 for a link to a download- child’s “demon- able sample). The evaluating teacher stration of educa- simply needs to state that he or she has tional progress at found your child to have progressed at a a level commen- level commensurate with his or her abil- surate with her or ity. Make sure you retain a copy of your his ability.” This annual evaluation results. simply means that the child’s Choosing an Evaluator progress should Make sure your evaluator holds a valid, equal his ability. This regular Florida certificate to teach ac­ type of evaluation ademic subjects at the elementary or secondary level. A teacher certified only through a private association is unac- ceptable. Certified teachers can evaluate any grade level regardless of the grade level or subjects of their certification. In general, the best evaluator is one who is either a homeschool- er or at least fa­miliar with the philosophy of homeschooling. www.fpea.com/guide 15

This is particularly important if you fee or within the public school classrooms­ choose individual evaluation and follow without charge. In choosing this method, a child-readiness program emphasizing though, you may lose your option­ of sub- not pressuring your child into a new skill mitting your own copy of the results, as before being ready. the school may send the scores directly Locating an evaluator requires work. to the superintendent’s office. That office You can check with your local support may also retain the scores in the child’s group, FPEA District Director or home- records, especially if the student has been schooling friends for recommendations. in the school system previously, and the They usually maintain a list of teachers scores will attach to students’ records if willing to do homeschool evaluations. they enter the public school system. If You can then call each of them to decide you choose your own administrator, the which one seems the most compatible law states that the parent or guardian with your educational style. must file a copy of the evaluation with the If you are not able to find an evaluator district school superintendent. you feel comfortable with, you may want Group testing by a stranger in an to look for one outside your local area. unfamiliar environment can be highly The evaluator is not required to live in the stressful and could result in inaccurate same county you do. test results. If you feel your child can handle group testing, check with your Option #2: Nationally Normed Student local group leader or nontraditional pri- Achievement Tests vate school ad­ministrator to see if they These are also referred to as standard- offer testing — your child would be with ized achievement tests. Here are some familiar people. In many cases, you do of the more common tests and the grade not have to be a member of the group to levels they cover: participate in the testing, but a fee will be charged. Local brick-and-mortar private • Iowa Tests of Basic Skills (ITBS) — K-8 schools may also offer testing. • Stanford Achievement Test — K-12 If you want your child privately tested, • California Achievement Test (CAT) — then you need to make arrangements K-12 with a certified teacher. You may want • Metropolitan Achievement Test (MAT) the teacher to administer a standard- — K-12 ized test as mentioned previously, or an • Comprehensive Test of Basic Skills achievement test designed to be admin- (CTBS) — K-12 istered one student at a time. Private • Tests of Achievement and Proficiency testing may be costlier than group test- (TAP) — 9-12 ing because you will have to pay for the test and the administrator’s fee. Group Some children affectionately call these testing is usually set at a “bulk rate.” the “bubble tests.” The selection of the test used is not You may choose your own administra- determined by the school district in tor for any of these tests, but he or she which you live. The law stipulates that must be a certified teacher. It is permissi- you may use “any nationally normed ble for a relative of the student to admin- student achievement test.” If you choose ister this test as long as the relative is a this option, you are responsible to send certified teacher. Achievement tests may your child’s annual evaluation results to be administered in either a group or a the superintendent’s office. The results private setting. Some school districts offer may include an evaluation written by testing for a group of homeschoolers for a a Florida-certified teacher as outlined un-

Guide to Homeschooling / 2013-2014 16

der the Individual Evaluation option. Or www.bjupress.com/testing you may choose to send in test scores. 800-845-5731 Make sure you retain a copy of your BJU does not sell the Stanford 10 test annual evaluation results. For a link to to buyers in Hillsborough County. a downloadable sample form, see page 131. However, nothing in the law man- • California Achievement Test (CAT) dates the use of a specific form. Seton Home Study School www.setontesting.com Test Distributors 540-636-9990 The following is a list of sources that sell tests to individuals who meet their • Comprehensive Test of Basic Skills crite­ria. Please contact these compa- (CTBS) nies directly for cost, purchasing and Sycamore Academy administra­tion requirements. www.sycamoretree.com (link to curriculum and testing) • Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) 800-779-6750 University of Oklahoma Evaluation and Testing • ITBS, SAT, CogAT 3200 Marshall Ave. Triangle Assessments Norman, OK 73072 www.HomeSchoolerTests.com 405-325-1971 877-843-8837

• ITBS, Stanford Achievement Test (SAT, Practice Testing Cognitive Abilities Test [CogAT]) Many parents have found that practice Bob Jones University Testing Services tests ease the stress related to test-taking. Practice tests familiarize your child with the test-taking process and educa- tional terms you may not normally use. A few months prior to the test date, you (without the child) should go through the practice test to look for unfamiliar terms and procedures, then include them in your curriculum. It is recommended that the practice test be administered no later than two or three weeks before the actual test date to allow the process to remain fresh in your child’s mind. The best place to locate materials to practice for end-of-the-year standard- ized testing is to consult your favorite home-education catalog company and search for the testing category. The following sources provide help with practice testing:

• Scoring High Practice tests for the CAT, ITBS and SAT (grades 1-8)

www.fpea.com/guide 17

Debra Bell’s Homeschool Resource Peabody Individual Achievement Test debrabell.com/testing-services — Revised (PIAT-R)

• Test for Success Check with a local support group, your Prepare for any test; designed to teach FPEA District Director or a nontraditional testing strategies and reasoning skills private school (if necessary, see page 23 for K-8 to identify your district or Director, or visit Bob Jones University Testing Services www.fpea.com/find-your-district to find www.bjupress.com/testing a local group or school) to learn about 800-845-5731 evaluators in your area who offer this service. • Better Test Scores Prepare for any test; designed to teach Option #3: State Student testing strategies and to review materi- Assessment Test al in order to discover weaknesses This option includes such tests as the Bob Jones University Testing Services High School Competency Test (HSCT), www.bjupress.com/testing Florida Writes and the FCAT (Florida 800-845-5731 Comprehensive Achievement Test). Some counties may still require an Consulting your favorite home-educa- evaluation in other subjects because tion catalog company and searching for the FCAT does not test all subjects in the parent helps or testing categories will all grades. Home-educated students also provide materials to aid in practicing may take these tests at a location and for end-of-the-year standardized testing. under testing conditions approved by Homeschool magazines and journals the school district. Homeschoolers’ test frequently advertise various standardized scores will be collected sep­arately, then test prep books. The public library may sent to the district school superinten- also contain resources that help you dent’s office, which then for­wards the better understand and interpret stan- results to the parents. The FCAT was de- dardized tests. signed to drive the curriculum of public schools; teachers prepare students for Individual Achievement Testing the FCAT throughout the school year. If For those homeschoolers who would like you choose this option, it would be wise to compare standardized test results but to obtain practice tests early in the year do not want to subject their child to a to prepare your child for the terminology group testing environment, some certi­ and the style of questions used. fied teachers provide individual achieve- ment testing. This option allows you to Option #4: Psychological Evaluation receive scores from a test designed to By law, this option must be performed be administered to one student at a time. by a psychologist who holds a “valid Evaluators who offer this service active license pursuant to the provisions provide all the testing materials, as well of Florida Statute 490.003 (7) or (8).” It as set up the location and time. Some of is the parent’s responsibility to submit the most commonly used tests are: a copy of the evaluation to the district school superintendent. • Wide Range Achievement Test (WRAT) Kaufman Test of Educational Achieve- Option #5: Superintendent/Parent ment (KTEA) Agreement This option provides a way to use eval-

Guide to Homeschooling / 2013-2014 18

uation methods not covered under the sufficient progress according to his above four options. You would need to ability. If sufficient progress is not shown, contact your local superintendent’s office your child will no longer be eligible to be with your proposal and reach a mutual registered with the district. agreement. It is recommended that you obtain this agreement in writing. Other 5. Preserving Your Records valid measurements can include SAT or According to the law, “the portfolio ACT scores; grades earned through dual shall be preserved by the parent for two enrollment or Florida Virtual School; or years.” It would be wise to preserve the classes taken at public schools, private high school portfolio for longer than two schools or online. years. You may need to make portions of your portfolio available to admission A Few Things to Ask a Potential counselors when beginning post-sec- Evaluator ondary education. • How much experience do you have with evaluations? 6. Submitting Your Notice • What are your educational credentials? of Termination • Do you have any references I may call? If you decide to no longer home-educate • Do you have experience with home- under 1002.41, move out of the coun- schoolers (to discern if “homeschool ty, put your child in a public or private friendly”)? school, or your child graduates or com- • What are your criteria for evaluation? pletes your home-education program, • What will you be looking for/at? you must file a notice of termination with • What will you need from me/my child the superintendent’s office within 30 when we arrive (or when we meet days of the time you terminate. A notice you)? of ter­mination should include the same • How long will our session be? student information as the notice of • What do you charge? intent. Again, send your notice certified mail, return receipt requested to prove it The Superintendent’s Role Regarding reached its destination. Evaluation Results For a downloadable sample termina- After you send in your child’s evaluation, tion notice, see page 131. the superintendent is directed by law to “review and accept the results of the annual educational evaluation.” When the Florida-certified teacher concludes that your child has progressed suffi- ciently according to his ability, then the superintendent legally “shall accept” this conclu­sion, and the report goes into your child’s file. However, if your child’s evaluation does not indicate sufficient progress, the superintendent will notify you in writing that your child will be on a one-year probation. During the one-year probation period, you should provide remedial instruc- tion. At the end of that year your child will again be evaluated and must show www.fpea.com/guide 19 District School Superintendent Contacts

he 67 counties in Florida serve as Baker Tindividual school districts. Each 392 South Blvd. E district superintendent’s office has a MacClenny, FL 32063 contact person who is the primary liaison 904-259-0401 between the district and homeschoolers who register with that district. On this Bay page we’ve listed by county the address 1311 Balboa Ave. and phone number for school district Panama City, FL 32401 offices (superintendent names and their 850-767-4100 corresponding e-mail addresses are not listed because they are much more fre- Bradford quently subject to change). The informa- 501 W. Washington St. tion would be used for mailing notices of Starke, FL 32091 intent and/or termination, as well as any 904-966-6018 other communica­tion with your district. This is an example of the format to Brevard use for addressing an envelope to your 2700 Judge Fran Jamieson Way local district (substitute the name of your Viera, FL 32940 county and the appropriate address): 321-633-1000

Osceola County Broward Superintendent’s Office 600 SE Third Ave. 817 Bill Beck Blvd. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 Kissimmee, FL 34744 754-321-2600

Upon contacting the appropriate Calhoun office, you might be re­directed to a 20859 Central Ave. E., Room G20 different address or phone number for Blountstown, FL 32424 future communications depending on 850-674-5927 where your contact per­son’s actual office is located. The address for the primary Charlotte home education liaison is often different 1445 Education Way than that listed for the superintendent, Port Charlotte, FL 33948 but mail should reach the proper office 941-255-0808 (send via certified mail to ensure proper arrival). Citrus 1007 W. Main St. Alachua Inverness, FL 34450 620 E. University Ave. 352-726-1931 Gainesville, FL 32601 352-955-7300

Guide to Homeschooling / 2013-2014 20

Clay Gilchrist 900 Walnut St. 310 NW 11th Ave. Green Cove Springs, FL 32043 Trenton, FL 32693 904-284-6500 352-463-3200

Collier Glades 5775 Osceola Trail 400 10th St. Naples, FL 34109 Moore Haven, FL 33471 239-377-0001 863-946-0202

Columbia Gulf 372 W. Duval St. 150 Middle School Road Lake City, FL 32055 Port St. Joe, FL 32456 386-755-8000 850-229-8256

Desoto Hamilton P.O. Drawer 2000 4280 SW County Road 152 Arcadia, FL 34266 Jasper, FL 32052 863-494-4222 386-792-1228

Dixie Hardee 16077 NE 19 Hwy. P.O. Drawer 1678 Cross City, FL 32628 Wauchula, FL 33873 352-498-6131 863-773-9058

Duval Hendry 1701 Prudential Drive P.O. Box 1980 Jacksonville, FL 32207 Labelle, FL 33975 904-390-2000 863-674-4642

Escambia Hernando 75 N. Pace Blvd. 919 N. Broad St. Pensacola, FL 32505 Brooksville, FL 34601 850-432-6121 352-797-7001

Flagler Highlands 1769 E. Moody Blvd., Bldg. 2 426 School St. Bunnell, FL 32110 Sebring, FL 33870 386-437-7526 863-471-5555

Franklin Hillsborough 85 School Road, Suite 1 901 E. Kennedy Blvd., P.O. Box 3408 Eastpoint, FL 32328 Tampa, FL 33602 850-670-2810 813-272-4000

Gadsden Holmes 35 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. 701 E. Pennsylvania Ave. Quincy, FL 32351 Bonifay, FL 32425 850-627-9651 850-547-9341 www.fpea.com/guide 21

Indian River Manatee 1990 25th St. 215 Manatee Ave. W. Vero Beach, FL 32960 Bradenton, FL 34205 772-564-3000 941-708-8770

Jackson Marion 2903 Jefferson St. 512 SE Third St. Marianna, FL 32446 Ocala, FL 34471 850-482-1200 352-671-7700

Jefferson Martin 575 S. Water St. 500 E. Ocean Blvd. Monticello, FL 32344 Stuart, FL 34994 850-342-0100 772-219-1200

Lafayette Miami-Dade 363 NE Crawford St. 1450 NE Second Ave. Mayo, FL 32066 Suite 912 386-294-4107 Miami, FL 33132 305-995-1430 Lake 201 W. Burleigh Blvd. Monroe Tavares, FL 32778 241 Trumbo Road 352-253-6500 Key West, FL 33040 305-293-1400 Lee 2855 Colonial Blvd. Nassau Fort Myers, FL 33966 1201 Atlantic Ave. 239-334-1102 Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 904-491-9900 Leon 2757 W. Pensacola St. Okaloosa Tallahassee, FL 32304 120 Lowery Place SE 850-487-7100 Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548 850-833-3100 Levy P.O. Drawer 129 Okeechobee Bronson, FL 32621 700 SW Second Ave. 352-486-5231 Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-462-5000 Liberty 12926 NW County, Road 12 Orange Bristol, FL 32321 445 W. Amelia St. 850-643-2275 Orlando, FL 32801 407-317-3209 Madison 210 NE Duval Ave. Madison, FL 32340 850-973-5022

Guide to Homeschooling / 2013-2014 22

Osceola Seminole 817 Bill Beck Blvd. 400 E. Lake Mary Blvd. Kissimmee, FL 34744 Sanford, FL 32773 407-870-4600 407-320-0000

Palm Beach Sumter 3300 Forest Hill Blvd. 2680 W. County Road 476 West Palm Beach, FL 33406 Bushnell, FL 33513 561-434-8000 352-793-2315

Pasco Suwannee 7227 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. 702 Second St. NW Land O’ Lakes, FL 34638 Live Oak, FL 32064 813-794-2000 386-647-4600

Pinellas Taylor 301 4th St. SW 318 N. Clark St. SW Largo, FL 33770 Perry, FL 32347 727-588-6000 850-838-2500

Polk Union P.O. Box 391 55 SW 6th St. Bartow, FL 33831 Lake Butler, FL 32054 863-534-0500 386-496-2045

Putnam Volusia 200 S. Seventh St. 200 N. Clara Ave. Palatka, FL 32177 DeLand, FL 32720 386-329-0602 386-734-7190

St. Johns Wakulla 40 Orange St. P.O. Box 100 St. Augustine, FL 32084 Crawfordville, FL 32326 904-547-7500 850-926-0065

St. Lucie Walton 4204 Okeechobee Road 145 Park St. Fort Pierce, FL 34947 DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435 772-429-3600 850-892-1100

Santa Rosa Washington 5086 Canal St. 652 Third St. Milton, FL 32570 Chipley, FL 32428 850-983-5000 850-638-6222

Sarasota 1960 Landings Blvd. Sarasota, FL 34231 941-927-9000 www.fpea.com/guide 23 FPEA District Directors

PEA District Directors serve as District 5 Fvolunteer contacts for homeschool- [email protected] ers looking for local groups and as Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Pasco liaisons between homeschoolers and and Pinellas counties local school districts. Directors are also available to help new groups and provide District 6 services such as homeschooling orienta- [email protected] tions. They also work on your behalf by Lake, Seminole, Sumter and Volu­sia informing public officials and the general counties public about the virtues of home educa- tion and the legal right to do so. District 7 Here are the e-mail addresses for each [email protected] district, as well as the counties each Orange County district covers. For the most current infor­mation about the Directors and their District 8 districts, visit www.fpea.com/find-your- [email protected] district. Osceola and Polk counties

District 1 District 9 [email protected] [email protected] Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, Gulf, Holmes, Charlotte, DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands,­ Jackson, Okaloosa, San­ta Rosa, Walton Manatee and Sarasota counties and Washington counties District 10 District 2 [email protected] [email protected] Brevard, Indian River, Okeechobee and Franklin, Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon, St. Lucie counties Liberty, Madison, Taylor and Wakulla counties District 11 [email protected] District 3 Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee counties [email protected] Alachua, Columbia, Dixie, Gil­christ, District 12 Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, Marion and [email protected] Suwannee counties Martin and Palm Beach counties

District 4 District 13 [email protected] [email protected] Baker, Bradford, Clay, Duval, Fla­gler, Broward County Nassau, Putnam, St. Johns and Union counties District 14 [email protected] Miami-Dade and Monroe counties

Guide to Homeschooling / 2013-2014 24 Accountability How to Find a Support Group

upport groups play an incredibly looking for a faith-based group, or would Simportant role in helping you have a you prefer a more secular approach? Do This article was written by Mary Arnold, successful home education experience. you want to volunteer your time, or would It’s important to pick the support group you rather pay and let others support you? who served as the chairwoman of her local that best fits you — one that lines up Are you looking for informal fellowship or with your family’s goals. for more formal meetings? It’s important to homeschool support group. There are many different types to choose figure out what’s going to help you be the from, but one thing common to all support best homeschooler you can be. groups is that they offer a sense of com- Finding a group is not about right or munity and togetherness. Support groups wrong, or better or worse. It’s about you are a safe place to come and have your choosing a support group that will best cup filled with information, inspiration, help you achieve your goals. Many support ideas and encouragement. They are also groups offer a “one-stop shop,” while others the vehicle by which you connect with oth- act more as a “Welcome Wagon” that simply er like-minded individuals. Statistically, you invites you in and helps you find programs will find that those who plug into their local already in place outside their organization. homeschool community suffer less burn- out. After all, you must keep your cup filled Functions of a Typical Support Group so you can pour out without running dry. Please note that every group differs, but Make sure you do your homework and these things are most common to typical visit the websites of those support groups groups: that interest you the most (to find listings of all the FPEA-recognized groups statewide, • Regular meetings begin at www.fpea.com/find-your-district). • Newsletters You’ll want to look at their membership • Field trips perks and mission statement. Are you • Orientations • Testing/evaluation information • History and science fairs • Spelling bees • Annual talent shows • Interactive websites • Used curriculum sales • Graduation ceremonies • Proms • Lending libraries

It’s important to do your research before joining any group. The FPEA is here to help point you in the right direction. At www. fpea.com/find-your-district, you can iden- tify the counties served by each FPEA dis- trict so that you can confirm which district is yours. Support group encouragement is simply a couple of clicks away! www.fpea.com/guide 25 Nontraditional Private Schools An Overview of the Different Types — Florida Statute 1003.23 (2)

ver the past 20 years, many private classes with a teacher for certain subjects, Oschools primarily serving homeschool such as math or science, especially for families­ have been started. These nontra- high school students. Sometimes­ this is ditional private schools have examined done in a co-op manner where the parents the needs of the homeschool community actually help teach. Some schools will offer and have found varied ways to meet these organized sports, music and various extra- needs. Every nontraditional private school curricular activities as well. Leagues have in Florida operates differently; no two are been formed in certain places, and some exactly the same. are participating at the state level. Some- There are many such schools in the times the school is just a separate division state. What key element makes them of a larger brick-and-mortar traditional differ­ent? The services they offer and the school where students taught at home are level of accountability are the distinguishing incorporated into already existing classes factors. Various types of schools provide: and extracurricular activities.

Stability Virtual Schools Some schools keep things very simple. Virtual schools, where everything is done They allow you to use any curriculum you online, are becoming more available as wish, and you report only grades and well. Online teachers are assigned to attendance by a printed form or online. students, guiding them in their studies The school keeps records only. Advisors and being available to answer questions. are available but are limited in the scope of The choices available are many. Some their help. schools work only locally within a county, some work over several counties, and Accountability some work statewide. There are schools This type of school will require more available to you anywhere you live, but the accountability. It will approve your curricu­ level of services you are looking for may lum and may provide it through your fees. be limited based on their location. Your These schools provide academic advisors­ choice of a school will depend on the level who guide you and help answer questions of services and accountability you know is about anything pertaining to the school good for you and your student. Make sure or the curriculum. They will require you to that any of these school programs are reg- return either some work such as tests or istered with the state of Florida as a private all the work your student has completed school. If they are not and you wish to use in order to verify that the work has been their services, you will have to register with completed. Usually these schools are ac- the local superintendent­ in order to comply credited by an outside agency — thus the with the law. reason for more accountability. What Are the Advantages? Nontraditional Plus Traditional Besides the accountability mentioned No Direct Contact With State above, this type offers some traditional pri- When you enroll with a nontraditional pri- vate school services. They will offer actual vate school, you do not have to notify your

Guide to Homeschooling / 2013-2014 26

local superintendent with a written notice yearly fees, are required for each child of intent to homeschool. You will have no enrolled in the school. Registration fees direct contact with the state. Make sure, typically cover the school’s setup costs for though, that the private school is regis- files, record books, testing, and member- tered with the state. ships in organizations such as the FPEA. Monthly fees might pay the administrator No Maintaining of a Portfolio or principal, as well as cover costs of staff- If you choose a nontraditional private­ Though still recommended, there will be no ing, equipment purchased for the school requirement to maintain one. The private (science equipment, videos,­ audiotapes, school, you may be expected to pay school will require some level of reporting magazines and sports equipment), student of work accomplished and attendance­ activities and office supplies. monthly fees, and you will be accountable records. The school will keep your records and be fully responsible for them. Autonomy for your child’s attendance. Depending on the school, it may require No Submitting of an Annual using specific curriculum, “doing” school Evaluation on certain days, using its defined grading Private school students are not required to scales, and other requirements. report to the state concerning any annual achievement testing, FCATs or evaluations. Extracurricular Activities Annual evaluations are still good, but not The law does not require public schools required. Most private schools offer or to allow individual private-school students­ require their students to take some form to participate in extracurricular activities. of achievement test or other evaluation. Students registered in nontradi­tional pri- These evaluations are only for the use of vate schools may be excluded from some the school and the parents. extracurricular activities unless the school provides them. Validating the Work You Have Completed, Providing Transcripts Accountability and High School Diplomas This comes through monthly, quarterly or Private schools must keep records. They semester reports detailing what days that give credits for work accomplished dur­ school was held, and the grades given. ing the high school years. They know the Face-to-face ac­countability is sometimes credits required to graduate, and upon required as well, perhaps in the form of reg- completion of those required credits, they ular atten­dance at small-group activities, can issue a standard high school diplo- large-group activities and testing times. ma. Not all diplomas are equal, though — make sure the diploma your child is How Do I Find a Nontraditional working toward meets the requirements of Private School? his future college, military or career plans. For more information about such schools Most private schools also advise parents in your area, begin at www.fpea.com/find- on the requirements to obtain the Florida your-district to find listings of FPEA-rec- Bright Futures Scholarship, give guidance ognized schools. You can also check with in the dual enrollment process, and help in your local homeschool support group. SAT and ACT preparation. Questions to Ask What Are the Disadvantages? • How long have you been in existence? • What doctrinal statements or behavior- Money al standards are required to be signed Usually registration fees, and monthly or or lived by? (This may not be as obvi- www.fpea.com/guide 27

ous as it sounds; even non-religious quirements that meet or exceed state groups have behavioral standards of requirements for documents bearing some sort.) the word “diploma”? • What are your fees? • Percentage-wise, how many of your • What resources do you provide? students go on to four-year colleges? • How accessible are the resources, • Does your school have a code number office hours, etc.? for SAT/ACT testing? • Are your students accepted without • Is career testing available? further testing by public, private and • Is the PSAT / NMSQT available? parochial schools in the area? • Does the school provide AP testing? • How are communications handled • Does your school have NCAA clearance? between school and family? • What assistance do you provide for those • Do you have a school newsletter? who graduate from your program? • Do your workers attend workshops and • Do you have an articulation agreement seminars to keep updated on devel- with the local community college? opments for college prep and private • Do you offer any group classes such as schools? physics, calculus, foreign languages, etc.? • Percentage-wise, how many of your • Do you have any tutorial services in families have been enrolled with you case we can’t figure out something in for more than five years? the textbook? • How is testing handled? No school will have answers to all these • Is FPEA membership provided? questions. You can also add your own • How often does the school have face- questions. Also be sure to ask any ques- to-face contact with its students? tions per­taining to any special situations • What activities do you provide? your family might face: learning disabili- • Which activities are required, and ties, physical problems, divorce-custo- which are optional? dy situations, ir­regular working sched- • Do you provide grade books, planning ules, etc. The more up front you are books, school handbooks, etc.? with the staff workers, the better your • How do you store records to keep relationship will be. Chances are they them fire- and vandal-proof? have encountered your situation before. • Who has access to your records? • How long are records kept? Why Do Schools Ask So • Do you have a Florida school number? Many Questions? • How long has each of your staff work- Remember that the school ers been here? is vouching for you and • Do you conduct criminal background your program, so it checks on staff workers? must get to know you. • What are the educational credentials of Written agreements your staff workers? and information have a way of main­taining And for Those With Students In Grades clear communication 7-12: between people. • How many of your students are in Finally, because of grades 7-12, and what is their percent- the staff workers’ age of all students? experience in dealing • How many students have graduated with various situations, extra from your school? information may be necessary for them • Do you have written graduation re- to serve you better.

