Homeschooling – Frequently Asked Questions
Compiled by Cheryl Carter, Region 10 LEAH Representative
Start Homeschooling Basics, Questions 5-6
Joining LEAH and LEAH's Reg Manual, Connecting, Questions 7-8
E-mail, Financial, rules, membership rules, Questions 9-13
Special Ed Student Concerns, Question 14
Beginning in Rough Circumstances -Questions 15-16
"Can you help me start?" Questions 17-19
Choosing Curriculum and Conventions, Questions 20-21
Testing - before and during homeschool years, Questions 22-23
Reporting child's progress to the school district, Question 24-25
Advertising Through LEAH, Question 26
Media interested in homeschooling, Question 27
"Homeschooling" while student is enrolled & attending a school, Question 28
New to the area, Questions 29-30
Homeschool graduates and life beyond, Question 31
Is a high school drop-out "too late" to homeschool, Question 32
Students who request to be homeschooled, Question 33
Basics of NY Homeschooling, Question 34
1. What is the purpose of LEAH?
A: LEAH is a network of homeschool support groups that have Christian leadership (required per our by-laws) and exist to support and advance homeschoolers. See more at our website pages at http://www.leah.org/ under the “about LEAH” button.
2. I am not a Christian. May I join LEAH?
A. LEAH is a Christian Homeschool support group and as such adheres to Christian principles and precepts. We ask all our leaders to sign the statement of faith. Most groups will require you to sign the statement of faith.
3. What is your statement of faith?
LEAH Statement of Faith
Our Statement of Faith includes only those truths upon which all true Christians agree. It concerns the Authority of Scripture, Deity of Christ, the Person and Work of Jesus Christ (the Gospel) as revealed in Scripture. It is the faith once delivered to the saints (Jude 2, Ephesians 4:5) which distinguishes believers from non-believers. There are many other precious truths taught in the Bible over which godly men have differed in understanding. Therefore, this is not a statement of all that is important to believe, but of all that is essential to believe for Christian fellowship and unity. (Romans 15:7).
Section 2. We believe:
1. The Bible to be the inspired, infallible, divinely preserved Word of God, the supreme and final authority for all faith and life.
2. That there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
3. In the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, His virgin birth, His sinless life, His miracles, His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood on the cross, His bodily resurrection, His ascension, and His imminent bodily return in power and glory.
4. That man was created in the image of God, but fell into sin and is therefore lost, and only those who put their faith in Jesus Christ alone, not trusting in any personal works whatsoever, can be saved.
5. That salvation is the free gift of God brought to the sinner by grace and received by personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, Whose substitutionary death on the cross paid the penalty for man's sin.
6. That the ministry of the Holy Spirit is to convict mankind; indwell, guide, instruct, and empower the believer for godly living and service.
7. That God created man and woman after His own Image, and that God has ordained marriage, consisting of one man and one woman, to be the foundation of the family and to be the only legitimate and Godly expression of sexuality.
8. In the spiritual unity of believers through our common faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and that individual doctrinal differences which may exist, outside of the aforementioned (Article IV Sections 1‑7), should not hinder the unity of Christian home educators
4. I do not attend a local church but I am a Christian. May I join LEAH?
A. As long as you can adhere to the above Statement of Faith you may join any of the open membership chapters. Keep in mind that leadership roles “may” be limited. All leaders are expected to be part of a local fellowship. There are some chapters that have set an interview process for membership or perhaps deadline-related criteria – these are then classified as closed membership chapters.
5. What advice would you give to a new homeschooler?
A. Preparation is most important thing. Prepare, Prepare, Prepare! Talk to other home educators and read all of the home education materials you can, especially those that talk about educational approaches. Borrow books from friends, the public library, or a local support group's lending library. View LEAH's Homeschooling in Action video which introduces home education by profiling the experiences and educational philosophies of three families.
