our school is making me furious.

[DISNEYFOS]

You Shudder to think..........I think if a student is math/science oriented they will do well homeschooled private or public. We learn in life what we need to know. When a child gets to high school, they may have an idea what career path they want to follow........math science is important, but the fact of the matter is advanced statistics, calculus, and physics are not required for every career, and again we learn what we need when we need it.


But i bet your math skills would have gone that high........you obviously have an interest and ability in mathmatics.........so even if your parents had homeschooled you, my guess is you would still have done well in math science.

Yeah yeah yeah..I get it. I spelled something wrong.

My point is we all want what is best for our children. We all want them to be able to function independantly as adults in a world that is very diverse and be able to compete in an economy where math and science is essential.

There are multiple programs and scholarships in place to entice mid-career professions to go back to teaching because our students are not up to par with the rest of the world in those subjects

I choose to provide my children with a large number of education professionals with the skills necessary to give them the best education possible as well as the social interaction that they will need to be successful. As smart as I think I am or my DH thinks he is...I feel would be doing them a disservice to limit their education to what they can learn from us.

The end.

 

[dreamer17555]

To the OP-

My DD school does something similar with the library books. She is in a special reading group which is great but her school library only allows her to check out books of a certain AR. And honestly? It's fine.

She comes home reads it in a flash and start to read something else (right now she is into the Magic School Bus Chapter Books- this week it is the Bats one). Honestly this seems like a good time to teach your children that some stuff might be boring and not challenging and that they can deal with it.

In their outside time grab books from your local library that do challenge them. A school cannot always cater to those with very bright children- that's where parent must step in and make sure they are being enriched at home.

Good Luck

-Becca-

 

[npmommie]

Yes you can do homeschool science correctly if you put the effort into it and find someone qualified to provide instruction if you are not, I am simply pointing out how difficult that can be, and I still hold that you cannot teach advanced sciences without content knowledge. I did not say that students should be able to make fun of others, you twisted that to sut your purpose. What i was trying to convey which I think is clear is that my homeschool kids have a much harder time picking up on social cues from peers and tend to be isolated. I really delt sorry for this kid who was trying so hard to be accepted but couldn't carry on a normal conversation with his peers. He drove the kids crazy so they made fun of him. I am NOT condoning that. I just wish he had more exposure to his peers early on. High school is a really tough place to learn social boundaries and this child had none.


The poster's math skills may have gone that high, but they may not have. College is a completely different environment. a professor cannot provide the amount of one on one instruction recieved in a high school calculus and unless the parent is a mat minor or major odds are very high that they cannot adeuqately teach calculus.

I know hundreds of homeschoolers across my state, and I have yet to meet one who cannot carry on a "normal" conversation. ok, maybe i have met ONE......LOL.........but the point is there are multitudes of public school, and private school kids who also cannot remotely carry on a "normal" conversation.
there are children with no social skills in EVERY setting. and I am not sure what the homeschool world is like where you live, but it is very different where I come from.

 

[princessmom29]

I know hundreds of homeschoolers across my state, and I have yet to meet one who cannot carry on a "normal" conversation. ok, maybe i have met ONE......LOL.........but the point is there are multitudes of public school, and private school kids who also cannot remotely carry on a "normal" conversation.
there are children with no social skills in EVERY setting. and I am not sure what the homeschool world is like where you live, but it is very different where I come from.

Mabye that is the problem. I live in the rural south. Most children who are homeschooled here are home for religious reasons. Their parents tend to not have college degrees (not all but most). These children are virturally cut off from the outside world. Their homeschool groups are completely insular. I realize that not all homeschool situations are that way, but I really feel that it would be hard to give a child a well rounded homeschool experience here because unless you share the religious beliefs of the amjority of homeschoolers they will not allow their children to interact with yours. I hadn't thought about the religious aspect of it in quite that light before. Thank you for making me think! Mabye a larger community with more resources could provide a different experience, but that is just the reality of the way things are here.