Guide to Homeschooling / 2013-2014 28

What About Tutoring? Private Tutoring Program — Florida Statute 1002.41

f a parent chooses to enroll his or her ing programs will probably be for elemen- Ichild in a private tutoring program, the tary grades. parent or the tutor must by law “hold a Since this type of program is not recog- This article was prepared by Trish Oliva, valid Florida teaching certificate to teach nized by Florida as home education, your the subjects or grades in which instruction local public school may be able to assist FPEA Executive Director, and draws on is given.” The teacher must “keep all the you in locating a program to meet your records and make all the reports required child’s needs. Professional Tutors of Amer- information provided by the Home by the state and district school board and ica (www.professionaltutors.com) may make regular reports on the attendance of be able to provide a full-time tutor in your Education Foundation. students in accordance with the provisions area. Tutorsteach.net is a free search en- of statute 1003.23.” gine for locating tutors to meet your needs. Legally, this option “requires students Understand that if you choose private be in actual attendance for the minimum tutoring, your child may be excluded from length of time prescribed by statute extracurricular activities, scholarships and 1002.01 (1).” A private tutoring program is dual-enrollment opportunities available to a non-public school with an extremely low home educators. enrollment. All the rules and regulations The clear distinction between this meth- applying to a non-public school also apply od and registering in the home-education to the private tutor. It would be unlikely program is that in private tutoring, the to find many private tutors certified parent will most likely hire someone else to in all the subject areas required for instruct the child and direct his or her ed- high school, so most private tutor- ucation. In the home-education program, the parent is the primary teacher and di- rector of the child’s education, and while it is permissible to hire supplemental tutors, the intent is that the parent will provide the bulk of the teaching. If you choose home education, but also wish to enlist the services of a tutor for specific subjects or to supplement your program, contact your local homeschool support group or your FPEA District Direc- tor for referrals. There are also programs that offer one or two days of instruction on campus and then provide direction for your home days. These are usually listed as nontraditional private schools. As with most personal services, the best referrals are typically from family or friends, so be sure to ask fellow homeschoolers.

www.fpea.com/guide 29

not all FLVS courses are available. You Virtual Schools may check the availability of a franchise in your district at www.fldoe.org/Schools/ s with all school choice options, fully Home education students enrolled in virtual-schools/FLVS.asp. Ainvestigating and evaluating virtual FLVS may participate in extracurricular School districts with franchises receive school programs is a must to understand activities at their zoned public school or at funding as if the student were physically participation requirements and ensure the a private school, and can still participate in attending a district school provided the program meets the needs of each student. dual enrollment. FLVS is a year-round pro- student successfully completes each It is also imperative to understand the gram, so students may enroll at any time. course. Homeschool students may enroll programs to ensure that a student’s partic- Students may register directly at www.flvs. in any available course free of charge ipation maintains their homeschool status. net for one or more courses. through the district franchise or directly In addition, regardless of the number of Florida Virtual School — Full Time is with FLVS. courses a student takes, maintaining a a partnership making the Connections Using the transfer-of-credit rule, some portfolio and submitting an evaluation is Academy curriculum available to home districts are offering home education still a legal requirement. Here we review education students in grades 6-12 through students a diploma if the student enrolls the three primary opportunities available. the FLVS delivery system. This is a full-time full time in the district franchise for their Florida Virtual School was established program requiring attendance documenta- senior year. Bear in mind, though, that the as a statewide public school in 2001. Its tion of a minimum four hours of instruction right to participate in activities, eligibility motto is “any time, any place, any path, per day for 180 days. Textbooks and sup- for dual enrollment and qualification for any pace.” The winner of numerous state, plies are shipped to the student’s home at Bright Futures will be affected, and col- national and international awards, FLVS is the beginning of the school year. A parent leges still require SAT scores and exam- now the national model in virtual educa- provides daily instruction in partnership ine transcripts. tion, according to the U.S. Department with a certified teacher with expertise in of Education and the Southern Regional online instruction. The Connections Acad- Education Board. All courses adhere to emy teacher answers questions, reviews the Sunshine State Standards. Advanced assignments, adjusts individual lesson Placement and Honors-level courses plans and assesses progress. This option are available. Certified teachers direct is a structured program provided during the the instructional process, are required to school year with grade-level curriculum. communicate regularly with parents, may Students must enroll at the beginning only teach in their field of expertise and are of the year and adhere to the district’s available daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. published school calendar. This is a Like traditional public schools, FLVS state-structured program available to receives state funding for each enrolled students at home, so the advantages as- student, but unlike public schools, FLVS sociated with “traditional” home education only gets those funds when a student are lost. successfully completes a course. District Franchise of FLVS began as an According to Florida TaxWatch research, initiative to assist county school districts FLVS spent over $1,000 less per student interested in promoting online learning en- than traditional schools in 2007. Atten- vironments. Although each district directly dance records are not kept; transcripts hires the teachers for their franchise, FLVS and diplomas are not issued. As with all provides the curriculum, delivery platform, homeschool options, students consis- teacher training and support. This partner- tently earn higher grades and higher ship increases access to online learning standardized test scores than their pub- through district virtual campuses, although lic school counterparts. The courses are course availability is subject to the tradi- free for Florida resident students, and tional school year, and the hours of teacher many tuition-based courses are available availability are more limited. In addition, to non-Florida residents. not all districts have a FLVS franchise, and

Guide to Homeschooling / 2013-2014 30

What You Can Do to Protect The “classic” FLVS model is the origi- Homeschool Freedoms nal, award-winning virtual school model It is imperative for homeschool families of­fered to all students (public, private and to remain active FPEA members and home educated) in middle school and encourage non-member homeschool high school. It is free and allows parents families to join. to choose which classes, if any, they want. Leaders of FPEA-recognized groups It allows students to start a class any time For comparisons of the current virtual should set a 100 percent participation during the year; a teacher and materials level, which provides rebates to the groups are provided. It is not a diploma-generating school programs, visit www.flhef.org/ and increases the “volume” of the FPEA’s school (course-modeled only) and does voice with legislators. not currently open a door to future legisla- pdf/2011- 2012FloridaVirtualEducation­ All homeschool families should regularly tion harmful to home educators or private contact their elected representatives and schools. Chart.pdf to view a chart published­ by request laws that require equal access and Recently, the Legislature allowed the full disclosure of all school choice options “classic” or original FLVS model to be Brenda Dickinson and the Home Educa- to all parents. This will also accurately duplicated­ through a franchise to all inform our representatives of the true num- individual counties. The FLVS Franchise tion Foundation. ber of families home educating in Florida. uses the FLVS curriculum but is run by Encourage legislators to consider the the school district. Teachers are district FPEA as a viable nonprofit information employees,­ funding goes to the district warehouse and service organization that (not FLVS), and the Franchise follows the equally provides all information regarding public school calendar. Using the Fran- all school choice options to all who ask. chise may limit choices for homeschool Together, our fully united voice can pro- student-athletes because Franchise tect all homeschool freedoms! courses are considered the same as if the student were taking them in a public Watch Out for Virtual School Changes school. (If homeschool students take more It’s important to understand the differenc- than half their courses in the Franchise, es in the Florida Virtual School programs,­ they are considered public school stu- especially those between the “classic” dents, and their eligibility would be limited and franchise models offered in certain to their zoned public school.) counties. If the school district has a part-time en- In 2012, the Florida Legislature opened rollment policy, the Franchise is available­ this program to homeschoolers and private to private school students. This model may school students. With this change, school also open the door to legislation requiring districts are motivated to actively pursue all students educated at home to use vir- homeschoolers so they will return to the tual school programs as their curriculum. public school system. This model may Franchise courses are free since they are open the door to future legislation requir- public school courses, and parents can ing all students educated at home to take choose which classes, if any, they want. state assessments and use the approved Students can earn a public school diploma virtual programs. through the Franchise in some districts, Homeschoolers and nontraditional which can also allow homeschool students private schools could lose their voice if the to transfer to the Franchise as late as the majority of parents chose the free virtual beginning of their senior year, receive schools. Think carefully before consid­ering credit for homeschool courses, and earn a giving up your parental freedom to design public school diploma. the educational program most appropriate As of the publication of this updated for your child in exchange for free materials. article, 54 of the 67 Florida counties offer www.fpea.com/guide 31 some form of the franchised FLVS. For school after ninth grade would be required more information, visit flvs.net//areas/faqs/ to take the EOC to get credit and earn a pages/signup-faqs.aspx. public school diploma. It’s important to understand these dif- This is the first year the exam is being ferences so we can communicate the po­ offered; at this point, students registered tential risk to the future of home education as homeschoolers will not have to take from the “public school at home” offerings. the test. However, it may be a year-to-year Parents must understand which program decision. Brenda Dickinson of the Home This article was first written by Kim Coley, their students are enrolled in so they can Education Foundation, along with the make sure their tax money is going where FPEA Legislative Committee, is watching former FPEA Administrative Services Man- they intend it to and so their student-ath- this matter closely in the ongoing legis- letes are following eligibility guidelines. lative sessions. Most issues have many ager and District 5 Director, and is updated Let’s make sure our legislators understand facets, and HEF wants to work to give that the “classic” or original FLVS is a parents as many rights as possible without from its original appearance in the Summer flexible, high-quality program meeting the limiting­ the freedoms of other home edu- needs of all students — public, private and cation parents. Brenda will keep us posted 2011 issue of the FPEA Almanac. homeschool — for less money and without as bills are filed and may also need help opening doors to limiting homeschool lobbying on some of these issues, so stay freedom. connected. The similarities between the “classic” and franchise models have caused much confusion. In December 2010, FLVS changed its Web site to create more clarity­ when registering for courses. The student profile, academic profile and registration­ pages now have a different look. These changes should help parents, especially those living in Franchise counties, better understand the enrollment process and ensure that students are enrolled in the virtual school best meeting their needs. Two new assessments, involving “Florida’s new expectations for student learning,­ known as the Next Generation Sunshine State Standards,” are the FCAT 2.0 and Florida End-of-Course Assess- ments. While the FCAT 2.0 might not affect homeschoolers, the EOC assessments at the end of specific high school courses will hit some virtual school courses. To receive credit toward public school graduation,­ these tests will not be optional for stu- dents in FLVS courses unless registered­ in home education. In 2013 U.S. History was added; Civics will be added next year. The Department of Education has not instituted a statewide policy — it will be a princi- pal-by-principal decision as to whether students transferring back to a public

Guide to Homeschooling / 2013-2014 32 What Is a Homeschool Co-Op?

omeschool co-ops! You hear every- important. Secondly, various grade levels Hone talking about this co-op and that can be combined to further expand the di- co-op. Is there really a difference? And versity. And lastly, it mimics life in the “real what exactly is a co-op anyway? The word world,” where children interact with those “co-op” is short for cooperative learning. around them who have different experienc- This is a method of teaching in which es, background knowledge and opinions several, or many, students of various ages while still being able to accomplish their and backgrounds work together in groups desired goals. to achieve the same goal. Research shows A typical homeschool co-op meets one that cooperative learning is beneficial to a day a week, for a few hours or possibly all student in many ways. For one, it creates day. There may be several class periods, an environment where students of all including a lunch break. It is usually held academic abilities can participate and feel in a church or large building of some sort;

www.fpea.com/guide 33

Guide to Homeschooling / 2013-2014 34

some may even be at a family’s home. completely free, since they require parental Most homeschool co-ops offer a variety involvement. However, there are typically of classes for all ages. They might include supply fees. Science labs and art classes such topics as biology, the American Rev- tend to have the most expensive fees, olution, sign language, physical education, but at least you usually get to take home watercolors, Lego building and more. The everything you pay for. possibilities are endless. You may want to take note of who This article was written specifically for You may want to visit a co-op for part the teachers are, as well as the direc- of a day before committing to partici- tors and leaders. Are parents required this manual by Jennifer and Niki Parsley, pate. This will allow you to see firsthand to teach? Are leaders/teachers back- what it is all about. Look for a co-op ground-checked? Is the building safe and sisters-in-law who help lead a homeschool that greets new families with a friendly secure? It is always a good idea to volun- welcome. Every family is different, so you teer one day and observe. Are students co-op in Pinellas Park. want to be sure to match your children watched closely as they switch classes, up with a co-op that fits your needs. or are they allowed to roam the building? What a way to ensure success! Are visitors required to check in and wear a badge? Dismissal time should bring Some Things to Consider comfort to a parent’s heart, not strike When Looking for a Co-op pure fear! Basically, how closely are the The first thing you should look into is the students being monitored? We all want philosophy of education and religious our children to be completely safe when views. There are Christian and secular they are out of our care. co-ops, some offer a classical method of You will also want to find out how the learning, and some are more academic leaders handle discipline and conflict while others are more artsy or sports-re- issues. If there is a bully in a class, the lated. And what are the student expecta- teacher should be able to keep control. If tions regarding homework? You may have children are passing notes, chatting, tex- too many other obligations to include ting and simply not paying attention, there added homework, or you might long for a is obviously a problem with classroom regimented schedule. It is very important management. The rules and procedures to know the stances and beliefs of any should be stated in the beginning, and co-op you are considering. firmly and lovingly enforced throughout On the flipside, smaller co-ops (around the semester. Children cannot learn in two to 10 families) sometimes offer more an unsafe or chaotic environment. Active intimacy. You really get to know the other learning is wonderful, and busyness is families involved, and you have a bigger great — as long as there is peace and con- voice in what is being taught and what trol in the classrooms. activities will be done. The typical smaller And lastly, look for a co-op that makes co-op will usually require the parent to learning fun and encourages student be fully involved. You may have to teach friendships. Children should be produc- or provide the snacks, or (bare minimum) tive and happy, not bored and distracted. clean up! Some co-ops provide extra activities such So as you can see, there is a big differ- as history fairs, science shows or book ence between a larger co-op and a smaller clubs. Dress-up days are always a hit as co-op. One is not better; you just need to well — pajama day, crazy hair day and know what you are looking for. mix-and-match day. An occasional cookie There are also costs to consider. Some day may be fun too. Sometimes, it’s these co-ops charge one-time fees, while others silly things that bring kids closer together. choose monthly payments. Others may be Cooperative learning, in the form of www.fpea.com/guide 35

homeschool co-ops, can provide an year only, while some may additionally take unforgettable experience for you and your a percentage of the teacher’s class fee. children. Students learn how to encour- Dispute Resolution — What is the pro- age each other, form new friendships and cess for handling complaints? Is there a assist younger students when needed. history of complaints? Are you able to talk Parents get to know other homeschool to the complaining party? If not, how was families and enjoy needed fellowship. So the complaint resolved? go check out the co-ops in your area. Remember that they are all different, so Warning Signs or Red Flags: keep looking until you find the one that is Fee Policies — Payment in advance and just right for you! post-dated checks are major red flags. If the co-op exists for the purpose to “equip What to Look for in a Co-Op and educate,” fee policies will reflect that Teacher Qualifications — What is the objective and be very flexible. Payments interview process for teachers? Are they may even be made via PayPal directly to screened for their ability to teach a certain the teacher instead of through the co-op. subject? Do they have prior classroom Non-Profit vs. For-Profit — The term experience or certifications? Do they have “non-profit” can be very misleading. It is experience in the subject through their simply a legal term to describe the type of employment or hobbies? Have they taught corporation formed, so whether a corpora- the subject in the past? If so, try to speak tion is for-profit or non-profit should have with several prior students to see if the no bearing on your decision. class is right for your child. Better Business Bureau — Always Administrative Structure — Why does check out the BBB. Not all co-ops will be the co-op exist? Most exist to assist listed on its website; those listed will have homeschool parents in areas where they a BBB rating. The BBB only facilitates are not completely comfortable. If that is complaint resolution. If any complaints true, you will be able to tell with some sim- are listed, make sure they are listed as ple homework. Some groups make money “resolved.” Disputes handled properly will from a student/family registration fee each never escalate to the BBB level.

Guide to Homeschooling / 2013-2014 36 Inspirational Articles Think Like a Teacher

t is essential you speak to your learners look the other way unless you want them Ilike people, not just children. It is a matter­ to learn to ignore you next time. of tone, body language and word choice. Verbal language is the foundation of all They must know you recognize them as learning. It must be taught and should start This article was written by Joyce Herzog separate from yourself — with opinions, young. Teach them to notice and verbalize skills and preferences. They need to know likenesses and differences, categorizing­ and originally appeared in the Summer who is the ultimate boss, but many times things in different ways. The easiest it is appropriate to ask their opinions and categories are by physical characteristics:­ 2011 issue of the FPEA Almanac. For preferences. When there is no choice, shape, color and size. The next level is make that clear in a non-threatening way. according to function (“What do you use more information­ about Joyce, visit www. Whenever possible, offer choices, such as: it for?”) and relationships (“What does it go with?”). More advanced is according to joyceherzog.com. We’re getting dressed. Would you like to abstract categories (like animal, vegetable, wear the blue outfit or the red? mineral) and sub-categories­ (like fruit and vegetables or farm and zoo). It’s time for breakfast. Would you like toast Provide experiences with good picture or cereal? books. Point to objects, at first naming them, later having the child echo the Don’t offer (with words or tone) a choice label, then having the child name them. if there is none. “Would you like to go to Count objects, find and identify partially bed now?” is only appropriate if they can hidden objects, and notice and verbal- say no. “Get dressed now, OK?” means ize their characteristics. Ask the child to they have a choice. make choices, like “Which one is red?” or When your children were infants, it “Which one would you like to play on?” was natural to start where they were and Ask them to describe details they can stretch them one step further. Though see, then details they can’t see. Begin this probably subconsciously, you started by asking appropriate questions. If they taking­ them one step at a time toward give one-word answers, restate them into developing listening skills, attention span, a sentence, as in this conversation: muscle tone, visual skills and so on. Con- tinue that throughout life. Determine the Tell me about this leaf. (No response after area where you want to see progress, and 15 seconds.) the present level of ability. Set goals well within reach and reward amply for reaching Is it long? “No.” No, it is short. for them or meeting them. (See my books Luke’s Life List and Luke’s School List for a What color is it? “Green.” The leaf is green. supply of academic and life skills from the cradle through adolescence.) Tell me what color the leaf is. “Green.” Yes, Don’t take the easy way out. Unfortu- tell me: The leaf is green. nately, in parenting and education, it is often essential to go the other way. Give “The leaf is green.” them time to struggle without help or condemnation.­ If you give an order, see That’s great! I like the way you told me in a that it is carried out. Don’t demand where complete sentence! options are acceptable. When there is disobedience, respond immediately. Don’t How many points does it have? “Six.” The www.fpea.com/guide 37 leaf has six points. bles before I make the salad.

Does it have a stem? “Yes.” The leaf has a When a child asks a question, determine stem. what he knows already. It is easiest to just begin talking, but listen for a few moments Encourage recalling and retelling stories to discover what information (or misinforma- and events. Take the time to listen! As tion) he brings to the topic. Then, again, take they mature, assist with getting things in him a step or two further.­ It is often best to sequence, stating information in complete­ answer a question with a question: “What do sentences, transitioning smoothly from you think?” “How could you figure that out?” one idea to the next, and using descriptive­ “Do you need help with that?” etc. and interesting words. When checking for Speak about cause and effect. Use comprehension, ask open-ended ques- words like “because,” “since,” “although” tions like: and “nevertheless.” Ask “how” and “why” questions as often as “what,” “when” and What is the boy in the story doing? Tell me “where.” Give them opportunity to clarify what you remember about the story. How their thinking: do you know the boy was sad? I didn’t understand. Can you explain it These encourage more thinking rather than another way? simple recall like this: What do you mean by that? What color was the ball? What was the girl’s name? How did you do that?

Ask them to define words with words: Could you give me a couple of examples? Tell me what a fork is. How do you use it? I think I understand your words, but how What does it look like? does that relate to what we were saying?

Where do you find forks? Wait at least three seconds after asking a question before giving an explanation — What could you use if you can’t find your children need time to formulate fork? their answer.

What goes with a fork?

Where do you buy forks?

Encourage the verbalization of thinking and the development of steps and plans, such as:

I need to make salad this afternoon. I need to see what supplies I have on hand first. Then I need to go to the store to buy mayonnaise, lettuce and tomatoes. When I get home, I will rinse the vegeta-

Guide to Homeschooling / 2013-2014 38 How to Survive Homeschool- ing Without Developing That Unsightly Twitching This article was written by Carol Barnier, hat does 17 years of home- ply needed to get on board. Everywhere­ I who will be a featured speaker at the 2013 Wschooling really do to a person? If looked, I could find a clear picture of real you stay in the game for the long haul, homeschooling. FPEA Florida Homeschool Convention. For what can you expect? OK, the twitch- I bought into this kind of Norman Rock- ing is probably avoidable.­ But you will well version of the process in the early more information about Carol, visit www. develop some habits right along with days of our schooling: clean, respectful the rest of us. For starters, you become children sitting eagerly in front of their carolbarnier.com. an obsessively compulsive collector. schoolbooks, smiling lovingly at Mom, “Oooo! Wouldn’t that look cool under who returns their smile through the steam the microscope,” she says as she fishes of the organic oatmeal she’s stirring, the fluorescent orange mold from under baby on her hip in a stylish sling, verses the soggy leaf with her bare fingers. of Scripture being shared from memory Never mind that it may be highly poi­ (in Latin, of course), while Dad beams sonous or induce intestinal cataclysms proudly over his close-knit and oh-so- for the next 48 hours (feel her dedica- very impressive family. tion). All in the name of science, she My family’s picture typically looks a bit plops it in her pocket. different. It often involves breakfasts of You also develop the ability to see leftover pizza, one-half of our student body beyond an object’s initial shape. It may not yet even out of bed let alone eager, indeed look like a simple box of foam and Dad wondering if his youngest child packing peanuts to everyone else, but will ever learn to sit in a chair without falling with an experienced­ eye, you see that to the floor. The child rarely leaves a dent. with hot glue, wires from bread wrappers But you can tell from Dad’s face that he’s for added stability and old socks, those considering the duct-tape solution. peanuts will actually reveal a wall-sized One of the best things I ever did was portrait of Shakespeare. to cut loose that Norman Rockwell vision And try as you might, you eventual- of what homeschooling should look like ly completely lose the ability to keep a and just learned what homeschooling was straight face when people ask you if you going to look like for my family. I learned to worry about socialization. “Why, yes,” let go of anyone else’s idea of what would you answer.­ “We do have that on our list indicate success for us. And if that suc- of worries. It comes right after How to cess included children regularly plummet- remove regurgitated owl pellet stains from ing to the floor and dinner sometimes at 9 my favorite tablecloth.” p.m., then so be it. Who cares? The most There are many things we who home- amazing benefit of homeschooling is that school have in common — lovely things, it molds itself to the needs of each family. fun things, quirky things. But just as The magic in homeschooling is how a valuable are the things we don’t have in single concept of staying-at-home-to-learn common. I didn’t always know this. In fact, can produce so many different and yet still I started out thinking homeschooling was a successful manifestations. If I had bought pretty well-fleshed-out concept, and I sim- into that beautiful but usually unrealistic www.fpea.com/guide 39

Rockwellian­ imagery that I’d seen, I would needs in a new way — a way others ar- find each day coming up short, leaving me en’t using. Let the process unpack itself, frustrated, puzzled and wondering why we creating a unique and highly specialized just can’t get on track. And the problem,­ of dynamic in your family, meeting the mix of course, would be that I wasn’t looking for needs, gifts, situations and personalities my own track, but instead trying to hop on as only homeschooling can. Let your only that track everyone else seemed to be on. criteria be, “Does it work for us?” After all, Thankfully, I figured out early on that if Thomas Edison’s mom was following­ this comparison game was a futile exer- the track of Mozart, Tom would probably cise. It is wasted energy to spend your be a second-rate musician and no scien- time evaluating what your children are tist at all. She pulled Tom from the public doing against the doings of other children. school and homeschooled him in order You might come out on top sometimes. to allow him the privilege of pursuing his But there’s always the next support-group God-given strengths. meeting where you learn of someone The moral of the story here? The num- else’s child who spliced his own DNA, ber-one strategy for surviving homeschool­ wrote a short novel and will be attending ing is to map out your own path, confident- college by age 11. Big sigh. ly be what you are and let your children Instead of trying to jump on the track become what God created them to be. others are running, let homeschooling Now, let me pick that kid up off the floor unfold­ its surprises, routines and bless- and get out some of that leftover pizza. ings in its own manner. Let it address your

Guide to Homeschooling / 2013-2014 40 Learning Styles

omeschooling parents often sacrifice style, but they don’t mean that any are Hto purchase expensive programs exclusively male or female. assuming­ that the more money they spend, the better it will work. Unfortunately Adults This article was written by Cathy Duffy and — or fortunately for those who like to save money — the complexity of the program Wiggly Willy is adapted from her book 101 Top Picks for might be counterproductive for your child. • Has trouble organizing and following It all depends upon their learning style. through Homeschool Curriculum (Grove Publish- The term “learning style” refers to the • Would rather play and have fun than work way (or style) a person most easily learns • Tends to do things impulsively ing). Copyright 2012 Cathy Duffy. For more and processes new information or skills. • Probably did poorly in school (often due Learning styles include awareness of chil- to lack of interest or boredom) information and free access to her reviews, dren’s preferred learning modalities (audito- • Looks for creative and efficient solutions ry, visual, kinesthetic), but they go further to to tasks visit www.cathyduffyreviews.com. look at other personality/learning traits. • Dislikes paperwork and record keeping The learning styles I use fall into four • Prefers activity over reading books categories. Yes, it could be much more • Prefers to teach fine arts, physical edu- complex, but our goal is not a thorough cation and activity-oriented classes analysis so much as developing an aware- ness that each child will have ways of Perfect Paula learning that are easier and ways that are • Likes everything neatly planned ahead tougher. By identifying learning styles, we of time are able to choose teaching methods and • Likes to follow a schedule materials more likely to be successful for • Is not very good at coming up with each child. creative ideas Recognizing these differences within • Is comfortable with memorization and each of your children will help you make drill better choices in the methods and ma- • Gets upset easily when children don’t terials you use. But that’s only part of the cooperate curriculum equation. • Worries about meeting requirements • Often prefers to work under an umbrella But of Course My Way Is Best program for home educators The other part of the equation is the par- • Prefers to teach with pre-planned cur- ent’s own learning style. The reality is that ricula we parents have our own preferences. And • Is more comfortable with “cut and dried” we tend to teach our children in ways we subjects than those requiring exploration learn best rather than ways they learn best. with no clear answers So our preferred learning style, by default, becomes our teaching style. That’s what Competent Carl we’re most comfortable with. That’s what • Likes to be in control comes naturally to us. • Thinks and acts logically The accompanying chart will help you • Likes to understand reasoning and logic identify your own learning/ teaching style. behind ideas Don’t get hung up on the names (Wiggly • Is selectively organized Willy, Perfect Paula, etc.) — these are • Likes to work alone and be labels I use to help you remember each independent www.fpea.com/guide 41

• Is impatient with those slow to grasp Children concepts or disorganized • Is often uncomfortable in social situ- Wiggly Willy ations and has trouble understanding • Learns best by doing (hands-on learner) others’ feelings and emotions • Likes to be free to move around and act • Tends to avoid difficult social situations spontaneously • Likes long-term plans • Has a short attention span most • Prefers to teach math, science and of the time other logic-related subjects rather than • Not interested in deep thinking or analy- language arts and social studies sis if it means sitting still very long • Tends to be creative and imaginative Sociable Sue • Carefree, lives in the moment • Enjoys social interaction • Difficult to motivate, easily bored • Likes to belong to groups, especially for • Doesn’t think ahead about consequenc- activities es — positive or negative • Worries about what other people think • Tends to be insecure about how well he/ she is doing with home education • Is idealistic about expectations and goals • May or may not be organized, depending upon accountability • Is more interested in general concepts than details • Prefers to teach subjects related to lan- guage arts, social studies and possibly fine arts

If you matched a single learning style with most of your characteristics and found very few that described you on the other three, you will have to pay more attention to learning styles than a parent more evenly spread across the learning styles. You might be more likely to be “lop- sided” in the learning methods you use with your children, leaning heavily toward those favoring that especially strong learning style of yours. On the other hand, if you recog- nized a number of your characteristics­ in two or more learning styles, you are likely to have an easier time adapting to the needs of your children. Keeping in mind what you’ve discovered about your own learning/ teaching style, it’s now time to try to identify your chil- dren’s learning styles. Remember that your children, just like adults, are not likely to fit neatly into only one category.

