I might want to try homeschooling, any advice?

Question

I've been having aot of trouble keeping up in school, we just don't go together. I'm much more of an independant learner and I'm sick of asking teachers for help and being treated like an idiot. I have no idea how to start, I'm aware of some of the laws (like how homeschooling is considered a private school and you can basically do w/e you want as long as you teach five main courses which are math, science, history, grammar, and good citizenship) but i have lots of questions like how do I start, do I have to get a tutor, can my mom teach me, does she have to get a certificate of some sort, what if she doesn't speak english, can I study in groups, can a whole bunch of my friends take courses together, what about TAKS and the SATs? askldjf.

I'd be great if you could help?

Answer 1

I can relate very much to your situation.  I'm sure that you could find homeschooling to be beneficial to you socially and educationally.

You can do what you want, when you want as a homeschooler.  The possiblities are endless.  You can take advantage of whatever opportunities you desire, and there are so many outside of the classroom.

I suggest you read "The Teenage Liberation Handbook" by Grace Llewelyn.  It has some great ideas.

Links below may be useful.

Good luck :D

Answer 2

It really depends on what curriculums you use, if you go with programs such as Connections Academy or Christian liberty, or Abaka? There are many programs that you might want to take, they will be able to help with test and stuff like the SATs and stuff like that? What grade are you in? I have been home schooled since I was in 4th grade, I’m in high school now.  You don’t have to have a tutor; my mom taught me and still is.

Answer 3

over the years i worked with a lot of home school kids. most lacked social skills had few or no friends. Iwas a driving teacher  and found it hard to converse with some of them..

Answer 4

Since you asked about TAKS, I assume you're in Texas?  All your mom has to do is pull you out - give written notice so that you're not counted as truant - and you start homeschooling.  Your mom doesn't have to have any sort of certification, and there's no paperwork to file.  Your mom can teach you, you can study in groups, you and your friends can take classes together, you can take co op and (if you're in high school) concurrent enrollment through a local college.  You will need to be able to apply the information in English, but your mom can speak any language she wants to in order to teach you.  You don't have to take the TAKS, but you can take the SAT and ACT.

I'm in OK, and there are literally thousands of kids in my area who homeschool.  We have similar laws, and the kids around me take co op and college classes, get together to take various courses (either on their own or taught by various parents), get shadowing and mentorship experience in local businesses and professions, and take the SAT and ACT.  Standardized testing (similar to TAKS) is available, but not required.

Here's the rundown on TX homeschooling requirements: http://www.hslda.org/laws/default.asp?St...  You're automatically considered a private school, so all you're required to do is study the required subjects (Reading, spelling, grammar, math, good citizenship).  Past that, you can study anything you want, in any manner you want.

Hope that helps - and good luck!

(If I guessed incorrectly and you're not in TX, please let us know which state you're in and we can give you specifics.) :)

Answer 5

hsmomlovinit and curly are correct.

It sounds like homeschooling would be perfect for you.  You can learn what interests you in a way you enjoy learning.