Intro to Homeschooling in Florida
Viola Kay Moss ~ July, 2001 ~ El Shaddai Ministries
Homeschooling could be hotly debated as the fastest growing phenomena in American education. Since its resurgence in the 1970’s, it has grown annually at an average of 7% - 15% nationwide and 15% - 30% in Florida. There is an estimated 1.5 - 2 million children being homeschooled in America of which 30,000 - 60,000 live in Florida.
History
In the past, homeschooling was a dominant form of education producing the likes of colonial Patrick Henry, President John Quincy Adams and inventor Thomas Edison. Formal education started at about age nine and in three years students learned the 3-R’s which today takes thirteen years to learn in institutionalized schools. After their formal basic education they would then go on to prepare for a university or begin an apprenticeship. Churches began schools for the poor and orphaned children which eventually led to tax supported public schools in the early 1800’s. As more families moved from the countryside to towns and cities and public schools grew in popularity, homeschooling began to decline to near extinction until its resurgence in the 1970‘s.
The current movement, now at least twenty years old, has proven to be a legitimate method of educating children producing adults who are sought out by colleges and who are gainfully employed or entrepreneurs. Homeschoolers have consistently scored, on average, at or above the 80th percentile in all academic areas on standardized achievement tests as compared to the national average in the 50th percentile. They receive scholarships and are sought out by colleges for enrollment. On average, homeschooled students perform 1-4 grade levels ahead of their public and private counterparts. This has been in spite of parents not being certified and with a modest average expenditure of $546 per student each year for books and materials as compared to their public school counterparts with an average of $5,325 per year. Homeschool parents have not been dependent on public tax-funded resources saving taxpayers millions of dollars. Even in the social and emotional adjustment arena, homeschool parents have carefully addressed the socialization needs of their children. Studies have found that homeschooled children have significantly less behavioral problems, possess positive self-concepts and are less peer dependent as compared to their conventional schoolmates. Homeschoolers are found to be involved in out-of-school and extracurricular activities that predict leadership in adulthood just as much as their counterparts.
The benefits of homeschooling include one-on-one teaching by a parent with altruistic motives, closer family relationships, a loving and protective environment free of unwanted negative peer influence, and customized curriculum geared toward the individual student.
Homeschooling has come a long ways since it was known to be for only religious freaks to being acceptable to all walks of life in America today. However, it is the opinion of this author that homeschooling was and is successful because the pioneers and mainstream members of the movement did it for religious reasons--to honor Jesus Christ and return to His Word. They put God back in the curriculum and in their homes. God blesses and honors this and thus it has become very successful. These courageous parents did it in spite of persecution and shunning of family and community members. It is the fear of this author that homeschooling will eventually self destruct if new incoming homeschoolers do it solely for academic or safety reasons and because the public schools have failed. They failed because of their methods and because they removed the standards and morals of the Living God from the halls of education. Ironically, many new homeschoolers fail to understand that God-based homeschools were successful because they were based on God’s principles. They seek to duplicate it with curriculum that leaves God outside as the public schools do. Hundreds of publishers have entered the homeschool market along with multi-national corporations and even politicians and celebrities endorsing it--all rushing to make their fortune and indoctrinate students with their own worldviews. More and more new homeschoolers want their money’s worth from the local county and state governments all along putting a noose around their own necks. When they get through rubbing elbows with them and making sure that they are getting their "freebies" they will realize they are about to be hung and it will be too late. Too late to choose their own curriculum and teach what they value as sacred and precious to their conscience. They should beware of what they demand and ask for--they may get it. Seeking the Kingdom of Heaven and His righteousness first is what will bring success. Success is producing bright "thinking" children and having restored families operating in a way so as to support their local communities with dignity and strength and in turn their state and nation.
Homeschooling Legally in Florida
Florida Homeschool History - Before there was a homeschool law in Florida, families stood on their Divine Right and/or U.S. Constitutional right to homeschool their children. Because of persecution and truancy charges in spite of these rights many families chose to avoid conflict by enrolling with a private school or they specifically created and incorporated a private school under Florida Statutes 623 or 617 in order to legally cover themselves while homeschooling. When the Home Education Act was enacted in 1985 (Florida Statute 232.02(3)) many families left the private schools and registered with the county to homeschool. Others stayed in private schools while still others stood firmly on their Constitutional rights. The most common reason for joining 617 or 623 schools were 1) increased support and accountability and 2) personal and religious convictions concerning submission of parental authority to the government.
