The Organization of Virginia Homeschoolers
VaHomeschoolers.org
Your Resource. Your Voice. Your Association.
The Organization of Virginia Homeschoolers
VaHomeschoolers.org
Your Resource. Your Voice. Your Association.
NOTE: Since Ellen Neal's groundbreaking 1998 VaHomeschoolers Newsletter article on homeschooler access to public schools, several additional local school districts have chosen to adopt access policies in their communities, including Stafford, Clarke, Culpeper, and Fauquier Counties. VaHomeschoolers is in the process of compiling an updated list of public school access policies. Please send information about your county's access policies.
by Ellen Neal
For some Virginia homeschoolers access to the public school system on an a la carte basis is not a desirable alternative, but for others it is. After five months of research, VaHomeschoolers's Ellen Neal provides an in-depth review of Virginia's access law, its critics, how local school systems are responding, local policies and an informal survey of how homeschoolers are availing themselves of this new option. She also includes interviews with six families from across the state who have tried out part-time access.
It's been nearly two years since the Virginia General Assembly passed a bill encouraging school divisions to open their doors to home and private school students wanting to take classes part time. And while many homeschool families and homeschool circles are debating access, a handful of school divisions across Virginia have opened their doors, welcoming in a small set of home and private school children who, with their parents, have chosen to give part-time public school access a try.
The 1997 law created a financial incentive for school divisions to more flexibly serve their community by allowing homeschoolers under the home instruction statute (22.1-254.1) or private schooled students who enrolled part time in math, science, English, social studies and foreign language to be included on a prorated basis in the ADM (average daily membership) count for school funding. This fall, vocational education and fine arts were added to the reimbursable course list. Schools are now eligible to receive .5 ADM for part time students taking two or more courses and .25 ADM for one, if they decide to let part time students attend. The new law does not include reimbursement for homeschoolers privately tutored, nor under religious exemption. Also, the law does not require divisions to open their doors to homeschoolers, nor does it address access to extracurricular programs.
Critics of part time access have emerged from both homeschool and public school sides. Homeschooler purists say that adding a public school course to homeschoolers' repertoire will dilute the total homeschooler experience and that homeschoolers will take the easier path of signing up for a course rather than creating one in their homeschool communities. Some homeschoolers fear that government intrusion in their lives will ultimately increase in the form of more testing and evaluation requirements and more local homeschool regulation as other homeschoolers tangle themselves with the public school. According to HEAV in its article, Public Schools Now Recruiting Homeschoolers!, "children not only face negative peer pressure, politically correct teaching, an unsafe school environment, problems with textbook content, and New Age influence. They have to cope with sexual harassment, on site physical exams-- even strip searches to validate anonymous abuse charges, random searches of students and property, and guidance counseling, as well as interviews and psychological testing without parental permission or knowledge."
School divisions in the past routinely turned down individual requests from non-public students to go part time even though allowing part time access has always been a local option. Most divisions continue to have no specific policy addressing part time access. They often reasoned that when parents choose to leave the system by homeschooling or sending their children to private school, the school no longer had any obligation to them. There's a sentiment held by some in the public school establishment that public school students 'pay their dues' by taking all the required classes, enduring the bus ride and otherwise going through the drudgery of a full time public school program, so, why should they let these homeschool kids come in and pick whatever classes they want. Another concern was whether their full time students would leave the classrooms and begin going part time. Prior to the ADM bill there was no way to receive funding for part time students to attend classes. But now, even with a financial incentive, over crowded conditions and anti-homeschool sentiment in some divisions leave the administrations content to continue to say no. Some divisions like Nelson and Loudon County have established policies to specifically prohibit part time enrollment.
There are however, school divisions in Virginia who have taken the bold step to establish part time non-public student access policies. These divisions feel the schools should not turn their backs on the children whose parents pay the same taxes as other families, and they have an interest in serving the needs of their community members. These include Rockingham County, Rockbridge County, Charlottesville City, Albemarle County, Madison County, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth, and Falls Church. The Fairfax County School Board representing a large, wealthy and powerful Northern Virginia district continues to consider the question. Helen Fussell with Fairfax Schools Administration Office reports that part time access for home and private students was discussed a couple of times at recent school board meetings and in her opinion it is likely to go through.
When families request to have their children go part time to Charlottesville City Schools, Assistant Superintendent, Arletta Dimberg is happy to say yes. "We're pleased to serve our community," she states. "We send information and forms on our access policy to all homeschoolers so they know about our program. This year we have opened our part time program to non residents for a modest fee."
In Madison County most programs are offered to any student says Madison County teacher, Ann Wilkins, "They do pay taxes." Madison includes homeschoolers in their summer enrichment program and she recalls homeschoolers have taken advanced placement classes, computers and band.
