|
|
FAQ | When do I need to file the Affidavit of Intent to homeschool? | | What if I am removing my child from a public or private school? | | Do I need to join an organization and/or association? | | How do I find curriculum? | | What subject do I need to teach? | | What about standardized testing? | | How long should we spend doing homeschool studies each day? | | What about physical education? | | What about socialization? |
Q: How do I register my child?
A: Complete an Affidavit of Intent to Homeschool (pdf) - Have it notarized.
- Make a photocopy for your records.
- Mail the original signed, notarized Affidavit to your County School Superintendent's office along with a copy of your child's certified birth certificate.
| Q: Where do I get an Affidavit of Intent to homeschool?
A: There is an Affidavit of Intent to Homeschool in pdf format that you can print off of this web site. Click here to view and print this form (NOTE: You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader) Some counties have their own version of the Affidavit of Intent to Homeschool. Some counties will accept our version of the Affidavit, while others want you to use their form. You can visit your County School Superintendent's Office web site or call them to find out if they have their own version they want you to use. | Q: When do I need to file the Affidavit of Intent to homeschool?
A: The Affidavit of Intent to Homeschool must be filed within 30 days of starting homeschooling for children ages 6-16. | Q: What if I am removing my child from public or private school?
A: There is no formal process or specific form that must be completed, but we recommend that you notify your child's school principal or administration that you will be removing your child to educate them at home. | Q: Do I need to join an organization and/or association?
A: You are not required to join any organization in order to homeschool. However, to participate in the facilitated curriculum provided by the Grace Homeschool Cooperative, you must be a member and adhere to the enrollment guidelines. If you do not wish to participate as a member of the association, you are free to do so. There are several additional organizations that may be extremely beneficial to you: 1. AFHE (Arizona Families for Home Education) - By joining the state homeschool organization, you will be kept abreast of legislative issues that may affect homeschoolers in Arizona as well as other helpful information in the bi-monthly Journal and periodic e-mail updates sent to AFHE members. 2. HSLDA (Home School Legal Defense Association) - Members of HSLDA receive professional legal representation to protect your right to homeschool. HSLDA also acts as a voice for homeschooling families nationwide in Washington DC and monitors all state legislation that could reduce our homeschooling freedoms. 3. Local Support Groups membership is a great way to connect with other homeschooling families in your area, to share ideas, to encourage, edify and equip one another in the incredible homeschooling journey. | Q: How do I find curriculum?
A: There is an abundance of curricular resources available. You can search the internet, talk to other homeschoolers, and attend the annual homeschool convention in Phoenix. At the convention you can browse the exhibit hall and attend vendor workshops to learn more about their products. Grace Homeschool Cooperative - recommends use of the A Beka Academy curriculum for its homeschool members in grades 9-12. Identify your child's learning style - The first thing we recommend is that you spend some time observing your child to identify the way they learn best (auditory, visual, hands-on, etc.). There are many books on the market that can help you do this ... The Way They Learn by Cynthia Ulrich Tobias is one example. Identifying your child's learning style will help you choose the best curricula for your child. Talk to other homeschoolers - Talk to parents who have been homeschooling awhile. Talk to parents who have children similar to yours. Ask them what works well for them and why. Ask them what they have tried that they didn't like and why. Be willing to try different things - It is important to understand that there may be some "trial and error" involved in choosing curriculum that will work well for your individual children and your family. A Beka Academy and Bob Jones University are two of the best. Read Homeschool Guides - Read books that describe various curricula and resources such as
Mary Pride's Complete Guide to Homeschooling series and
Cathy Duffy’s 100 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum ... Choosing the Right Curriculum for Your Child | Q: What subjects do I need to teach?
A: In Arizona, parents are required by law to teach the following subjects: reading, grammar, mathematics, science and social studies. (Click here to read Arizona Revised Statutes 15-802) What you specifically teach for each subject, when you teach it and at what pace you move through the material is up to you as your child's teacher. As a member of Grace Homeschool Cooperative, the A Beka Academy curriculum will be adhered to, which covers all of the subjects mentioned above, along with the addition of bible knowledge and electives. Physical education is required by A Beka Academy curriculum for all 9th grade homeschool students and is the sole responsibility of the parents. Q: What about standardized testing?
A: In Arizona, homeschool students are not required to do standardized testing including the AIMS test. It is up to the individual parent/family whether or not to do standardized testing. One benefit to doing periodic standardized testing is that it gives your students practice taking norm-referenced tests. It can also give you a reliable measure of your child's performance as compared with other students their age throughout the nation. Other means of evaluation would include curriculum-specific tests and daily observation. One-on-one interaction between parent and child shows a parent how well their child is learning a specific body of knowledge and skills. If you wish to have your child take a standardized test, check with your independent support group to see if they offer testing. If they do not, there are several resources offering testing materials. A few of them include: Q: How long should we spend doing homeschool studies each day?
A: In the one-on-one tutorial setting of a homeschool, seatwork can be completed in a relatively short amount of time. This being the case. it leaves plenty of room in the day for creative activities, experiments, projects, exploration, reading, music, time with friends, and much more. Remember, homeschooling is more than an educational option, it is a way of life. Learning doesn't take place only when your child is doing a workbook. True learning can take place all day, every day, and in every activity. Q: What about physical education?
A: Grace Homeschool Cooperative does not provide physical education for the homeschool students. However, it is required by the A Beka Academy curriculum for all homeschool students in the 9th grade. In accordance to AZ state law, homeschool children can participate in sports with their local public schools. Homeschool students are encouraged to participate in local city and county sports activities for a small fee. These activities are suitable and will fulfill the educational requirements of the A Beka Academy curriculum. Q: What about socialization?
A: This is the number one question homeschoolers are often asked. Many homeschoolers have discovered healthy socialization takes place when children are exposed to people of all ages in various settings, not limited to the confines of a classroom and a group of students all about the same age. Children can learn to socialize in every day activities such as a trip to the grocery store or library, play dates with friends, visits with grandparents, support group activities, park days, etc. Most importantly, children often receive their most valuable socialization in the nurturing environment of home, family and church. Therefore, Grace Homeschool Cooperative encourages that all members attend church services regularly. Children who are faithfully attending church fulfill all the necessary requirements of healthy socialization when they participate within their youth groups, bible studies, missions trips, summer and winter youth camp activities. Arizona has a very vibrant, active homeschool community. One of the biggest challenges many homeschoolers encounter is dealing with the overabundance of activities available to us. One job we have as homeschooling parents is to look for activities that enhance our homeschool journey without leading to the frenzied distraction of too many outside activities. Learning to say "no" to the "good" and the "better" things, we leave room in our schedules for the "best".
|
|
|