Two Legal Ways to Homeschool in Florida
To date, there are two major ways that parents can be legally covered while homeschooling in Florida.
1. Parents may register to home educate their children with the local county school superintendent’s office and comply with the Home Education Act (Florida statutes 232) OR
2. Enroll in a private school which will "umbrella" or cover their "off-campus" classroom (home) for the student (child) and teacher (parent).
Thus one becomes either a "county" homeschooler or a "private" homeschooler. It is believed that over half of the homeschoolers in the state are enrolled in private home schools. A private homeschooler is not by legal terms a "homeschooler" but in function is very much a homeschooler. Rather, the parent is the "teacher" and the child is a "student" located at an off-campus site. Legally speaking, only "county" homeschoolers are "homeschoolers." Thus, a "private school" homeschooler is NOT required to register with the county superintendent but is bound to the laws of the state governing private schools which are registered with the Florida Department of Education, Non-public School Department.
Keep in mind that truancy officers, school officials and the Dept. of Child and Family Services will check to see if your child is registered with the county or enrolled in a non-public school (private school for homeschoolers) in the event your child is found wandering during the day outside or in a store or when a neighbor turns you in for truancy or neglect charges. Therefore, if you choose to stand your ground with the conviction of Divine Right or Constitutional Right, you best be prepared to defend yourself and know why and what you are doing legally and count the potential conflict and cost. It behooves you to make the decision now as to whether or not your stand is a "conviction" or a mere "preference" when choosing the liberty route to homeschooling.
For all options, parents are responsible for the education of their child and the purchasing of curriculum. Some private schools may dictate the type of curriculum used so be sure to find out before enrolling.
County Homeschooling
A "county" homeschooler must file a notice of intent to home school with the superintendent within 30 days of commencement. The parent must maintain a portfolio of records and materials used with sample work sheets and a reading log. The parent must choose annually to have their child evaluated by one of the following: 1) standardized test or state student assessment given by a certified teacher, 2) evaluated by a certified teacher, 3) evaluated by a licensed psychologist, or 4) evaluated by another valid tool that is mutually agreed upon.
Registering with the county is free of charge but transcripts, grades, diplomas, testing, and curriculum counseling or support are not provided. Many county homeschoolers have their children graduate with a GED. A county homeschooler may be eligible to dual enroll at a local community college or vocational training school and participate in local public school sports and band activities. There are no parent/teacher qualifications or specified number of days for attendance for county homeschoolers. Subject requirements are left up to the parent. The county may require you to present your portfolio upon a 15 day written notice and you can be put on probation to homeschool. Florida has a compulsory attendance law thus your child only needs to show progress of learning as it relates to standardized tests and evaluations. Otherwise, the state is only interested in your child doing their "required time".
The Florida compulsory attendance age is for children who will be six years old by February 1st of the school year but will not be sixteen years old. This applies to both public and private homeschoolers. However, Kindergarten is not a requirement if you are going to homeschool for the year following the child’s first year. If you put your child in a public or private school, the school may require Kindergarten. However, if you plan to homeschool for your first few years it is usually safe to just begin with with 1st grade.
Private School Homeschooling
About 50% of the homeschoolers in Florida are enrolled in private home schools (80% of homeschoolers in Lake County are private homeschoolers). Many times, this is a reflection of the attitude of the county superintendent’s office regarding homeschooling and their relations with homeschool leaders in their county.
Private schools are often referred to as 600 schools which refers to Florida statutes 607, 623, and 617. The school may also be part of a church or other 501(c)3 organization. [607- a for profit school; 617 - a non profit corporation that may include a school and covers as many counties as allowed in its bylaws; 623 - a school chartered for a specific county.] These schools are recognized under the Non-Public Schools Department at FDOE. One should find a private school that will help them achieve their personal educational goals.
