I'm scared for my education.?

Question

When I was 13 years old , my dad died (commited suicide.) It was right when school started, so I tried to make it through, but it was to hard. Then, when I had to get my tonsils removed, my mom removed me from public school and put me in online school (a home school type progam.) I did that for 7th grade. Then, in 8th grade, I tried to return to regular school but it didn't work. The school system treated me as I was nothing. I went to the public school, and they didn't even give me text books. So, again, she removed me from public school and back to virtual school. Then, my computer broke. We were tight for money at the time and I could no longer do virtual school (her work hours interfered with library hours.) So, we got the old textbooks from another county for free and tried to do that but she didn't understand some. So, i feel like I have lost education. The school board will not let me re enter without taking a test, which i obviously couldn't pass. I would be finishing 9th now.

Answer 1

Have you talked to your mom about your concerns? I'm in 9th grade and I know for a fact that if you're behind it's better to re-do the grade before then struggle in the class you're suppose to be in. So my suggestion is if you're suppose to be in grade 9 take the test for grade 8 and do grade 8 in public school. That way you'll be able to catch up and maybe even be ahead. I don't know what country or state you live in, so it's probably different. But yeah, that's my advice. And don't worry, I would never think badly of your mother.

Answer 2

why don't you just try to go to another public school;

Answer 3

Enroll in an a correspondence school, there is Ashworth, Penn Foster, Stratford.  You can sign up online or over the phone.  You dont have to take a test to get in you just have to submit a transcript from your old high school.  Most also have monthly payment plans, like for my 1200 loan it was only 46 a month no interest.  They have an online option or the mail option.  If you take the mail option they will send you books and test booklets in the mail, then you just do it all at your own pace and mail your tests in, or go to a library and log into your account and submit the tests online. They also have instructors at a toll free number you can call when you need help.

Answer 4

I was just reading the Answers to another Question,

& I think you might find some of them very helpful:

"My brother wants to be home schooled but my mom has no idea where to start...help!?..."

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...

For yourself & your Mom, I think you'll find a wealth of comfort & guidance in the articles :

"Have You Lost a Loved One to Suicide?"  http://watchtower.org/e/20011022/diagram...

"When Someone You Love Dies...":

- "It Can't Be True!"

http://watchtower.org/e/we/index.htm?art...

- "How Can I Live With My Grief?"  http://watchtower.org/e/we/index.htm?art...

(Part of a brochure that is : online, in print, & an audio.)

"Young People Ask"

(online samples of article series)

http://watchtower.org/archives/index.htm...



"Questions Young People Ask--Answers That Work!"

(This book is based on some articles in the YPA series.)

http://watchtower.org/e/publications/ind...

"Why Does God Let Us Suffer?"

(1 of the YPA online sample articles)

http://watchtower.org/e/20040322/article...

"You CAN Fight Pessimism!" (; http://watchtower.org/e/20040422/article...

My Sincerest Condolences!

Answer 5

First of all, you might be surprised at just how well you'd do on a high school entrance exam.  My son took the EXPLORE test (a 8th-9th grade test) last year and his composite score was better than 90% of 8th graders.  In science alone he scored better than 99% of them.  So middle school work is not all that tough.  You probably know more than most PS'ed kids.

I don't understand about the computer breaking and the virtual school.  Virtual schools provide computers to students.  Did you not ask the school for a new one?

You're just going to have to take the test and see how you do.  At the worst, you may have to re-take some classes.  So what if you're a sophomore taking Algebra I or Biology?  Many kids at my high school didn't take either course all the way through, 9th-12th.

If the PS won't work, then look into enrolling in another virtual school.  If your state has one, they probably have more.  Make sure they provide a computer.  Most reimburse for at least part of the Internet cost.

Answer 6

im sorry for what youve gone through.

but i dont think you should give up!

i think you should try your hardest to get back into public schooling even if you have to go to 8th grade.

I think it would just be a good experiance for you in the future you will do better.

i hope everything turns out okay!

good luck!

Answer 7

Wow. You have had a hard time. I'm sorry your folks and your school did not do a better job fulfilling your educational needs. Just forget about where you are "supposed" to be. Alot of the things you have been through were never "supposed" to happen either. Still, you have to factor them in, don't you? Grade level is a nice concept but it does not apply to everyone. Focus on where you are and where you want to be, then do what you need to do to get there. Forget about your age. Age is just a number. You cannot change the past, but the present is all yours.

