Can you really determine your homeschool curriculum and courses in 7 steps?
Here we are now in October 2020 and many homeschooling parents and students are still searching through homeschool curriculum guidelines. As I read through various homeschool curriculum reviews, I found more of the reviews are evaluating the educational programs than the actual curriculum.
High school diplomas in the State of Michigan are outlined by state standards. The Michigan Merit Curriculum dictates these standards. Additionally, the state requires that all students be allowed “the opportunity to learn the content outlined by the standards.” Also, as of 2020, students only need 18 credits to receive a Michigan Merit Curriculum diploma.
How To Determine If Homeschool Is Right For Your High School Student
- Research your state homeschool laws and how to fulfill the requirements.
- Determine how your student learns
- Use their learning style to determine a preferred learning system
- Work with your student to develop a learning plan
- Make sure you document and record everything just in case you need to justify something.
- Decide if you want to pay for homeschool or use free virtual learning
- Review and compare the curriculum and credits for both
Step 1. Research your state homeschool laws and how to fulfill the requirements
How Does A Homeschool Curriculum Provide Students With High School Credits
Students can demonstrate their skills and receive academic credit in a few different ways. Students can complete their Michigan Merit Curriculum requirements in the same course of the sequence as students attending public schools. In addition, completing the course work as close as possible to that of public school assures the homeschooled student will receive appropriate course work at the college required level.
Step 2. determine The Best Curriculum: if your student is an auditory, visual or kinesthetic learner
Learning style makes a big difference when helping a student achieve at their highest potential. As a parent, you must help them determine how they learn best. Then help them use that learning style to excel in their classes.
This link will take you to a learning style self-quiz. This quiz will help you determine your learning style. If you start using the learning strategies for your style you should improve academically. Therefore, as you review the programs below make note of which best supports your student’s learning style.
Make sure you determine your homeschool can be used to support your curriculum during your 7 step investigation. Michigan Homeschool laws allow students 2 options for homeschooling. They may choose homeschool under the homeschool statute or as a non-public school. No matter which option you choose you must keep a record of school attendance, grades, and tests.
Step 3. Use their learning style to determine a preferred Curriculum and Courses
One option that parents sometimes forget or feel overwhelmed about proving is operating as a non-public school. If you choose to homeschool as a non-public you can use all the avenues below to earn credit without any problems. Your student has the option of
- integrated content and course services
- project-based learning
- independent teacher-guided study
- testing out
- career and technical education
- work-based learning programs
- College coursework
- early college
- advanced placement courses
- international baccalaureate courses
- online courses
- dual enrollment
Step 4. Work with your student to develop a learning plan
Students and parents can increase their understanding of college admissions requirements by attending college fairs. The University of Michigan-Dearborn suggests they review the “Homeschoolers’ College Admission Handbook. This handbook will help them prepare. I have included the link for you to review, just click the title “Homeschoolers’ College Admission” link.
Step 5. make sure you document and record everything
Make sure you document and keep a record of all course work and everything you do just incase you have to justify something to the officials. I had to do keep very intense records of everything I paid for while attending Wayne State University, even parking fees.
Keep a Very Intense Record Everything Homeschool Attendance
Recordkeeping is a must in homeschooling. The recording is especially important with attendance and coursework, including tests. As a matter of fact, homeschooled high school students must have a transcript. The transcript provides an official record of high school coursework.
Even more important is that high school transcripts are used in a few different ways other than educational facilities. For example, they may be requested by “employers, the military, scholarship committees, trade schools, and more. (HSLDA.org)
Personal Curriculums and Service Plans
A personal curriculum is an option given to public school districts and academies. This option allows them to modify the Michigan Merit Curriculum requirements for special needs students. The modifications must be part of the Individual Education Program (IEP) and the Educational Development Plan (EDP). The EDP must extend through high school into postsecondary courses and college entrance requirements.
A service plan is the equivalent of the Individualized Education Program (IEP). However, an Individual Service Plan is offered to students in private schools. Does your student need support and have a disability? Help is available if your student has a disability such as hearing impaired, visually impaired, and otherwise health impairment, or physically disabled.