Have a "plan" for your school year. What subjects do you need to teach? Be sure to include physical, spiritual, academic, and social development as you make your plans. (see Luke 2:52) The listing of New York’s required subjects can be used as a starting point for academics: http://www.leah.org/nysregs.html#REQUIRED_COURSES
Subscribe to at least one good home education publication, of which there are many. Check our “Starting Out” pages at www.leah.org and you can do a word search at www.google.com using terms like “subscribe to Christian homeschool magazine.”
Select appropriate curriculum. Check out used curriculum if you know what you are specifically looking for. More expensive or more widely advertised is not necessarily better. Cathy Duffy's Curriculum Manuals are especially helpful and Mary Pride’s books will give many ideas on curriculum as well. Only buy what you need for the current year, and don't be tempted by "extras" if you can't afford them. If you don't have all of your curriculum by the July 1st letter of intent deadline, at least have all your orders placed.
Know the law! Purchase LEAH's Regulatory Manual which provides a thorough explanation of Commissioner Regulations 100.10. These regulations govern home education in NYS. www.leah.org/paypal.html or http://www.leah.org/regs.php?d=4
Get Connected!
Join the Home School Legal Defense Association
(Preferably before you contact your school district). Annual membership fee is
$100 unless you are a member of LEAH. Members receive a discounted HSLDA
membership fee of $85.
Join LEAH through a local support group. Membership includes a quarterly newsletter; $15 discount on HSLDA's annual membership fee; legislative updates & action alerts; annual convention discounts, and more. Families educating children with special needs are encouraged to also join Parents Instructing Challenged Children for support. You can find information at our “developmentally delayed families” page also.
Know the Regs!
Notify your school district in writing on or before July 1 of your intent to
home educate during the upcoming school year which commences July 1 and
concludes June 30 of the following. Your "letter of intent" should
include the names and dates of birth of each child of legal school age who will
be home educated. Children who turn six before December 1, are required to
start school during that year. Teenagers who turn sixteen at any time during
the school year are required to complete that entire year.
Complete and submit one IHIP (Individualized Home Instruction Plan) for each child you will be educating at home. Your school district is supposed to respond to your letter of intent with a copy of the regulations and IHIP forms. Each IHIP must include a simple listing of the curriculum you will be using for each of the required subject areas. (see the LEAH Regulatory Manual).
File quarterly reports with the school district at regular intervals that you establish in your IHIP.
Submit an annual evaluation to the local school district. Options include written evaluations, standardized testing, and peer review panels. Standardized testing is only required every other year between the grades of 4 and 8, and every year after that until the student is 16. Contact your local LEAH chapter for more information regarding these options.
Home visits are not required! Nor are you required to meet with the superintendent to seek permission. A determination of compliance to the regulations is designed to be handled in writing between the local school district and a home educating family. If any of your written submissions are challenged, contact your local support group or your attorney at HSLDA to determine if any of your submissions are in error. (Be sure to join HSLDA before you begin!) If so, make all necessary corrections or additions and re-submit you documents. If all of your paper work is in compliance, follow the advice of HSLDA as how to proceed. Above all, keep a good testimony of Christ’s power in your life!
Keep good records. You don't need to submit attendance records, but you need to report total number of hours in your quarterly reports. In the high school years, a good transcript is crucial for college admission.
Get some encouragement and pointers at this website: www.youcanhomeschool.org/starthere/
6. What is in the LEAH Regulations Manual?
A. Regulation of home education in New York State falls under the jurisdiction of the State Education Department, the Commissioner of Education, and the Board of Regents. In 1988 the Commissioner's Regulations were amended with section §100.10 (FAQ) after a series of court battles contesting the legality of home education. These regulations are a compromise at best, but have been beneficial in keeping legitimate home educating parents out of court.
Regulatory and Informational Manual for Home Education in New York State
(ORDER REG MANUALS/VIDEOS ONLINE)
This guide covers the following topics:
A. Membership in LEAH is through a local chapter. These support groups typically provide opportunities to meet with experienced home educators, field trips, athletic activities, and various other events. LEAH support groups are organized in seven geographic regions covering the state.