 

[nicki.momof3]

The best thing to do to help a child in school - weather it be an advanced child or a struggling student is to part of the solution not the problem. Parents that complain about the system but never get on a committee or volunteer to help just add to the problem. If someone is interested in a gifted program than offer to head up a parent committee that researchs the issue. Educaitonal decisions are made only after careful consideration and research -not after a complaining parent says so.

Stop complaining about what your school is doing wrong and help solve the problem. Yes, it sounds great to have every student in the class reading a different book at "ust the right level" for them but without parent volunteers in the classroom helping it is very challenging. The teacher will spend more time on "individualizing book selections" than they will on instructing.

Think about how challenging it can be sometimes to help your child with homework when they are not in "the mood" -now multiply it 20 kids.

 

[arminnie]

So you are recommending providing an advanced calculus textbook and allow your child to self-teach?

Not a bad method if the student has a brain and the textbook is good.

A masters in one disclipline doesn't make you an expert in all. There are a variety of classes with a variety of teachers in schools, all with expertise in teaching their various subjects. If the parent has a Ed.D you might have an argument but I suspect that is not the majority..

If only that were true. That is NOT the norm in any school I've seen (have lived in many cities across the country). And having an Ed.D really doesn't qualify you in any one subject.

 

[surfgirl]

We all survived with books like ...

(my ellipsis added)

Honestly, 'we all survived' argument doesn't fly. It was standard not to wear seatbelts or use carseats 40 years ago, do you still follow those practices ?


*note: I am not stepping in the ugly debate of hs vs ps. I will not go there. Repeat after me: I will not go there. I will not go there.


Folks, just be happy that everyone here has made the right decision for their child and their decision is best. For everyone. It isn't worth arguing over b/c all you are going to do is get your knickers in a twist. Every situation is unique and different and unless you are in that specific situation, you shouldn't judge.

*rant over*

 

[I_Know_You2!]

Not a bad method if the student has a brain and the textbook is good.

If only that were true. That is NOT the norm in any school I've seen (have lived in many cities across the country). And having an Ed.D really doesn't qualify you in any one subject.

Or none at all. That was my first doctor degree, and I am in mental health!

surfgirl, wth are you talking about? Are you comparing Huck Finn with not using carseats or bike helmets?

 

[surfgirl]

To the OP-

In their outside time grab books from your local library that do challenge them.

Actually, if I remember correctly (and always debatable since I've been having many blonde moments lately), for at-home independent reading, children are told to read below their level at school... primarily so that they don't get frustrated. They should be reading about 1 level below for independent reading so they can practice reading for fluency at home.

DON'T DO IT. DON'T TWIST MY WORDS. I'M NOT ADVOCATING 5th GRADERS TAKING HOME DICK AND JANE BOOKS.

Also, read "The Read Aloud Handbook" by Jim Trelease. It talks about how important it is to read aloud to children as they continue in middle school years.

 

[Abbigator]

Well, as one of those "annoying" moms with one of those "soon to be average kid", I think you missed the OPs issue. This is a child who wants to read a book at a higher than grade level, but the library refuses to lend the book to the child. The child's IQ has no significance other than the child can read and comprehend the material, yet the school ignores the fact and only assigns books at the appropriate grade level. This is a policy at our school as well and doesn't sound logical. Kids can earn AR credit as long as the book is at their grade level, not lower or higher. This doesn't promote reading for pleasure and having a larger pool to choose from. DD wants to earn AR credit and also read books that intrigue her. Is this the desired intent? I hope not.