Policies for the access programs so far are fairly similar. Requests for courses are granted on a space available basis. Some divisions include bus transportation one way if the child's class is at the beginning or end of the day. Extracurricular access is often an included option for elementary or middle school students, but at the high school level the Virginia High School League sports and other VHSL competitions require full time enrollment. When prerequisites are required the schools look at what documentation is offered by the child and his parents, correspondence course transcripts, achievement test results, reading lists, a portfolio of work or placement test scores as well as parental input on the child's level. The schools seem genuinely interested in the child's ability to succeed in the course.
Unless the child is interested in receiving a high school diploma, no additional tests—beyond what's required for their selected course—or other requirements are placed on the student. Despite what anti-access proponents have warned, part time non-diploma bound students have not reported being required to take the literacy passport test, receive unauthorized guidance counseling, undergo psychological testing, undergo strip searches or take FLE (Family Life Education) or other unwanted classes. In Charlottesville, Dimberg commented, "That's why it's called selective enrollment because the students can chose what they want to take."
In Rockbridge County, homeschooled students choosing to go part time can also achieve their high school diploma. The diploma bound student requirements are different than for those just taking one or two selected courses. Glen Stark, Superintendent of Rockbridge County Schools explained that at the request of a public school parent the Rockbridge County school administration developed a policy to accommodate homeschool students returning to public school and public and homeschool students wanting to go part time while still wanting to receive their high school diploma. The policy states that students instructed at home under the age of 18 may pursue a high school diploma by taking and passing English 11 and 12, U.S. History, U.S. Government, 2 math courses and 2 lab science courses at Rockbridge County High School and a majority of credits from Rockbridge County High School. To receive credit for home instruction of the remaining diploma requirements students must, in advance of requesting credit, pre-register for classes with a guidance counselor and have a schedule approved by school officials. Homeschool credits are not computed into a grade point average and homeschool students are not included in the class rank of students. Those students not pursuing a high school diploma and those at lower grade levels are admitted into requested classes on a space available basis. Specifically, the policy states that availability of courses to non-diploma students can be restricted when enrollments exceed 75% of established capacities. Otherwise, the only policy or administration requirements for part time, non-diploma seeking students is completion of class prerequisites.
Stark reports that of the 1100 or so students in his division only 3 or 4 have chosen to attend part time. In the two years since the policy has been established only one child has chosen to go part time and pursue his diploma. Stark felt most homeschoolers in his division were not interested in part time access. The other school divisions echoed that opinion across the Commonwealth allowing access. In each division only a handful or less of students are participating part time. According to Dick Harper, homeschool student administrator in Rockingham County, of the 125 homeschool students only a couple are accessing their Massanuttan Vocational High School courses.
Melinda Boone, Isle of Wight County Schools, reports that since the School Board approved a multi-grade level, academic classes access policy in the fall of 1997 not one student has attended part time. She said this year one parent inquired about an elementary level art and music program but was told that the board approved academic courses only.
Albemarle County Schools established a pilot access program three years ago for high school students wanting to take courses. Last year they narrowed the allowed course list to match the partial ADM state funded course and this year, on the recommendation of VaHomeschoolers, they've opened it back up to any courses and included the middle school grade levels. Two private and one homeschooled students enrolled the first year. Wayne Heplar, Director of Guidance at Western Albemarle high school (one of the two high schools in that district) reported that last year no students enrolled part time in his school and this year they have one. So, while many homeschool families agree that the public schools should be open to everyone, the number of homeschoolers trying part time access remains small.
Seventeen year old Adam Welch and his brother Chase, 13 were homeschooled from the beginning under religious exemption by born again Christian parents Peter and Paula Welch. Four years ago driving the boys to a Christian private school was the best solution as Paula, working full time, could no longer continue to homeschool. This year space in the eighth grade class at the private school wasn't available for Chase. School dress code and other administrative rules became too restrictive for Adam. The boys looked into other schooling options. Not feeling ready for community college they decided this year to attend public school part time. Adam only needs 3 classes to graduate with the credits he transferred from private school. So, he's taking Geometry, Advanced English and Advanced U.S. Government at Western Albemarle High School. Chase takes Pre-algebra, Advanced English and Physical Science at Henley Middle School.
For both Adam and Chase the social transition went smoothly as they discovered they already knew many of their classmates from prior interaction in their community through Boy Scouts and skate boarding. Chase felt this was very important to school success, "When you're around kids all day you'd feel isolated and by yourself if you didn't know any of them. It's better to know some kids."
But just being around kids all day doesn't necessarily fulfill these kids' social needs. The one aspect they didn't like about going part time was that they didn't get to see their friends as much and didn't get to socialize as much as they'd like. Academically the boys are doing well though they find it's harder than they expected with strict deadlines and the expectation that understanding the material is left solely to them. "If you don't learn something right the first time, it's up to you to figure it out, whereas in homeschool the schedule is more relaxed because it's your family and you can take longer to understand a concept," comments Adam. They both have chosen not to spend more time at the schools to participate in extracurricular activities.