Guide to Homeschooling / 2013-2014 42

Perfect Paula • Likes to be recognized and • Responsible, likes to see that everything acknowledged is done correctly • Is vulnerable to conflict and criticism • Likes things clearly structured, planned • Often dislikes and avoids competitions, and organized preferring cooperation so that no one’s • Has a narrow comfort zone feelings are hurt • Seldom acts spontaneously • Is uncomfortable with creative activities Conflicting Learning Styles that lack specific guidelines The biggest problem with learning styles is • Follows rules and respects authority, the potential conflict between the styles of expects others to do likewise parents and children. Consider a common • Likes typical school curriculum and situation in homeschooling: a Perfect Pau- accomplishing the same things as other la mom and Wiggly Willy son. Mom has children her age her lessons and curriculum well planned, • Prefers to be part of a group with her daily schedule on the refrigerator • Needs approval and affirmation for all to see. Wiggly Willy would much rather be outside doing practically any- Competent Carl thing other than school. He freaks out at • Likes to be in control of himself and his the sight of the inch-thick math workbook, surroundings not to mention the pile of other books • Tends to be analytical Mom has purchased. • Likes problem solving As parents, we are the ones who have to • Usually strong in math and science (log- stretch to meet our children’s learning-style ic-based learning) need rather than expect them to stretch to • Often weaker in language arts because accommodate our preferences. it’s more subjective • Often has trouble with social skills — has Teaching to Their Strengths difficulty understanding and relating to Learning styles are a tool that help you peers tune into your child’s needs. When in­ • Often chooses solitary rather than group troducing a new concept, especially when activity it’s in a subject area where they struggle,­ • Tends to be self-motivated choose methods and materials that make • Enjoys long-term, independent projects it easiest for them to learn. Once they’ve • Sometimes likes to brainstorm — think grasped the concept, go back and review out loud and practice using more challenging­ methods. Sociable Sue The next time you hit a trouble spot • Has warm, responsive personality with one of your children, step back and • Is interested in people consider what learning-style methods you • Prefers the “big picture” — concepts are are using. Consider whether trying dif­ferent more interesting than details methods or materials might make things • Doesn’t like memorizing names and easier for your child. In the end, you are dates for history but wants to under­ likely to find that learning styles can make stand how different cultures and events the entire homeschooling adventure­ more affect one another fun for both parents and children. • Loves change and new things • Is motivated by relationships and cares a great deal about what others think

www.fpea.com/guide 43 Wading Through the Curriculum Jungle

verwhelmed by all the choices, daunted from sourcebooks, independent research Oby the immensity of their responsibil- or other methods­ that help them learn at ity and worried about breaking the family challenging levels. This article was written by Cathy Duffy bank, homeschooling parents often find choosing curriculum a fearful task. But there Control your curriculum rather than and is reprinted from the Spring 2009 issue are some strategies that will help you sort 4 letting it control you. You will need to through the choices, alleviate fears and adapt almost any resource in one way or of the FPEA Almanac. For more informa- probably save you money. another to work well for your children. Use as much of a resource as is useful. You do tion, visit www.cathyduffyreviews.com. Do your homework before buying cur- not have to finish every book. I can’t count 1riculum. Read some basic parent-help how many times I’ve given this advice to books to get answers for many of your incredulous­ parents who really had not concerns, help you develop your own thought that it might be possible to skip a ers include religious events in their history philosophy of education and maybe even chapter or more in a book. You now have books and God the Creator in their science discover some programs that especially permission to do so! On the other hand, books. Secular publishers give scant at- appeal to you. you should supplement when necessary. tention to the first and never to the second. If there’s not enough in one resource, get While Christian publishers might share Spend money slowly. It’s easy to another that fills the gap. The bottom line is a common spiritual outlook that shows 2 be convinced by a knowledgeable that if what you are doing is not advancing up in their curricula, they often differ from salesperson­ that one particular program your child’s knowledge or skills, go on to one another in how they believe children is absolutely the best — at least until you something else. learn best (educational philosophy). Some hear the pitch from the next salesperson. prefer memorization and workbook activity You almost always can manage with fewer Remember that your children are while others recommend more hands-on resources than you think you might need. 5 individuals. What works for one child learning. With a little experience, you will might not work as well with another. Get begin to easily spot those that best fit your Consolidate grade levels whenever to know the strengths and weaknesses­ of own preferences in terms of educational 3 possible. Teach as many of your chil- each child — often referred to as learning philosophy. dren as you can with the same resources styles — so you can choose resources at the same time. Bible, history, science,­ art that teach to their strengths and help them Pray for inspiration daily. God loves and music are the easiest subjects for this overcome weak areas. Making the right 7 our children even more than we do. We sort of “efficient” teaching.­ Generally, aim match between child and curriculum will can ask the Holy Spirit for inspiration when toward the older children when choosing likely save both parent and child much grief we hit tough spots or frustrating­ moments. books for the “group.” That way you will and frustration. Rely on God’s help, remembering that He’s have plenty of information to draw upon. involved in the education process with us. Think of it this way: Older children can Try to use materials from publishers get the “firehose” of information while the 6that share your spiritual worldview and younger ones get theirs through a straw. educational philosophy. Christian publish- Use the “straw” approach when you are all working together, then hook your older child up to the “firehose” with direct reading

Guide to Homeschooling / 2013-2014 44 Educational Methods Overview

eteran homeschoolers say that one of tematic study Vtheir most commonly asked questions • Follows the classical pattern of The is “Where do you get your materials?” Trivium (language-focused rather than For many, choosing curriculum can be image-focused; all knowledge overwhelming at first. However, wading interrelated) through the myriad of supplies avail- • Grammar stage (K-5): observing, listen- able to home educators is not nearly as ing and memorizing facts daunting as it might seem. Most, if not all, • Logic stage (6-8): organizing, analyzing teaching resources can be classified into and debating with supporting facts one of several categories of educational • Rhetoric stage (9-12): developing and philosophy. Once you have settled on an expressing conclusions in both written approach that fits your family, you will find and oral form that your options narrow considerably. Unit Study Eight Common Approaches to Integrated: all subjects are covered while Home Education studying one topic It’s likely that no single educational method • Utilizes hands-on projects, experiential suits the needs of any particular home- learning, dramatization and “real” books schooling family. Many find that a combi- • Enhances knowledge retention, giving a nation of two or more approaches works broader understanding of a subject well for them. And some might discover • Facilitates teaching several grade levels that what works for a season has to be re- simultaneously vised as the home-education program pro- gresses. Family lifestyle, long-term goals, Charlotte Mason personalities of family members, cost of Gentle: balancing “masterly inactivity” and materials and availability of resources direct teaching (libraries, museums, etc.) should all be • Education through firsthand experiences considered when choosing­ curriculum. It’s and observations — museums, nature important that you use methods that work walks, play and exploration for you and your children’s learning styles • Reading great literature rather than (see article on pages 40-42), and that you textbooks are open to change when necessary. • Child narration to develop understand- ing, retention and self-education Traditional Systematic: following a standardized Learning Lifestyle scope and sequence Eclectic: a lifestyle developed around a • Each subject taught individually family’s educational pursuits • Highly structured • Over time, experienced homeschoolers • Requires less preparation time for the find the lines blurred between “school” parent-teacher and “home.”

Classical Principle Approach Progressive: following natural stages of Reflective: evaluating the purpose of mental development with rigorous, sys- everything in God’s universe to develop a www.fpea.com/guide 45

Christian worldview until child is physically, emotionally­ and • Stresses living according to the biblical mentally matured, typically between principles modeled by the Founding ages 8-14 Fathers • Promotes the concept of “Integrated • Emphasizes America’s providential Maturity Level,” the point at which the Christian heritage brain, vision, hearing, perceptions, emo- • Cultivates self-education using “The tions, sociability and physical growth all Notebook Approach” to “research, rea- function cooperatively son, relate and record” • Academics balanced by work and service Unschooling Unstructured: children learn naturally, following their curiosity and interests • Provides a rich learning environment including books and other resources • Formal teaching is pursued as the need arises

Delayed Academics Unhurried: a low-stress approach delaying formal academics until child demonstrates­ readiness • Delay of formal education (the three R’s)

Sail Into the Future with The Learnables®

ExcellentExcellent lessonlesson toto lessonlesson sequencingsequencing enablesenables studentsstudents toto learnlearn aa newnew languagelanguage easily.easily. AffordableAffordable andand successfulsuccessful forfor homeschoolinghomeschooling gradesgrades K–12.K–12. AcquireAcquire aa lifetimelifetime skill.skill.

Friends and supporters of Homeschoolers since 1976. View sample lessons online: No signup required. www.learnables.com

Guide to Homeschooling / 2013-2014 46 Traditional Curriculum

omeschooling itself is traditional. The Delivery Method Hfoundations of education began in the Traditional curriculum is comprised of home, where children learned life lessons printed materials delivered straight to as well as academic lessons. the home. A formalized delivery method This article was prepared by Calvert A traditional curriculum returns to the for schooling at home began in the early basics to form the building blocks for 1900s when Virgil M. Hillyer, headmaster at Educational Services, a longtime supplier future instruction. It delivers a rigorous Calvert School in Baltimore, developed the academic program with an emphasis on first homeschool program. Hillyer mailed of traditional curriculum. the three Rs (reading, writing, arithmetic), lessons to families whose children were coupled with lessons about the arts and unable to attend school. Parents taught sciences. Quality curriculum offers the their children the lessons that had been best educational materials taken from used in the classrooms the previous week. several sources. (Programs accredited by As word of this unique program spread, the Commission on Elementary Schools, lessons were printed and mailed to families a division of the Middle States Association all over the world who wanted a traditional of Colleges and Schools, meet the highest American education. academic standards.) Children flourish with one-on-one instruction, and families grow closer as they share the joy of learning. Parents, grandparents, siblings and even other parents may act as a learning guide for the student. Today in the United States, more than 2 million children are educated at home each year. Children are most successful when instruction matches their skill level, which can vary from school to school. Placement testing, available with some traditional curricula, ensures that children are working on the ap- propriate course level.

Detailed, Daily Instruction Once the proper instruction level is

www.fpea.com/guide 47 chosen, traditional homeschooling families grams. Through their involvement in these rely on a comprehensive lesson manual. programs, students can develop friend- The manual provides detailed guidance ships with children from all over the world. for daily instruction, integrating subjects with outside resources. A good traditional Does Traditional Mean Outdated? homeschool program includes daily les- In a word, no! Although homeschooling sons that are easy to use and provide clear is based on centuries-old philosophies, it objectives. Lessons involve a combination has been adapted to accommodate the of visual, auditory and kinesthetic instruc- changing climate of technology. Classic tion to secure each child’s success. Using curriculum is now offered online through a daily instruction manual makes a learning homeschool providers. This combination of guide’s job easier, more efficient and more classic curriculum and an online experience successful. is often referred to as virtual education. Lessons are woven together across sub- Often, children and parents log in to a jects to reinforce instruction and promote learning portal from their home computer content mastery. At the same time, this and click on that day’s assignment. Online approach makes instruction more engag- assessments are used alongside traditional ing for the child and the learning guide. textbooks and fun, interactive games that Learning guides do not require formal reinforce learning. teacher training or prior experience for successful outcomes. Options Through Your State Many states are now offering a virtual Support When You Need It education tuition-free for their students. Testing is another valuable component of a Using the same traditional curriculum, good traditional program. Because lessons learning guides work with the child from become building blocks to future instruc- home. They review daily objectives, tion, it is vital to make sure that children prepare materials for the day’s lessons, Atrium School understand the concepts. Some traditional monitor task completion and pacing, A private, non‐profit school curricula offer the option of an experienced and provide direction and assistance as serving home educators teacher who understands the program to needed. grade tests. Learning guides are then free Many school districts engage state-cer- √ Flexible enrollment options to focus on instruction. The testing not only tified supervising teachers. Supervising – choose as much or as little reassures the learning guides that their teachers develop a personal relationship structure as you need children are learning the material, but also with each family, plan and direct the learn- √ Personal attention encourages students to perform better. ing program and provide instruction, and √ State‐wide enrollment Teachers may answer questions about monitor progress and ensure appropriate √ Run by homeschoolers how to teach a lesson, provide new pacing. The supervising teacher’s role √ Permanent records kept approaches to meet a child’s individual often extends beyond daily activities to in- √ Diplomas & report cards needs, and offer support and encourage- clude live instruction, parent/teacher con- √ DOE‐recognized – no need ment. Teacher support may be available by ferences, planning field trips, counseling to register with the county phone or online with a traditional home- and overseeing extracurricular activities. √ Non‐discriminatory – All school program. Now, more than ever, parents have more choice and more involvement in their faiths and teaching methods A Homeschool Community children’s education. Many are choos- welcome

The best traditional programs give stu- ing to harness the latest technology and www.AtriumSchool.org dents and families the opportunity to combine it with the convenience, flexibility become part of a school community. Such and control of a virtual environment — [email protected] communities can involve message boards, while still giving their children a traditional 561‐247‐5726 co-ops, online groups and pen-pal pro- education.

Guide to Homeschooling / 2013-2014 48 Classical Christian Education: A New Look at an Old Model This article was written by Jennifer n his pamphlet titled Of Education, John an education in seven liberal arts. The arts IMilton — a 17th-century Christian poet, of a classical education were considered Courtney of the Classical Conversations thinker and statesman — wrote that “the liberal in the original sense of the Latin root end then of learning is to repair the ruins word liber, which means “free.” The goal network of homeschool communities. of our first parents by regaining now to of education was to produce individuals know God aright and out of that knowl- capable of exercising self-government — a edge to love him, to imitate him, to be like truly free person. him.” As Christian parents, this is surely The first three arts comprised the Trivium our aspiration. The classical model of (Latin for “three roads”); the final four education places our children on this path comprised the Quadrivium (Latin for “four by teaching them how to think critically, to roads”). The three language arts of the Triv- write and speak persuasively, and to apply ium — Grammar, Dialectic and Rhetoric — their trained minds to reclaiming knowl- trained students to acquire language and edge for Christ. to use it well in spoken expression. The Classical education is steadily gaining number arts of the Quadrivium — astron- momentum as more and more classical omy, arithmetic, geometry and harmony Christian schools open around the country. — trained students to observe the natural Likewise, many homeschool families world well and to master abstract thinking. have turned to this model as they seek to After a student received training in these educate their children with excellence. As seven liberal arts, he was considered fit to homeschool parents in the 2000s, we have tackle philosophy and “the queen of the many choices before us as we decide sciences”: theology. how to educate our children. Sometimes Dorothy Sayers, a professor of theology the choices can be overwhelming. Years and member of the Inklings group with before I began homeschooling my own C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, sparked a family, I met several homeschool families renewed interest in classical learning. After at church and was intrigued by their life- experiencing the disappointment of the style. I began to research different meth- modern educational experiment, Sayers odologies. After much prayer and study, delivered a speech on classical education my husband and I returned to the classical at Oxford in 1947 titled “The Lost Tools of model repeatedly. We were intrigued by Learning.” Although Sayers’ short speech a model that had “grown up” within the could not possibly cover the classical Christian church for over 1,000 years and model in depth, it is a useful place to start. by a type of education that had nourished To summarize briefly, in the first phase the minds of kings and queens, literary of the classical Trivium, students be- geniuses like Shakespeare, statesmen like gin with Grammar. This stage involves America’s Founding Fathers, and Christian memorization of the rudimentary facts of apologists such as C.S. Lewis. any subject. In Webster’s 1828 Dictionary, A classical education is not so much grammar is defined as the “science of a list of subjects as it is a set of skills. vocabulary.” Students must learn the basic Over the centuries of the Middle Ages, a vocabulary of any subject — English, his- classical education was represented as tory, Latin, geography, science, mathemat- www.fpea.com/guide 49 ics, logic, fine arts — before they can delve portant. For the Christian, this is especially deeper. Memorization comes easily to true. The Bible tells us that Jesus is the these young students and is critical prepa- Word made flesh. Through the study of for- ration for the higher orders of thinking. mal logic, students learn to not fall prey to Modern educators often object to mem- the words of others. Through the study of orization as outmoded or unproductive. rhetoric, students learn to captivate others The critics ignore some very basic facts. with their words. No other skill is so pivotal All of us learned to speak by memorizing to the spreading of the gospel as the ability sounds and then learning to combine them to speak and persuade. Of course we rely into words. Most of us learned to read on the power of the Holy Spirit, but we the same way. Young children are very arm our students with the proper tools. quick to memorize commercial jingles and Our students should always be prepared picture books. Classical educators seek to to give an answer for their faith. Graduates work with children’s natural abilities to help of a classical homeschool can use their them memorize and recite timelines of his- trained minds to reclaim our culture and tory, math facts, Latin grammar rules and spread the gospel. English grammar definitions. In these early Armed with this excellent classical years, through the memorization of facts, model, perhaps we can reach for Milton’s we lay a foundation for the future study. hopes for a good education: to stir up the Next, students progress to Dialectic. students “with high hopes of living to be Older students naturally become interest- brave men and worthy patriots, dear to ed in asking why and debating. Students God and famous to all ages.” have now encountered a basic set of facts. As they mature, they must begin to think about relationships between the facts, and to read and discuss literature, history Central Christian Academy and current events with one another. The We provide you the peace of mind that comes with the structured classical model complements their natural organization and accountability of a private school. tendencies by teaching them formal logic Let Our 21 Years of Experience Help You! and debate. In preparation for their own debates, they must be equipped to recog- Our Low Fees Start Anytime nize and avoid errors in logic. Include the Curriculum Grades 1st - 12th Grammar and dialectic, the first two of Your Choosing. Enrolling Statewide stages of a classical education, have pre- Diagnostic Evaluations pared the student for Rhetoric. By the end Record Keeping of this training, students should be able to Transcripts Est. speak and write persuasively and elo- Achievement Testing quently about any topic they have studied. High School Diplomas During the rhetoric stage, students learn Academic Advisors to evaluate what is true, good and beau- Application Online tiful in any subject. They master stylistic www.acces-inc.com/cca devices in writing and speaking so that Office Hours 9-5 M-F they can clearly communicate with others. Located in Winter Park, Florida They learn to consider the best method of communicating their ideas to others by considering the most appropriate words and style to appeal to their audience. 1-800-806-2140 One of the fundamental premises of a classical education is that words are im-

Guide to Homeschooling / 2013-2014 50 Unit Studies

t might be best to start by explaining be memorized, but rather the interacting Iwhat unit studies are not. Unit stud- of individual with individual. Biographies ies are not textbook studies. Textbook allow us to become intimately acquainted studies entail as many as eight separate with an individual and walk in his path. This article was written by Valerie subjects, having little or no correlation. While studying sign language, I chose For example, you may study literature, fo- Gallaudet, Friend of the Deaf to read aloud Bendt, who has over 25 years of home- cusing on British poets, while your geog- to my children. Thomas Hopkins Gallau- raphy studies center on the Middle East. det was the founder of deaf education schooling experience and has written At the same time your history studies may in America. History came into play as concentrate on the Civil War era. You may Gallaudet College in Washington, D.C., several books. For more information, study biology in science and geometry was used as a Union Army hospital during in mathematics, while learning about the the strife-torn Civil War years. Next we visit www.valeriebendt.com. accomplishments of Greek mathema- read The Story of My Life by Helen ticians. Music studies may take you Keller. Helen’s father was a Confed- to the baroque period, while art erate captain during the Civil War, so studies focus on the paintings of we were able to draw a parallel to American Indians, and last but not Gallaudet’s biography. least, Bible study centers on Both biographies gave a historical Noah and the Flood. perspective of sign language. We You can put all this into used a sign-language instruction a pot and serve a very video and book and learned unappetizing mush. hundreds of signs, develop- Each of these studies ing communication skills has merit, but is it and manual dexterity. best to study them As we read the Helen all at the same time? Keller autobiography,­ Is this the best way we were introduced to learn? Is it not far to Alexander Graham better to relate one Bell. Helen Keller and subject to another Dr. Bell were closely ac- and see how they work quainted, Dr. Bell being together? responsible for Helen For example, years ago beginning her education. our family studied sign lan- We did not study Dr. Bell and his guage. I was very interested in accomplishments in depth, rather this topic, deciding the best way focusing on his work with sound, to learn about it was to study it hearing and the ear. This added a with my children. When con- scientific dimension to our study. ducting a unit study, I generally We also studied the anatomy try to find at least one biog- of the human hand, the instru- raphy to read aloud about a ment of deaf communication.­ The person who relates to our study children drew their hands as they topic. As we study real people formed the letters of their names as in real space and time, history designated in the manual-sign al- comes alive for us. History is not phabet, thus stimulating artistic a series of dates and wars to abilities and appreciation for www.fpea.com/guide 51 the complexities of the hand. them to study a topic. The children copied and took from It is obvious that focusing on one topic dictation select passages from the biog- at a time is a natural way to learn. Our raphies we read. Our spelling, vocabulary, energies are not consumed by dividing punctuation, grammar lessons and reading our efforts in five or six subject areas that comprehension exercises centered on have no correlation. Multiply this confusion these passages, thus enhancing language times two, three, four or more children­ arts. We wrote and talked about what it working at different levels on different sub- would be like to be deaf in a noisy world, jects in different textbooks, and calamity therefore adding social studies to our results! With unit studies, the entire family curriculum. My older girls made books can study a topic together. Naturally, the with a sign-language theme, encouraging older children will pick up more than the creative writing and art. younger children, and their studies will be We researched Bible verses pertaining more in depth. to hearing and the ear. We noted the im­ Hopefully this illustration explains what portance of each part of the human body a unit study encompasses. It is simply a and how it parallels the relationship of study that focuses on one topic at a time. the members of the body of Christ. Bible While investigating this topic, a variety of stories were read and then pantomimed. subject areas are explored. A unit study These activities enhanced Bible studies. is what each person makes it. It can be Also, we went to the park and I pre- a brief topical study or a lifelong quest, tended to be deaf. My children had to and can be tailored to meet the needs of communicate­ with me for an hour without individual families. speaking. This was very frustrating for them as I sat in the swing, not paying them ® any attention. Soon they forgot the rules AMERICAN SCHOOL and called to me from the top of the slide. After getting no response, the children Offering the Accredited High School Courses learned they had to come and tap me You Need, at a Cost You Can Afford on the shoulder or stand in front of me in order to be noticed. We discussed this Learn Why the American School afterward, thus strengthening observation is Chosen by Thousands of Parents and thinking skills. We visited Helen Keller’s home in Tus- • Flexible programs - start anytime and study anywhere at your cumbia, Ala., and saw the outdoor play own pace about her life, The Miracle Worker, there- • Broad range of more than 70 high-quality courses, including fore adding drama to our study. Geogra­ elective subjects phy studies were strengthened as the • Accredited exactly the same as classroom schools children followed the road map from state • Low tuition and top-notch textbooks included - no hidden or to state as we journeyed to her home. extra fees As you can see, we touched on many • Access to experienced teachers who know their subjects and subject areas during this unit study on hand-write personalized notes on students’ exams sign language. Our attention was geared • Academic and dollar credit for passed courses from an to our primary study of sign language; accredited school and free U.S. transcript evaluations however,­ skills in other subject areas were • No interest payment plan and a generous refund policy strengthened along the way. Basic skills can be taught and enhanced meaningfully through unit studies. Children see the necessity for learning skills as they need

Guide to Homeschooling / 2013-2014 52 Charlotte Mason Method

harlotte Mason was a British educator more. There are thousands of living books Cwho lived more than 100 years ago, yet to choose from! her timeless ideas and practical methods are treasured by many homeschool fami- Narration This article was written by Sonya lies today. You can summarize Charlotte’s When you ask a child to narrate, you’re approach to education in three key words: asking him to tell back in his own words Shafer, a 2013 FPEA Florida Homeschool “Education is an Atmosphere, a Discipline, what he just saw, heard or read. Though it a Life.” sounds like an easy method, it is actually Convention speaker who specializes in the By “atmosphere,” Charlotte spoke of the a powerful learning tool. The child must environment our children grow up in. She listen attentively, retain the information, Charlotte Mason method. For more infor- knew that the ideas that rule our lives as think it through, recall the sequence, mix parents will have a profound impact on our in his opinion and impressions, and then mation, visit simplycharlottemason.com. children — will educate them. put it all together, form co- By “discipline,” Charlotte emphasized herent sentences and the importance of training our children in communicate good habits — habits that will serve them his thoughts well as they grow. Good habits are a pow- clearly. As erful influence on our children and must you can see, play an important part in their education. this method By “life,” Charlotte wanted to remind of evaluation us that “all the thought we offer to our requires a much children shall be living thought; no mere higher thinking dry summaries of facts will do.” And the level than fill-in- methods that Charlotte used presented each subject’s material as living ideas. Here is an overview of the key elements of Charlotte Mason’s methods:

Living Books Charlotte used living books instead of dry, factual textbooks. Living books are usu- ally written by a single author who has a passion for the subject and writes in a con- versational or narrative style. A well-written living book will pull you into the subject and involve your emotions, so it’s easy to remember the events and facts. You can use good living books for history, geography, science, literature, and

www.fpea.com/guide 53 the-blank or answer-the-posed-question- in the background during lunch or listen to with-a-fact. it as you run errands in the van. After six So read some of your living book and weeks or more, your children will have a then ask your child to narrate, or tell it pretty good feel for that composer’s style. back. Word the question in an open, The same goes for artists. Choose one essay-type form, such as “Tell all you know artist and “study” six of his works, one about . . .” or “Describe . . .” As the child at a time. Here’s how to do a once-a- gets older, narrations can be written as week picture study: Display a picture and composition lessons in a variety of styles. mention the artist who created it. Have Charlotte interspersed reading and children look at the picture until they can narrating with other activities that used see it clearly in their minds’ eye. When different parts of the brain and body and all children are ready, turn the picture added variety to the days. over or close the book and ask them to describe the picture. When their narration Nature Study is finished, display the picture again and Charlotte’s students experienced the orig- notice together any new aspects. Display inal field trips: once a week they went to the picture in a prominent location in your the field or meadow or pond to do nature home so children can look at it throughout study. You can do the same, even if it is the week. The next week, select a different only in your backyard. Get each student picture by the same artist and repeat. a blank sketchbook, then go outside and look around. Record your observations Foreign Language in your sketchbooks, either in writing or Charlotte’s students learned several drawing. If you see a plant or insect or languages during their school years, but bird you don’t know, check a field guide they all started the same way: hear it and or research the Internet to find out its speak it before you ever read and write name and label it in your book. This type it. Take advantage of people around you of nature study lays the foundation for who are fluent in another language. Spend science lessons and gives you the benefit time with them, learning the names of of a refreshing change of pace objects around your house, then putting outside. more words with those until you can hear and speak sentences. Several computer Art and Music programs are available to help with the You can also add art appre- reading and writing aspect once you get to ciation and music appreci- it, but remember to focus on the hearing ation to your homeschool and speaking first. very simply. Choose one composer and listen Math to his works for six Math should be a hands-on activity, espe- to 12 weeks. You cially during the younger grades. Charlotte can play his music

Guide to Homeschooling / 2013-2014 54

emphasized the importance of working copies a noble poem, an interesting excerpt with things before working with symbols or an inspirational quotation in his best on paper. So make sure your children have handwriting, he also absorbs correct spelling plenty of practice learning math concepts and grammar and punctuation rules. with concrete objects. Using passages for spelling lessons gives many of the same benefits. Have Handicrafts your child study the sentence or passage, Charlotte taught the children a variety of paying careful attention to the spelling of handicrafts, one at a time. Don’t worry the words in it. When he is ready, dictate if you don’t know how to knit or sew or the excerpt and have him write it. Your whatever handicraft you want your child child will be seeing the words used in con- to learn. Look for relatives, neighbors and text and developing the important habit friends who would love to pass on their of looking at how words are spelled as he special crafts. You can also use videos reads. Besides, learning spelling from a and resources online or at local craft living book is much more interesting than shops that will allow you and your child from a list! to proceed at your own pace. Set aside Interesting books, telling what you know, some time once a week to learn and and a variety of purposeful and enjoyable practice an enjoyable handicraft. activities make up the Charlotte Mason method. Combine them with training in Handwriting and Spelling good habits and you have a well-rounded, Charlotte used interesting passages and effective approach that educates the whole portions of good living books to teach hand- person — both who your child is right now writing and spelling. As the child carefully and who he is becoming. www.fpea.com/guide 55 Learning Lifestyle

omeschooling is more than “school- blessed because we have an opportunity Hing.” If it were simply about academics, to teach them that learning never ends! we could easily replicate what goes on in How can you foster a lifetime learning the public or private schools. But for most mentality? How can you provide your chil­ of us, the reason we homeschool involves dren the direction they need to find their This article is adapted from a posting at intangibles, conviction, philosophies that niche? are hard to express, a want of “something Trust! “For we are His workmanship, cre- homehearts.com/teaching-toolbox/ better” than what is available elsewhere. ated in Christ Jesus for good works, which Homeschooling is also about “home.” We God prepared beforehand that we should learning-lifestyle (accessed August 27, 2012). are not simply teachers, although we are walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10). certainly mentors; we are also parents — Teach your children “how” to learn so parents with the responsibility­ to train our that they will be prepared for any path they children. The training of our children, in all choose. areas of life, revolves around our lifestyle. Let them pursue life with you. Let them Several veteran homeschoolers seemed follow Mom and Dad in your interests. to have arrived at the same conclusion at Give them time to explore their interests. about the same time: This is about more Some fascinations will come and go, but than “school.” This is about life! Their by the time they are ready to choose a di- families are different, their interests differ- ent, their bents different, their academic emphasis is different, their methods are different. One family has a more Char­ lotte Mason foundation; another classical. Several are big into unit studies; one has a Principle Approach background. All have made time and space to observe their children and help them follow their inter- ests. All seem to have found themselves­ at a place where they can say: “Hey, this is what we do! It’s great fun! Our entire family is involved. The learning doesn’t end.” Learning has become their lifestyle! Homeschooling is such an abundant opportunity! How blessed we are to be able to spend time with our children, to enjoy them, to learn about them and from them, and to encourage them in their life pursuits! We are blessed because we have an opportunity to provide a real education that fits each child versus a generic­ edu- cation that ends with a piece of paper that says “finished.” We are blessed because we have an opportunity to train them in the way they should go, to help them find the particular work they have been created to do. We are

Guide to Homeschooling / 2013-2014 56

rection, hopefully they will have some idea — and continually fallen short of the results of the path they wish to take. we desired? When we finally decide to Keep your eyes open! When you see give up our own failed plans and become your child expressing an interest in some- a tool in the Master’s hand, we cannot help thing, feed it! but to succeed. Don’t push it, of course, but provide books, kits and materials that will encour- Life Purpose age your child. If the interest wanes, no So many times the push of the curricu- problem. Another is sure to surface. lum and the pull of the schedules leave Don’t fill up on scheduled activities the child behind. Each child is unique! (sports, music, 4-H and the like). We have an opportunity to mentor them While some of these activities have — encourage them in their weak areas, their place, unless it is your child’s current help them develop their strengths and “passion,” give your children the freedom guide them in the pursuit of their life-long to find their own interests. interests. For older students, just ask! They may surprise you with interests you didn’t know Apprenticing Our Children they had! Although at times we may wish it were not so, children learn best by watching us! Spirit-Led Homeschool Every moment is an opportunity to pass How many times have we changed cur- something along. If they see us pursuing riculum, adjusted schedules, added one our interests in a learning lifestyle, they will more activity or switched support groups likely follow suit.

Make your first choice the right choice.