I am having the same issue with my daughter who is in 5th grade and has always read a grade or 2 above her level in AR. They tested at the beginning of the year and she tested at a 5.3, when I know she has tested higher than that in the past. She read the 1st and 2nd Lemony Snicket books (Series of Unfortunate Events) last year and I think they are 6th or 7th grade level on AR. She read the 3rd Harry Potter book over the summer and tested and got an 85. But she cannot check out any books from the school library higher than a 5.4 until she gets 3 100s at that level then she can move up to 5.5 and so forth. She couldn't wait to read the 3rd Lemony Snicket book that she checked out the first week of school but she had to turn it back in without reading it because it was above her level. I can of course, buy the book or get it from the county library for her, but then that would take away from her AR reading time and she wouldn't meet her weekly goal and would be penalized by the teacher. My husband spoke to the principal who said that the policy is up to the teacher. I spoke to the librarian, who said the same thing. And the teacher said that she is not allowed to let them check out books above their tested level. So I don't know what to think. Meanwhile, my sweet grandma who loves to read, bought my daughter the Lemony Snicket book and mailed it to her.

 

[Camno's Mama]

There are some whose autodidactic abilities allow them to learn even advanced subjects merely by reading textbooks. Not everyone needs to be taught by a person with an advanced degree in order to learn. Conversely, some will not learn well without such instruction.

Each individual is simply too unique, and there are far too many exceptions, for the generalizations being made in this thread.
Just my opinion.

I totally agree with the part in bold. Honestly, I really believe that other people's parenting choices (no matter what they are) tend to threaten us. We all fall prey to it sometimes. So, we judge because we feel insecure. We feel the need to defend ourselves, even if we haven't come under attack yet. Most of us do the best we can.

In regards to the books...I had not idea so many thing were banned. I'm a little out of the loop I guess. And I didn't know that some schools don't let the kids check out books above their level. Maybe this has been covered, but do you think it's because of supply and demand? Are they saving those books for the kids in the age level they deem appropriate?

 

[princessmom29]

Not a bad method if the student has a brain and the textbook is good.

If only that were true. That is NOT the norm in any school I've seen (have lived in many cities across the country). And having an Ed.D really doesn't qualify you in any one subject.

that is a terrible method actually

Oh just ignore her (princessmom29)...she has a personal vendetta against homeschoolers.

NO I don't!! That is just silly and juvinile. You know that you have won and argument when the other party stoops to the level of personal attack. My high school government teacher taught me that. You just stooped to that level and I am outta here! I refuse to continue to attempt to discuss something with those who are not capable of civil discussion without petty insults.

 

[Belle & Ariel]

Princessmom,
Can you really say you are not against homeschooling? Someone else must have been posting under your screen name the last few days.
You are not the least bit objective and have stated many times your thoughts on homeschooled kids. Many times I read your posts and feel sorry for the kids in your classes. I would not want to be in a class where the teacher was so closed minded and judgmental. All students should be valued and respected; not just the clones of you. If you feel that is a personal attack; I do not mean it to be. It is the way you reveal yourself to be in not just one post but in all of them.

 

[npmommie]

Mabye that is the problem. I live in the rural south. Most children who are homeschooled here are home for religious reasons. Their parents tend to not have college degrees (not all but most). These children are virturally cut off from the outside world. Their homeschool groups are completely insular. I realize that not all homeschool situations are that way, but I really feel that it would be hard to give a child a well rounded homeschool experience here because unless you share the religious beliefs of the amjority of homeschoolers they will not allow their children to interact with yours. I hadn't thought about the religious aspect of it in quite that light before. Thank you for making me think! Mabye a larger community with more resources could provide a different experience, but that is just the reality of the way things are here.

This is why I don't think you can make the generalizations about homeschooled children that you were making. Because it is not the same everywhere, yes people homeschool for religious reasons, but more do it for other reasons too.
and the area and type of homeschooling environment you describe is very severe, and does not exist like that here in MA and probably not even in the majority of areas of the country. The resources for homeschoolers is endless here and the hs community is vibrant and full of opportunities for the kids to experience almost anything!
the majority of homeschool parents i know have college degrees, they are physicians, nurses, teachers, scientists, computer programmers......the list goes on.

 

[Luv Bunnies]

Folks, just be happy that everyone here has made the right decision for their child and their decision is best. For everyone. It isn't worth arguing over b/c all you are going to do is get your knickers in a twist. Every situation is unique and different and unless you are in that specific situation, you shouldn't judge.

