Mommy Life

March 29, 2008 2:53 PM

HSLDA: Homeschooling through High School report

On Friday, HSLDA (Homeschool Legal Defense Association - which is just five miles down the road from me) held an all-day symposium on homeschool/high school. My daughter Samantha - homeschooling mom of five of my grandchildren - went. When she told me there were 300 people there, I asked her to share a little of what the day was all about as thee are probably readers here who are or will be thinking about this subject soon:

Homeschooling through High School Symposium

There is something about being in the same room with like-minded people. It's so encouraging to know you are not alone and that there are others out there needing help in how to homeschool through the high school years. After an entertaining, uplifting introduction by Michael Smith, HSLDA high school coordinator Diane Kummer walked us through developing a four year plan for high school.

She informed us that there are many available forms on the HSLDA website to use as tools to assist us in planning, such as the “Four Year High School Plan” form. I intend to access this one right away as I am the type of person that takes only a year at a time. I certainly can see the benefit in planning it all out (with flexibility of course), so that by the time graduation comes around, subjects completed can basically just be checked off the list. As Diane said, “Begin at the end”…in other words know how you will end. Diane’s biggest message was, “Do not be afraid….especially of transcripts.” HSLDA has all these forms available for us on their website. She walked us through simple grading procedures, evaluating credits for each subject, filling in a transcript, and ah, alas, issuing a diploma!!!! She also mentioned a book by Gene Edward Veith, titled God at Work, which sounded like an encouraging book for our kids to help them assess their vocational calling.

In the second session, another high school coordinator, Becky Cooke, presented a plan of action for preparing our kids for college. She prompted us to research and investigate colleges thoroughly, especially visiting the colleges as this may be the place your child will call “home” for awhile. She informed us about all the different college prep activities that should be accomplished for eventually filling in an application. All the available college prep tests were presented such as PSAT, CLEP, AP, ACT, and GED. What I found most helpful was the “alternatives to the traditional college path,” because I believe this may be the route most of my children take. These alternatives include, dual enrollment through the local community college, distance learning, and passing CLEP tests upon completion of a subject. This could save a lot of money in college fees. A great read on this subject is College without Compromise.

I really appreciated the third session as many homeschoolers may opt out of college. It was entitled “Off to Work We Go” which focused on young adults running home businesses, and/or becoming certified in a marketplace career, entering into full time ministry and the military as potential options. I believe this caused a slight sigh of relief for many knowing that if their son or daughter chooses not to go to college, then there are many viable positions in our communities. They suggested great resources such as Occupational Outlook Handbook, and America’s Top Jobs for People without a Four-Year Degree.

To end my day, I had the pleasure of listening to Elizabeth Smith give us the “Ten Best Reasons to Homeschool for High School.” I was greatly encouraged that these are most likely our final years with them and what a time such as this to build relationships, protect them from immorality and false teachings, build character, open up communication, and to convey a love for learning.

Overall, it was an informative day and an encouraging day. I walked away with things to discuss with my teens and possible ideas of college/career paths for them. I highly suggest visiting the website http://www.hslda.org/highschool as both Becky and Diane work diligently at answering people’s questions and easing concerns about homeschooling their teens.

Samantha's going to be out of town with her family for a while, but if you have questions, feel free to leave them in the comments for her or any other seasoned homeschool mamas to answer.

I can't emphasize enough what a valuable resource HSLDA is. Every year I homeschooled I made sure my membership was up to date. And their website is a great resource - definitely bookmark material.

Love,

Posted in Homeschooling, Teens and Tweens | Permalink

Comments

Let us not also discount that some young ladies may find great joy in staying home after graduation and simply being a keeper at home with her mother until she marries. :) Nothing wrong with that. :)
She'd be an expert by the time she was married LOL

Also, thanks for the update on Cristina, i've been praying for her and will continue.
Love Samantha

[note from Barbara - this is not my daughter Samantha - some other mom had good taste in names !]

Posted by: Samantha | March 29, 2008 7:00 PM

LOL, yes I am the 'other' Samantha, and my mother named me after Samantha the Elizabeth Montgomery character on her favorite Tv show 'Bewitched' LOL

Love Samantha

Posted by: Samantha | March 30, 2008 12:28 AM

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