E-Book Overview
In this accessible and honest look at homeschooling, Lisa Rivero explores the diverse faces of homeschooled students and the ways in which it can help children with special learning needs. She corrects misconceptions through profiles of diverse families and addresses the changing and complex needs of children today. This book addresses the major questions parents are bound to have as they consider this option: socialization, curriculum, special needs arrangements, resources, and more.
E-Book Content
THE HOMESCHOOLING OPTION How to Decide When It’s Right for Your Family
Lisa Rivero
THE HOMESCHOOLING OPTION
PREVIOUS PUBLICATIONS BY LISA RIVERO Gifted Education Comes Home Creative Home Schooling: A Resource Guide for Smart Families
THE HOMESCHOOLING OPTION How to Decide When It’s Right for Your Family
Lisa Rivero
THE HOMESCHOOLING OPTION
Copyright © Lisa Rivero, 2008. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews. Material on pages 170–175 is adapted from “Secrets of Successful Homeschooling,” by Lisa Rivero, Understanding Our Gifted, volume 15, issue 4. Reprinted with permission, Open Space Communications LLC, 800-494-6178, www.openspacecomm.com. First published in 2008 by PALGRAVE MACMILLAN™ 175 Fifth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10010 and Houndmills, Basingstoke, Hampshire, England RG21 6XS. Companies and representatives throughout the world. PALGRAVE MACMILLAN is the global academic imprint of the Palgrave Macmillan division of St. Martin’s Press, LLC and of Palgrave Macmillan Ltd. Macmillan® is a registered trademark in the United States, United Kingdom and other countries. Palgrave is a registered trademark in the European Union and other countries. ISBN-13: 978-0-230-60070-6 hardcover ISBN-10: 0-230-60070-0 hardcover ISBN-13: 978-0-230-60068-3 paperback ISBN-10: 0-230-60068-9 paperback Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Rivero, Lisa. The homeschooling option : how to decide when it’s right for your family / by Lisa Rivero. p. cm. Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN 0–230–60068–9 1. Home schooling—United States. 2. Education—Parent participation—United States. I. Title. LC40.R58 2008 371.04’2—dc22 2007025495 A catalogue record of the book is available from the British Library. Design by Letra Libre First edition: February 2008 10
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Printed in the United States of America.
To Al, for always being there, for the gelato, and for being “that kind of husband.” To Albert, for every day and everything, and for being who you’ve always been. And to the Shakespeare Home Players: You rock, fo shizzle! Allow no one to harsh your mellow.
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CONTENTS Introduction
1
Chapter 1.
Home, School, and Education
Chapter 2.
Homeschooling Past and Present
23
Chapter 3.
Hidden Truths of Homeschooling
47
Chapter 4.
Homeschool Days: What Does Learning at Home Look Like?
71
Chapter 5.
Homeschooling for Special Needs
99
Chapter 6.
Teens at Home: Homeschooling for High School
117
Parent Coffee Break: Frequently Asked Questions
139
The Homeschooling Option: Making the Decision and Getting Started
159
Chapter 9.
Home Education Laws
179
Epilogue:
Homeschooling for the Twenty-First Century
189
Chapter 7. Chapter 8.
Appendix: Contact Information for State Laws and Support Groups Notes Index