Totally agree! There is no right or wrong answer in the homeschool vs. public school debate. What works for one family might not work for another. We all care about our kids and want them to do well so we will make the best decision for them that we can possibly make.

But while we're on the topic, why is it that everytime someone posts a gripe about a public school it becomes a home vs public debate?

 

[Disney_Angel]

that is a terrible method actually

NO I don't!! That is just silly and juvinile. You know that you have won and argument when the other party stoops to the level of personal attack. My high school government teacher taught me that. You just stooped to that level and I am outta here! I refuse to continue to attempt to discuss something with those who are not capable of civil discussion without petty insults.

Ahhhh she attacks and runs!

I think Ceasar said it best!

Aspice, officio fungeris sine spe honoris amplioris!

 

[I_Know_You2!]

Totally agree! There is no right or wrong answer in the homeschool vs. public school debate. What works for one family might not work for another. We all care about our kids and want them to do well so we will make the best decision for them that we can possibly make.

But while we're on the topic, why is it that everytime someone posts a gripe about a public school it becomes a home vs public debate?

Because someone always says that if you don't like the schools just homeschool. Then someone else comes along with "facts" about homeschooling that aren't.

It would be a fool, btw to think that kids should only read below their level. It is no wonder there are so many underachievers in this world!

Aspice, officio fungeris sine spe honoris amplioris!

Well, yeah...but can you teach calculus?

 

[princessmom29]

Princessmom,
Can you really say you are not against homeschooling? Someone else must have been posting under your screen name the last few days.
You are not the least bit objective and have stated many times your thoughts on homeschooled kids. Many times I read your posts and feel sorry for the kids in your classes. I would not want to be in a class where the teacher was so closed minded and judgmental. All students should be valued and respected; not just the clones of you. If you feel that is a personal attack; I do not mean it to be. It is the way you reveal yourself to be in not just one post but in all of them.

I am agianst homeschooling bout I don not have a "personal vendetta". I treat children that come from homeschool environments just like everyone else. I would never take what their parents chose to do out on a child!! To make that assumption about me is being just as judgmental as you accuse me of being!

Ahhhh she attacks and runs!

I think Ceasar said it best!

Aspice, officio fungeris sine spe honoris amplioris!

Very funny, and I guess You assume that I don't know what that means. I have another one for you "Descretion is the better part of valor" I am not stuck in a dead end job. I LOVE my job and I love my students. I feel sorry for those who don't have what they need to succeed and I do my best to help them. WITHOUT JUDGING. I would never express my oopinon on homeschooling to a child that has been homeschooled and is in my classroom. That is uncalled for and unprofessional. I simply take wahat I have been given to work with and do my best to help them succeed. I care about the my students regardless of where they come from. I am capable of seperating my personal opinions about what is best form my classroom responsibilities. We all should be able to.

 

[I_Know_You2!]

that is a terrible method actually

NO I don't!! That is just silly and juvinile. You know that you have won and argument when the other party stoops to the level of personal attack. My high school government teacher taught me that. You just stooped to that level and I am outta here! I refuse to continue to attempt to discuss something with those who are not capable of civil discussion without petty insults.

You are quoting your high school teacher? "juvenile", btw. Your spelling is atrocious. I assume you took spelling, right? Did the PS system let you down in that area?

I really hope that you aren't really working with young people. You sound more like a student than an adult. Your generalizations are sad, and biased. Students deserve teachers who know better.

 

[fortheluvofpooh]

UGH, this message has certainly gone in the wrong direction hasn't it. Sorry to all who are bickering. I only wanted to vent. I am concerned about my children and what they are able to do. I have a meeting with both teachers next week and we are going from there. I offered to help with going through the books that are banned and sort them out. They will get back to me they said. So I keep trying. To Quote Dori.... Just keep swimming, just keep swimming,.... except I will just keep trying.