Few decisions have the lasting impact on your child RSVP For Our as that of your school choice. The Classical School offers your child a variety of opportunities including a Monthly Prospective hybrid on-campus instruction with parent-led instruction Parent Meeting at home. When it comes to choosing a first-class 407.206.8762 homeschool program, there is only one choice — The Classical School of The First Academy. • K – Grade 12 • Biblical Worldview • Dynamic Teachers • Superior Academics • Classical Model • Championship Athletics

A Christ-Centered College Preparatory Homeschool Program 2667 Bruton Blvd., Orlando, FL 32805 | thefirstacademy.org The First Academy does not discriminate on the basis of color, race, gender or ethnic origin.

www.fpea.com/guideTFA-015_Classical School_1|2pg_MECH.indd 1 10/3/12 4:04 PM 57 The Principle Approach

he Principle Approach method of edu- assists parents and teachers in overseeing Tcation is the manner of consistent and progress and visually demonstrates the ordered teaching and learning that produc- character development, diligence, and es Christian character and self-government,­ responsibility of the student. Christian scholarship, and biblical reasoning This article is adapted from a posting on for lifelong learning and discipleship. Workbook Method The notebook method is an essential • Curriculum is structured by the pursuit of the Foundation for American Christian Ed- component to the Principle Approach that information and its regurgitation. Glorifies governs the teacher and student in their man and his knowledge. ucation website (www.principleapproach. participation in each subject. It establishes­ • Produces no record of learning — papers a consistent tool and standard of Christian are discarded, workbooks destroyed.­ Stu- org/?page=pa_characteristics — accessed scholarship. The learners are producers dent has no sense of value for the effort. as they build their own daily record of a • Parents are uncertain of what is being August 27, 2012). subject, taking ownership of the learning taught. process. The notebook method embraces • Produces the ability to take short answer the four steps of learning: research, rea- tests with a “recognition” mentality.­ Stu- son, relate and record. It aids in the biblical dents parrot back the “right” answers for purposes of education by “enlightening the the A on the test. understanding, correcting the temper, and • Discourages a lifelong enjoyment of forming the habits­ of youth that fit him for learning. usefulness in his future station” (excerpted • The burden of learning rests on the from the Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defini- teachers! tion of education). The notebook method is the product of the student’s creativity and Notebook Method a permanent record of his productivity. It • Curriculum is structured by biblical prin-

Guide to Homeschooling / 2013-2014 58

The Seven Principles 1. God’s Principle of Individuality 2. The Principle of Christian Self-Government 3. The Principle of Christian Character 4. Conscience Is the Most Sacred Property 5. The Christian Form of Our Government 6. Planting the Seed of Local Self-Government 7. American Political Union

ciples and leading ideas. Glorifies God built on God’s Word. The seven principles as the Author of the subject. (see box) are the documented source of • Produces a permanent record of learn- America’s Christian founding as identified ing. Student values his labor and is able in The Christian History of the Constitution­ to refer back to his study. Parents see of the United States of America: Christian what is being taught and required,­ and Self-Government, Vol. I. Each principle supervise the child’s progress. builds on the one before. • Produces reflective understanding. Essay Reflective learning — the student inter- tests require an understanding of princi- nalizes principles that shape his thinking ples and concepts. Students reason for and behavior— internal to external. themselves and solve problems. Keyword study — using Noah Webster’s • Produces philomaths — people who love 1828 American Dictionary of the English and pursue a lifetime of learning. The Language, students study the meanings burden of learning rests on the student! of words defined whenever possible from the Bible, their original root and etymology, Recording what he has learned in his and research the meaning of other words notebook using his writing skills and his found in the definition. Through this study, own ideas, conclusions­ and creativity. students truly understand the word and Each child’s notebook is a reflection of his gain the ability to articulate an idea, ac- unique individuality! quire mastery of the English language,­ and learn its application to history and today. 4-R’ing Fine arts and liberal arts emphasis — In every subject at every grade level, the building the person from the inside out student is required to actively participate in re­quires the teacher to encourage the stu- his learning by: dent’s creativity, talent, gifts and inherent skills, seeking each one’s unique purpose 1. Researching the subject, word or study in Christ. 2. Reasoning through identifying the lead- The classroom constitution — instills ing idea and basic principles Christian character and conscience by 3. Relating it to other areas of study and empowering­ the student to take responsi- the world around them bility for his own learning and the learning 4. Recording what he has learned in his environment where he contractually agrees notebook using his writing skills and his to practice self-government. own ideas, conclusions and creativity. Mastery learning — repetition of basic recurring principles at every grade level, Reasoning from recurring biblical continually applying age-appropriate meth- principles and leading ideas, every study ods to enable the student to internalize draws out a leading idea that relates to and understand his subject of study. one or more of the seven basic principles www.fpea.com/guide 59

Unschooling

t is very satisfying for parents to see is a convenient way to handle and track Itheir children in pursuit of knowledge. large numbers of children. The school It is natural and healthy for the children, curriculum is understandable only in the and in the first few years of life, the pur- context of bringing administra­tive order suit goes on during every waking hour. out of daily chaos, of giving direction to This is an edited and adapted version of But after a few short years, most kids go frustrated children and unpre­dictable to school. The schools also want to see teachers. It is a system that staggers an article written by Earl Stevens (found in children in pursuit of knowledge, but the ever onward but never upward, and schools want them to pursue mainly the every morning we read about the results its entirety at www.naturalchild.org/guest/ school’s knowledge and devote 12 years in our newspapers. of life to doing so. One alternative approach is “unschool- earl_stevens.html — accessed August In his acceptance speech for the New ing,” also known as “natural learning,” York City Teacher of the Year award in “experience-based learning” or “inde- 27, 2012). 1990, John Gatto said, “Schools were pendent learning.” Before I talk about designed by Horace Mann . . . and what unschooling is, I must talk about others to be in­struments of the scientific what it isn’t. Unschooling isn’t a recipe, management of a mass population.” In and therefore it is impossible to give un- the interests of managing each genera- schooling directions for people to follow tion of children, the public school curric- so it can be tried for a week or so to see ulum has become a hopelessly flawed if it works. Unschooling isn’t a method; attempt to define education and to find it is a way of looking at children and at a way of delivering that definition to vast life. It is based on trust that parents and numbers of children. children will find the paths that work best The traditional curriculum is based on for them without depending on educa- the assumption that children must be tional in­stitutions, publishing companies pursued­ by knowledge because they will or experts to tell them what to do. never pursue it themselves. Most children Unschooling does not mean that par- don’t like textbooks, workbooks, quizzes, ents can never teach anything to their chil­ rote memorization, subject schedules and dren, or that children should learn about lengthy periods of physical inactivity. One life entirely on their own without the help can discover this — even with polite and and guidance of their parents. It does not cooperative children — by asking them if mean that parents give up active­ partici- they would like to add more time to their pation in the education and development daily schedule. I feel certain that most will of their children and simply hope that decline the offer. something good will happen. Finally, since The work of a schoolteacher is not many unschooling families have definite the same as that of a homeschooling plans for college, unschooling does not parent. In most schools, a teacher is even mean that children will never take a hired to deliver a ready-made, standard- course in any kind of a school. ized, yearlong curriculum to 25 or more Then what is unschooling? I can’t age-segregated children confined in a speak for every person who uses the building all day. The teacher must use term, but I can talk about my own a standard curriculum, not because it experiences. Our son has never had an is the best approach for encouraging academic les­son, and has never been an individual child to learn the things told to read or to learn mathematics, that need to be known, but because it science or history. Nobody has told him

Guide to Homeschooling / 2013-2014 60

about phonics. He has never taken a out about the past, think, wonder and do test or been asked to study or memorize all those things that society so unsuc- anything. When people ask, “What do cessfully attempts to force upon them in you do?”, my answer is that we follow the context of schooling. our interests, which inevitably lead to While few of us get out of bed in the science, literature, his­tory, mathematics morning in the mood for a “learning and music — all the things that have in- experi­ence,” I hope that all of us get terested people before anybody thought up feeling in the mood for life. Children of them as “subjects.” always do so — unless they are ill or life A large component of unschooling is has been made overly stressful or con- grounded in doing real things, not be- fusing for them. Sometimes the problem cause we hope they will be good for us, for the parent is that it can be difficult to but because they are intrinsically fasci- deter­mine if anything important is actu- nating. There is an energy that comes ally going on. It is a little like watching from this that you can’t buy with a cur- a garden grow. No matter how closely riculum. Children do real things all day we examine the garden, it is difficult to long, and in a trusting and supportive verify that anything is happening at that home en­vironment, “doing real things” particular moment. But as the season invariably brings about healthy mental progresses, we can see that much has develop­ment and valuable knowledge. It happened, quietly and naturally. Chil- is natural for children to read, write, play dren pursue life, and in doing so, pursue with numbers, learn about society, find knowledge. They need adults to trust

www.fpea.com/guide 61 in the inevitability of this very natural universally necessary or required compo- process, and to offer what assistance nent of unschooling, either educationally­ they can. or legally. Parents have many questions about ful- Allowing curriculums, textbooks and filling state requirements. They ask, “How tests to be the defining force behind the do unschoolers explain themselves to education of a child is a hindrance in the the state when they fill out the paperwork home as much as in the school — not every year? If you don’t use a curriculum, only because it interferes with learning, what do you say? What about required but also because it interferes with trust. record keeping?” To my knowledge, un- Even educators are beginning to ques- schoolers have had no problems over mat- tion the pre-planned, yearlong curriculum ters of this kind. This is a time when even as an outdated, 19th-century educational many public school educators are moving system. There is no reason that fami­lies away from the traditional curriculum, and should be less flexible and innovative are seeking alternatives to fragmented than schools. learning and drudgery. Unschooling provides a unique oppor- Unschooling is a unique opportunity for tunity to step away from systems and each family to do whatever makes sense methods, and to develop independent for the growth and development of their ideas out of actual experiences, where children. If we have a reason for using a the child is truly in pursuit of knowledge, curriculum and traditional school materials, not the other way around. we are free to use them. They are not a

Guide to Homeschooling / 2013-2014 62 Delayed Academics

s children are pushed to achieve Wait, and its twin for laymen, Better Late Aacademic goals at earlier and earlier Than Early, introduced me to the facts ages, the incidence of learning disabili- about education and child development.­ ties is growing at an alarming (some say The Moores collected early childhood This article was written by Martin and epidemic) rate. There may be a host of research from medicine, ophthalmology,­ root causes, from immune response issues neurology and psychology and came to Carolyn Forte — its full-length version to dietary­ and familial problems, but one the inescapable conclusion that for most factor is susceptible to immediate control children, the optimum age to begin formal may be found at www.excellencein by parents who choose to homeschool, academics is between the ages of 8 and and that is the age at which traditional aca- 12! For those of us steeped in the culture education.com/mm5/merchant. demic work is introduced to their children. of early academics, this is a strange pill to Teaching and learning are neither swallow. But the Moores didn’t stop with mvc?Screen=WORD6&Store_Code=EIE difficult nor mysterious. It does not take a mere laboratory research; they studied trained expert to teach the phonetic code homeschool families in the ‘70s and ‘80s (accessed August 27, 2012). to a child who is ready. Ready is the oper- to see what happened when children were ative word. As a former first-grade teach- free to learn at a more natural pace. The er who learned to read in the first grade, result was several more books, culminating I once thought all children could and with The Successful Family Homeschool should learn to read at Handbook. This volume elaborates on age 6. It took a deter- “The Moore Formula” they developed over mined homeschooling the years as they combined research with neighbor, my own “late” practical application. reading daughters, and The “Moore Formula” includes three the research of pioneering elements in approximately equal portions: homeschool advocates study, work and service. Though they do Raymond and Dorothy not recommend formal academic stud­ies Moore to convince me before age 8 and in some cases as late as otherwise. 12, this does not mean that the child does Dr. and Mrs. Moore’s not learn anything until age 8. Children first book, School Can are learning voraciously from birth, and

www.fpea.com/guide 63 only the roadblock of clumsy “schooling” Formula instead of a formal curriculum. can hinder or stop a child’s otherwise The girls worked at many jobs and invent- insatiable thirst for knowledge. Books ed as many businesses, including one, Fun are useful and important tools, but for a Ed, that is still thriving as part of the Excel- young child, the world is filled with much lence In Education Resource Center.­ They better learning opportunities than can be were involved in numerous service projects found on the printed page alone. When a culminating in overseas mission­ work. child is allowed to explore and question This happy ending would not have been and wonder, whole worlds of interest possible without the concept of “delayed can open that might never be discovered academics,” for our daughters would have otherwise. In this homeschooling style, been labeled early and often had we taken a child might learn to read at 5, 7 or 12, our little non-readers to the “experts.” depending on the child. Thankfully, we went instead to the Moores, This more relaxed early learning/ who told us that as long as they were mak- teaching style will incorporate important ing progress, we should not worry. They developmental­ areas often neglected were right! or ignored by formal curricula: listening, As homeschoolers, we have rejected hand-eye coordination, large motor skills, the educational “system” for a variety of spatial relationships, personal relation- reasons; we have stepped outside the box. ships, knowledge about the physical envi- Remember that the box includes much ronment, memory development, imagi- more than just the building. nation, logic and many more. Because of Stepping outside the box and giving the overwhelming presence of electronic our children the very best tailor-made media in our lives, children often have dif- education­ includes questioning the school ficulty using their own imagination or even schedule and curriculum as well. Things listening to a story without pictures. They that are mass-produced are never of the are so bombarded with constant sound finest quality, and the same goes for a from radio, TV and electronic games that copy of a mass-produced item. Stress Free Homeschooling! they can hardly think for themselves. The best education for your child Worried about annual evaluations or audits by your school district? Giving children time in the early years is one that is developed for his or her Don’t be! (hopefully with a minimum of TV, etc.) to unique learning schedule and learning We are a state recognized independent private school who does not require annual evaluations develop physically, neurologically and style. Only the parent can judge the or audits by your school district. emotionally allows them to move into appropriate­ness of the schedule by We do allow you to choose your own curriculum, o er free counseling and help your child with formal­ academics with a maximum of watching for things to “click,” but we can college placement. preparedness and energy. get quite a bit of guidance from Ray- Talk to one of our Delayed academics does not mandate mond and Dorothy Moore’s many books representatives today! delayed reading; it encourages parents on homeschooling and by Willis and (888) 560-0774 to wait until their children are ready. Until Hodson’s Learning Style Profile found that time, parents can read to their chil­ in Discover Your Child’s Learning Style. We dren, play games with letters and sounds, Trying to get a head start by pushing We and watch for signs that their children are early academics can backfire, causing CANCAN beginning to catch on to the code. Once difficulties for years to come. Instead that happens, you cannot stop a child from of worrying about a “learning dis­ability” Help!Help! reading. Some will move quickly and oth- because your child does not fit the style ers will make slower progress, but as long and sequence of “in the box” schools, as the instruction is phonetic (this is vital), spend your energy on developing your children will make gradual progress until child’s natural interests. You will be HomeLifeAcademy.com/Florida they are reading at an adult level. amazed at the results. All inclusive online system providing instant online registration, recordkeeping, transcripts, student IDs and much more! With our children, we used the Moore

Guide to Homeschooling / 2013-2014 64 Special Interests Single Parents

eing a single parent is a frightening ex- have also flourished beyond measure. As Bperience on its own, but add in the idea for socialization, they have homeschooling of homeschooling, and the only word that friends they have grown up with, and make comes to mind is terrifying! I have been a new ones all the time. This article was written by Kari Kremin, single parent for 13 years, my ex-husband Now in leadership of a local homeschool signing away all his rights to our children. group, I have a network of friends who former FPEA District 1 Director. Without the support of family and friends, will laugh, cry, worry and carpool with me. I cannot say I would have made the deci- Between teen nights, moms nights and sion to homeschool. I definitely would not our local co-op, we stay busy and never have kept my faith and sanity. experience a dull moment. When I have My life is blessed with two incredible questions about books to read, curriculum daughters, one in high school and the to look over or movies to share with my other in middle school. The decision to girls, all I need to do is call someone in homeschool was not one that was made our homeschool group. We share prayer easily for me. My mother retired from the requests through texts and Facebook; we school board, and I had worked in first rejoice in praises. grade while expecting my oldest child. Needless to say, my first bit of advice Public school was always the assumed to a single homeschool parent is to find route for our family, but God had a different a homeschool group that fits your needs plan for us. After working with my daughter and that of your child(ren). This is true for at home and hearing about such issues any homeschooler, but especially so for a as bullying and other violence, I began single parent due to the support and help to question placing her in public school. that can be garnered, such as carpooling, I enjoyed staying home with my children babysitters and advice. There may come and choosing their educational experience. a time when you cannot attend a field I knew from my time working in the school trip due to an appointment, yet another system that a child needed to fit into a homeschool mom can simply allow your certain mold in order to avoid the pitfalls of child(ren) to ride along with her family. Your a public school classroom. Sharing these homeschool community is priceless. thoughts with a friend, it was suggested I Second, gather your resources, as there try homeschooling. are many specifically for single-parent Our homeschooling journey began homeschoolers. Many large organizations reluctantly and with a whole lot of fear — have special programs for single parents. but it began right at that moment. I had The FPEA Homeschool Foundation has a just begun working from my home and wonderful scholarship program that can had confidence that I could support us take some of the worry out of curriculum in a modest lifestyle. A friend directed costs. Search online for all the available us to a church that had a Bible-based programs out there waiting for you. Also girls club for homeschoolers where my check your local library and public school daughters and I could meet others. We resource warehouse. Some offer free edu- attended field trips and learned about all cational texts and parenting books that are the different aspects of homeschooling available to homeschoolers. Used-curric- from fellow club members. ulum sales often have inexpensive books Twelve years later, I cannot imagine an- and even freebies for your use. other path for us! My daughters have not Two areas that are critical to single only excelled in their school studies, but parenting and homeschooling alike are www.fpea.com/guide 65 discipline and structure. Without clear rules on what is acceptable and consequences that result from disobedience, your home will never run smoothly. You and your chil- dren are a team, and all those within your team must work together to make it the best possible for everyone. Chore charts and rewards are a great way to set some of the house rules. Make the rewards ben- eficial to your family by adding such prizes as movie nights or game nights including popcorn, movie candies and fun foods you do not normally serve for dinner. Have a gourmet pizza night and allow the kids to create their own dinner with French bread or tortilla shells as the crust and a variety of toppings they helped choose during your grocery store visit. Rewards such as those make for a fun, family-oriented, inex- pensive way to encourage your children. Finally, if you are fortunate enough to have your family living close by, take advantage of it. Your family can give you the encouragement you need in your daily life. Family also gives children the support they need and a rich history of stories about their heritage. Allowing your chil- dren to spend an afternoon or a weekend with their grandparents can give you a much-needed break to recharge your batteries. Not to mention that your mother, aunt, cousin or father may relish the idea of attending a field trip with your children or helping out in co-op. My family has been parent in general is no easy task. Are there the sole reason I am able to raise my chil- days when you just want to give up, give dren and educate them at home. With the in and walk away? Yes. However, you will love of my parents, my children have never never walk down a road alone, as you missed a second parent, as my parents will always have someone beside you to are the “other parent” in our family. hold your hand. At least until they become The journey may be daunting, the teens — then you have someone to walk stereotypes annoying, but at the end of behind you. Someone who, despite their the day we have the perfect family. Don’t snippy comments and dirty bedroom, is allow the day-to-day speed bumps to watching the parent who raised them and stop, distract or dishearten you. God has secretly admiring all you have sacrificed placed you in your child(ren)’s life to guide for them. So know this: You set the prime them and care for them. No one can be a example of strength and love above all better parent or teacher to your children odds. Congratulations, single parent ho- than you. meschooler, you have arrived! Is it hard? Yes, it can be, but being a

Guide to Homeschooling / 2013-2014 66 Homeschooling the Special-Needs Child

arents who choose to homeschool their make that determination — the parent. Pspecial-needs children operate on an Even educational experts can make elevated level of determination, courage mistakes in diagnosing learning difficul- and commitment. Not only must they go ties. Many families have worked beyond against the flow of the general public and the initial limits and labels that traditional educational experts, but they also must educational institutions have placed on accept that certain schooling approaches their children. The homeschool community that work well for other homeschool fami- is full of their success stories. lies are counterproductive for them. Now, more than ever, resources are However, just like all other home-edu- available to help homeschoolers meet cating parents, parents who homeschool the requirements of special-needs stu- children with learning difficulties dents. These resources include support strive to create a framework for organizations, newsletters, how-to books, effective learning. Finding a way manipulatives, textbooks, workbooks, to present material to a child evaluation personnel, testing and software. while matching his learning style The problem is not necessarily in finding is of extra concern in developing help, but in not being overwhelmed by the an effective special-needs plethora of choices. homeschool program. It’s also important Support Organizations to remember that un- der any circumstanc- NACD es, the parent is the National Association for Child expert when it comes Development to knowing a child’s An organization of parents and profes- likes, dislikes, strengths sionals dedicated to helping children and and weaknesses, and in adults reach their full potential. knowing which teaching 801-621-8606, [email protected], www.nacd. methods are likely to org work. The choice of schooling ap- NATHHAN NEWS proach lies with NATional cHallenged Homeschoolers the one most Associated Network qualified to Provides encouragement for families homeschooling special-needs children. Membership includes a newsletter and lending-library privileges, as well as other information useful for those schooling special-needs children. 208-267-6246, [email protected], www.nathhan.com

PREACCH Parents Rearing and Educating Autistic www.fpea.com/guide 67

Children in Christian Homes delay, as well as auditory, visual and mo- This organization offers e-mail support. tor-processing disorders. Dana has over www.bondingplace.com/bkpreacch/index. five years of experience teaching grades html K-5 in a homeschool setting. 904-721-4122, [email protected], Guides and Books www.merrittspeech.com

Home Schooling Children With Evaluations Special Needs by Sharon C. Hensley Educational Diagnostic Prescriptive Services Special Needs Resource Guide Diagnostic test devised for homeschool- by Patty Rendoff ers by a homeschooler, and parentally Provides names and contact information administered and scored with proven for many manufacturers of materials for remedial strategies. special-needs students. [email protected], www.edudps.com

Strategies for Struggling Learners — A The Learning Connection Guide for the Teaching Parent (Steve Shapiro) by Joe P. Sutton, Ph.D. Help in evaluating perceptual skills. Instructs parents on teaching children 719-495-3400, learningconnection@live. who struggle with learning, attention or com, www.thelearningconnection.org behavior problems.

Resources

Montessori at Home by Heidi Anne Spietz Lists publishers that offer materials.

Joyce Herzog Offers her writings and personal coun- seling, honed by a master’s degree in learning disabilities. 423-553-6387, [email protected], www. joyceherzog.com

IEP Manual by Jim and Debby Mills Provides a format for systemic, individ- ualized education planning for a “chal- lenged” student. 619-469-5822, [email protected]

Merritt Speech & Learning Dana M. Merritt, M.S., CCC-SLP, IMT Based in Jacksonville, Merritt Speech offers diagnosis and treatment of commu- nication disorders due to developmental

Guide to Homeschooling / 2013-2014 68 Asperger’s Syndrome

n the United States, one family out of 150 The one thing all these children have Ihas a child struggling with Asperger’s in common is that they easily expe- Syndrome or autism. This represents a rience sensory overload. Their sen- 500 percent increase in the past 10 years. sory system shouts “red alert” when This article was written by Dianne Craft, Homeschooling families are not immune to something as insignificant as a label this phenomenon. on a shirt, a lump in the yogurt or an president of Child Diagnostics­ in Littleton, Over 50 years ago, Viennese pediatri- unexpected touch oc­curs. They are not cian Hans Asperger identified a consis- comfortable in their own skin. Anxiety Colo. For more information, visit www. tent pattern of behaviors that occurred rules much of their day. predominantly in boys. In the 1990s the diannecraft.org. prevailing­ view was that Asperger’s is a Natural Treatments variant of autism and a pervasive develop­ Many physicians believe there is a mental disorder (meaning it affects the physical, biological basis to the behav- development of a wide range of abilities).­ ior of these children. They report many It is now considered a subgroup in the behavioral changes that occur when autism spectrum, occasionally being called parents take care of physical/nutritional “high-functioning autism.” needs. When physicians at Johns Hop- Even though autism and Asperger’s kins University­ studied the brain scans of are spoken of in the same sentence, they children with Asperger’s and autism be- frequently­ are different in their manifesta- haviors, they found that all these children tions. Pediatricians Perri Klass and Eileen suffered from inflammation of the brain. Costello use another term to describe the Let’s look at some of the most hundreds of thousands of kids “outside the common biological causes and treat- common patterns.” They describe them ments of Asperger’s-like behaviors as kids with high IQs who can’t read facial that parents and knowledgeable health expressions, who prefer vacuum cleaners professionals have found. to toys, who hate the feel of sand or wind, who have no idea how to make friends, Yeast Overgrowth and who may suffer daily over things that In the bowel, bacteria and yeast/fun- come easy to others. gus reside. When this “rain forest” is The need for labels often remains, not imbalanced,­ the neurotransmitters because without a label, certain services manufactured in the bowel remain would not be publicly funded. However, undisturbed. When the good bacteria the main goal is to meet the needs of these is reduced via antibiotics or steroids (in children, not to label them. utero or as an infant), the yeast/fungus Many parents find that the very best overgrows, causing a release of toxins educational setting for these wonderful into the bloodstream.­ These yeast toxins children­ is at home. Since these children cause many behavioral upsets. Thou- are often gifted learners, at home they are sands of parents report very positive free to explore topics of interest to them. changes in their child’s behavior and Also, since peer relationships aren’t their learning when they take natural steps to strength, they are not distracted by the rebalance their child’s gut ecology. constant need to interact with peers. Their siblings and parents can be their friends. Diet They learn appropriate social interaction­ in Many of these struggling children have the home setting. limited their diet to just a few foods, al­ www.fpea.com/guide 69 most all being carbohydrates. We call them not all children who receive vaccinations “carbovores.” Pasta, bread, milk, macaroni are afflicted with autism or Asperger’s.­ and cheese, pizza, french fries, and chick- Many parents are concerned about this en nuggets tend to make up their diet to and have many questions. There is not a great extent. Before you can change the just one answer. Each parent needs to diet, you will need to reduce the craving. do their own research and decide what is The craving is caused, generally, by a the best path for them to take concerning yeast overgrowth. It is important­ to do a vaccinations. Another school of thought is three-month program of acidophilus and a possible iodine deficiency. a natural anti-fungal. The fourth week into God has shown us many ways to help the program, your child should be ready children with Asperger’s-like behaviors for a reduction of sugar and carbs. to feel more comfortable. The implemen- tation of these changes is not as difficult Neurotransmitter Imbalance as it seems. If you choose to change diet Serotonin is called the “feel-good neu- or supplementation, first check with your rotransmitter” because it reduces anxious health care professional. Make only one feelings and calms the nervous system. change at a time so you will know what The body naturally makes a supply of this is helping. As you do your own research, for the nervous system in the bowel. Yeast you will find many ways to make your child overgrowth keeps it from being manu­ more comfortable in his own skin, resulting factured well, as does a diet high in sugars. in much improved behaviors. The main food for this neurotransmit­ter is the essential fatty acids, as well as the tryp- tophan in a natural product called 5HTP. If your child is not taking any medication, you may want to look into the use of 5HTP to supply this missing neurotransmitter.

