In America, there was a time when the idea of homeschooling raised eyebrows of concern and could result in a visit from social services. A lack of trust by the government and public in general in a parent’s ability to educate their own children made homeschooling a bit of a stigma.

Even today in some circles, there are still many “old school” thinkers that go so far as to say that homeschooling is tantamount to deliberate child abuse. As ridiculous as that sounds to most of us, overcoming such ignorance has been a problem for some parents looking into homeschooling.

Overseas, it can be much worse. Homeschooling is illegal in Germany, a law instituted under Hitler and still enforced today. German families who choose to home school must do so in secret and run the risk of arrest; or worse, having the state take their children away.

Performance of home schools versus public and private schools

It doesn’t take much effort or investigation to discover that homeschoolers excel above their public school counter parts in nearly every category. According to a study conducted by Dr. Lawrence Rudner:

• The average home schooled 8th grade student performs four grade levels above the national average.

• One in four home school students are enrolled in a grade level that is above their age level.

• In every grade and in every subject, home schooled students outperform both public and private school students.

Other studies confirm these findings, showing that home schooled students have a much higher college entry rate, score higher on SAT’s and ACT’s, have a higher rate of college graduation, and earn higher incomes in the workforce.

These numbers come despite the fact that about 25% of parents in America who choose to home school either never attended college, or attended but never received a degree. An additional 7-10% have only an Associate degree.

Why do homeschooled children perform so well?

The advantages to homeschooling are many, and are quite revealing as to why homeschooled children do so well.

One on one attention – Whenever a child needs assistance, the parent is there to give him or her full attention, whereas in public schools a teacher must divide their attention between dozens of children.

Ability to focus more time where needed – If a student excels in math, but flounders in science, then a parent can very easily devote as much time as is needed to teaching science. Public schools are regimented, with each subject receiving equal time regardless as to the performance of the student.

Homeschooled students move at their own pace – If a student excels in math then they can advance much quicker than students in a public school, where all students are required to move at the same pace.

Diminished distractions – The parents control the environment, and there is no peer pressure from other students trying to talk a homeschooled student into doing things other than school work or study.

Do parents need some kind of special training or certification?

Some states highly regulate home schools, requiring training and certification in some instances. However, studies show that there is virtually no difference in performance between homeschooled students in highly regulated states versus homeschooled students in states with little or no regulation.

The truth is that homeschooling is gaining in popularity and as such, more and more information and help materials are becoming available. The modern homeschooling parent can now effectively teach their children, regardless of the parent’s own education level, thanks to pre-developed curriculums such as those provided by Heritage Home School Academy.

Parents today can use these curriculums to guide their children. Some curriculums are so effective that parents can study ahead of their children in any subject for which they are lacking and effectively teach the same subject to their children. Furthermore, many children often “learn to learn,” reaching a point where they are able to teach themselves and follow a curriculum with little interaction required from the parent.

Each year more families choose to start homeschooling, spreading knowledge about its benefits, and erasing old stigmas along the way. For more information about homeschooling and home school curriculums, visit Heritage Home School Academy.

Homeschooling software used to educate children has become very popular for a number of reasons. Many situations require different solutions, and homeschooling, is no different. As you can well imagine, there are also many different opinions on the effectiveness of this homeschooling software.
How is Homeschooling Software Used?
Homeschooling software may be individually purchased and licensed to the used to be executed as an educational tool, or it can be used by joining and participating in an online homeschooling program. In both scenarios, it is extremely important for parents to supervise the schooling time of children, butt homeschooling software would take care of all the essentials in general education. Reading material, course studies, instructional video and homework along with testing is all part of homeschooling software.
What is missing with software? It should be obvious, but maybe it is not. The human element is missing. Parents will have to implement and introduce hands on learning by way of introduction of field trips, playing instruments, art projects, science experiments and biology projects. Many of these items can be coordinated with other homeschooled students and introduce another aspect, social behavior.
Homeschooling Software In an Enrolled Online Education Program
After typically paying a tuition fee, and/or an enrollment fee, parents would have full scope usage of homeschooling software. It saves money because parents will not have to invest in the homeschooling software used through the homeschooling program. Every aspect of education and schooling is covered; including progress reports as well as grades are documented and shared with parents.
Parental involvement is still required to ensure that homeschooling over the Internet will be successful. There are sometimes tutoring programs in addition to the general education programs offered through homeschooling programs online, which helps to enhance the learning experience for kids, especially in grade school.
Purchasing Homeschooling Software for Use at Home
Depending on the quality of the homeschooling software you choose to purchase, this may be an expensive choice but could also prove to be well worth it. For parents who plan to be home with their children and be the teacher for homeschooling, using homeschooling software at home may be idea. Some parents have no expertise or experience in creating a complete school program, so using homeschooling software may be an ideal solution for them.
Homeschooling software, in many instances, may inspire parents to generate ideas to broaden and enlighten their children making the software that much more valuable as an additional tool.
Some parents choose to use homeschooling software for part of a school day, and then finish up the day on their own. This works well too, as the software can pick up the slack where a parent might not be as skilled in teaching. Children enrolled in public and private schools may very well offer benefits that would benefit their overall schooling situation. In the end, it’s thought that homeschooling software can benefit a child’s schooling at home no matter what the situation is.

When your child turns 16, it is almost a certainty that the first worlds out of their mouth will be “When can I get my drivers license?”

While this is a milestone in your child’s life, it is important that they understand the importance of getting a driver education and realize that along with a drivers license comes great responsibility.

Depending on which state you live in, a learner’s permit can be obtained when your teenager is around 15. In order for them to get the license, they need to meet a certain criteria, which includes a specific amount of driving time.

When your child is ready for driver education, it is important that they have the right attitude. They need to understand that a driver’s license is a responsibility that is not to be taken lightly. They need to understand that they cannot have a nonchalant attitude. This could affect their chances of obtain a license if the instructor feels that your teenager is not taking the class seriously.

Although it is cool to show off, it is not going to help you get your license if you are eating or talking on your cell phone when you are behind the wheel. It is an absolute certainty that your instructor will not think it is cool.

When you enroll in driver education, it is important your states department of motor vehicles certify the school.

These schools are up to date on all of the rules and laws of the state in which you live, and can teach you everything you need to know to become a safe driver. Driving school instructors have to pass painstaking tests in order to be licensed to teach.

Parents of teenage drivers can help in getting driver education. They are encouraged to take their child out driving. The more road time they log, the more secure they will feel driving. It not only gives them confidence, it also gives you piece of mind knowing that they are safe drivers.

Patience is the key factor in driving with your teenager. If you are high strung and nervous, it will affect the driver. If you feel that you cannot drive with your teenager have the other parent or friend drive with them.

Before you let your teenager get behind the wheel, it is important that they know the rules of the road and what each street sign signifies. Make sure they study the drivers’ manual and quiz them often. He or she is bound to be a little nervous when they drive with you they want to impress you. If they forget what a sign means do not make a big deal of it, simply study with them when you get home.

An empty parking lot is the perfect place for your child to practice driving and get used of the car being used. This is especially important if your car and the driver education cars are of different models.

Make sure your child understands what to do in case of an emergency. This is crucial especially if they are driving and their tire goes flat.

Summary:

Driver education will teach your teenager the rules of the road as well as how to become a safe defensive driver. Quiz them often, even if it is a quick trip to the store, ask them questions about driving. It is important that you be supportive and not critical of the abilities. Building confidence is a major factor when it comes to teenagers and driving. If they make a mistake, let them know and continue to let them drive.