If your student’s doctor has directed you to get professional support for your child, contact your local school district special education department or the local intermediate school district special services department to determine how to get help. Also, remember that. as a non-public school, your student is allowed to receive these services.
Consequently, the services and protections provided through an individual service plan will follow your student through high school. The plan should also provide guidelines for accommodations in standardized tests such as the ACT and SAT. After high school, the ISP can also be used to govern provisions once your student graduates from high school and enters college.
Step 6. Decide if you want to pay for homeschool or use free virtual learning
Creating Your Own Homeschool Package Saves Money
The most critical step when you determine your homeschool curriculum must relate to savings.
A study completed by Reader’s Digest concerning homeschooling showed that most homeschooled students are Christian. However, the homeschool numbers of Jewish, Latino, and military families have greatly increased over the past few years.
Many money shortages have developed from Covid-19 shutdowns. Some families may be feeling pressured to develop a curriculum for themselves. However, being a parent without an education major has left them struggling with how to develop the best learning situation possible. Here are a few practical ideas that may be a solution for you.
Create Your Own Hybrid Christian Curriculum
How can you provide your student with the various certified teacher support, and provide Christian education at an affordable price?
You can try blending the free public school with a Christian school model. You would create a course that supports your needs. The combination of the two will allow you the option of running your school as a non-public. It would also allow you to use all of the provisions allotted to a non-public school.
How could you make this work?
First, use the public-school curriculum for academic work. If you are a stay at home mom, you will be able to monitor the curriculum and lessons. You would also be able to provide any additional support if necessary.
Next, add a chapel hour to the program you just created. Christian schools usually offer chapel once a week at the same time as if it were a scheduled class. You can do the same thing. All you need to get is access to the Christian school bible curriculum.
I found an online site that offers the elementary school bible curriculum for free. The printable bible curriculum is available at the Plain-and-Not So Plain website. In addition to the curriculum, your upper elementary student may benefit from the action bible. Parent reviews for the actions bible state that this visual bible made a great conversation starter for them.
Curriculum At a Cost
There are numerous curriculums available for a cost. Time 4 Learning advertises $19.95 per month for Pre-K to 8th grade. The price covers all necessary material and offers:
- standards-based math and English lessons
- flexible curriculum geared toward learning styles
- computerized access to literature without ads
- online computerized playgrounds using fun games
- automated grading and record-keeping
- additional support and practice worksheets
- homeschool parent support with the Parent Forum
- 24/7 access to provide additional practice as needed
- after school video support
Time4Learning parent reviews show a +5/5 satisfaction rating. If you have a displaced student you may want to investigate this program. The programs allow you to enter or leave at your discretion.itical
Step 7. review and compare the curriculum and credits for both
Use everything you have to help you make your decision. Review and compare the curriculum, the number of courses required, and credits for both the free and paid schools.
You have done the hard part. Now is the time to pull out your Venn-diagram. Compare the pros and cons of both curriculums. If you need a little more professional help, you may find what you’re looking for on a professional comparison website such as Consumer Affairs. Go online and see if Consumer Affairs can provide additional information concerning homeschool laws you want.
conclusion
We began by explaining the requirements of the Michigan Merit Curriculum. Then we stated the number of credits necessary for a student to receive a high school diploma in Michigan. Next, we stated the options available to homeschool students. We also explained that homeschooling families have two options to use for graduation.
Then we listed the different types of programs available to homeschooled high schoolers. After that, we explained the necessity of recording keeping and attendance requirements. We also discussed the use and requirements of a personal curriculum, the need for an IEP along with an EDP. We moved forward into creating your own Christian curriculum by developing a hybrid program. Finally, for the elementary curriculum at cost, we discussed a program that is considered to be one of the top programs for elementary students.
Take a look at some of our other articles on homeschooling. Click on Homeschooling 101 to go to the article.
Resources
www. michigan.gov
umdearborn.edu/admissions/undergrad/incoming-freshmen/homeschool-students
hslda.org/post/how-to-comply-with-Michigan-s-homeschool-law
MI Online School- tuition-free high school (check to be sure what you want is free)