Homeschooling is about saying goodbye to traditional schooling, where students need to set aside other tasks and attend school in person. This type of education allows students to learn from home.
Homeschooling Laws in North Carolina
Each state has its own laws regarding online homeschooling. Understanding the state’s regulations is important for legal compliance. Check the states’ requirements here.
Notice of Intent (NOI) Filing
Parents must file the NOI with the North Carolina Division of Non-Public Education before starting homeschooling. The form is available on the website. The NOI includes basic school’s details and confirms the home education plan. This document needs submission only once.
Standardized Testing
Homeschoolers in North Carolina take a nationally recognized standardized test each year. The test covers subjects such as English, reading, and math. Parents keep test results on file for at least one year.
Recordkeeping for Attendance
Parents must maintain accurate attendance records for their homeschool. The state requires at least nine months of instruction each year. These records have to be available if requested by state authorities.
Teacher Qualifications
Teachers in a North Carolina homeschool must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Parents teach their children if they meet this qualification. No additional certifications are required.
Choosing the Right Curriculum
The good curriculum includes core subjects and offers different electives for a comprehensive education. Many schools provide personalized learning and support services. The best option is when schools mix this with a solid curriculum. Accreditation guarantees the program and curriculum are recognized by colleges and employers. Learn more here.
Resources and Support for Families
Starting with homeschooling seems hard for families, but there are many helpful resources.
Homeschool Organizations
Statewide homeschool organizations, like North Carolinians for Home Education (NCHE), offer guidance and legal support, and provide networking opportunities to parents. They can help you understand state laws and give advice on homeschool curriculum. The organizations hold annual conferences for homeschooling families.
Online Communities
Online forums and social media groups, such as Triad Homeschoolers, connect the parents who homeschool their children. Members share their ideas and resources and give one another emotional support.
Local Libraries
Most libraries offer free access to educational materials, such as books, videos, and online databases. Many libraries have special events for homeschoolers, including reading clubs or workshops. Libraries are a good place to study and do research.
Co-ops and Extracurriculars
Homeschool co-ops bring families together to share teaching responsibilities. Co-ops provide group classes, field trips, and social activities. Use Homeschool-Life to connect with local homeschooling co-ops and groups.
Extracurricular activities, like sports or music classes, help students develop new skills outside the home.
Academic Outcomes and Benefits
Homeschooling lets families design a learning experience to fit their children’s needs. Parents make their own choice of curriculum and set their pace accordingly. The students dig deeper into a subject or skim through what they are already familiar with. Homeschooling offers flexibility in schedules.
Learn more about the positives of homeschooling here.
Setting Educational Goals
Clear educational goals are the main thing to successful homeschooling. The goals are a short way to the right learning and a good progress.
Short-Term Goals
Short-term goals target immediate learning tasks like mastering a skill or finishing a unit. The achievement of these goals gives students the chance to become motivated and develops a sense of accomplishment. Parents change the curriculum based on these goals.
Long-Term Achievement
Long-term goals outline broader educational aspirations, such as preparing for college or specific career paths. These goals guide the overall homeschooling plan and curriculum choices. Parents break down long-term goals into manageable steps.
Regular Assessments
Regular assessments track student progress and find areas needing improvement. These are tests, projects, or informal observations. Ongoing feedback helps parents change teaching methods when necessary.
Backup Plans
The backup strategy helps deal with a lot of unexpected problems, like learning difficulties or life changes. These plans help to keep the progress of learning at a stable level, even if some problems occur.
Personalizing Learning Experiences
Homeschooling allows lessons to be adapted to the child’s needs. This becomes even more relevant with children who have some kind of disability and need more personalization.
The Importance of Flexible Schedules
Parents plan the schedule for lessons and breaks independently, taking into account their child’s preferences. They adjust the schedule at any time if they feel it’s not optimal or if changes are needed due to family circumstances. This is especially relevant when the family decides to travel.
Harnessing Technology for Enhanced Learning
Homeschooling allows students to learn from anywhere in the world. Parents provide children with a laptop, tablet, or phone, and pay for internet access. Having the internet enables students to use online platforms where they attend lessons, such as ABCmouse. Other programs they learn include Grammarly, Quizlet, and others.