Food Allergies Inflammation is a common result of the histamine release that takes place because­ of food allergies. Children tend to crave what they are allergic to, many tending to R crave dairy and wheat. For them, this can be a large source of the inflammation that THE Curriculum for CreativityTM the Johns Hopkins study reported. These children all tend to have food allergies Drawing (even if they don’t seem to test for them), and many parents have seen dramatic Painting changes when they begin an allergy elimi- Sculpture nation diet. See why homeschoolers LOVE it! Metal Accumulation www.artisticpursuits.com In the 1990s the number of vaccinations that a child received nearly tripled. We know that those vaccines contained the preservative thimerosal, which is nearly 50 percent mercury, very harmful to the brain and nervous system of children. However,

Guide to Homeschooling / 2013-2014 70 Dyslexia

ducators have not been able to agree above first grade, and two years behind in Eon what dyslexia really is. Some authori- reading or writing, it would be considered ties believe it is strictly a language process- dyslexia. The degree of the problem, and ing problem, involving the distinguishing of the age of the child, are major consider- This article was written by Dianne Craft, sounds of letters. This is why the struggling ations in the determination. reader cannot remember phonics sounds Many times these children are not president of Child Diagnostics in Littleton, to decode a word. Others believe it is a reading, or are at least two years behind visual/perceptual problem, since these grade level. They write almost no sen- Colo. For more information, visit www. children reverse words laterally (b/d) and tences from memory, since their right, vertically (m/w) as well as scrambling­ letters visual hemi­sphere is not storing words diannecraft.org. (the=het) when they read and write. efficiently. (Copying a sentence is not I believe they are both correct. It is an considered writing.) auditory/language problem, visual/percep­ Transposing numbers (19/91) is not tual problem, and often also a visual/ considered dyslexia. When a child revers- motor (eye/hand) problem. My 25 years of es letters or numbers, even if only once experience working with these bright but in a while, you know there is stress in the struggling learners tells me it is mainly a writing system. The child is having to think midline problem. about the directionality of the letters, rather By this I mean that our brain is divided than the content of the writing. I always into two main hemispheres — right and take reversals seriously past the first left. The left is our “thinking” hemisphere, grade. One way to eliminate them is with and the right is “automatic.” When children brain-integration therapy exercises. suffer from dyslexia, the processes that should have been taken over by the right Auditory Dyslexia automatic hemisphere, like eye tracking, • Difficulty learning the names of alphabet writing and letter identification, are still in letters when in kindergarten the left brain. This means the child has to • Spelling has no phonetic pattern to it think about the processes. (Tuesday = Tunday) The learning processes can be likened • Sounds out all words, including sight to driving. If you had to think about how words (many, could, these) to turn the signals, and when to brake and • Little memory of words just read in a accelerate, it would be a very difficult pro- previous sentence in reading cedure indeed. Reading, recognition of let- • Sounds out the letters in a word, but ters, words and letter combinations­ need can’t put it into a whole (b-a-t) to be retrieved from the right hemisphere, • Memorizes stories, but can’t remember where our long-term memory is stored, but same words in another story this is not happening with them. • Phonics rules not applied in the reading You can suspect dyslexia in your child context if all three processing areas are impact- ed, and your child is past the first grade. Visual Dyslexia If your child has only a minor problem in • In reading, reverses whole words some- the areas, it can be considered a learning times (on=no, was=saw) “glitch.” If the problem presents itself more • Regularly reads “big” for “dig” frequently, and your child is older, it would • Very slow, labored reading (often takes a be considered a “dysfunction.” If the deep breath) symptoms are more frequent, your child is • Reading at least a year below grade level www.fpea.com/guide 71

• Scrambles letters in a word, reading as possible, since these require so much “left” for “felt” memorization, such as the well-known • Says words wiggle when he reads Merrill Readers. Use a reader that will build • Often reads a word from the line above reading independence by offering words and adds to present line that can be decoded easily. I also use a systematic, color- and picture-enhanced Visual/Motor Dyslexia (Dysgraphia) phonics program. To learn individual­ • Reverses letters or numbers in writing sounds such as consonants, vowels and • Letters not written below the line letter combinations (au/aw), superimpose • When writing the alphabet, will ask, the letter directly on a picture that gives “What does that letter look like?” that sound. Then have the child read whole • Cannot write words from memory words, putting the vowel or letter combi- • Copying words is labor-intensive, like nation in color, with the picture nearby, that “artwork” gives the sound. By using this method of • Hates to write picture and color in whole words, you will find that your child will soon be reading The approach I have taken to get chil- very long words. dren past the learning “block” of dyslexia Using this method I have generally is twofold: brain-integration therapy, been able to achieve a two-year growth in a home therapy program designed to reading in a year. This intensive approach eliminate­ the midline as a problem; and involves about an hour a day of working­ a right-brain reading program, including together, but pays off handsomely. This right-brain phonics and spelling. method works with second-graders to If your child is dyslexic, you have found eighth-graders. that just having them read to you more To get the child writing independently, isn’t helping. You’ve also found that regular have him/her do a writing exercise that phonics programs don’t work, because­ crosses the midline to eliminate rever- either they can’t remember the sounds of sals, and then teach him/her simple letters, or they can remember the sound spell­ing words by using color, pictures and sound out the pieces of a word, but and looking up with the eyes, to engage cannot put it into a whole. Sight words the right, visual hemisphere. I call this are their enemy, so most reading books “right-brain spelling.” are painfully slow for them, as they try to So if you suspect your child is strug- sound out each word. Usually their com- gling with dyslexia, or even a processing prehension is great once they’ve struggled dysfunction, don’t continue to just have through a passage. them read aloud more to you. Start a sys- Most parents I see have given up on tematic approach to reducing the midline spelling, and the only writing the child does as a problem, and teach them using­ color is copying sentences. Math, social studies, and pictures to help them store words science and Bible are the subjects they and sounds in their right-brain hemi- concentrate on, with everything being read sphere for easier retrieval. This method to the child. has proven itself over and over, even with To get a child to read who is facing this the toughest learning problems. Invest in massive struggle, brain-integration therapy some colored markers and pictures, and exercises and weekly “re-patternings,” have fun teaching your child how to use using physical movements to “reconnect”­ his/her powerful right brain to make the the two hemispheres, is the first step. Then learning process easier. use a right-brain reading approach. I use readers with as few sight words

Guide to Homeschooling / 2013-2014 72 High School

www.fpea.com/guide 73

Homeschooling the High-Schooler

any parents new to homeschooling have the miscon- Mception that once their child reaches ninth grade, they must enroll him in a traditional high school. But a home-ed- ucation program can start and end whenever you feel it is appropriate for your child. Under the law, you are only obligated to submit a notice of intent for a child who turns 6 by February 1 of any school year or for any student who has not attained the age of 16. All counties should retain records for home-ed- ucated students for grades 11 and 12. Be sure you retain copies of these documents as well. Even though the law does not compel attendance after age 16, it is advisable to keep submitting annual evaluations to preserve the stu- dent’s right to participate in dual enrollment, extracurricular activities and scholarships, get good student discounts on auto insurance, prove Bright Futures eligibility, etc.

Guide to Homeschooling / 2013-2014 74

Whatever the method of homeschooling educated students may be different from you use, keeping transcripts for your high- the requirements for public and private school student is an important responsi- school students, be sure to check with bility. This might seem overwhelming, but the vocational school, college or university online advice, books and other resources your child plans to attend prior to the start are available to assist you. Also keep in of ninth grade. Some universities require mind that college admissions counselors, SAT II exams, and others require a portfolio scholarship agencies and even prospec- with names of books used and material tive employers will not only be interested in covered in the course. an academic transcript but also in records If you wish to view public school gradua- of extracurricular activities. Communi- tion requirements as a tool for your plan- ty-service projects, employment, mission ning, please refer to the chart on page 82. trips, sports, hobbies and basic life skills are just as important to document as any High School Credits academic work. According to s.1003.436 F.S., one full A common trap for homeschoolers of credit, for the purpose of high school grad- high-schoolers is to try to model their high- uation, means a minimum of 135 hours school curriculum after traditional meth- of bona fide instruction in a designated ods. Granted, if the scope-and-sequence course of study that contains student method seems to be what your student performance standards. This type of credit thrives on, then stick with what works. is known as a Carnegie Unit. It is based on However, because many families choose time spent in a course of study in a public home education because traditional learn- or private school that is subject to the ing systems haven’t worked, they are open State Board of Education Administrative to other methods. It’s vitally important for Rule, which specifies a certain number of parents of high-schoolers to research the instructional hours per day for a minimum available methods, allowing for trial and number of days per school year. error in determining what works best. For However, with the creation of Florida information on homeschooling methods, Virtual School, a better method of award- see pages 44-61. ing credits was introduced. The Florida law allows a credit in the Florida Virtual Credits Required for Graduation School Classic program to be measured Although the Florida Statutes do not list by successful completion of the course- specific graduation requirements for ho- work; it is not tied to a number of hours or meschooled students, it is wise to follow days of instruction. This way of measuring a path that will enable you to achieve credit is similar to the way many home your post-secondary goals. Bear in mind educators award credits, granting credit for that requirements for the Bright Futures subject mastery. Home educators are not Scholarships (for those applying with a required in law to keep a record of days nontraditional private school or for those and hours of attendance or instruction, but seeking a qualifying score with public are required to make educational progress or FLVS course documentation) and for commensurate with their ability. admission to Florida universities paral- A detailed description of every high lel graduation requirements for Florida school course offered in Florida’s public public-school students. Homeschooled schools is found at www.floridastandards. students compete with public-school org/Courses/CourseDescriptionSearch. students in these areas, so it is best to aspx. If you choose to use these course meet or even exceed these goals. numbers on your high-school transcript, Since admission requirements for home be sure you teach all the standards and www.fpea.com/guide 75

Guide to Homeschooling / 2013-2014 76

content listed in the descriptions. the bottom calculate the student’s weight- Home educators are responsible for ed and unweighted grade point averages. maintaining a portfolio of the student’s You may also choose to include volunteer work, and creating a high school tran- hours and college entrance-exam, AP, script. Parents may issue a diploma, if they CLEP, SAT or ACT scores. so desire. In high school, it is advised that Information on downloading a sample you keep a portfolio for each credit being blank transcript can be found on page 131. earned. Include a list of curricula, name of books and materials used, as well as plen- Options for Completing ty of work samples. If you use textbooks, High-School Courses include a copy of the Table of Contents as well as the title page and ISBN of the book Florida Virtual School for your records because some universities Be aware that many public school districts and colleges may require that information. have a Florida Virtual School Franchise If you are following the course-code num- and offer FLVS classes (taught by teachers bering system listed on the website in the employed by the school district) to home previous paragraph, place a copy in your educated students. If your child registers in portfolio and use it as a checklist. This is the FLVS Franchise (with the district) pro- an especially good way to validate a credit gram, your child may be required to adhere if you are not following the traditional text- to all public school attendance and testing book route. You can even choose to write requirements. He/she may be treated by your own course description and place it in the FHSAA as a public school student for your portfolio, along with samples of work the purposes of athletics if more than 50% validating the credit. of the courses are taken in the Franchise. Homeschoolers often find that they He/she will then only be eligible to par- can receive high-school credit for activi- ticipate in extracurricular activities at his ties or projects they are involved with, in zoned public school. which case tracking hours spent would A student that is registered as a home be advisable. education student with the district and Even public school students can earn FLVS (has a school number of 9998) will be one-half elective or social studies credit treated by the FHSAA as a home educa- for a minimum of 75 hours of service as a tion student regardless of the number of nonpaid volunteer or through school ser- FLVS courses the student takes. These vice work, according to s.1003.43(1)(k) F.S. students will retain their privilege to participate at their zoned public school, Building a Transcript a school for which they are eligible under A transcript is simply a list of all the high- the controlled open enrollment plan or a school courses a student has completed. It private school. Parents should click on the is usually only one to two pages long. The Homeschool Info link on the FLVS home transcript should contain the student’s full page and make sure your child is regis- name, address, date of birth and pertinent tered as a home education student. contact information. Social Security num- If the student takes all of their classes bers are not required by law to be provided with FLVS and is registered as a home and should not be in order to protect your education student, the parent is required child’s identity. You should then list each to submit an annual evaluation. Submit- course, the grade received and the credit ting only Florida Virtual credits and grades earned. Courses taken in dual enrollment, earned during the year as part of the stu- FLVS, or at a public or private school may dent’s annual evaluation may be accept- also be listed using the course number. At able under option #5 of the home educa- www.fpea.com/guide 77 tion law (remember, this option requires able to students in 11th and 12th grades, agreement between the superintendent though some state colleges allow 10th and the parent prior to the beginning of grade students to participate. Check with your school year). Depending on the num- your local state colleges to determine their ber of FLVS courses taken, parents may dual enrollment policies. need to include courses taught at home or through another program or school to provide a complete annual evaluation. Remember, most public and private school students are taking six courses per year to graduate in four years. While the law does not establish course requirements for home educated students, it is advisable to cover at least four academic courses per year in order to prepare your student for life, scholarships and/or postsecondary education. For accurate comparisons of the current virtual school programs, visit www.flhef. org/ pdf/2011-2012FloridaVirtualEducation Chart.pdf to view a chart published by Brenda Dickinson with the Home Educa- tion Foundation.

Dual Enrollment for College Credit Dual enrollment is an option for high-school students to take courses at local state colleges (and most universities) and receive both high school and college credit while still in high school. Generally, this option is avail-

Guide to Homeschooling / 2013-2014 78

If your student is enrolled in a non- when and how the college will release the traditional private school, your school credits in escrow in order for them to be must have an articulation agreement with available when the student needs them. the college. There should be a separate As with dual enrollment, parents should articulation agreement for home educa- assess their student’s maturity in regard to tion students registered with the school the commitment required for college-level district. Simply contact the dual-enrollment academics. Contact the admissions office counselor at your local college and ask or student-services department at the for information. Be sure to do this early so institution of your choice to inquire about you have time to meet all the paperwork the availability of this program. requirements. Each state college will have its own Testing for College Credit dual-enrollment policies and enroll- A significant concern for parents home- ment requirements on age and college schooling their high-schooler is testing for entrance-test scores (ACT, SAT, CPT college credit. Trying to decide which tests or PERT). Private schools, including are most suitable for your student can be nontraditionals, must provide a grade overwhelming. Here are brief descriptions point average for the student. State of some of the most common tests, along college policies vary on the number of with contact information: courses students can take per semester. AP (Advanced Placement) measures While home-educated and nontraditional mastery of more than 30 college-level private-school students may take class- courses taken by high-school students. es free of charge, they often must pay These exams can be taken without attend- for their own books. A good source for ing courses given at local high schools, renting college textbooks is www.chegg. but due to the length of the exams, it’s com. advisable for students to be thoroughly When evaluating this option, it’s import- prepared. Colleges and universities give ant to consider if your student is prepared credit or advanced placing to students to commit to the more rigorous college who obtain certain minimum scores estab- course load and is mature enough to lished by each institution. The fee for each participate in an adult classroom with adult exam is $89. Upcoming test dates are conversations. The grades earned in these listed on pages 94-95. For more informa- courses will be a permanent part of the tion or to register, visit www.collegeboard. student’s college academic record. com. Florida Virtual School (www.flvs. net) offers complete Advanced Placement College Credits in Escrow courses as well as Advanced Placement Occasionally students may find them- Test Reviews. selves in a situation where it might be CLEP (College Level Examination advantageous for them to begin taking Program) is a set of examinations in five college courses prior to what is being general areas: composition and litera- offered by the state college through dual ture, world languages, history and social enrollment. sciences, science and mathematics, and For the student not yet eligible for dual business. College credit for material that enrollment, many colleges and universities students have learned on their own can offer the credit-in-escrow program. Those be obtained rather inexpensively through choosing credit-in-escrow programs must CLEP. For information on CLEP and par- realize that they are responsible for fees for ticipating colleges as well as CLEP Study courses and books. If making this choice, Guides, visit www.collegeboard.com. it will be essential to know ahead of time Deciding which tests are best suited www.fpea.com/guide 79 for your student will depend on what core curriculum subjects have been covered. At www.collegeboard.com, parents may find additional information concerning the differences between the tests and when students should take them.

General Education Development (GED) Test Although not required for graduation, college or the military, in rare cases an employer may require a GED if hiring prior to a college degree. To find a GED testing location near you, visit data.fldoe.org/ gedsites or call 800-62-MYGED (800-626- 9433). If you are interested, your official testing site can direct you to local instruc- tional programs.

Extracurricular Activities: Sports, Band, Clubs, Cheerleading, etc. Students registered with their districts under the homeschooling statutes are eligible to participate in interscholastic ex- tracurricular public-school activities at the high school where they would be assigned to attend. The law also allows students registered as home education students with their school district to participate at FHSAA member private schools but does not require private schools to permit home-educated students to participate in these activities. Therefore, it is up to Nontraditional private-school students parents to work out an agreement with a are now eligible to participate at their private school in which the home educa- zoned public school if the private school tion student wishes to participate. Home- they attend is not a member of the FHSAA, schooled students must meet the same does not offer an intrascholastic or inter- requirements of residency, acceptance scholastic athletic program and has 125 standards, behavior and performance as students or less enrolled in grades 6-12. A other students in the school where they are home education cooperative or an accred- participating. Remember that if a homes- ited nontraditional private school may join chooled student is enrolled for more than the FHSAA as a member school in order 50 percent of his/her courses via a Florida for its students to participate as a team. Virtual School Franchise, he/she may be For more information, visit www.fhsaa.org treated by the FHSAA as a public school or refer to the Craig Dickinson Act (Florida student for the purposes of athletics. He/ Statute 1006.15). she will then only be eligible to participate If a student is interested in playing in extracurricular activities at his/her zoned college sports, obtain the current eligibility public school. requirements for a home-educated student

Guide to Homeschooling / 2013-2014 80

Calculating Your Grade-Point Average Points are generally assigned to each letter grade to allow you to calculate a grade point average. Rigorous courses typically earn more points for letter grades of C or better and thus “weight” the GPA. Honors, Advanced Placement and dual-enrollment courses generally qualify as rigorous. The Bright Futures system adds a half-point for weighted courses. You may choose to assign points as follows:

Unweighted Weighted (half-point) Letter` Semester Course Full Year Course Semester Course Full-Year Course Grade 0.5 credits each 1.0 credit each 0.5 credits each 1.0 credit each

A 2.0 4.0 2.25 4.50

B 1.5 3.0 1.75 4.50

C 1.0 2.0 1.25 2.50

D 0.5 1.0 0.5 1.0

F 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

To calculate the weighted GPA, assign weighted points to rigorous courses and unweighted points to regular courses, then divide the total number of points by the total number of credits. For the unweighted GPA, assign unweighted points to all courses, regardless of their difficulty, total your points and divide by the total number of credits. It is not necessary to calculate a GPA for each grade. Simply total all high-school credits and all grade points and find the overall average.

from the National Collegiate Athletic Asso- College and Other Postgraduate ciation early in your student’s high-school Opportunities years so that you are sure to meet all ac- Home-educated students are well trained ademic and documentation requirements. and well accepted in the world that awaits These requirements apply regardless of them. Colleges, vocational schools and whether the student receives an athletic the military, for example, are familiar with scholarship. For more information, visit homeschoolers. Though these institutions www.ncaa.org or call 317-917-6222. may have some specific entrance require- Some colleges belong to athletic ments for homeschoolers, the students will governing bodies other than the NCAA. not find themselves disadvantaged simply Students may also qualify to play college for being home-educated. In fact, because sports through the National Association of home-educated students are generally Intercollegiate Athletics, which may be con- more well-rounded, having participated in tacted at 816-595-8300 or www.naia.org, many activities, homeschooling is often an or the National Christian College Athletic advantage when it comes to school and Association, which may be reached at 864- career choices. 250-1199 or www.thenccaa.org. Some For entrance into colleges and voca- Christian colleges carry dual membership tional schools, students generally need a in the NCCAA and either the NCAA or high-school transcript as well as minimum NAIA, so find out which organization(s) the test scores on a college entrance exam. college of your choice belong(s) to. Contact prospective schools early for their admission requirements. www.fpea.com/guide 81 Graduations and Celebrations

ust as for traditional schoolers, finishing FPEA Statewide Graduation Ceremony Ja homeschool high school program is an Each year at the FPEA Florida Homes- achievement worthy of being punctuated chool Convention, hundreds of home-edu- by wearing a cap and gown. Homeschool cated students participate in a graduation graduation opportunities abound, whether ceremony open to FPEA member families. they be through support groups, nontradi- Weekend activities are also organized just tional private schools, the FPEA Statewide for graduating seniors. Information on the Graduation Ceremony, or some other FPEA Statewide Graduation Ceremony source. Here are some resources for com- is available in the FPEA Connect and at memorating this educational milestone: www.fpea.com.

Senior Pictures Diplomas and Diploma Covers www.prestigeportraitsfl.com www.homeschoolgradstuff.com Local retailers www.hslda.org Professional photographers www.milligans.com www.jonesawards.com Class Rings www.jostens.com www.jostens.com www.herffjones.com

Cap and Gown www.herffjones.com www.jostens.com www.milligans.com www.jonesawards.com

Celebrations Rather than its Grad Night in previous years, Walt Disney World now provides senior class trips. With a minimum of 10 seniors, you can arrange a special trip any time of the year. Disney will even arrange rooms, meals, dessert receptions or par- ties if you would like them. For more infor- mation, call 877-WD-YOUTH (939- 6884) or visit disneyseniorclasstrip.com. Make plans early; reservations are required. Grad Bash at Universal Islands of Ad- venture is held on several nights in April and May, with unlimited park access and concerts. There is a dress code. Additional activities are available outside the park. For more information, call 800-761-2556 or visit gradbash.com.

Guide to Homeschooling / 2013-2014 82

2012-13 Florida Graduation Requirements for Public School Students

English 4 credits Strong in composition, reading for information and literature

Math 4 credits One of which must be Algebra 1 or its equivalent or a high- er-level math course – students entering ninth grade in 2010- 11 must also have one-credit in Geometry or its equivalent upon graduation. Students entering ninth grade in 2012-13 will add Algebra 2.

Science 3 credits 2 with a lab. Students entering ninth grade in 2011-12, one credit must be Biology 1 or its equivalent. Students entering ninth grade in 2013-14 will add chemistry or physics or a course equally rigorous.

Social 1 credit - United States History 1 credit - World History ½ credit - United States Government ½ credit - Economics

World Not required for graduation Language 2 credits in same language required for college admission and for those applying to Bright Futures with either a nontradition- al school or a qualifying score with public and FLVS course documentation.

Fine Arts 1 credit Fine or Performing Arts, Speech & Debate or specified Practical Arts

Physical 1 credit Education To include the integration of health

Electives 8 credits

Total 24 credits

www.fpea.com/guide 83 Bright Futures Scholarship Requirements

any Florida students will rely on the required to validate the 16 core courses or MFlorida Bright Futures Scholarship submit a GPA for the Academic or Medal- for their college education. The current lion Scholarship. requirements may be found on pages The Legislature also changed the time 90-93. However, the qualification require- frame in which students may use their ments will be increasing each year, rising Bright Futures awards and have tightened from the 44th percentile to the up requirements for maintaining their 75th percentile by 2013-14. scholarships once earned. An A chart detailing the added benefit is that increasing test-score students who requirements can complete their bacca- be found on page laureate degree in seven 90. A home education stu- semesters or fewer may dent may also qualify for the receive funding for one Medallion Scholarship with term of graduate study a lower SAT or ACT score (paid at the undergrad- if the 16 core courses uate rate). See all these are validated in a Florida changes at www.florida public or private school, studentfinancialaid.org/ which would include the SSFAD/bf. Florida Virtual School or dual-en- In addition, the rollment courses. The award amounts legislature has increased recently changed. the community service The hour award hour requirement for the received will depend Academic Scholarship upon the scholarship and added a community ser- earned as well as the type vice requirement for the Medallion of college being attended. You and Gold Seal Scholarship effective can find this chart on page 85 or at in the 2011-12 school year (grad- www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org/ uating Class of 2012). Applicants for the SSFAD/bf/awardamt.htm. To be eligible Academic Scholarship this year must now to apply for a Bright Futures Scholarship, have 100 community service hours. Appli- you must first submit a complete Florida cants for the Medallion Scholarship must Financial Aid Application during your last now have 75 community service hours, year in high school. Apply online by visiting and Gold Seal applicants are required to www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org. This obtain 30 hours. In addition, the commu- application is generally available beginning nity service must identify a social problem December 1. In addition to completing this that interests the student, who develops eligibility application, you will need to apply a plan for involvement in addressing the for the Bright Futures scholarship via your problem and, through papers or other nontraditional private school or by com- presentations, evaluates and reflects upon pleting the homeschool packet mentioned the experience. Homeschooled students below. If you do not complete this applica- registered with their school district are not tion prior to graduation, you permanently

Guide to Homeschooling / 2013-2014 84

forfeit all Bright Futures eligibility. You can locate potential scholarships at You must now also complete the FAFSA the following websites, as well as others (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) you might locate using any search engine: to receive the Bright Futures scholarship. Completion of the FAFSA will also help www.fastweb.com determine whether you are eligible for stu- www.scholarships.com dent aid (including grants and loans). You www.collegeboard.com will need income tax information for the www.careersandcolleges.com student and both parents (even if the stu- dent is only living with one parent). Online Also check with your local Chamber of filing may begin at www.fafsa.ed.gov as Commerce and school board to determine early as January 1 of the year your student which local businesses give scholarships. will enter college. The FAFSA should be Check with employers — both students’ filed as soon as possible so that your and parents’ — as several companies offer child will receive the maximum amount for scholarships to employees. And check which he/she is eligible. There are several with the college you are applying to, as March/April deadlines to pay attention to, they often give thousands or even millions so file early. This is a free application, so of dollars to worthy students each year. if you are charged a fee, you are on the Keep in mind that fortunately, not everyone wrong website. else in the country wants to go to college If you are enrolled in a nontraditional at the same time you do. Many scholar- private school, you must ask your school ships offer multiple awards. The early bird to submit your transcripts to the Bright often gets the worm — not everyone is Futures system. The school will be respon- working on this as early as you are! sible for getting all records to Tallahassee, Here are some ways to increase your so work closely with your administrator to chances of winning: ensure this is done. If you are homeschooling under the • Apply for as many scholarships as homeschool law, you must be registered possible. as a home-educated student for grades • Don’t spend all your time on one or two 11 and 12 with the district in which you scholarship applications. reside. Visit www.floridastudentfinancial • Make it a point to apply for at least two aid.org/SSFAD/bf/homepac.htm for the scholarships a month. You can still apply deadlines and paperwork requirements for for scholarships once you are in college, applying for the scholarship. so this could be a good habit to maintain Additional information on Bright Futures for a while. Scholarships can be found at www.florida • Don’t pass by a scholarship just because studentfinancialaid.org/SSFAD/bf. It is a the award is small — those $100 checks good idea to check this site often, as legis- add up! lative changes may alter the information. • Neatness and accuracy count!

Other Scholarships Start applying early. Several scholar- You will find there are many, many scholar- ships and awards can be applied for as ships out there. There are ones for mem- early as ninth grade. And, don’t wait until bers of nearly every ethnic group, ones for your senior year (but if that’s where you are children of military families, ones for folks now, it’s still not too late!). Many scholar- who live in the city, ones for folks who live ships have early deadlines, so pay close on the farm, ones for left-handed students, attention to the requirements. and ones for nearly every career pursuit. www.fpea.com/guide 85 2012-13 Award Amounts Per Credit Hour for Florida Bright Futures Scholarships

Semester Quarter Clock Florida Academic Scholars (FAS) Hour Award Hour Award Hour Award

4 year $100 $67 - 2 year $61 $41 $2.03 Florida Public Colleges/Baccalaureate Programs $69 - - Career/Technical Centers $50 $33 $1.67

Academic Top Scholars (ATS) 4 year $43 $29 - 2 year $43 $29 $1.43 Florida Public Colleges/Baccalaureate Programs $43 - - Career/Technical Centers $43 $29 $1.43

Florida Medallion Scholars (FMS) 4 year $75 $50 - 2 year $47 $31 $1.57 Florida Public Colleges/Associate Degree Programs $61 - - Florida Public Colleges/Baccalaureate Programs $51 - - Career/Technical Centers $38 $25 $1.57

Gold Seal Vocational Scholars (GSV) Renewed Students Only - 4 year $75 $50 - Renewed Students Only - 2 year $47 $31 $1.57 Renewed Students Only - Florida Public Colleges/Baccalaureate Programs $51 - - Renewed and Initial Students -Career Certificate Program (PSAV’s) $38 $25 $1.27 Renewed and Initial Students - Applied Technology Diploma Program (ATD’s) $38 $25 $1.27 Renewed and Initial Students -Technical Degree Education Program $47 $31 $1.57 (AS, AAS, CCC) Source: http://www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org/SSFAD/bf/awardamt.htm Bright Futures Test Score Requirements Florida Academic Scholars Florida Medallion Scholars Graduation Year 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 SAT – Critical Reading & Math scores only 1270 1280 1290 980 1020 1170 ACT 28 28 29 21 22 26 SAT – homeschoolers w/undocumented GPA 1270 1280 1290 1070 1070 1220 ACT – homeschoolers w/undocumented GPA 28 28 29 23 23 27

Guide to Homeschooling / 2013-2014 86 Initial Eligibility Requirements for Year 2013 High School Graduates

*Criteria must be met and Florida Academic Florida Medallion Florida Gold Seal Vocational paperwork completed by Scholars Award (FAS) Scholars Award (FMS) Scholars Award (GSV) high school graduation

Home Educated Students who have attended a Students who have attended a Students home education program accord- home education program accord- ing to s. 1002.41, F.S., registered ing to s. 1002.41, F.S., registered with the district during grades 11 with the district during grades 11 and 12, and have a best composite and 12, and: score of 1280 SAT or 28 ACT Have a best combined score of 1070 SAT or 23 ACT Or Have a best combined score of 1020 SAT or 22 ACT with a weighted 3.0 GPA in the above 16 required credits (documented through Florida public, FDOE-reg- istered private, FLVS or dual enrollment transcripts)

Award Level All students will receive the specified award amounts established by the Florida Legislature in the General Appropri- ations Act. Award amounts for the 2013-14 academic year will be available on the Bright Futures website in summer 2013, after the legislative session.

