Homeschooling questions

[luvflorida]

Hi! I spend all my DIS time over on the Community Board, but several posters directed me over here figuring more people would be able to answer any homeschooling questions I have.

I'm having an awful time trying to find an answer to a question. I will begin homeschooling my daughter, 16, in a few weeks. The traditional high school setting is not where she wants to be. So far, the transition is going smoothly, and her HS guidance counselor has been a big help. However, even she can't seem to help with this question.

Where, or how, do I find someone in the area that will serve as a proctor for her exams? Daughter will be enrolled in an independent study program, (Indiana University High School Diploma Program), and she will need to periodically take exams. I've spent hours researching homeschooling sites, in and out of state, and NOTHING seems to address this issue.

I will try to get more information through the independent study program, but they are not in session until after January 2nd, and this is bugging me now!

Is there anyone here who has a high schooler that has gone through an independent study program? How did you locate a proctor?

Also, how does a homeschooler register for the SATs? is there a special process for doing so?

Thanks so much for any help anyone can provide!

 

[I Love Pluto]

I'm a music teacher. I proctored exams for a friend's daughter who was homeschooled. The state needs a certified teacher's signature. Think of any that you or a friend might know. Good luck to you.

 

[littlered]

I am not a homeschooler myself, but I work as an Academic Advisor.

As far as a proctor, have you thought about contacting a local univeristy or community college? They might have some ideas. Also, local libraries may have the resource.

As far as SAT's go I think the best site to check out would be www.ets.org A lot of tests are now offered via computerized testing centers, so that may be an option. Also, a lot of time information about the school the student is attending is just for sat. purposes only and does not affect the student taking the test.

Hope that helps!

 

[luvflorida]

I'm a music teacher. I proctored exams for a friend's daughter who was homeschooled. The state needs a certified teacher's signature. Think of any that you or a friend might know. Good luck to you.

I'm actually a certified teacher, although I haven't taught in quite a few years. Of course, I'm sure there are laws concerning a parent, or other family member, proctoring exams.

I'll check again with the high school. I guess I'm sort of hesitant to ask for any help from them, because I feel they might not be looking favorably toward us due to the fact that I'm pulling our daughter out of the high school.

I'm guessing there are probably teachers there that might be willing to serve as a proctor. I need to get over my fear of asking. They worse they can do is say no.

 

[luvflorida]

I'm a music teacher. I proctored exams for a friend's daughter who was homeschooled. The state needs a certified teacher's signature. Think of any that you or a friend might know. Good luck to you.

I'm actually a certified teacher, although I haven't taught in quite a few years. Of course, I'm sure there are laws concerning a parent, or other family member, proctoring exams.

I'll check again with the high school. I guess I'm sort of hesitant to ask for any help from them, because I feel they might not be looking favorably toward us due to the fact that I'm pulling our daughter out of the high school.

I'm guessing there are probably teachers there that might be willing to serve as a proctor. I need to get over my fear of asking. The worse they can do is say no.

 

[luvflorida]

As far as a proctor, have you thought about contacting a local univeristy or community college? They might have some ideas. Also, local libraries may have the resource.

Thanks! I'll look into these places.

 

[laceemouse]

Go to the HSLDA.com website (sorry, I can't do a link.) It is a national organization, but you can get info specific to your state on their site. They have links to local support groups in your area so you could meet REAL PEOPLE who can answer your questions who live near you. We just started hsing 2 years ago, and then moved from Il to Tx and that site is great for getting answers to your questions. I know what you mean about the traditional high school setting not being right for some kids, mine would hate it! We are enjoying hsing and have made lots of wise friends who are helping us, joined many fun groups to get together with other hsers, etc....best wishes to you!

 

[leafette]

Most local colleges have someone who can do this. It's not uncommon with the number of online schools to need a proctor for exams and such. My DH took an online course to get some CEUs. He called a local university. Someone in the counseling (sometimes called "Student Success" or something similar) department did this on a regular basis for a small fee ($10 or $20). The exams were mailed directly to her, and she made an appointment with him to administer them. Then, she mailed them back to the school.

 

[dis-happy]

It sounds like you've been given great advice on where to look for a proctor. I agree you should look into you local homeschool support groups---ours gets together every year for standardized testing, although that is not exactly your need they might have resources for you.

As far as the SAT goes, I can speak with authority on that one! My homeschooled dd was just accepted into college (her first choice college, using early decision). Go to the college boards web site to look at the test dates. Also note that only some dates include the SAT II tests. These are subject specific tests that some colleges require. So also spend some time looking at the webpages for the colleges she is interested in or might be interested in. Don't forget the ACT---some students will test better in the ACT's and most colleges accept both. With either test try to sign up sooner rather than later. Some of the testing site fill up and then you are directed to alternative sites that are far away (voice of experience here). Buy a book that has sample tests in it and do them---my dd found this very helpful.

Good luck!

 

[MrsPete]

I'm a high school teacher, and we occasionally have a few homeschoolers who come into our school on exam days and take, say, the English 1 state test alongside the regular students. Obviously, this means that the homeschooler must conform to our calendar and be prepared for the test on our exam day, but it makes life easy for the homeschooling parents.