While mom hopes to again be able to homeschool, for now both Welch boys like going to school. Adam would recommend part time access to other homeschoolers if they want to have an "interesting, mind-blowing experience that can be a lot of fun." Chase thinks it's a good experience to glimpse the "real" world and likes to have other views to broaden his horizons. While both appreciate the extra time they have compared to other full time students, they envy the freedom in homeschooling. Will they continue to attend? Adam will graduate with his class this spring and Chase will begin high school in the fall.
Ida Swisher was in public school from kindergarten to fourth grade. She found she needed more challenge so her parents, Amy and Larry Swisher, pulled her out for 5th and 6th grade. This year (in 7th grade) she's taking advanced civics at Rockbridge Middle School in Fairfield, Va. to augment her otherwise full homeschool schedule of Saxon Math and Oak Meadow language arts and home economics, girl scouts, 4-H, and dance lessons.
Her civics meets from 8:20 to 9:11 a.m. so she has the rest of the day free to do her other work or get out for other activities. That's her favorite aspect of homeschooling - the chance to get out during the day. In 4th and 5th grade she says there is no recess at school. Ida asserts, "I like government so civics is easy. My teacher is really nice to everyone and she doesn't scream." Ida's civics teacher also happens to be her aunt, but Ida says she doesn't think of her as her aunt when she's teaching.
Because Ida had attended elementary school and was in girl scouts she knew many of the kids. She, like Chase, also thought this was very important. So much so that she advised, "It wouldn't be good to go to school part time if you didn't know the other kids, you'd feel too uncomfortable." Ida's friends tell her she's lucky to homeschool. She retorts, "I say I'm not because I end up doing the same or more work as they do."
Next year Ida's thinking about taking Spanish and world history, maybe algebra and trying out for the basketball team. She says she works hard on her schooling because she intends to get into a good college and she aspires to be a lawyer or editor someday because she likes to argue.
For 10th grader, Marta Eckert-Mills, attending band class in Falls Church is a right for which she had to fight. After submitting samples of her work and writing a letter of request she was granted permission in 7th grade to play her saxophone in the school band. All was well, she thought, until the superintendent who took an "all or nothing" point of view had her booted out. In the ensuing battles at school board meetings, the family felt that their positive presence in their community caused the public and the media to support their side. The community that embraced Marta was from all parts of the political perspective. Eventually, with assistance from VaHomeschoolers, they gained the right for Marta to continue her playing in the schools. The opposing superintendent was later forced to resign for this and other reasons according to Marta's mom, Annette.
Marta and here family have no regrets about the work involved to gain access. In addition to repeated addresses to her local school board, Marta spoke at the Virginia General Assembly for VaHomeschoolers about her experience in access. Annette commented, "In a small way we have helped the homeschooling movement move forward." Her vision of public school is that of a resource center where one could pick and choose what they wish.
For Marta that choice is playing the saxophone and play she has. She's been first chair in her band every year, first chair or alternate in all district orchestra, and has been awarded top band member. She's invited to participate in all the events and competitions and has been encouraged to participate in International Baccalaureate, an advanced placement music program at the school.
Marta has homeschooled from birth says her mom who realized very early on that institutional settings were not conducive to learning. Though Marta takes band at the high school and biology at the local community college she definitely sees herself as 100% homeschooler. She knew a lot of the kids when she started taking band but felt some culture shock to being in school at first, which required some adjusting. Looking back she sees that if your values are strong, going to school will not be a problem. Her success has bothered a selected few fellow students, but what bothers kids even more is that Marta doesn't have to get up as early as they do. She's made many good friends in school, but her closest friends are outside the school system.
Going part time has made Marta even more committed to homeschooling. She saw how much time was wasted in school and while at first it seemed that the school kids were doing so much she soon realized that it was not in depth. She also saw how much more she could do on her own. But, being in the high school band she's felt no sense of compromise to her homeschooling. Instead she feels she has the best of both worlds. She's gaining opportunities that she would not have otherwise and a chance to see what conventional high school is all about while she continues to have the freedom of learning at home.
After homeschooling six years, Alex Davis of Charlottesville decided to go part time for two reasons. He didn't have enough homeschool friends because there just weren't many other homeschool families in his area and he wanted more academic work, particularly in science. Alex's mom, Sarah Peaslee works full time and her schedule prevents her from being able to be home during the day. Sarah also felt Alex wanted confirmation of his skills - to prove he could compete with the rest of the world. So, last year Alex took 6th grade science and math and this year he's taking science, math and Spanish.
