“Homeschooling: an option for parents” plus 1 more

Posted: 17 Jun 2010 11:02 PM PDT

MANILA, Philippines - While millions of students are trooping to schools this week as the school year starts, some students stay right at home to attend classes.

This is homeschooling, an alternative style of education, where parents assume the role of teachers.

At the home of Tina Lim, her children Hannah, grade 3, and Naomi, grade 1, need not wear uniforms or go through traffic to reach school. Their classroom is right inside the house.

"I can impart things that I feel are important like Jesus and the Bible. It's our role to train them in the way they should go," said Lim.

"I've tried the big school before," said Hannah. Asked what she prefers, big school or homeschool, she replied, "Homeschool because I get to spend time with Mommy."

Lim is a full-time housewife, allowing her to have more time to be with her three children and teach them.

Class hours at the Lim home are flexible, but Lim makes sure that all regular subjects are taught well, such as Math, Science, and History.

There are also examinations, and Lim gives grades.

The style of teaching is adjusted based on the children's learning skills and abilities.

But homeschooling is not pursued without direction. Parents undergo training from groups accredited by the Department of Education (DepEd).

One of these is The Master's Academy (TMA). For P25,000 per family per year, parents can avail of the curriculum of DepEd, materials for teaching the subjects, as well as training for the parents.

"Kami ang tumutulong sa structure para hindi naman sila kanya-kanya. So parents ang magtuturo. Kami ang nag-e-equip," said Edric Mendoza, managing director of TMA.

Because TMA is accredited, DepEd recognizes the academic records of the children enrolled at the homeschooling program of TMA. And even if the children have no regular classmates daily, they also get opportunities to socialize with other children in the program.

"Because they have more time, they have more extra-curricular activities. That's when they get to interact with other kids. Malaki din ang pamilyang Pilipino. Kahit tito ng bayaw ng bespren ko nakakasalamuha mo," said Mendoza.

Homeschooling mothers like Lim are aware that homeschooling cannot be done for the entire educational ladder. This is why they are helping their children to do well and learn well based on the way they know best. -- Report from Chiara Zambrano, ABS-CBN News.

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NCTC offers free GED program

Posted: 18 Jun 2010 09:37 AM PDT

June 18, 2010

NCTC offers free GED program

By LINDSAY LORENZ, Register Staff Writer Gainesville Daily Register

Gainesville — For those who dropped out of high school or didn't complete homeschooling requirements, North Central Texas College is now offering a program that allows adults ages 18-25 to earn their GEDs for free.

Funded through a Texas Education Agency grant, NCTC's "GED Academy" will begin in August and bring students up to speed on their studies, in addition to teaching life skills and preparing them for college or a career. The grant will supply students with tuition, books and testing fees.

Upon enrolling in the program, students meet with an essential skills adviser who helps outline students' goals and ensures they're on the right path until they've completed the program.

Djuna Forrester, dean of lifelong learning, said NCTC was one of four community colleges in Texas chosen by the state as a demonstration site for its engaging curriculum and career options.

While in the classroom, students catch up on basic subjects in 35-minute increments to keep subject matter stimulating.

"With this particular age group, they need to be engaged," Forrester said.

Forrester said non-traditional techniques, like hands-on activities and team work will reinforce how students can use acquired skills long after they've completed their GEDs.

"There are students that, for any reason, just don't do well in a traditional classroom," Forrester said. "If they can't see 'what in the world am I going to use this for?', then it's not going to be relevant to them."

Forrester said she plans on inviting community members of different professions to share how they use basic high school knowledge in their careers.

In addition, Forrester said lessons will incorporate information about successful note and test taking strategies. Students will also learn everyday skills such as how to create a budget, resolve a conflict or interview for a job.

While students will attend class from 6-9 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, additional material will be covered through NCTC's online classroom. As more higher education institutions begin to offer online classes, Forrester said its use supports college readiness. The online component also offers students the convenience of studying anywhere there is an Internet connection.

"We're looking at that age group, particularly 18-25, and seeing that they're very technologically driven," Forrester said.

Forrester expects that most students will test for their GEDs in December. Afterward, recipients have the option of enrolling in NCTC college courses, the first of which will be free, or completing an occupational program track.

Occupational tracks include combination welding, accounting or bookkeeping, HVAC technician, certified nurses aid or pharmacy technician.

Forrester said each of these professions are considered "in-demand" jobs, explaining that a graduate's chance of getting a job in one of these fields is high.

Forrester said that since NCTC was selected as a demonstration site, it receives funding that can be re-invested into a future program. Forrester said she'd like to see GED Academy continue in the future.

Registration is open to 78 students across four campuses, including NCTC's Gainesville and Corinth campuses, in addition to Bowie and Aubrey High Schools. Classes begin Aug. 4.

Students interested in enrolling can sign up by calling (940) 668-4272.

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Homeschooling

Friday, June 18, 2010