Grade Point 3.5 weighted GPA using the cred- 3.0 weighted GPA using the cred- 3.0 weighted GPA using the 16 core cred- Average (GPA) its listed below, combined with its listed below, combined with the its listed below for a 4-year Diploma and the test scores and community test scores and community service a 3.5 unweighted GPA in a minimum of 3 Weighting for more challeng- service hours listed below. (Note: hours listed below. (Note: GPAs Career and Technical Education credits in ing, higher level courses is GPAs are not rounded.) are not rounded.) one vocational program, combined with prescribed by law as .50 per the test scores and community service course per year. hours listed below. (See “Other Ways to Qualify” for 3-year graduation options.) (Note: GPAs are not rounded.) Required Credits Courses must include 16 credits of college preparatory academic courses. 4-year Diploma*** Credits must include 16 core credits required for high school 4 English (3 with substantial writing) graduation. 4 Mathematics (Algebra I level and above) 3 Natural Science (2 with substantial lab) 4 English 3 Social Science 4 Mathematics (including Algebra I) 2 World Language** (sequential, in the same language) 3 Natural Science (2 with lab component) 16 Credits 3 Social Science (U.S. Hist., World Hist., U.S. Govt., and Economics) 1 Fine OR Identified Practical Art OR .5 May use up to 2 additional optional credits from courses in the aca- credit in each demic areas listed above and/or AP, IB, or AICE fine arts courses to 1 Physical Education (to include integra- raise the GPA if necessary tion of health)

16 Credits

www.fpea.com / guide 87

Florida Academic Florida Medallion Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholars Award (FAS) Scholars Award (FMS) Scholars Award (GSV)

Community Service 100 hours, as approved by the 75 hours, as approved by the 30 hours, as approved by the district or district or private school district or private school private school

Test Scores Best combined score of 1280 SAT Best combined score of 1020 SAT Students must earn the minimum score Reasoning Test (based on the Reasoning Test (based on the on each section of the SAT or ACT or combined Critical Reading and combined Critical Reading and Florida Postsecondary Education Read- Math sections only) Math sections only) iness Test (PERT). Sections of different Or Or test types may not be combined. Best composite score of 28 ACT Best composite score of 22 ACT (excluding the writing section). (excluding the writing section). SAT NOTE: The writing sections for Reasoning Test: NOTE: The writing sections for both the SAT and ACT will not be Critical Reading 440 both the SAT and ACT will not be used in the composite. Math 440 used in the composite. SAT Subject Tests are not used for Bright Futures eligibility. Or ACT: (ACT scores are rounded up for English 17 scores with .5 and higher; SAT Reading 18 scores do not require rounding.) Math 19

Or PERT: Reading 104 Writing 99 Math 113

Sections of the SAT, ACT, or PERT from different test dates may be used to meet the test criteria. For spring eligibility evaluations, test dates through the end of January will be admissible. For summer eligibility evaluations, test dates through the end of June will be admissible.

For current year award amounts visit: www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org/SSFAD/bf/ awardamt.htm

**For details on the World Language requirements, visit the Bright Futures website at www.FloridaStudentFinaci- alAid.org/SSFAD/bf/ and under First-Time Applicants select Florida Medallion Scholars.

Plus a minimum of 3 Career and Technical Education credits in one vocational program (See “Other Ways to Qualify” for 3-year graduation options.)

SAT Subject Tests are not used for Bright Futures eligibility. (ACT scores are rounded up for scores with .5 and higher; SAT scores do not require rounding.)

Guide to Homeschooling / 2013-2014 88 Other Ways to Pay for College

Grants state-funded grants and scholarships. For These are available to students who exhibit more information, visit www.FloridaStudent a financial need. Keep in mind that grant FinancialAid.org or call 888-827-2004. money does not have to be repaid. In order to qualify for a grant, students Work Study and Work must complete the FAFSA, mentioned ear- Experiences Programs lier. The application must be processed by If students do not exhibit sufficient financial the deadline established by the institution need to qualify for grants, they may still be the student attends. For more information, eligible for a need-based work experience visit www.fafsa.ed.gov. or work-study program. These programs In order to renew the grant each year, provide eligible students with work expe- students must generally maintain a mini- riences to complement and reinforce their mum grade-point average in college and educational and career goals. reapply each year. You are generally notified For information on Florida’s Work Expe- of grants you are eligible for once you have rience program, visit www.floridastudent completed the FAFSA and when you have financialaid.org/SSFAD/factsheets/FWEP. been accepted to a college. htm; for information on nationally spon- Also, the state offers the Florida Student sored work study programs, visit www. Assistance Grant and the Florida Resi- studentaid.ed.gov and follow the Apply for dent Access Grant, along with a few other Aid link. Students are also free, of course, to find their own jobs and work their way through college.

Loans And, finally, besides scholarships, grants and work-study funds, parents and/or students can also borrow money. Loans are available from many different sources — government, banks, etc. Once you have taken the SAT or ACT, completed the FAFSA, or applied to a college, you will find information on college loans suddenly appearing in your mailbox. You may also visit www.studentaid.ed.gov for more information.

www.fpea.com/guide 89 Free College at Your Fingertips

Do you have $80,000 saved up for col- the patterns on the test and identifying lege? This price isn’t even for a high-end their weaknesses. This will make taking college but actually the cost of a mid- the test old hat when it really counts. They range private university these days. Over can also avoid cramming at the last min- 50 percent of tuition is paid for by student ute and therefore lessen text anxiety. This article was written by Jean Burk, loans, 40 percent through grants and less The SAT is offered seven times a year, than 10 percent from scholarships. With and students can take it as many times the author of College Prep Genius and colleges tightening their belts on school as they want. Colleges do not care how loans and with grants only being given many times they take it, but usually just numerous articles about the SAT and to families that fall into a certain income want their highest scores. They don’t bracket, parents are in desperate need average them, and many colleges will PSAT/ NMSQT. It originally appeared in the of finding college money. But take heart: take the highest score from each section Standardized tests can be your ticket to from different tests to give the student Spring 2009 issue of the FPEA Almanac. incredible scholarships that could yield their best score. It behooves students to you free college. keep taking the test until they receive their More information can be found at The SAT and PSAT/NMSQT are tests desired score. that colleges use as a measuring point The PSAT/NMSQT is only offered once www.collegeprepgenius.com. to give scholarship money — the higher a year in October, and students can only the scores, the bigger the scholarships. take it three times: as a freshman, soph- Besides college entrance, some of the omore and junior (it only counts in the benefits could include full tuition, room 11th grade). As a junior, they can qualify and board, honors dorms, graduate mon- for National Merit status if they fall within ey, and stipends to study abroad. a certain score (the qualifying scores vary Students could earn $500 an hour for from year to year and depend on which college by making these tests a priori- state one lives in). If students reach semi- ty. By learning how to take the test and finalist range, they will have numerous knowing how to find the recurring pat- colleges begging them to enroll in their terns, hid den strategies and test-taking school and will gladly pay their way. It is techniques, students can take this infor- a bragging right for many schools to have mation and use it to practice with. If they these students since they represent the were to put in 150 hours on these tests top 1 percent in the nation. and then received a $75,000 scholarship, Several myths about the SAT also it would be like making $500 an hour need to be dispelled. Some of them can for college. Instead of working hard at a actually cause students’ scores to go low-paying job, they could work smart by down if they don’t know the truth. Here spending their time mastering a test that are some of the myths about the SAT: could pay off big when it comes to paying for college. • It tests a student’s knowledge. Don’t wait until it is too late to realize • It should be taken as a senior. the importance of these tests. By learning • The PSAT is only a practice SAT. the keys of the PSAT/NMSQT and SAT • Test questions are in order of difficulty. as early as ninth grade (seventh grade if • Guess on the test if you don’t know the doing the DUKE TIP Letter (www.tip.duke. answer. edu), students will have time to spend • Only the “advantaged” kids get the high practicing up to a couple of hours a week score. learning to find the relationship between • All test-prep books are created equal.

Guide to Homeschooling / 2013-2014 90

• The essay is graded by a computer. • Perfect scores require perfect answers.

Studies have proven that on average, a person with a college education makes twice the salary of an individual with only a high school diploma. A college education is a great way to help combat the current economic crisis our nation is facing. It af- fords students more options as they reach adulthood and start their own journey out into the real world. In order to help ensure your students a future of financial success, you will want to make sure they have the opportunity to pursue a university degree. Standardized tests are the gateway to college entrance as well as scholarships. With some knowledge and preparation, the SAT and PSAT/NMSQT are tests that can be figured out. The high scores can open up doors to numerous free college offers coming in your mailbox. Regard- less of your economic situation, your only dilemma could be which college to choose from — not how are you going to pay for college.

College Admission Testing College admission tests are used to help determine your student’s admission into college. Each college will have its own minimum score requirements. In addition, test scores can be used to determine class placement. Keep in mind that test scores are not the only factor in determining whether you get into college, and you may take tests more than once to improve your scores. So, prepare adequately for the tests, but do not get stressed out over poor results.

PSAT (Preliminary SAT, National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) This test is used to prepare your student for the SAT. The PSAT is administered once a year during October. It is generally taken in the 11th grade (but may be taken in the ninth and 10th grades as well). You may contact a local high school and take www.fpea.com/guide 91

Guide to Homeschooling / 2013-2014 92

the test through them, or several nontra- ditional private schools and community colleges statewide provide testing centers as well. Visit www.collegeboard.com and follow the PSAT links to find a school near you that will be administering the PSAT. The PSAT gives the student practice for the actual SAT, but more important- ly PSAT scores are used to determine qualification for the National Merit Scholarship. Some parents feel it is OK to skip this test, but while it is not used for college admission, bear in mind that it can be used to determine some schol- arship awards. Visit www.collegeboard. com/psat for more information.

SAT Reasoning Test Formerly known as the Scholastic Aptitude Test and then the Scholastic Assessment Test (officially the letters no longer stand for anything), this test is used for college admission. It is not to be confused with the Stanford Achievement Test, often used for year-end evaluations for first- through 12th-graders. The SAT is offered seven times a year at multiple testing locations statewide. The fee is $50, and you may register online at www.collegeboard.com. The test has three sections: Critical Reading, Math and Writing. Each section will receive a score of 200 to 800, therefore a perfect score is 2400. The Writing section includes a short essay and multiple-choice questions on identifying errors and improving grammar and usage. As of the publication of this manual, the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship will not be using the Writing section score to determine Bright Futures eligibility. All colleges will make their own decisions as to how to use this score for admission purposes. Bright Futures, as well as many colleges, will “mix and match” SAT test scores — meaning they will take the highest score from each section of the test. In this www.fpea.com/guide 93 format, for example, suppose you were to 1 to 36, and these scores are averaged score 500 on Critical Reading and 500 on together for a composite score. Math. The next time you take it, if you were In addition, the ACT features an optional to score 600 on Critical Reading, but drop 30-minute Writing Test section to measure to 450 on Math, the 600 from the second skills in planning and writing a short essay. Critical Reading and the 500 from the first To determine whether this portion of the Math would be taken, for a total of 1100. test should be taken, check with your col- lege of choice to see if they will require it. SAT Subject Tests For information on registering for the ACT, In addition to the SAT Reasoning Test, visit www.actstudent.org. you may also take a host of SAT Subject Tests. These are one-hour, subject-specific FCELPT (Florida College Entry tests. There are 20 subject tests in English, Level Placement Test) or CPT history, mathematics, science and foreign (College Placement Test) languages. If you are particularly strong in Most colleges require an SAT or ACT one subject, SAT Subject Test scores are a score for admission. If a student’s scores good way to highlight that strength. are weak in an area, the college may also You will find that some colleges will require a test to determine which classes require a minimum of three to five such a student will be placed in. This test may tests and will generally dictate which ones. be taken at the college’s testing center. This seems especially true for admitting The FCELPT provides assessment in three homeschooled students. areas: Reading Comprehension, Sentence You would be wise to check with your Skills and Elementary Algebra. college of choice early on so that you’re You may also qualify for the Florida Gold sure to take the correct tests on a timely Seal Vocational Scholars Award under the basis. These tests are given on the same Bright Futures Scholarship with sufficient dates as the SAT Reasoning Test, and you FCELPT test scores. may take up to three in one day. Visit www. Visit www.collegeboard.com for more collegeboard.com for more information or information. Additional information on late to register. registrations is available at sat.college board.com/register/sat-dates. ACT (American College Testing Program) Another college admissions test used by admissions officers is the ACT. This test is offered six times per year and provides a slightly different format and scoring system than the SAT. The fee is $50. The difference between the ACT and SAT is that students with stronger reading and grammar skills will probably prefer the ACT, while those with a strong vocabulary will do well on the SAT. And if you’re strong in math, the ACT may be the test for you, as it goes into higher levels of math skills than the SAT. The ACT provides scores in four areas: English, Math, Reading and Science Rea- soning. Each section receives a score from

Guide to Homeschooling / 2013-2014 94

AP (Advanced Placement) 2013 Test Dates

Week 1 Morning 8 a.m. Afternoon 12 noon

Monday, Chemistry Psychology May 6 Environmental Science

Tuesday, Computer Science A Art History May 7 Spanish Language

Wednesday Calculus AB Chinese Language May 8 Calculus BC and Culture

Thursday, English Literature Japanese Language May 9 and Composition and Culture Latin

Friday, English Language Statistics May 10 and Composition

Studio Art—last day for Coordinators to submit digital portfolios (by 8 p.m. EDT) and to gather 2-D Design and Drawing students for physi- cal portfolio assembly. Teachers should have forwarded students’ completed digital portfo- lios to Coordinators before this date.

Week 2 Morning 8 a.m. Afternoon 12 noon Afternoon 2 p.m.

Monday, Biology Physics B Physics C: May 13 Music Theory Physics C: Mechanics Electricity and Magnetism

Tuesday, United States Comparative Government May 14 Government and and Politics Politics French Language and Culture

Wednesday, German Language European History May 15 and Culture United States History

Thursday, Macroeconomics Italian Language May 16 World History and Culture Microeconomics

Friday, Human Geography May 17 Spanish Literature and Culture

For more information, visit www.collegeboard.com.

www.fpea.com/guide 95

SAT 2012-13 Test Dates U.S. Regular

Test Date Tests Administered Registration Deadline

October 6, 2012 SAT & Subject Tests September 7, 2012

November 3, 2012 SAT & Subject Tests October 4, 2012 December 1, 2012 SAT & Subject Tests November 1, 2012 In the print version of this manual, many January 26, 2013 SAT & Subject Tests December 28, 2012 or all of these dates may have already March 9, 2013 SAT only February 8, 2013

May 4, 2013 SAT & Subject Tests April 5, 2013 passed. Visit www.fpea.com/guide for June 1, 2013 SAT & Subject Tests May 2, 2013 access to updated information on 2013-14 PSAT 2012-13 Test Dates dates as they become available. Wednesday, October 17, 2012 Saturday, October 20, 2012

Visit www.collegeboard.com for more information. Additional information on late regis- trations is available at sat.collegeboard.com/register/sat-dates.

ACT (American College Testing Program) 2012-13 Test Dates

Test Date Registration Deadline Late Fee Required

September 8, 2012 August 17, 2012 August 18-24, 2012

October 27, 2012 September 21, 2012 Sept 22-Oct 5, 2012

December 8, 2012 November 2, 2012 November 3-16,2012

February 9, 2013 January 11, 2013 January 12-18, 2013

April 13, 2013 March 8, 2013 March 9-22, 2013

June 8, 2013 May 3, 2013 May 4-17, 2013

Visit www.actstudent.org for more information.

When registering for the above exams, you will be asked to enter your school’s six-digit code. If you are registered with a nontraditional private school, it should have a code. If not, you may choose to use the following homeschool codes: SAT: 970000

Or, to have a copy of your SAT scores sent to the Home Education Foundation for use in tracking homeschooling trends, use this code:

SAT: 101661

Guide to Homeschooling / 2013-2014 96 Taking the Test

on’t be afraid to take any of these tests a normal test. Many students do poorly Dmore than once. Becoming familiar on it not because of their intelligence or with the test and discovering your weak acquired knowledge, but because they spots can only help improve your scores. just don’t understand this particular test. This article was written by Jean Burk, the Keep in mind these general test-taking Since the SAT is a standardized test, it strategies: has recurring logical patterns that can be author of College Prep Genius and nu- discovered. The key to doing well is to • Know where the testing center is located understand the hidden patterns, learn how merous articles about the SAT and PSAT/ and leave in plenty of time to get there to find the shortcuts and practice with ac- early. tual tests. This helps the student become NMSQT. It originally appeared in the Winter • Read the test’s directions carefully. familiar with the test, and as it becomes • Be sure to fill in the correct “bubbles” on automatic, students can ace the SAT. 2009 issue of the FPEA Almanac. More your answer sheet. The SAT contains three sections: Critical • Eliminate choices on multiple-choice Reading, Math and Writing. It is almost information can be found at www.college questions. four hours long without breaks. This test • Don’t spend too much time on any one can be a mental marathon, so learning prepgenius.com. question. Skip the hard ones and come time management is a must. Most stu- back to them at the end if you still have dents do not finish on time because they time. treat it like other tests and work out each • Remember that on the SAT, you will lose problem the long way. This results in a points for wrong answers, so do not an- lot of blank questions and a lower score. swer unless you’re reasonably confident Since this is a logic test, questions can you’re right. On the ACT, though, wrong be answered quickly and correctly when answers do not count against you, so approached critically. feel free to guess. The Critical Reading section has three • Keep track of time during the test. sections totaling 70 minutes. The first • Get plenty of rest the night before. section is Passage-Based Reading. There • Eat a good breakfast. are three types of passages: Long, Short • Have plenty of pencils and batteries for and Dual. In one section alone, there are your calculator. four passages, 24 questions and only • Wear comfortable clothing. 25 minutes to finish it in. Most students • Relax! run out of time before finishing. Students can cut their time in half by realizing that Test Preparation Helps reading the passages is a waste of time. www.barronstestprep.com The College Board only puts the answers www.collegeboard.com in key places. www.collegeprepgenius.com Also, three question types follow the www.kaplan.com passage: Line Citation, Vocabulary Use www.princetonreview.com and Overall Passage. Each question is answered differently and should not be How to Ace the SAT answered in the order given. There are also Many smart students bomb the SAT. four hidden patterns the SAT uses to make They resolve that they are bad test-tak- students second-guess themselves and ers — even if they have a high grade point choose the wrong answer. average and take honors courses. The fact Sentence Completion is the second part of the matter, though, is that the SAT is not of the Critical Reading section. By learning www.fpea.com/guide 97

Scope words like but, although and not, must be converted to improper fractions to students can determine the direction of be counted as correct. the sentence. If these words are found, The last part is the Writing section, students need to look for an opposite an- containing four parts totaling 60 minutes. swer. If the sentence contains a semicolon, The first part is the essay. Students will comma or colon, the flow stays the same, have 25 minutes to write an essay on an and the key to the answer will be found in unknown topic; it will count as 30 percent the other part of the sentence. Students of their grade. The key to a high-scoring should be aware of the most common paper is to “sound smart.” The judges will words; these are usually a trick and should spend less than a couple of minutes on be avoided. There are also times when each essay, so they are looking for some the first blank should be ignored and the key ingredients. Is the paper on topic? Did second blank predicted first. it have three detailed examples to support The Math section contains two sec- the thesis? What is the overall perception tions totaling 70 minutes. Most students of the paper? The judges will write down approach the math just like normal math their first impression of the paper, so stu- classes by working out each problem the dents need to end with punch. long way and showing all their work. There The last three Writing parts are Sentence is a long way and a short way to answer Error, Improving Sentence and Improving math questions. If students can learn to Paragraphs. Understanding basic gram- not use their calculator, answers can be mar rules is important, but it is still a logic found quicker — the more calculations, the test, and answers can be found quickly more chance of making mistakes. through reasoning and critical thinking. Two types of questions will be found in By concentrating only on the underlined each section. The first type is the Multiple parts in Sentence Error and Improving Choice section. This is where students Sentences, students can save time when will have five answer choices to pick from. looking for the right answer. The Improving Most math questions can be answered in Paragraph section combines two previous 30 to 40 seconds, so learning shortcuts parts learned, and the sentences are re- can make all the difference. The College produced in the questions, so there is very Board has some hidden math patterns in little need to read the passage. the answer choices so as to point students Students don’t have to be geniuses to to the answer, like opposites and doubles. ace the SAT, but understanding the test Usually, two or three answer choices can and the question types is a must in order be eliminated right away. It is also strategic to do well. A standardized test means the to know the importance of the order of the patterns stay the same. It is not a random answers — it is always the same and can test, but students can learn the recurring help you cut your time in half. relationships and logical patterns. With Student Response is the other part of some preparation and practice, students the math section. This part does not con- can figure out the SAT. tain any answer choices; there may also be more than one answer for certain ques- tions. Students will need to learn how to fill in the grid-in box correctly. There are four columns, two fraction bars, four decimal points and the digits zero through nine. With only four columns, answers may need to be reduced to fit. Decimals need to fill up all four boxes, and mixed numbers

Guide to Homeschooling / 2013-2014 98 Joining the Military

an students homeschooled through year) who may be considering a military Chigh school have a successful career career. Each service academy has its own in the armed forces? Are they allowed application requirements, deadlines, etc. to enlist on an equal footing with tradi- Links to information for each academy This article was downloaded from www. tionally schooled graduates? Can they may be found at www.hslda.com. become officers? Are these students hslda.org/highschool/military.asp (article prepared to serve their country with hon- Recruitment or and distinction? Current military policy requires home- accessed September 19, 2012). The answer to all these questions is school graduates to be treated just like yes — but do your homework. Military any other high school graduate. In January policy doesn’t always recognize the clear 2006, then-President Bush signed into law evidence of homeschooling’s success. the National Defense Authorization Act If your child wants to join the military, do requiring all four branches of the armed plenty of research so that you know all the forces to institute a uniform recruitment options and so that he or she is prepared policy for homeschool graduates. The law to demonstrate aptitude to recruiters. For included an exemption for homeschool more information, find the e-mail newslet- graduates from any requirement to have ter “The Military’s Homeschool Policy” at a secondary school diploma or a GED the Home School Legal Defense Associa- (which suggests the student dropped tion website (www.hslda.com). out of high school). However, sometimes receiving fair treatment still comes down Academic Preparation to case-by-case interaction with individual High schoolers’ academic preparation recruiters. For homeschool grads who will depend on the type of military ca- have already taken one or more semesters reer they plan to pursue. The academic of college, high school status should not requirements for an enlisted person are be an issue at all. HSLDA members who different from those for a service academy encounter discrimination in the enlistment applicant. Participation in JROTC may be process are encouraged to contact the advisable. In addition, the service acade- HSLDA legal department immediately to mies seek well-rounded individuals who resolve the problem. have participated in community service, The HSLDA site also includes links to and students applying to be officers must the following articles: exhibit leadership ability. The HSLDA site includes links to • “Enlisting Help” detailed information on entrance re- • U.S. Army National Guard — “Your Path quirements for service academies, the to Honor as a Homeschooler” academic requirements for enlistment in • “U.S. Marine Corps Opens Doors Wide the armed forces, and testimonies from for Homeschool Graduates” — The a homeschool graduate who received an U.S. Marine Corps has joined the U.S. appointment to the Air Force Academy Army in actively pursuing homeschooled and another who became a battalion students. commander. • “Homeschool Graduates Enlisting in the Military Protected by New Law” — There Military Academy High School Camps is more good news for homeschool Military academies offer summer sessions graduates seeking to enlist in the armed to high school juniors (prior to their senior services. www.fpea.com/guide 99

• “Homeschool Enlistment” — Understand want to serve, which branch they plan to the military’s tier system and how it has enter, and whether they want to join the affected homeschoolers. reserves. Gather as much information as • “How Do Homeschool Graduates Enter possible before making any firm deci- the Military?” — This is a basic history of sions — and be sure to talk to as many homeschoolers and the military. people as you can who are in or have • “Military Levels Playing Field for Re- been in the military. They are your best cruits” — HSLDA President Mike Smith source of military career advice! recaps the most recent developments in Prior to military enlistment, you may military policy regarding homeschoolers. want to provide your teen with the op- • “Army Offering More Benefits to Home- portunity for further training in discipline, school Graduates” — The HSLDA has character and response skills. been working with the military for several The following sites can help answer years to remove discriminatory barriers questions you may have about military for homeschool graduates. As a result, careers, the various branches, and how to many homeschoolers are serving our talk to a recruiter. The sites also contain country faithfully in the armed services. information especially for parents and advisors: Choosing the Right Path Joining the military requires careful con- www.alertacademy.com sideration of the many options available. www.military.com Students must decide if they want to www.myfuture.com enlist or become an officer, whether to www.todaysmilitary.com obtain a college degree, how long they usmilitary.about.com

Guide to Homeschooling / 2013-2014 100 Other Issues Join Us at the Convention!

ince its inception in 1988, the FPEA As of the preparation of this manual, Con- SFlorida Homeschool Convention has vention specifics are still being determined. gotten bigger and better all the time. For up-to-the-minute information on the The 2013 Convention promises to be no status of the Convention, including program exception. and registration details, visit www.fpea.com At the Convention, homeschoolers get and click on Convention & Events. recharged and equipped to accomplish FPEA members receive a deep discount their educational mission. Come tour a on Convention registration — just one of spacious exhibit hall filled with more than the many benefits of membership. 200 vendors displaying the latest in home- schooling curriculum and Staying at the Host Hotel materials. Choose from The luxurious Gaylord Palms nearly 130 lectures and Resort in Kissimmee features workshops designed to a massive atrium, themed meet a variety of needs. swimming pools, a giant screen And enjoy it all in the for movie showings, and many midst of a luxurious, other family-friendly amenities. family-friendly environ- Convention attendees receive a ment your kids will special room rate and enjoy the love! convenience of being onsite.

www.fpea.com/guide 101

Guide to Homeschooling / 2013-2014 102

Topics Covered by Convention • Time-Tested Techniques of Positive Disci- Speakers pline and Self-Esteem Building Though the lecture and workshop sub- • Let Go or I’ll Break Your Leg: Resolving jects for 2013 have not been de- Conflicts and Restoring Relationships cided yet as of the prepa- • Sensory Processing Disorder: What ration of this manual, this You Can Do About It Today! list of some of the topics • Is Math Straining Your Relation- from the 2012 Conven- ship With your Children? (Identi- tion gives you an idea fying the Trouble Spots) what to expect: • High Schooling 101

• Homeschooling 101 These workshops, plus • Me? Homeschool? many more, are available for • A Passionate Pursuit purchase at www.fpea.com of Excellence by clicking on Convention & • Fun, Easy Ways to Events. Increase Your Child’s Attention

www.fpea.com/guide 103

Guide to Homeschooling / 2013-2014 104 Strategic Partnerships

ne of the benefits of FPEA membership create the Florida Virtual School so that Ois our partnership with other organiza- home-education parents could have tions that help us accomplish our mission free access to courses they did not feel of equipping your homeschool journey comfortable teaching in high school. in Florida. Since no organization can do • Negotiated a transfer-of-credit policy ad- everything on its own, the FPEA links arms opted in the Florida Administrative Rules. with those serving with areas where we • Protected home educators from legisla- otherwise would not reach. Here’s an intro- tion that would limit their freedom. duction to these important organizations. HEF has accomplished this by:

• Initiating legislation to further provide op- Home Education Foundation portunities for home-educated students. Home Educators’ Voice at the Capitol • Developing relationships with and culti- Home Education Foundation vating the trust of legislators, state agen- Providing you with homeschool lobbying in cies and other entities that may influence Tallahassee home education. • Monitoring approximately 1,800 bills Founded in 1991, HEF provides effec- each legislative session to protect tive, competent and meaningful represen- home education and negotiating issues tation in the Florida Legislature and state that may have a negative impact on agencies. HEF gives homeschoolers a home-educated students. respected lobbying voice in Tallahassee • Serving on boards and committees to regarding policies directly affecting home represent the interest of home educators. education. Here are some of the opportunities and The FPEA provides financial support for benefits you enjoy as home educators as HEF within the limits of the FPEA’s non- a result of the work HEF has done in Talla- profit status. HEF is supported entirely by hassee on behalf of homeschoolers: donations, so FPEA-recognized groups or individual FPEA members are encouraged • Made dual enrollment available to to contribute to the support of your lobby- home-educated students. ist. To receive more information, visit www. • Changed the law to allow community flhef.org or call 850-877-3494. A group’s colleges to admit home-education stu- nonprofit status may determine how much dents with a signed affidavit from their may be donated to lobbying activities, so parent or based on dual enrollment, in incorporated groups are encouraged to lieu of a diploma. seek legal counsel to clarify this issue. • Successfully lobbied to pass a law allow- ing home-educated students to partici- Home School Legal Defense pate in extracurricular activities at public Association and private schools. The HSLDA (www.hslda.org) is a nonprofit • Fought for home-educated students to advocacy organization established to de- be eligible for Bright Futures Scholar- fend and advance the constitutional right ships. of parents to direct the education of their • Served on the Project Orange Adviso- children and to protect family freedoms. ry Board and lobbied for five years to Through annual memberships, the HSLDA www.fpea.com/guide 105

port, provides news and commentary on a host of current issues affecting home- schoolers. And its two-minute daily radio broadcast, Home School Heartbeat, can be heard on nearly 500 stations. • For the homeschooling movement by commissioning and presenting quality research on the progress of home- is tens of thousands of families united in schooling. Whether it’s in print, from service together, providing a strong voice the podium or on the air, the HSLDA when and where needed. Here are some provides insightful vision and leadership of the places where the HSLDA advocates: for the cause of homeschooling.