Best wishes and hugs.

-Glee

Answer 8

Call your state dept of education and ask for info on any charter or virtual schools in your state.  These schools aer suppose to provide everything for FREE to you, the computer included.

Don't go back to public. If they treated you bad before, what is gonna change now??

Answer 9

I am basing my evaluation of your education on the way you write.  You write well.

If you want an education, you can do that with your mom's supervision and basically just read and study any subject you think you need.  If you want a public school diploma, go to your local public school and talk to guidance counselor and principal.

Ask them to give you the same consideration that they give for non-English speaking students.   They place our immigrants and long term visitors to our country   by age.   I think they should be able to give you the same rights.

Answer 10

If you know how to read, you can learn anything you want to learn!!! Dont give up on yourself. Many young people have taught themselves and with great success. Focus on your reading level first.Try reading the Bible, it is an excellent reading too. Then your Math. Some of the online schools give you a computer !! THere are resources available. America is a wonderful place filled with libraries of books to use for free. My daughter is learning how to draw from a book she got at the library. I taught myself how to paint the house. You can do it!!

Answer 11

I am sorry for your misfortune.  I can sympathize with you (sorta).  My mom died when I was 7 and from there I lived in 5 different homes before being settled.  I was in and out of school and YES had to test because at one point I was out of school for a YEAR (without home schooling).  I tested on level and was placed in the appropriate grade for my age.  The difference, I was much younger and had only missed a little over a year of schooling.  (Yes I moved quite a bit).  You might have to be a little behind, maybe a couple of grades BUT in the end you will get a FREE education and you will catch up with your peers.  Later you can look into college (because once you get there age doesn't matter, TRUST ME.  I am 26 and a sophomore and there are people much older than me there.)  If you dont feel that is the right approach, see if they have night programs.  These programs provide classes for drop-outs that decided to return to high school.  Your town may offer this....  You may just have to take a set-back.  But knowledge is power.  Please go back, don't let a set back keep you out of school.  GOOD LUCK!

Answer 12

First of all, just try taking the test, you might surprise yourself and pass it - especially if you were an advanced student while you were in school.  

If you don't pass, find out what areas you are lacking and study those.  You have really only missed a few years and it should take long at all to catch up.  I would doubt that Biology and advanced math are on the test as not all 9th graders take those subjects.

The next thing is, don't be discouraged.  You are still young and have not lost your education.  You could always start a new homeschooling program and finish homeschooling that way.  If your computer is broken, use a workbook program.  Here are some available options:

http://www.successful-homeschooling.com/...

I'm sorry you and your mom have had such a rough time.  You sound smart and highly motivated.  It's not too late for you to get back on track!

Answer 13

Hi. I am a home schooling mom that has been so far behind I was paralyzed in my thoughts. The more I thought about how much I had to catch up on the more I procrastinated and did some work but not as much as I could have done with our sons in high school.

First, I need to tell you not to worry. You will never be a failure because of your obstacles. Second, you are a motivated person. I can tell you you are a gem. Many kids your age would not even care enough to reach out like you are doing.Third, I am going to pray for you daily ,all the time. I will ask that you have a spirit of confidence, a spirit of faith, a spirit of wisdom, and anything else God will give you during this time you are experiencing. He knows your needs.

I know you mom is a good mom. She had to deal with a lot, just like you. She needs strength. You can help her in that area by maybe giving her a hug and TELL her between you and her you will have the education you feel that you think you may have lost. give her hope too. This might reinforce the drive in her to help you get going.

Listen, you are still young and will have the chance to learn everything you WANT to learn. It takes a lot of effort amd time.

Never stop reading

If you need my help in any way please contact me. I don't know if I am allowed to give out my email address, so I will keep a look out for your posts.

There are many ways to catch up. Trust me you are going to be academically fine, especially with your drive.

I am so sorry to know about your dad. I know the pain of that as well because my dad "went home" when I was turning five. I still think about the why's and what if's but I have to be strong. My mom had five girls to raise on her own. She now helps with the Spanish home school work. She taught us that we had to rise above the occassion and be strong for ourselves.

I guess what I am saying you may have to do work on your own for awhile, but you can do it. One of my sons has independent study. I know of a girl who had to do her own senior year by herself because her parents could not help. They didn't speak english. She did very well for herself.

You will too.