Generally, private schools require as much or more accountability than the county. Their fees are generally based on the quality and quantity of services offered. Private school requirements can vary greatly. However, private schools do have state mandatory basic requirements in order to operate legally with which a parent must comply. These include attendance logs and health and vaccination records or waivers. Each school may set their own rules regarding subjects to be taught, graduation requirements, grading system and reporting periods, evaluations or testing, and required field trips, training or parent meetings. Many private schools offer transcripts and diplomas and may or may not be accredited. A private school homeschooler may or may not be eligible for dual enrollment and vocational training. It will depend on whether or not the school has an articulation agreement with the higher learning institution. Also, depending on the size and scope of the private school, some may offer co-op classes, support group activities and/or permit your child to participate in extracurricular activities via their school or a public school.
It is beneficial to choose a school that has an administrator that stays informed and involved with local, state and national homeschool leaders and support groups especially regarding special events and legislative activities that may affect your freedom to homeschool.
Don’t delay in making this choice to homeschool as most schools have an enrollment cut-off deadline for the school year.
Support Groups
Whether one chooses county or private homeschooling, it is almost always beneficial to join a local and state support group. A local support group can provide encouragement, networking and resource information as well as field trips, graduation ceremonies, science/history/art fairs, cooperative learning opportunities and many times testing or evaluation services or referrals. State support groups offer up-to-date information on state and national laws affecting homeschooling freedoms and often offer training workshops and curriculum conventions.
Many support groups and private schools for homeschoolers are religious in nature and will require a statement of faith to be signed for enrollment. This is mainly because the current homeschooling movement was pioneered by those wanting religious freedom to teach their children. Only recently have parents who are homeschooling primarily for academic or physical safety reasons have significantly began to increase. As these homeschoolers increase there will be more private schools and support groups to serve them. Homeschoolers by nature, regardless of their purpose, are self starters and will initiate whatever environment and support resources they need to help them accomplish their goal.
Curriculum
There is an overwhelming mass market of curriculum available to homeschoolers which include traditional text books with workbooks, self paced workbooks and unit studies. Many homeschoolers write their own curriculum after getting their feet wet and learning the ropes. Florida homeschoolers attend in masses of up to 7,000 plus for annual conventions and curriculum fairs held each year. Used curriculum fairs are held each year throughout the state starting late spring and ending in late summer. Large bookstore chains and local libraries now stock their shelves with books and resources with the homeschooler specifically in mind. There are catalogs galore and specialized homeschool curriculum businesses nationwide. Curriculum should be chosen that will help one attain their educational goals, be compatible with their child’s learning modality (auditory, visual and/or kinesthetic) and any special learning needs.
Testing
Testing requirements will be dictated by the legal covering one chooses.
Most county homeschoolers choose standardized testing or a state certified teacher evaluation which is done at the parent’s own expense in most counties. Each county has a policy deadline though the state law requires you to have the testing done within your school year.
Private schools may or may not require standardized testing or diagnostic testing. How often and when they require testing can also vary greatly from school to school. Some schools test twice a year while others don’t require standardized testing at all. Others may require diagnostic testing or standardized testing at certain grade levels or every other year. Some schools will do the testing or require you to hire a certified teacher or may allow you to do the testing. The fee for testing may or may not be included in the school’s registration fee.
Be sure to check all the options and requirements of testing with a school before enrolling.
Dual Enrollment
Private schools may have an articulation agreement with the local community college for dual enrollment for their high schools students. If this is important to you, again make sure you qualify this issue before enrolling. County homeschoolers now also have this option (they did not in the past).
Immunizations Waivers
Note that both public schools and private schools should honor the law by allowing you to submit a Religious Waiver or a Medical Waiver (must be signed by your physician) of immunizations. The law states that it should be in writing and on file. However, most schools want you to submit the blue form which can be obtained from your local health department.
All you have to do is go to your local health department and ask for a Religious Waiver for vaccinations. You should not have to be intimidated. Just firmly and politely tell them the law and wait patiently for the nurse to come out. She will ask you a few questions and perhaps tell you what a danger to society you and your children are - the ignoratn scare tactic. But you should be armed with your conviction from the Lord and have done the necessary research and study as to the harms of vaccinations which these people have probably not done. Just fill out the blue form or the nurse will do it for you, sign it and she will make a copy for her files and give it to you. Also keep in mind that having your child's social security number is OPTIONAL. You will receive a blue card which is your Religious Waiver.