• On the legal front on behalf of members The HSLDA is tens of thousands of Ameri- in matters including conflicts with state can families working through more than 50 or local officials over homeschooling. dedicated staff members to preserve each Each year, thousands of member families other’s right to homeschool — together as receive legal consultation by letter and “Advocates for Family & Freedom.” phone, hundreds more are represented through negotiations with local officials, National Home Education and dozens are represented in court Research Institute proceedings. The HSLDA also takes the The NHERI is a nonprofit research and ed- offensive, filing actions to protect mem- ucational organization aiming to produce bers against government intrusion and to high-quality research on home education; establish legal precedent. On occasion, to serve as a clearinghouse of research the HSLDA will handle precedent-setting for home educators, researchers, policy- cases for non-members as well. makers and the media; and to educate the • On Capitol Hill by tracking federal leg- public concerning the findings of all such islation that affects homeschooling and research. For more information, call 503- parental rights. The HSLDA works to 364-1490, e-mail [email protected] or visit defeat or amend harmful bills, but also www.nheri.org. works proactively, introducing legislation to protect and preserve family freedoms. National Black Home Educators • In state legislatures, at the invitation of The NBHE is a networking organization state homeschool organizations such as founded in Louisiana by Eric and Joyce the FPEA, by assisting individual states Burges, serving the African-American in drafting language to improve their community through providing information homeschool legal environment and to about getting started with homeschooling, fight harmful legislation. networking/connecting veteran families • In the media by presenting articulate, with new families, recommending re- knowledgeable spokesmen to the press sources (such as books, music and films), on the subject of homeschooling. HSL- speaking engagements, curriculum, etc. DA staff members are regularly called NBHE endeavors to empower parents to upon for radio, television and print inter- educate their children so as to help them views, and their writings are frequently achieve excellence. For more information, published in newspapers and magazines visit www.nbhe.net or e-mail contact@ nationwide. The HSLDA’s own bimonthly nbhe.net. magazine, The Home School Court Re-

Guide to Homeschooling / 2013-2014 106 Curriculum and Materials Vendors and Developers

f you are considering homeschooling or Books How to Homeschool: A Practical Ihave already decided to homeschool, 100 Top Picks for Homeschool Approach you are probably filled with questions Curriculum Gayle Graham like “How do I get started?” “Why am I Cathy Duffy homeschooling anyway?” or “What is my Learning in Spite of Labels philosophy of education?” Others who Charlotte Mason Companion, A Joyce Herzog have gone before you have posed the Karen Andreola same questions, and many have written Organized Homeschooler, The books that can help you build a firm foun- Choosing & Using Curriculum Vicki Caruana dation for your home-education program.­ Joyce Herzog A few of these resources are listed below. Piecing Together the High Most can be purchased through catalog College-Prep Homeschooling: Your School Puzzle companies listed in this section; some may Complete Guide to Homeschooling Joanne Mastronicola be available at your public library. through High School Many homeschoolers rely on their David P. Byers and Chandra Byers Relaxed Homeschooler, The libraries as good sources for books and Mary Hood information. Check with your local school Complete Guide to Getting Started in system, local homeschool support groups Homeschooling So You’re Thinking About and nontraditional private schools for Mary Pride Homeschooling used-book giveaways and sales. Lisa Whelchel The contact information listed on pages For the Children’s Sake 106-115 is accurate as of the printing of Susan Schaeffer Macaulay Survivor’s Guide to Home Schooling, A this manual. Inclusion in these resource Luanne Shackleford and Susan White pages is not an FPEA endorsement of any Garden Patch of Reproducible product, individual or organization. Homeschooling Planning & Educational Teaching the Trivium Worksheets, A Harvey and Laurie Bluedorn Debora McGregor Three R’s, The Gifted Children at Home Ruth Beechick Janice Baker, Kathleen Julicher and Maggie Hogan Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling, The Debra Bell High School at Home Diana Johnson Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling Teens The Home Learning Year by Year Debra Bell Rebecca Rupp Way They Learn, The Homeschoolers’ College Admissions Cynthia Tobias Handbook Cafi Cohen Well Trained Mind, The Jessie Wise and Susan Wise Bauer Homeschooling the Challenged Child Christine Field www.fpea.com/guide 107

What Your Child Needs to Know When Beautiful Feet Books R.O.C.K. Solid Robin Sampson 805-542-9847, orders 800-705-3452 800-889-1978 www.rocksolidinc.com When Homeschooling Gets Tough www.bfbooks.com Diana Johnson Sonlight Curriculum Christianbook.com 303-730-6292 You Can Teach Your Child Successfully 800-CHRISTIAN (247-4784) www.sonlight.com Ruth Beechick christianbook.com YWAM Publishing/Emerald Books Periodicals Eagles Wings Educational Materials 800-922-2143 Connect 580-252-1555 www.ywampublishing.com (free to FPEA members) www.eagleswingsed.com 877-ASK-FPEA (275-3732) Textbooks www.fpea.com Good Steward Books These companies supply books, but you 800-296-7099 provide the lesson plans, do the grading and Home Education Magazine www.goodstewardbooks.com keep the records: 800-236-3278 www.homeedmag.com HomeSchool, Inc. A Beka Book 800-760-7015 877-ABEKABOOK (223-5226) Home School Digest www.home-school-inc.com www.abeka.com 269-764-1910 www.homeschooldigest.com Homeschool Place, The 727-392-8240 Homeschooling Today www.thehomeschoolplace.com 866-804-4HST (4478) www.homeschooltoday.com Joyce Herzog 423-553-6387 Old Schoolhouse, The Magazine www.joyceherzog.com 888-718-HOME (4663) www.thehomeschoolmagazine.com Lamplighter Publishing 888-246-7735 Practical Homeschooling www.lamplighterpublishing.com 800-346-6322 www.home-school.com/catalog/pages/phs. Lifetime Books and Gifts php3 305-248-1271 www.shoplbg.com Teaching Home, The 503-253-9633 New Leaf Press www.teachinghome.com 800-999-3777 www.nlpg.com Distributors Obtaining several catalogs from homes- Quest for Learning chool-friendly distributors is often the best www.questforlearning.com place to begin. Most of these distributors are homeschool experts and can point you to the Rainbow Resource best products available for all grade levels. Center 888-841-3456 www.rainbowresource.com

Guide to Homeschooling / 2013-2014 108

Saxon Publishers 800-289-4490 saxonhomeschool.hmhco.com/en/ saxonhomeschool.htm

Sonlight Curriculum 303-730-6292 www.sonlight.com

Private Schools & Online Courses These organizations offer complete courses including­ tests, grading and record keeping:

A Beka Academy 800-874-3592 www.abekaacademy.org

Atrium School 561-247-5726 www.atriumschool.org Academy of Science for Kids Harcourt School Publishers 727-641-3853 800-426-6577 BYU Independent Study www.academyofscienceforkids.com www.harcourtschool.com 800-914-8931 www.elearn.byu.edu Accelerated Christian Education Institute for Excellence in Writing 800-925-7777 800-856-5815 Calvert School www.aceministries.com www.excellenceinwriting.com 888-487-4652 www.calvertschool.org A.C.C.E.S. Junction of Function 800-854-5840 239-777-4009 Cedarville University/Cedarville Academy www.acces-inc.com www.junctionoffunction.com 822-233-2784 www.cedarville.edu/DualEnrollment Alpha Omega Publications KONOS Curriculum 800-622-3070 972-924-2712 Champion Preparatory Academy www.aop.com www.konos.com 407-788-0018 www.championprep.org Bob Jones University Press Moore Foundation, The 800-845-5731 541-467-2444 Christian Victory Academy www.bjupress.com www.moorefoundation.com 407-281-6244 www.christianvictoryacademy.org Christian Liberty Academy School System Pearson Learning Group 800-348–0899 800-848-9500 Circle Christian School www.homeschools.org www.phschool.com 407-740-8877 www.circlechristianschool.org Christian Light Publications Rod and Staff Publishers 800-776-0478 800-761-0234 www.clp.org www.rodandstaffbooks.com

www.fpea.com/guide 109

Florida Association of Christian Colleges Smith Preparatory Academy North Atlantic Regional High School and Schools 407-260-0157 (diploma program) 954-422-9611 www.smithprep.com 800-882-2828 www.faccs.org www.narhs.org Solid Rock Virtual School Florida Virtual School 727-834-8586 Specialty Product Companies (free Internet middle school and high school courses) University of Florida Division of 5MinuteMath.com 800-374-1430 Continuing Education 305-606-1296 www.flvs.net 352-392-2137 www.5minutemath.com www.dce.ufl.edu HomeLife Academy Academy of Science for Kids 888-560-0774 Verity Institute 727-641-3853 www.homelifeacademy.com 866-9-VERITY (983-7489) www.academyofscienceforkids.com www.verityinstitute.org Home-Link Education of the Accountable Kids Palm Beaches Correspondence Courses (accountability) 561-309-7677 The following organizations offer complete 888-688-KIDS (5437) www.homeschool-life.com/fl/homelinkpbc courses including tests, grading and record www.accountablekids.com keeping — students return assignments by Keystone National High School mail: Add-a-Century Timeline 800-255-4937 320-251-3612 www.keystoneschoolonline.com A Beka Home School www.addacentury.com 800-874-3592 Laurel Springs School www.abekaacademy.org All About Learning 800-377-5890 715-477-1976 www.laurelsprings.com Alpha Omega Academy www.allaboutlearningpress.com 877-320-2881 Ligonier Academy www.aoacademy.com AMO Enrichment Curriculum 800-435-4343 877-838-8808 www.ligonier.org/academy American School www.amoprogram.com 708-418-2800 New Village Academy www.americanschool.org Analytical Grammar 305-321-0031 919-783-0795 www.newvillageacad.com BJ HomeSat www.analyticalgrammar.com 800-845-5731 NFC Academy www.bjupresshomeschool.com/content/ Apologia Educational Ministries 850-386-NFCS (6327) ahe-academy-home-education (sciences) www.nflcacademy.com 888-524-4724 Christian Liberty Academy www.apologia.com Progress Academy 800-348–0899 866-516-2404 www.homeschools.org Artistic Pursuits www.progressacademy.org 303-467-0504 Keystone National High School www.artisticpursuits.com Rejoice School 800-255-4937 954-946-4380 keystoneschoolonline.com Arts Attack www.rejoiceschool.org 888-310-2787 www.homeschoolart.com

Guide to Homeschooling / 2013-2014 110

Auralog Christian Homeschool Classical Academic Press (languages) Athletic Association 866-730-0711 888-388-3535 954-646-5903 www.classicalacademicpress.com www.auralog.com/us/homeschool_home.htm www.chaasaints.com Classical Conversations Balancing the Sword Christian Liberty Press 910-687-0288 (Bible study) (Bible-based programs) www.classicalconversations.com www.balancingthesword.com 800-832-2741 www.christianlibertypress.com Clear Water Press Beginning Advantage, A / A Reason For 888-481-4550 479-549-3673 Christian Light Education www.oneyearnovel.com www.abeginningadvantage.com (Bible-based programs) 800-776-0478 College Prep Genius Bilingual Books www.clp.org 81-SAT-2-PREP (817-282-7737) (languages) www.collegeprepgenius.com 800-488-5068 Civil Air Patrol www.bbks.com (U.S. Air Force Auxiliary youth programs) College Plus 305-687-4091 (academic counseling) Binding Books Beautifully flwg.us 866-989-5432 321-984-3778 www.collegeplus.org www.bindingbooksbeautifully.com Color the Classics Brain Trainers, The (music appreciation) 239-218-4307 888-259-1592 www.thebraintrainers.net www.colortheclassics.com

Catie Frates Cornerstone Curriculum Project (creation science) (biblical worldview) 239-304-3380 972-235-5149 www.catiefrates.com www.cornerstonecurriculum.com

Center For Literary Education, The Corps of Re-Discovery 509-738-6837 (American studies) www.centerforlit.com 417-833-6905 www.corpsrediscovery.com Chalk Dust Company (upper-level video math courses) Creation Studies Institute 800-588-7564 800-882-0278 www.chalkdust.com www.creationstudies.org

Championship Chess Critical Thinking Company, The 877-919-5464 800-458-4849 www.championshipchess.net www.criticalthinking.com

Deeper Roots Publications (mission resources, Bible curriculum) 407-797-8557 www.deeperroots.com www.fpea.com/guide 111

Digital Interactive Video Education Five in a Row Publishing Heart of Dakota Publishing (math and science) (preschool and elementary) 605-428-4068 936-372-9216 www.fiarhq.com www.heartofdakota.com www.diveintomath.com Generation Joshua Him Visible Teaching Curriculum Disney Youth Programs (civics and citizenship) www.himvisible.com 877-939-6884 540-338-8608 www.disneyyouth.com www.generationjoshua.org HipHop-Edu.com 314-869-4556 DNA Depot Generations of Virtue www.hiphop-edu.com (creation) 719-495-9941 www.dnadepot.com www.generationsofvirtue.org Holmquist Educational Consultants 813-753-6500 Dr. Drew’s Toys Geography Matters www.hecedu.com (educational toys) (history, science and geography materials) 321-984-1018 800-426-4650 Home School Inc. www.drdrewsblocks.com www.geomatters.com 800-760-7015 www.home-school-inc.com Doorposts GiftedThinkers.com (Bible-based parenting products) 800-741-0887 Homeschool Channel, The 1-888-433-4749 www.giftedthinkers.com 863-605-0345 www.doorposts.net www.thehomeschoolchannel.tv GOAT Program, The Easy Reasoning (goal setting, problem solving, Homeschool How-To’s www.easyreasoning.com time management) 970-385-1809 941-962-2176 www.homeschoolhowtos.com EATours www.thegoatprogram.com 800-989-3876 Homeschool-Life.com www.eatours.com Grace & Truth Books (Web site support) (classical literature) 920-755-0257 Ebaru Publishing/Violin Book 918-245-1500 www.homeschool-life.com 727-442-6828 www.graceandtruthbooks.com www.theviolinbook.com In the Hands of a Child Gravitas Publications/Real Science 4 Kids 866-HANDS-01 Equip Education 505-266-2761 www.handsofachild.com 786-863-0498 www.gravitaspublications.com www.equipeducation.org Institute for Creation Research Greathall Productions 800-337-0375 Exploration Education 800-477-6234 www.icr.org (physical science) www.greathall.com 925-324-45404 Institute for Excellence in Writing www.explorationeducation.com Handwriting Without Tears 800-856-5815 301-263-2700 www.writing-edu.com Explorer’s Bible Study www.hwtears.com 800-657-2874 Jazz Edge www.explorerbiblestudy.org 401-331-0000 www.homeschoolpiano.com

Guide to Homeschooling / 2013-2014 112

Joshua Generation Musical Theater Learning RX Moving Beyond the Page Company, The 407-322-3144 (gifted and creative students) 813-928-0905 www.learningrx.com/lake-mary 919-351-9687, www.thenewjoshuageneration.com www.movingbeyondthepage.com Lego Education Kids Love Florida Travel Guides & Games 805-866-LEGO Mr. Mike’s Music Mats 614-792-6451 www.legoeducation.us 407-733-4474 www.kidslovetravel.com www.mrmikesmusicmats.com Lilly the Lash Kids Shape It Up 941-504-9230 My Father’s World 407-617-5895 www.lillythelash.com (Bible-based curriculum) www.kidsshapeitup.com 573-426-4600 Little Passports www.mfwbooks.com KidsWealth 415-874-9577 (money management) www.littlepassports.com Nest Entertainment 866-954-5437 (animated history videos) www.kidswealth.com Maestro Classics 800-988-6378 888-540-2811 www.charactered.com Knowledge Exchange, The www.maestroclassics.com 321-676-8606 Noeo Science Curriculum www.TheKnowledgeExchange.com Math on the Level www.noeoscience.com 707-836-4260 La Clase Divertida www.mathonthelevel.com Notgrass Company (Spanish) (learning lifestyle) 386-677-0421 Math-U-See 800-211-8793 www.funclase.com 888-854-6284 www.notgrass.com www.mathusee.com Landmark’s Freedom Baptist Curriculum Paradigm Accelerated Curriculum 863-422-2037 Max Publications 325-649-0976 www.landmarkbaptistchurch.org 800-462-9008 www.pacworks.com www.maxtravelbooks.com Latin Road to English Grammar, The Pearson Learning Group (Latin language) Media Angels 800-321-3106 530-275-2064 (creation science materials) www.pearsonlearning.com www.thelatinroad.com www.MediaAngels.com Pearson Uexcel — College Credit by Exam Learn to Learn Memoria Press 888-224-6383 407-275-5550 (classical), 877-862-1097 www.uexceltest.com www.learntolearn.com www.memoriapress.com Pedia Learning Logic of English Learnables Miller Pads & Paper 612-808-0585 816-765-8855 (educational supplies) www.logicofenglish.com www.learnables.com 608-375-2181 www.millerpadsandpaper.com Picture This! Ministries Learning at Home (art-based Bible curriculum) 863-676-7577 1-888-499-9305 www.learningathome.org www.bibledraw.com

www.fpea.com/guide 113

Pilgrim Institute Stephen Guffanti, M.D. — Rocket Phonics SweatMonkey 574-277-1789 888-377-4664 863-680-2828 www.pilgriminstitute.org www.rocketphonics.com www.sweatmonkey.org

Plan Bible, The Struggling Reader, The Teaching Textbooks www.planbible.com 252-281-4788 866-867-6284 www.covenanteducationservices.com www.teachingtextbooks.com Positive Action for Christ Bible Curriculum 800-688-3008 Suitcase Studies Total Language Plus www.positiveaction.org www.suitcasestudies.com 360-754-3660 www.totallanguageplus.com Progeny Press Summit Debate (Christian-based literature study guides) 954-593-2974 Triangle Education 877-776-4369 www.summitdebateonline.com 919-387-7004 www.progenypress.com www.triangleed.com Summit Ministries/John Stonestreet Ready-Made Preschool (Christian worldview) TRISMS Curriculum 412-215-1503 866-786-6483, 918-585-2778 www.ready-madepreschool.com www.summit.org www.trisms.com

RightStart Mathematics by Super Awesome Cool Pottery Studios Activities for Learning 407-452-2452 888-272-3291 www.superawesomecool.org www.rightstartmath.com

Ring Around the Phonics 904-317-5330 www.ringaroundthephonics.com

Ring of Fire 888-785-5439 www.ringoffirescience.com

Rosetta Stone (languages) 800-788-0822 www.rosettastone.com

Sequential Spelling 888-928-3576 www.sequentialspelling.com

Sew Teach Me 407-952-2403 blueflamingodesigns.com

Guide to Homeschooling / 2013-2014 114

Valerie Bendt YoungBiz Florida Foundation for American (unit studies) (business, entrepreneurship and money Christian Education 813-758-6793 management) 800-352-3223 www.valeriebendt.com 866-783-0223 www.principleapproach.org www.youngbiz.com Victoria Kasten, Homeschooled Author Gospel for Asia www.epicscrolls.com Zeezok Publishing 800-946-2742 800-749-1681 www.gfa.org Victory Martial Arts www.zeezok.com 407-740-6747 Heritage Foundation, The www.victoryma.com Support Organizations 202-546-4400 These organizations include Christian www.heritage.org VideoText Interactive ministries and other entities that serve (upper-level math) homeschoolers­ outside the realm of Home Educating Family Publishing 317-308-6610 academic curriculum. www.wellplannedday.com www.videotext.com Brodsky Ministries Home School Foundation Vision Forum 843-851-2309 540-338-8688 (Christian history-oriented materials with www.brodskyministries.com www.homeschoolfoundation.org family- and gender-related titles), 800-440-0022 Coral Ridge Ministries Home School Grad Stuff www.visionforum.com 800-98-TRUTH (988-7884) www.HomeSchoolGradStuff.com www.coralridge.org Visual Health & Learning Center Home School Legal Defense Association 407-277-5729 Denise Mira Ministries 540-338-5600 www.visualhealthlearning.com www.denisemira.com www.hslda.org

Well-Planned Day and Home Educating Dianne Craft, M.A., C.N.H.P. Homeschool ID Family Magazine 303-694-0532 813-442-4742 615-830-8648 www.diannecraft.org www.homeschoolid.com www.homeeducatingfamily.com Exodus Mandate Homeschool Programming WriteAtHome 803-714-1744 888-606-7263 757-319-4762 www.exodusmandate.org www.homeschoolprogramming.com www.writeathome.com Family Ministries Learning by Grace WriteShop 800-545-1729 215-487-3700 909-989-5576 www.familyministries.com www.learningbygrace.org www.writeshop.com Familyman Ministries Medical Transcription Services Writing Strands 574-658-4376 602-482-0782 800-688-5375 www.familymanweb.com www.medicaltranscription.com www.writingstrands.com Florida Surveying & Mapping Society Minds in Motion 800-237-4384 954-977-2727 www.fsms.org www.mindsinmotioninstitute.com

www.fpea.com/guide 115

Modesty Matters Colleges Liberty University 812-569-3711 800-543-5317 www.modestymatters.net Baptist College of Florida www.liberty.edu 800-328-2660 ext. 460 North Florida Christian Academy www.baptistcollege.edu Patrick Henry College 888-407-6327 540-338-1776 www.nflschoolonline.com Bryan College www.phc.edu 800-277-9522 Parental Rights www.bryan.edu Pensacola Christian College 540-751-1200 800-722-4636 www.parentalrights.org Cedarville University/Cedarville Academy www.pccinfo.com 800-233-2784 Rock of Israel Ministries www.cedarville.edu Savannah College of Art & Design 800-722-7625 800-869-7223 www.rockofisrael.org Clearwater Christian College www.scad.edu 727-726-1153 Samaritan’s Purse/Operation www.clearwater.edu Trinity College of Florida Christmas Child 727-376-6911 828-262-1980 Florida Christian College www.trinitycollege.edu www.samaritanspurse.org 407-847-8966 www.fcc.edu Troy University Seton Testing Services 800-414-5756 800-542-1066 Georgia Military College www.troy.edu www.setontesting.com 478-387-4950 www.GMCOnlineCampus.net Webber International University Spoken Word of God Ministries 800-741-1844 800-232-4253 Global University www.webber.edu www.SpokenWordofGod.org 800-443-1083 www.globaluniversity.edu Summit Ministries 866-786-6483 www.summit.org

Teen Mission International Chalk Dust Company 321-453-0350 www.teenmissions.org Adventures in Math Math Drill Express, Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5, Basic Math, Prealgebra, U.S. Naval Sea Cadets Corps Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, Statistics, ACT-SAT Math Review, College Algebra, Trigonometry, Precalculus and Calculus 1 703-243-6910 www.seacadets.org

YWAM (Youth With a Mission) ywam.org Dana Mosely (aka Uncle Buck)

FREE DVD Evaluation Sampler Discounts: 800-588-7564 see www.chalkdust.com

Guide to Homeschooling / 2013-2014 116 Field Trip Information

he attractions listed here offer educa- Gulf World Marine Park Ttional programs of interest to home- (Panama City Beach) schoolers, with listings broken down by 850-234-5271 FPEA district. If you would like to add a www.gulfworldmarinepark.com destination for inclusion in future editions, send its name, location, phone number Historic Pensacola Village and website to [email protected]. You can www.historicpensacola.org also help us keep this listing up to date by sending any necessary corrections to the National Naval Aviation Museum information, as we are not always able to (Pensacola) verify its accuracy. 850-452-3604 www.navalaviationmuseum.org District 1 Camp Helen State Park NOAA Fisheries Science Center, (Panama City Beach) Panama City Lab 850–233–5059 www.sefsc.noaa.gov/labs/ panamacity.htm Cape San Blas (Gulf County) Panama City Beach Conservation Park capesanblas.com www.pcbgov.com/conservation-park.htm

Deer Lake State Park Panama City Publishing Company (Santa Rosa Beach) Museum & Visitor Center 850-267-8300 850-872-7208 www.floridastateparks.org/deerlake www.historicstandrews.com

Eden Gardens State Park Pensacola Children’s Museum (Santa Rosa Beach) 850-595-1559 850-267-8320 www.floridastateparks.org/edengardens Pensacola Museum of Art 850-432-6247 Fort Pickens State Park www.pensacolamuseumofart.org (Pensacola) www.stateparks.com/fort_pickens.html Ponce de Leon Springs State Park (Ponce de Leon) Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park 850-836-4281 (Niceville) www.floridastateparks.org/Poncede 850-833-9144 LeonSprings www.floridastateparks.org/rockybayou Science & Discovery Center of Grayton State Park Northwest Florida (Santa Rosa Beach) (Panama City) 850-267-8300 850-769-6128 floridastateparks.org/graytonbeach/ www.scienceanddiscoverycenter.org default.cfm

www.fpea.com/guide 117

St. Marks Wildlife Refuge District 2 850-925-6121 Alfred B. Maclay State Gardens www.fws.gov/saintmarks (Tallahassee) 850-487-4556 Topsail Hill Preserve State Park www.floridastateparks.org/ (Santa Rosa Beach) maclaygardens 850-267-8330 www.floridastateparks.org/topsailhill Antique Car Museum (Tallahassee) Twin Oaks Farm 850-391-7081 (Bonifay) www.tacarmuseum.com/?mkt=65901 850-547-5636 www.twinoaksfarm.net Bald Point State Park (Wakulla) Wonderworks 850-349-9146 (Panama City Beach) www.floridastateparks.org/baldpoint/ www.wonderworksonline.com/ default.cfm panama-city-beach Beadel House at Tall Timbers Zooworld (Tallahassee) (Panama City Beach) 850-893-4153 850-230-1243 www.talltimbers.org www.zooworldpcb.net Calhoun Street Historic District (Tallahassee) 850-488-7334 www.taltrust.org

Guide to Homeschooling / 2013-2014 118

Carrie Meek/James Eaton Sr. Black Guided Tours in Florida’s Capital and Archives Research Center and Museum the Forgotten Coast (Tallahassee) (Tallahassee) 850-599-3020 850-212-2063 www.cis.famu.edu/BlackArchives/ www.toursintallahassee.com expventures.html John G. Riley Museum of African Challenger Learning Center IMAX American History and Culture (Tallahassee) (Tallahassee) 850-644-4629 850-681-7881 www.challengertlh.com rileymuseum.org/site

De Soto Encampment Knott House Museum (Tallahassee) (Tallahassee) 850-922-6007 850-922-2459 www.exploresouthernhistory.com/ www.museumoffloridahistory.com fldesoto1.html Lake Jackson Mounds State First Presbyterian Church Archaeological Site (Tallahassee) (Tallahassee) 850-222-4504 850-922-6007 www.oldfirstchurch.org www.floridastateparks.org/lakejackson

Florida A&M University Mary Brogan Museum of Art (Tallahassee) (Tallahassee) 850-599-3000 850-513-0700 www.famu.edu www.thebrogan.org

Florida State University Mission San Luis (Tallahassee) (Tallahassee) 850-644-1085 850-245-6406 www.fsu.edu www.missionsanluis.org

Fort Gadsden Historic State Park/ Monticello Opera House Apalachicola National Forest 850-997-4242 (Franklin County) www.monticellofloridaoperahouse.com en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Gadsden Museum of Florida History, The Goodwood Museum & Gardens (Tallahassee) (Tallahassee) 850-245-6400 850-877-4202 www.museumoffloridahistory.com www.goodwoodmuseum.org Natural Bridge Battlefield Governor’s Mansion Historic State Park (Tallahassee) (Tallahassee) 850-717-9345 850-922-6007 www.floridagovernorsmansion.com www.floridastateparks.org/naturalbridge

www.fpea.com/guide 119

Old & New Capitol Buildings (Tallahassee) 850-488-6167 (New) 850-487-1902 (Old) www.flhistoriccapitol.gov

Old City Cemetery (Tallahassee) 850-545-5842 www.talgov.com/pm/occhist.cfm

St. George Island State Park 800-326-3521 www.floridastateparks.org/ stgeorgeisland

St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge (Wakulla) 850-925-6121 www.fws.gov/saintmarks

St. Marks Trail (Wakulla) 850-245-2052 www.fws.gov/saintmarks/hiking.html

Tall Timbers Research (Tallahassee) 850-893-4153 talltimbers.org

Tallahassee Trust of Historic Properties www.taltrust.org B&G Blueberries Tallahassee Museum of Natural History (Fort McCoy) 850-575-8684 352-236-4410 www.gardens.com/local/florida/ Wakulla Springs State Park 10670-B-&-G-Blueberries (Wakulla) 850-561-7276 Barbara’s Blueberries www.floridastateparks.org/wakullasprings (Silver Springs) 352-625-3445 District 3 www.gardens.com/local/florida/ Appleton Museum 10674-Barbaras-Blueberries (Ocala) 352-291-4455 www.appletonmuseum.org

Guide to Homeschooling / 2013-2014 120

Baseline Landfill Fred Bear Museum — Bear Archery (Ocala) (Gainesville) 352-671-8465 352-376-2327 www.lostparks.com/fredbear.html Chamber Orchestra of Gainesville 352-336-5448 Gainesville Ballet Theatre gcomusic.org 352-372-9898

Discovery Science and Outdoor Center Greathouse Butterfly Farm (Ocala) (Earlton) 352-401-3900 352-475-2088 mydiscoverycenter.org www.greathousebutterflyfarm.com

Dunnellon Marion County Airport Hippodrome Theatre 352-465-8545 (Gainesville) 352-375-4477 Fern View Farm thehipp.org (Summerfield) 352-653-2089 Historic St. Augustine 904-829-5681 Florida Museum of Natural History www.st-augustine-travel-guide.com/ & Butterfly Rainforest historic-sites.html (Gainesville) 352-846-2000 x214 Kanapaha Botanical Gardens www.flmnh.ufl.edu/exhibits/always-on- (Gainesville) display/butterfly-rainforest 352-372-4981 www.kanapaha.org

