There is so much information about homeschooling that it can seem overwhelming. We've gathered information to help you make your homeschooling decision and to inform you about laws and other legal issues. Here you'll find research and statistics that support the notion that homeschooling provides specific advantages to children and families. And we'll help you take the first steps on the road of your own homeschooling adventure.
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| Why Homeschool? |
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The first step to homeschooling is making your decision to home educate your child. It is important to become informed and knowledgeable about some of the main concerns you may have. Explore these areas of our website to learn more about the initial decision to homeschool.
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| Where to Begin |
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You've decided to homeschool your child! But what comes first? For many parents, knowing where to begin in the homeschooling process can be confusing. Although there seems to be so much information available, it may be hard to get your questions answered. We've put together some resources to start you on your journey, giving you the information and motivation you need to successfully begin to homeschool in Ohio.
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| Legal/Homeschool Laws |
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Laws that regulate home education vary from state to state. It is important to understand the legal requirements in your state and to be aware of legislative and other legal issues that affect homeschoolers in your community. We've compiled resources that will help you become informed. Although homeschooling is legal in all 50 states, and the vast majority of homeschoolers face no problems, you may find that you need legal assistance at some point in your homeschooling career. We've compiled a list of resources to help you find the support you need. And if you'd like to become more involved in working towards homeschooling freedoms, we discuss some of the issues facing homeschoolers that we hope you find compelling.
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| History of Homeschooling in America |
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How did homeschooling start? When did it become legal? Who were the key players in making homeschooling the social movement it is today? The story of the history of homeschooling in the United States is a compelling tale of dedication, innovative ideas, and personal conviction and sacrifice. We have put together a history of this educational and social phenomenon, hoping it will inspire you to learn from the early and more recent pioneers of home education in America.
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How Rulings in Homeschooling Custody Cases Affect Us All |
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Larry and Susan Kaseman |
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Homeschooling sometimes becomes an issue for a divorced homeschooling parent whose ex-spouse opposes it. Homeschoolers who turn such conflicts over to attorneys and the courts find that most attorneys and judges know little about homeschooling and many are biased against it. Judges often rule that parents can only homeschool if they agree to do more than is required by the state homeschooling law. This can be a serious blow to families. It also sets legal precedents that give the state greater control over homeschooling and undermine the homeschooling freedoms of all of us. Fortunately, homeschoolers involved in custody disputes and their supporters can work to prevent this from happening. We can minimize such precedents by working to ensure that court cases are decided on the basis of the law and not the biases and prejudices of attorneys and judges. |
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Homeschooling Isn't About Education |
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Chris Davis |
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Sometimes we have a tendency to lose sight of why we've chosen to homeschool. Chris Davis gives a good argument for not just "bringing school home," but looking at the bigger picture of helping to develop a whole person who is using his or her specific talents and callings. |
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Early Years: Child's Learning Assets |
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Linda Dobson |
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Homeschooling gives natural childhood energy a chance to flow instead of damming it through compliance to the unnatural behavior government school requires of this age group. Unhindered, this energy bubbles to the surface as curiosity, creativity, imagination, enthusiasm, a sense of wonder and joy of discovery. These traits, so helpful to the little "information sleuth" your early-years child is, are without doubt his most important learning assets, much more important than a computer, state-of-the-art classroom, or any other "thing" you might provide for his learning.
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