You are exercising your rights under Florida Statutes 232.032(3) which reads in part as follows: "The provisions of this section shall not apply if: (a) The parent or guardian of the child objects in writing that the administration of immunizing agents conflicts with his religious tenets or practices . . . "
ACADEMIC & DEMOGRAPHIC STUDIES ON HOMESCHOOLING
National Home Education Research Institute
www.nheri.org
POB 13939, Salem, OR 97309
LEGAL INFO
Home School Legal Defense
www.hslda.org/
Florida Dept. of Education
www.asd.com/asd/edconn/tfrdoe.htm
PRIVATE SCHOOLS FOR HOMESCHOOLERS
El Shaddai Ministries of Florida, Inc. (617)
Viola Kay Moss, Administrator 352-742-2401
11639 Huggins Street
Leesburg, FL 34788
COUNTY SUPERINTENDENTS TO CONTACT FOR REGISTRATION
Lake: Jay Marshall Supervisor, Student Services
509 South Palm Avenue Howey-in-the-Hills, FL 34737-3905
352-343-3531
Marion: Chris Wehr Supervisor, Social Work Serv.
3139 SE 17th Street Ocala, FL 34471
352-694-0105
Sumter: Jean A. Holstein Supervisor, Student Services
2680 WC 476 Bushnell, FL 33513-9401
352-793-2315 Ext. 212
LOCAL SUPPORT GROUPS
CHF Christian Homeschool Fellowship
Lake County ~ Leesburg area - Christian support group
Stephanie Kliber @ 352-314-9438 or mikeandstephanie@altavista.com
Lake County Homeschool Network - secular support
Sheryl Calish, email: scalish@earthlink.net
http://home.earthlink.net/~scalish/
Marion County Home Educators
Jennifer Jacobs @ 352-624-4075
or Taryn Evans @ TerryE5285@aol.com
SHINE (Since Home Instructors Need Each other)
MaryLea VanRider, 352-748-0495 or email Shine@atlantic.net
Sumter/Lake/Marion County - Christian and non-Christian support group
STATE SUPPORT GROUPS
FCCPSA Florida Coalition of Christian Private School Administrators
Specializes in private home schools providing resources to establish a private school, administrator training and an accrediting agency to qualifying schools. Also, lobbies both statewide and nationally to protect parent’s religious and constitutional rights to educate their children. How to Get Started Homeschooling in Florida & Email Questions at: http://www.flhomeschooling.com/
CHEF Christian Home Educators of Florida
Represents all Christian Florida homeschoolers. Newsletters, workshops and curriculum fairs.
FPEA Florida Parent Educators Association
This organization is predominately for county homeschoolers and promotes freedoms to all homeschoolers in Florida regardless of religion.
CURRICULUM
Solid R.O.C.K. Homeschool Supplies: 800-705-3452, www.rocksolid.com - catalog and store in Jacksonville, FL.
Christian Light Publications: 540-434-0750 - economical self paced curriculum. Ask for Homeschool catalog.
Bob Jones Press: 800-845-5731 - text books, workbooks and resources.
Alpha Omega Publications: 800-622-3070 - self paced curriculum and supplies.
Farm Country General Store Discount Homeschooling Supplies - 800-551-FARM, www.homeschoolfcgs.com
School of Tomorrow Curriculum: 800-925-7777
Heart of Wisdom Pubishing: 703-897-8890, www.heartofwisdom.com - curriculum and guides. Note their book, What Your Child Needs to Know When according to the Bible and the State including evaluation check lists for grades K - 8.
HOMESCHOOL MAGAZINES
Teaching Home - http://www.teachinghome.com/
Practical Homeschooling - http://www.home-school.com/
Home School Digest - http://www.homeschooldigest.com/
Homeschooling Today - http://www.homeschooltoday.com/
HomeSchool Channel - http://homeschool.crosswalk.com/
RECOMMENDED READING
HOME SCHOOLING - The Right Choice! Christopher Klicka, HSLDA
The Home Schooling Father - Michael P. Farris, founder of HSLDA
The How & Why of Home Schooling - Ray E. Ballmann
Viola Moss has been homeschooling since 1989. She has served in county and state leadership, providing orientation and training workshops, curriculum counseling, and has written published curriculum and articles for homeschool publications. She currently administrates a 617 private school for homeschoolers, El Shaddai Ministries of Florida, Inc., 11639 Huggins St., Leesburg, FL 34788, 352-742-2401, ElShaddaiAcademy@cs.com or www.elshaddaiministries.com
