Schoolsearch2000: Home schooling presents new challenges

Home-schooled elementary children often return to the public schools for middle and high school for the same reason private school children do -- to take advantage of college preparatory courses, sports or magnet programs. Still, a significant number of parents successfully continue to home-school their middle schoolers, despite the substantial time, skills and resources needed.

Although curriculum, lessons and field trips are completely the parent's choice, home-schooled students must maintain an activity portfolio. Progress is monitored each year by the school district.

Parents who are not state-certified teachers are required to submit their children to yearly evaluations in reading, writing, math and other middle school subjects. The school district also may interview the home-schooled student, or require a national standardized test or psychological assessment. Parents also can negotiate other evaluation protocols with the school district.

Parents considering home-schooling their middle school child should consider carefully the time required, cost of books and other educational materials, and your child's need to develop socialization and athletic skills. Applications for home-schooling must be submitted 30 days before withdrawing your child from regular school.

To start the process, all you need to do is submit a "letter of intent" to the superintendent of schools. The school system will provide you with information and resources to help you get started on your new teaching career. Be sure to check out the Florida Parent Educators Association Web site (www.fpea.com) for additional tips.

Your child can re-enroll in a public school at any time. The school's principal will evaluate your child's portfolio, yearly evaluations, and test scores to determine the appropriate grade assignment.

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