He also is doing very well academically, receiving nearly all A's and last year he was moved up into a special advanced program. Alex has made many friends and feels it's good for him to be exposed to more kids his age, but he finds he's still most connected to his homeschooling friends. And some kids are not friendly and understanding of Alex going part time. "It's hilarious how no matter how many times I explain my situation to school kids they still don't get it", reports Alex, ‘What's homeschool?', they ask. ‘I teach myself I answer'. ‘You what?? Kids think I'm so weird for going part time."
Homeschooling has sharpened Alex's ability to see the weaker aspects of a public education. "I don't like the way we are bribed in school. I think the way they motivate kids is really pathetic. In school things are handed to you and sometimes forced down your throat. You HAVE to do this test and study for it otherwise you'll get a bad grade and not please your parents. Also kids can be so cruel to each other for no reason. I'm not sure why but it might have something to do with being cooped up all day."
Although Sarah would prefer to continue full time homeschooling (if she didn't have work conflicts and there were more homeschool families to network with) she's seen Alex become stronger in his time management and organizational skills since being in school. And overall Alex enjoys going part time. It gives him the freedom to choose his own work, including continuing with his homeschool writers club group that mom leads and time to pursue his acting career while having challenging work at school. His plan is to take science, math and Spanish through junior high then go full time to high school.
Winona Parent is taking pride in two ice breaking firsts. She is the first woman to take a building trades course at her local high school vo-tech center and she's doing it as a 9th grade homeschool student in Lexington, Virginia's Rockbridge County School Division. Steven and JoEllen Parent have incorporated mentorships, service work and family projects into their homeschool program for their two daughters. Winona works with her father who's a carpenter one afternoon a week, so choosing a building trades class was perfectly natural to Winona. But, one of her challenges attending this class has been resistance from the boys to having a girl in their class. Guys have straight out asked her, "What are you doing here?" That her instructor has been supportive of Winona and encourages acceptance and a team-player spirit in the class has been really helpful says JoEllen.
Winona has been homeschooled primarily from the beginning. Her parents supported Winona in her decision to try middle school, though she found that it didn't suit her learning style and discontinued. Part of the Parent's homeschool philosophy is that the purpose of knowledge is for service to society and that learning should be heart-centered instead of ego-centered. Additionally, the Parents homeschool to protect their children's creative innocence, so they are respectful of their daughters' academic readiness. For these reasons they have not yet pursued community college options for Winona.
So, for now Winona is enjoying homeschooling and taking her building class. But she won't be attending classes this spring. It's not that she doesn't want to. There are just no openings in any classes for which she has an interest. That's one of the down sides JoEllen reports on access. The part timers are at the bottom of the list for entrance if classes are full. Transportation to and from school is the other downside because JoEllen is a working mom.
When Launi Agee called the Madison County School superintendent last fall to request that her daughter be allowed to play clarinet in the band she got nowhere. This fall was a different story. "I called again this fall and the superintendent said he'd have to look into it and that he might have to ask permission from the school board. But, within an hour he called back saying it was just fine." Launi attributes this seemingly abrupt change of heart to the change in state law granting funding.
Whatever reason for the change, 12 year old Brooke is now taking band and art class and she gets tutored one afternoon a week in math by the homeroom teacher. All are areas in which Launi wanted extra help teaching her daughter. While mom had 20 years background in teaching and gets along fine with her daughter in other subjects, math was one subject where mom didn't take it well if Brooke couldn't get it. Brooke was evaluated at The Kluge Center and identified as gifted as well as learning disabled. She has a visual perceptual and fine motor challenge that interferes with some of her learning. Art is a good exercise for her and the person who was teaching art to homeschoolers in the community had stopped when her children went back to school.
Socially, like Marta and Alex, Brooke is experiencing some of the same immature attitudes from her peers. Some just don't quite understand how she fits in, and Brooke struggles with the meanness coming from some kids to whom she's always been nice. Some kids resent her success in band, where she is already first chair. On the up side, Brooke is getting a taste of the public school world with positive strokes. Her art teacher has great interest in her success and is willing to support Brooke when it's hard for her. She's getting an experience in band that she was unable to find outside the school.
One complication the Agee's and other homeschoolers have discovered is the confusion of block scheduling. In block scheduling, the classes meet every other day for a longer time period, three days one week and two the next. While it's nice to not have to interrupt every day with a class, and the longer time block is generally positive, remembering which week you're on is challenging and spontaneity is diminished in the Agee's homeschooling.
Brooke, an All-Star 4-Her, may take science and lab classes at the local community college in the future. Launi will also encourage travel as part of Brooke's broadening range of experience. She aspires to be a veterinarian. Her more current plans include continuing band and perhaps another course at the public school next year. "Just like with homeschooling," Launi says, "as long as it's working we'll continue. Part time access is right for this child now. We're delighted for the choice."
1998 Ellen Neal. All rights reserved.
Originally printed in the November/December 1998 issue of the VaHomeschoolers Newsletter