Take the test when you are ready-you may surprise youself at how much you actually do know. You could be smarter than ninth grade level.But even if your are not, or feel that you are not, just study and study some more. College transcripts can be done at home too. My niece who home schools three kids will be doing this.

There are many sources to go to to get help. If you have the chance have as many open book tests online as possble, at least for now. Yes, it may be cheating but you will be able to download your work and study the subject further when you are able.

I don't know if any of this helps. We do pray for our home schooling and all our works. We encourage each other, even when things look impossible and gloomy. Have Faith in Yourself.

You are not behind. You come across as a very intelligent individual.  You and your mom have gone through something traumatic. Give yourself a break.* Do Not Worry

* Give your mom plenty of hugs!

Check with the public school system again about obtaining a curriculum for yourself. Explain(again?) your situation.

You have rights. The school system can't do this to you. Action can take place for you! Find sourced to help you achieve this goal.Take in a deep breath and try to relax. Consider yourself hugged by me. A mom who has been there and back, but in different ways. Be positive. Think positive.  Easier said than done, I know.But you are relating to a home school mom that has been VERY behind, and finally got her act together. But it only really worked when my sons HAD to get their work done. You are different. You see further ahead than my own sons did.at your age. Keep us posted! God and His angels are helping you and your mom, ALWAYS!

Peace-

Answer 14

I'm assuming you have a computer now?

Go to worldbook.com and search the general highschool curriculum. From there, spend some time reading things from each subject and learning on your own. There are tons and tons of free web sites you can use. coolmath.com is a great math site and can give you lessons as well as quizzes in whatever area you choose. Can you get to the library on your own? Pick up a few home school books and read more about what you should know.

Just google free homeschool resources, and you'll find tons of resources, websites and even printable worksheets that you can use.

Good luck

Answer 15

Don't be too quick to say you "couldn't pass." You've got a better grasp of proper English grammar usage than many I've seen on this site. I assume you're talking about American public school systems, whose standardized tests/tests to pass are a joke. Talk to the counselors at your local high school, and see if they have extra tutoring or a sample test you could look over. Sometimes the only way to deal with the public school system is to be a nuisance. Though you can't use the computers at the library, see if you can take hope reference books that detail information on the SAT/ACT/AP exams. That should cover the information you need, and more.

It's rough learning by yourself, but hang in there!

Answer 16

I know it must be hard to be treated like you are from these schools and I'm not criticizing your mother at all. I completely understand that she is doing her best. I'm really sorry about your dad, and I hope everything is working out okay other than this. I'd look for some public schools and maybe go in the school with your mother for like a consultation were you can look over the school and talk to them about your books. If that doesn't work stick with what your doing with the little you can get and try to get back in public school next year. and another thing.. you can always try the test as best you can. I hope this helps a little. Good Luck, and keep up the good work Hun!

Answer 17

Dear "Me"!

FIRST, and FOREMOST...  Don't give-up!!!

I can offer suggestions...  (and I will)...  but for goodness sake, and for YOUR sake...  DO NOT GIVE UP!!!

You sound like you WANT it!  That's the FIRST thing!  

Here is what "I" would recommend:

1).  Unless the school-board is going to 'charge' you 'an arm and a leg'...  TAKE the TEST!  Yo might be surprised at how well you DO...  especially if you ARE as interested in LEARNING as you appear to be!

2).  You might want to get a copy of one of the books that 'coaches' on how to pass the GED...  It just might give you enough to 'catch-up"!

3).  I don't know 'WHERE you are", but you might want to contact one of the local News-Stations...  and tell THEM your 'story'!  The NEWS channels LOVE to to put 'HUMAN INTEREST' stories on the air...   It shows the 'community' that THEY are 'in touch' with the 'the 'viewers' of their station!  

I'm close to CLEVELAND, Ohio...  And I KNOW that WOIO just LOVES to get a hold of stories like yours!  If nothing els, they wil put you in touch with people who CAN, and WILL help you!!!

I can't answer everything, but unless YOU, or your Mother have signed you OUT of 'school', there should be a TRUENT officer coming around and asking WHY you are NOT in school!  (That's NOT the route I would recommned, but if you have talked to your Mother about it, and SHE can't come up with anything better...  it IS a 'thought'...

MOST important thing is for YOU to get back in school!!

If you can't get any help, any other way...  since you DO (apparently have SOME access to a computer)...  get back to me!!!  I'll DO what I can to help you!

GOOD LUCK, and God Bless you for TRYING!!!