Lake Swan Outdoor School (Melrose) 352-475-2828 www.lakeswancamp.org/swan/home.html

www.fpea.com/guide 121

Lubee Bat Foundation Rogers’ U-Pick Farms and Octoberfest (Gainesville) Corn Maize 352-485-1250 (Alachua/Gainesville/LaCrosse) www.batconservancy.org 385-462-2406 rogersfarm.webplus.net Marion County Museum of History (Ocala, Silver Springs) Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art 352-629-2773 (Gainesville) 352-392-9826 Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings www.harn.ufl.edu Historic State Park (Cross Creek) Santa Fe Community College 352-466-3672 Teaching Zoo (Gainesville) Micanopy Historical Society Museum 352-395-5604 352-466-3200 www.sfcollege.edu/zoo www.afn.org/~micanopy/index Santa Fe Gallery Morningside Nature Center (Gainesville) (Gainesville) 352-395-5464 352-334-2170 www.naturalnorthflorida.com/ Silver River Museum and Environmental alachua-county-florida/275/ Education Center morningside-nature-center-farm-and- (Ocala) forest-festival 352-236-5401 www.marion.k12.fl.us/district/srm/ Ocala Civic Theatre index.cfm 352-236-2274 www.ocalacivictheatre.com Silver Springs 352-236-2121 Ocala National Forest www.silversprings.com (Silver Springs) 352-236-0288 Southeastern Youth Fair & 4-H www.ocalamarion.com/ (Ocala) ocala-national-forest.asp 352-629-1255 www.seyfair.com Payne’s Prairie State Preserve and Park (Micanopy) University of Florida Aquaculture Center 352-466-3397 (Gainesville) www.floridastateparks.org/paynesprairie 352-392-1961 tal.ifas.ufl.edu Rainbow Springs State Park 352-465-8555 University of Florida Astronomy www.floridastateparks.org/ Teaching Observatory rainbowsprings/default.cfm (Gainesville) 352-392-2052 x256 www.astro.ufl.edu

Guide to Homeschooling / 2013-2014 122

District 4 Castillo de San Marcos (St. Augustine) 904-829-6506 www.nps.gov/casa/index.htm

Haven Horse Ranch (St. Augustine) 904-813-5710 www.havenhorseranch.org

Museum of Science & History (Jacksonville) 904-396-MOSH (6674) www.themosh.org

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens 904-757-4463 www.jacksonvillezoo.org

Marineland Dolphin Adventure (St. Augustine) University of Florida Entomology 904-471-1111 and Nematology www.marineland.net (Gainesville) 352-392-1901 St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum entnemdept.ufl.edu 904-829-0745 www.staugustinelighthouse.com University of Florida Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences District 5 352-392-9617 Big Cat Rescue fishweb.ifas.ufl.edu (Tampa) 813-920-4130 University of Florida Gallery www.bigcatrescue.org (Gainesville) 352-392-0201 Busch Gardens www.arts.ufl.edu/galleries/default.aspx (Tampa) 877-248-2267 WUFT-TV www.buschgardens.org/ (Gainesville) education-programs/bgt/homeschool/ 352-392-5551 x1134 index.htm www.wuft.tv Cracker Country Young Eagles Club (Tampa) (Ocala) 813-627-4225 352-687-1795 www.crackercountry.org/comevisit/ www.youngeagles.org/programs/ ruralhomelifeschooltours youngeagles/florida_1.html www.fpea.com/guide 123

Crystal River State Archaeological Site Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park 352-795-3817 (Homosassa) www.crystalriverstateparks.org/StateHist. 352-628-5343 html www.floridastateparks.org/ homosassasprings David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts Lowry Park Zoo (Tampa) (Tampa) 813-222-1018 813-935-8552 www.strazcenter.org www.lowryparkzoo.com/_education/ camps_and_classes.html Dinosaur World (Plant City) Museum of Science and Industry 813-717-9865 (Tampa) www.dinosaurworld.com 813-987-6000 www.mosi.org Florida Aquarium (Tampa) Pioneer Florida Museum 813-273-4015 (Dade City) www.flaquarium.org 352-567-5277 www.pioneerfloridamuseum.org Florida Estates Winery (Land O’ Lakes) Salvador Dali Museum 813-996-2113 (St. Petersburg) www.floridaestateswines.com 727-823-3767 www.thedali.org Florida Holocaust Museum (St. Petersburg) Science Center of Pinellas County 727-820-0100 (St. Petersburg) www.flholocaustmuseum.org 727-384-0027 www.sciencecenterofpinellas.com Great Explorations: The Children’s Museum Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary (St. Petersburg) (Indian Shores) 727-821-8992 727-391-6211 www.greatexplorations.org www.seabirdsanctuary.com

Henry B. Plant Museum Sunken Gardens (Tampa) (St. Petersburg) 813-254-1891 727-551-3102 www.plantmuseum.com www.stpete.org/sunken

Heritage Village Tampa Bay History Center (Largo) (Tampa) 727-582-2123 813-228-0097 www.pinellascounty.org/heritage www.tampabayhistorycenter.org

Guide to Homeschooling / 2013-2014 124

Tampa Museum of Art District 6 813-274-8130 Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory www.tampamuseum.org (Daytona Beach) 800-969-2634 Tampa Theatre www.angellandphelps.com 813-274-8286 www.tampatheatre.org Blue Springs State Park (Orange City) Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks 386-775-3663 www.spongedocks.net www.floridastateparks.org

University of South Florida Central Florida Zoological Park Botanical Gardens (Sanford) (Tampa) 407-323-4450 813-974-2329 www.cas.usf.edu/garden Citrus Tower (Clermont) Weeki Wachee Springs State Park 352-394-4061 (Spring Hill) www.citrustower.com 352-592-5656 www.weekiwachee.com

www.fpea.com/guide 125

Daytona 500 Experience Trout Lake Center (Daytona Beach) (Eustis) 386-681-4251 352-357-7536 www.daytona500experience.com www.troutlakenature.org

DeLand Museum of Art Uncle Donald’s Farm 386-734-4371 (Lady Lake) www.museumoffloridaart.org 352-753-2882 www.uncledonaldsfarm.com Discovery Gardens (Tavares) Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center 352-343-4101 (Sanford) lake.ifas.ufl.edu/discovery-gardens 407-321-8111 www.waynedenschperformingartscenter. Ed Yarborough Nature Center com (Geneva) 407-665-7352 District 7 Audubon Center for Birds of Prey Gillespie Museum (Maitland) (DeLand) 407-644-0190 386-822-7330 fl.audubon.org/ www.stetson.edu/other/gillespie-museum audubon-center-birds-prey

Mount Dora Scenic Railway Discovery Cove 352-589-4300 (Orlando) www.rail-road.com 877-4-DISCOVERY www.discoverycove.com Pioneer Settlement for the Creative Arts (Barberville) Gatorland 386-749-2959 (Orlando) www.pioneersettlement.org 800-393-JAWS www.gatorland.com Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse (Port Orange) History Center, The 386-761-1821 (Orlando) www.ponceinlet.org 407-836-8500 www.thehistorycenter.org Presidents Hall of Fame (Clermont) Holocaust Memorial Resource & 352-394-2836 Educational Center of Florida www.lakecountyfl.gov/hometown_ (Maitland) highlights/presidents_hall_of_fame.aspx 407-628-0555 www.holocaustedu.org Seminole State College Planetarium (Lake Mary) Holy Land Experience 407-708-2409 (Orlando) www.seminolestate.edu/planet 321-948-2817 www.theholylandexperience.com

Guide to Homeschooling / 2013-2014 126

JESUS Film Project Tour Arabian Nights 407-826-2318 (Kissimmee) www.jesusfilmtour.org 800-553-6116 www.arabian-nights.com Orlando Science Museum 407-514-2000 x2112 Bok Tower Gardens www.osc.org (Lake Wales) 863-676-1408 SeaWorld boktowergardens.org (Orlando) 407-351-3600 Dundee Groves www.seaworld.org 800-294-2266 www.dundeegroves.com Tibet Butler Preserve (Orlando) Fantasy of Flight 407-876-6696 (Polk City) 863-984-3500 Titanic: The Experience www.fantasyofflight.com (Orlando) 407-248-1166 Florida Eco-Safaris at Forever Florida www.titanictheexperience.com (St. Cloud) 407-957-9794 Universal Orlando www.floridaecosafaris.com 800-YOUTH-15 www.uogroupsales.com Florida’s Natural Orange Juice Visitor’s Center/Tour Walt Disney World (Lake Wales) (Lake Buena Vista — Disney 863-679-4110 Homeschool Days) www.floridasnatural.com/co-op/ 800-833-9806 visitors-center

WonderWorks Legoland (Orlando) (Winter Haven) 407-351-8800 877-350-LEGO (5346) www.wonderworksonline.com florida.legoland.com

WordSpring Discovery Center Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament (Orlando) (Kissimmee) 407-852-3626 866-543-9637 www.wycliffe.org/About/WordSpring.aspx www.medievaltimes.com/orlando.aspx

District 8 Polk County Historical Museum Alligator Cove (Bartow) (Lake Wales) 863-534-4386 863-696-0406 www.polkcountymuseum.org alligatorcoveexcursions.com

www.fpea.com/guide 127

Polk Museum of Art Sarasota Classic Car Museum (Lakeland) 941-355-6228 863-688-7743 www.sarasotacarmuseum.org www.polkmuseumofart.org Tervis Tumbler Factory District 9 (North Venice) Charlotte County Historical Center 866-TUMBLER (Charlotte Harbor) www.tervis.com/community/ 941-629-PAST tervis-factory www.charlottecountyfl.com/Historical District 10 Florida Railroad Museum American Police Hall of Fame (Parrish) & Museum 971-776-0906 (Titusville) www.frrm.org 321-264-0911 www.aphf.org GWIZ — The Science Museum (Sarasota) Arnolds Wildlife & Butterfly Haven 941.309.GWIZ (Okeechobee) www.gwiz.org/generalinfo.html 863-763-4630 www.arnoldswildlife.org Historic Spanish Point (Osprey) Brevard Museum of History and 941-966-5214 Natural Science www.historicspanishpoint.org (Cocoa) 321-632-1830 Marie Selby Botanical Gardens www.brevardmuseum.org (Sarasota) 941-366-5731 Brevard Zoo www.selby.org (Melbourne) 321-254-3002 Mixon Farms www.brevardzoo.org (Bradenton) 941-748-5829 Foosaner Art Museum www.mixon.com (Melbourne) www.foosanerartmuseum.org Mote Marine Laboratory (Sarasota) FPL Energy Encounter 941-388-4441 (Jensen Beach) www.mote.org 772-468-4111 www.fpl.com/encounter Ringling Museum (Sarasota) Hallstrom Planetarium 941-359-5700 (Fort Pierce) www.ringling.org 866-400-7529 www.ircc.cc.fl.us/visitors/shows/ planetarium/planetarium.aspx

Guide to Homeschooling / 2013-2014 128

Kennedy Space Center Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium (Cape Canaveral) (Fort Myers) 321-449-4444 239-275-3435 www.kennedyspacecenter.com www.calusanature.org

McKee Botanical Garden ECHO Farm Tours (Vero Beach) (North Fort Myers) 772-794-0601 239-543-3246 www.mckeegarden.org www.echonet.org/content/tours

Navy UDT-SEAL Museum Edison & Ford Winter Estates (Fort Pierce) (Fort Myers) 772-595-5845 239-334-7419 www.navysealmuseum.com www.edisonfordwinterestates.org

St. Lucie County Marine Center Harold P. Curtis Honey Company (Fort Pierce) (LaBelle) 772-462-3474 863-675-2187 www.sms.si.edu/smee curtishoney.hypermart.net

Sebastian Inlet State Park Hickeys Creek Mitigation Park www.floridastateparks.org/sebastianinlet (Fort Myers) 239-694-0398 Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum leeparks.org/class-grids/hickeys-grid.html & TICO Airshow (Titusville) Imaginarium Hands-On Museum 321-268-1941 & Aquarium www.vacwarbirds.org (Fort Myers) 941-337-3332 Vero Beach Museum of Art 772-231-0707 Sanibel Sea School www.vbmuseum.org 239-472-8585 www.sanibelseaschool.org District 11 Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre Southwest Florida Museum of History (Fort Myers) (Fort Myers) 239-278-4422 239-321-7430 www.broadwaypalm.com/content/ www.swflmuseumofhistory.com childrens_theatre_shows.asp District 12 Caloosahatchee Regional Park Busch Wildlife Sanctuary (Alva) (Jupiter) 239-693-2690 561-575-3399 leeparks.org/class-grids/crp-grid.html www.buschwildlife.com

www.fpea.com/guide 129

Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge Museum of Discovery and Science 561-546-6141 (Fort Lauderdale) www.fws.gov/refuges/profiles/index. 954-467-6637 cfm?id=41561 www.mods.org

House of Refuge Museum Stranahan House (Stuart) (Fort Lauderdale) 772-225-1961 954-524-4736 www.elliottmuseumfl.org www.stranahanhouse.org

Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum District 14 561-747-8380 Audubon House and Tropical Gardens www.jupiterlighthouse.org (Key West) 305-294-2116 Loggerhead Marine Life Center www.audubonhouse.com (Juno Beach) 561-627-8280 Art in Public Places www.marinelife.org (Miami) www.miamidade.gov/publicart Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens Culture Shock Miami (Delray Beach) 305-375-1949 561-495-0233 www.cultureshockmiami.com www.morikami.org Deering Estate at Cutler Norton Museum of Art (Miami) (West Palm Beach) 305-235-1668 561-832-5196 www.deeringestate.org www.norton.org East Martello Fort and Museum District 13 (Key West) Bonnet House Museum & Gardens 305-296-3913 (Fort Lauderdale) www.kwahs.com/martello.htm 954-563-5393 www.bonnethouse.org Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum (Key West) Duck Tours of Fort Lauderdale 305-294-1575 954-761-4002 www.hemingwayhome.com www.fortlauderdaleducktours.com Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden Flamingo Gardens (Coral Gables) (Davie) 305-667-1651 www.flamingogardens.org www.fairchildgarden.org

International Swimming Hall of Fame Gold Coast Railroad Museum (Fort Lauderdale) (Miami) 954-462-6536 888-608-7246 www.ishof.org www.gcrm.org

Guide to Homeschooling / 2013-2014 130

Pigeon Key Museum (Marathon) 305-743-5999 www.pigeonkey.net

Ripley’s Believe It or Not (Key West) 305-293-9939 www.ripleys.com/keywest

San Carlos Institute (Key West) 305-294-3887 www.institutosancarlos.org

Somewhere in Time (Islamorada) 305-664-9737

Harry S Truman Little White House Maritime Museum of the Florida Keys Turtle Kraals Museum (Key West) (Key Largo) (Key West) 305-294-9911 305-451-6444 305-294-0209 www.trumanlittlewhitehouse.com Mel Fisher Maritime Museum Vizcaya Museum and Gardens Historical Museum of Southern Florida (Key West) (Miami) (Miami) 305-294-2633 305-250-9133 305-375-1492 www.melfisher.org www.vizcayamuseum.org www.historymiami.org Miami Art Museum Wrecker’s Museum Key West Lighthouse Museum 305-375-3000 (Key West) 305-295-6616 www.miamiartmuseum.org 305-295-9502 www.kwahs.com/lighthouse.htm www.oirf.org Miami Children’s Museum Key West Museum of Art and History 305-373-KIDS (5437) Zoo Miami 305-295-6616 x102 www.miamichildrensmuseum.org 305-251-0400 www.kwahs.com www.miamimetrozoo.com Miami Science Museum Loften B. Sands 305-646-4222 African-Bahamian Museum www.miamisci.org (Key West) 305-295-7337 Museum of Natural History of the Florida Keys MarineLab Experience (Marathon) (Key Largo) 305-743-9100 800-741-1139 www.cranepoint.net www.marinelab.org

www.fpea.com/guide 131 Downloadable Forms

ere are links to PDF downloads of High School Credit-Tracking Hsample forms (not legal documents)­ Worksheet that can help you in various­ aspects of www.fpea.com/forms/hs-credit-tracking- your homeschool planning. While it is ws.pdf necessary to file a notice of intent, a notice To help you assemble a high school of termination and an annual evaluation,­ transcript (see below). these specific documents are not required, though they do contain the necessary in- High School Transcript formation. The forms may be freely copied. www.fpea.com/forms/hs-transcript.pdf

Notice of Intent to Homeschool Volunteer Hours Log www.fpea.com/forms/letter_of_intent.pdf www.fpea.com/forms/volunteer-hours.pdf A sample of a letter sent to the county For tracking community service time. school board stating intent to home-edu- cate one’s child(ren).

Notice of Termination www.fpea.com/forms/termination.pdf A sample of a letter sent to the county school board stating one’s termination of a home-education program in that county.

Annual Evaluation Letter www.fpea.com/forms/evaluation.pdf A sample of an evaluation letter written by a certified teacher upon completion of an annual evaluation.

Week-at-a-Glance Log www.fpea.com/forms/week-at-a-glance- log.pdf

Daily or Weekly Log www.fpea.com/forms/daily-or-weekly-log. pdf Especially suitable for nontraditional approaches to education, such as un- schooling.

Single Parent Scholarship Application www.fpeafoundation.com/scholarships/ how-apply Administered by the FPEA Homeschool Foundation.

Guide to Homeschooling / 2013-2014 132 Kids Love Florida History – Really!

or the past 14 years, our family has places like St. Augustine, where you can Fbeen fortunate enough to “vacation visit the Oldest House, the Oldest Wooden This article was written by Michele­ for a living,”­ and we’ve managed to visit School House in the U.S., the Oldest Store thousands attractions and historical­ muse- and the Old Jail. Before you leave the Zavatsky. She and her family­ wrote Kids ums. That’s a lot — right? And guess what celebration, why not purchase a souve- — I’m the only history buff in the family! nir Spanish hat or old-fashioned toy to Love Florida — A Family Travel Guide to As a matter of fact, one of my husband’s remember the occasion.­ favorite travel markers says, “On this site Exploring “Kid-Tested” Places in Florida … in 1816 … nothing happened.” Sound like 2. Holidays your family? You know how your kids get time off Year Round! To find out more, visit www. Why try to weave these museums into schoolwork on more holidays­ than you your travels? Because easily one-third of know what to do with? Why not try sam- kidslovetravel.com. all the attractions out there are historical; pling warm breads from recipes of Spanish it’s hard to avoid them. And, home ed­ explorers, or collect Easter eggs at the ucation experts would tell you that kids Miami Metrozoo.­ Share July 4 fireworks in do much better on history test questions a quaint historic town or have punch and and biographical reports if they’ve actu- cookies with Santa at a grand estate. Invite ally toured the famous person’s home or the grandparents along as your personal visited a historic village. “guides,” as they love to tell stories of the So, we know it’s good for them. But how “good ole days” too. My kids tell me most do you sneak history into your day trips historical homes smell old and musty. But and vacations without the family declaring put costumed funny actors and treats in mutiny? Let’s take a journey with my travel front of them, and they’re fine. family and see what I use to unlock the amusing, adventuresome side of history… 3. Living History Re-Enactments and Outdoor Dramas. Go 1. Big Anniversaries behind the scenes of a pirate raid in Tampa No, not your romantic wedding anniver- or behind enemy lines of a Civil War camp sary coming up — instead, major historic at Her­nando, Natural Bridge and Olustee. anniversaries. America’s 400th anniversary Famous battlefields and old forts may started­ in Jamestown in 2007; America’s look dull and ugly on a normal day, but birthday festivals occur July 4 in Phila­ add re-enactors in period attire and you’ve delphia; DeSoto first landed near Tampa got the kids’ attention. Period-costumed Bay in 1539; and the 1668 Sack of St. townsfolk and soldiers “set up shop” Augustine is remembered each year in among American Indian camps at places March. During these anniversary events, like Mission San Luis. See trading posts, historical sites “beef up” their exhibits. kids’ infantry, barbershop medicine and How? They add more guides in charac- old-fashioned games. Areas of woodcarv- ter, maybe add 3-D movies, create new ing, blacksmiths, and spinning and weav- animatronics, and finally, increase their ing surround­ demonstrations of muzzle colorful immersion spaces (kind of “Disney loading, shooting and tomahawk throwing.­ Does History”). What kid can resist all the Often, the gift shop on site sells wonderful stimulation! History, not only of Florida but little toy soldiers or play figures that kids also of the United States, comes alive in can purchase and use to re-enact again at www.fpea.com/guide 133 home. Open-hearth cooking with period foods are for sale too. Can’t you just smell Tips for a Successful Field Trip the kettle corn, apple cider, barbecue and bean stew? • Set a goal of what you want to accomplish.

• Make sure your trip is age-, ability- and interest-appropriate. 4. No Museums At least don’t tell them you’re going to a • Always ask for group rates and/or educational tours. museum! Which do you think your kids will • If your group is not large enough for a group rate, invite another subgroup respond to better: the secret Solomon’s to join your trip. Castle or a history museum? The secret place, right? The other sounds too much • Obtain all the information for your trip: date, time, prices, directions, etc., and be like school. On the way, try introducing sure to pass it on to your subgroup. them to the fun side of history with state • Have a reservation deadline. activity or coloring books — puzzles and coloring games on their level. Another trick: • Once you have the count of those attending, call and make the appropriate plan an hour or two, not an afternoon. reservations. Begin your tour with a brief look at the • Be sure to give a reminder about the trip several days before the date. orientation film, then lead the kids through a scavenger hunt and reward them with • Be sure to confirm your trip a week in advance. a prize afterward. (Note: Many museums • Reconfirm your trip. now offer hunts you can ask for at the tick- et counter, and the gift shop often provides • Have a meeting location for your trip so you can caravan (collect money, hand small prizes upon completion.) out maps and provide any other information pertaining to the trip).

5. Want action? • Sometimes it works best for you to collect all the money ahead of time and pay for everyone as a group when you arrive at your trip destination. Trolley past famous homes versus stopping to go inside. Take an airboat, glass-bottom • Have road maps for those driving to the trip, in case someone gets lost or left or Ducky boat tour along the water’s edge behind in your caravan. as the captain briefly describes the scenes around — just the basics; forget the boring • Name a meeting place for lost persons in your group and make sure all know stuff. Weekend scenic nature rides are fun where to go. Take this opportunity to explain to your children about strangers. If with Grandpa along, and there’s usually a they must speak to a stranger, make sure it is someone that works at the trip loca- good ice cream shop at one of the beach- tion (wearing a uniform, nametag, etc.). Explain they are not to leave with anyone. front stops… If they feel uncomfortable, ask for the police to be called (children’s safety is most Again, the best way to entice your family important!). to come along on historical journeys is to • Be sure that all behavioral rules are always followed. sneak some history in. So many excellent historical parks are just minutes from lakes, • Be patient and flexible if plans change, and have a backup plan. beaches and amusements to even out • If the group will be separated during your visit, plan a meeting place and time to your trip. Your kids will be having so much pack up and head home, or if you will leave on your own to head home, decide hands-on fun and meeting such interest- this ahead of time and make sure everyone understands the plan. ing characters, they won’t even know it’s a history lesson. Sneaky, yes, but for the • Leave your area cleaner than it was when you found it. right reasons! • Leave tips if appropriate.

• Remember that you will be representing all homeschoolers.

• Send a thank-you note if appropriate.

Guide to Homeschooling / 2013-2014 134 FPEA Member Discounts

our FPEA membership entitles you to Books-a-Million Ydiscounts from these national and re­ Receive a 20% educator’s discount in all gional vendors. And we’ve made it easy to store locations across Florida. The edu­ access your discounts by providing links cator’s discount card can be obtained at and contact information. For full details point of sale with proof of FPEA member­ (including qualifications and restrictions)­ ship. This card also includes opportunities or for updates on new discounts that have to participate in educator nights and other been added, visit www.fpea.com/member/ events offered to educators across the discounts or contact the FPEA office. country. For more information, call Books- a-Million in Casselberry at 407-551-2079. AAA Auto Club First-year primary memberships are Dinosaur World (Plant City) discounted $5, with associates of the By presenting your FPEA membership household­ receiving 50% off regular fees. card, you are entitled to an admission Current AAA members earn renewal credit fee of $8 plus tax per person (the regular with the AAA Dollars & Refer-A-Friend pro- rates are $14.95 per adult, $11.95 per gram, while teens with driving permits are child ages 3-12, and $12.95 for seniors eligible for free annual memberships. Tradi- 60 and over). FPEA student field trips tional discounts to local attractions,­ movie in groups of 12 or more with advance theaters, retailers, online stores, hotels and reservations will be admitted for $5 per restaurants are always available. Home, person plus tax. Visit www.dinosaur auto, life, and renters’ insurance rates are world.com for more information. very competitive. Free road maps, travel guides, Trip Tiks and vacation planners are God’s World Publications available upon request.­ Contact Debbie 10% discount on God’s World News Evans at 352-460-2532 or deevans@aaa and World magazines. Visit https://www. south.com, or visit www.fpea.com/ gwnews.com/fpea. member/discounts for more information. Home School Digest BarCharts Almost 45% off the regular subscription Anyone interested in purchasing study rate. Receive a one-year subscription (four guides may order online at barcharts.com. issues) for only $10, instead of the regular Receive a 25 percent discount on any order $18. Call 269-764-1910 and mention FPEA you place, or call Bonnie at 1-800-226- to receive the discount. 7799 x3091 to place your discounted order. Home School Legal Barnes & Noble (in-store only) Defense Association Show your FPEA membership card and FPEA members are entitled to $20 off the picture ID for a 20% discount on all pur­ cost of HSLDA membership. FPEA mem- chases intended for educational purposes. bers must log in at www.fpea.com and Apply for an ID card necessary for making click on the direct link provided to auto- such purchases. The discount is not valid matically receive the discount — the FPEA on textbooks, preschool books, period- also receives $20. For more information icals, technical books, music, videos, visit hslda.org or call 540-338-5600. publisher orders, gift cards, greeting cards and café items. www.fpea.com/guide 135

Homeschooling Today Magazine Teacher’s Pet and More $4 off the base subscription price. Visit (Treasure Coast) homeschooltoday.com or call 276-466- For online orders or phone-in requests for 4HST (4478). the homeschool curriculum offered from Alpha Omega (grades K-12), boxed cur- Madcap Logic riculum special orders will be discounted Bridging art and 21st-century technology, 15%. Visit teacherspetandmore.com for Creativity Express provides educators and more information. parents with a comprehensive curriculum. At madcaplogic.com, FPEA members may receive 10% off Creativity Express.

Music N More Present your membership card to receive a 10% teacher’s discount off regularly priced merchandise at either the Orlando (8114 S. Orange Blossom Trail) or Altamonte­ Springs (520 W. SR 436) locations (both inside Piano Distributors).

National Driver Training Institute A 10% discount is offered to FPEA members toward the purchase of Help for the Teenager Who Wants to Drive by calling 800-942-2050 (discount unavailable online).

Nickelodeon Suites Resort Pack your bags for the ultimate family vacation in Orlando. Club Nick members receive 20% off accommodations in a spacious family suite. Visit www.nick hotel.com/clubnick to make reservations today.

The Old Schoolhouse Magazine 15% off a one-year subscription; also receive a free sample issue. Visit TheHome schoolMagazine.com.

Ring Around the Phonics FPEA members are eligible to receive a 20% discount when ordering all three cur­ riculum levels. To receive your discount, call 904-317-5330 and identify yourself as an FPEA member. To learn more about the reading curriculum, visit RingAroundthe Phonics.com.

www.fpea.com/guide Guide to Homeschooling / 2013-2014 Florida Parent-Educators Association Non-Profit ORG US postage 255 East Drive, Suite H paid Melbourne, FL 32904 Tampa, FL permit #2397

Expand Your Boundaries New to homeschooling? Let the FPEA support you on your journey with purposeful information, practical direction, personal engagement and positive encouragement. We want to help you overcome challenges and create a successful, joyful homeschool experience for you and your child. Together we can make sure your children are learning without boundaries and have the opportunity to reach their fullest potential.

Valuable benefits and services include:

Connection to Experts • District Directors • Mentoring Moms • Homeschool Specialists • Friends of FPEA

Connection in Your Community, Region and State: * Network of support groups Already an FPEA member? * Free subscription to Connect magazine Make the most of your FPEA member benefits to help * Annual FPEA Florida Homeschool Convention, you on your homeschool journey. Visit www.fpea. regional events, student competitions and special com to learn more about how to put them to work for opportunities you. And while you’re at it . . . * FPEA Statewide Graduation Ceremony * Community education and public relations Expand OUR Boundaries * Scholarship opportunities Help the FPEA grow by telling all homeschooling families, and even those not yet homeschooling, Join the FPEA now at www.fpea.com! about this excellent resource. Here’s how:

• “Like” our Facebook page, comment on posts, and share our links. • Let family and friends (including those not yet Supporting Your homeschooling) who have not become FPEA mem- Homeschool Journey bers about how they can join the FPEA.

Because Every Child Should Learn Without Boundaries