8. How can I locate a group near me?
A. There are many groups available. See www.leah.org under the “SUPPORT” or “SUPPORT GROUPS” button (http://www.leah.org/region.php?) for groups in the New York area – point your computer cursor over your area of the map to find the current listing. You will notice the blue hyperlink to many of their websites to find information about their group. http://www.leah.org/region.php?
An e-mail to the Regional Representative will help you get started with contact. If you are unable to connect through emails to chapters or to the correct Regional Rep, then you may also try an email to info@leah.org or webmaster@leah.org.
9. Why is so much of your work done by email and website?
A. We are largely an organization of volunteer families that support homeschool groups and homeschool leaders. Most of us are still actively homeschooling our own children, and some have young children and/or newborns at home. All of these aspects mean that we are interested in giving support and encouragement, but phone calls often interrupt at key learning moments or family attention times. Email is a handy way to time shift the answering for you and yet be fairly timely. Thank you for understanding!
10. Do I have to join LEAH to go on trips, etc. with other LEAH members?
A. LEAH trips are generally planned for LEAH members. However, it is always at the discretion of the LEAH Chapter Leader. LEAH does not endorse a policy. Insurance matters may weigh in to the decision of the chapters’ leaders – please be sensitive to this in the world in which we live.
11. Can LEAH make a donation to my church?
A. LEAH as an organization only gives to charitable organizations that encourage and endorse home education. Email LEAH Vice President Rev Rudy Hugo at VicePresident@leah.org or Dadsheart5@aol.com or call 516 315 4909 for more details on LEAH’s policy.
12. How do I start my own LEAH support group?
A. Contact your Regional Reps through our support group pages with interactive maps. It is a fairly simple process. You merely have to fill out a straightforward application and give your Christian testimony and homeschool experience and have an interview with one of our Regional Reps. They are eager to help you – not create roadblocks for you.
13. What are the advantages of LEAH membership?
A. LEAH offers fellowship with other Christian homeschoolers, educational trips, learning cooperatives and general activities with other homeschoolers. Much of the support comes in the local support group. LEAH does publish a quarterly newsletter, The Messenger, with practical and inspirational information. LEAH learning cooperatives are covered under their insurance umbrella which is an amazing benefit to offer. LEAH also is able to extend 501(c)3 benefits to chapters which opt for this (which requires a one-time fee) which enables chapters to participate in programs like “Boxtops for Education”, and receiving donations while crediting the donor with tax exemption. It is also possible to buy supplies directly related to chapter business and purposes tax-free with the 501(c)3 status. Currently President Rich Stauter is heading this project; connect with him at President@leah.org.
14. I am home-schooling a special needs student. Can you direct me to some resources?
A. There are a several resources. First http://www.nathhan.com/ is National Challenged Homeschool Association. You are also encouraged to subscribe to the newsletter for Parents Instructing Challenged Children (PICC) which is New York specific. Contact them at Parents Instructing Challenged Children The National Association of Child Development has much to offer parents as well. You may also visit www.nacd.org.
You can contact Betty Statnick at www.hslda.org for special needs items. Also, Joyce Herzog has been a featured speaker at several of our conventions – her website is http://www.joyceherzog.com/ - and she has message boards there as well.
In Region Ten (Long Island and NYC) Mary Fratatini is available to answer questions at fratpak@verizon.net. PLEASE be advised that Mary is home educating a special needs child and is freely volunteering her time therefore it is suggested you visit the other websites first and approach her with your unanswered questions after you have FIRST reviewed the resource websites.
15. The truancy officer, Children Abuse Services, or legal services is involved because we have not sent our child to school and now we want to home-school. Can you help us?
A. Homeschool is not a decision to be made lightly. In fact successful homeschoolers are those who have prayerfully considered and PREPARED for their decision to home school. Preparation includes reading up on how to homeschool, visiting support groups and speaking with other homeschoolers. This takes time. Also please be advised LEAH will not testify for you nor represent you in any legal or criminal court or hearing. Also LEAH will not testify on your behalf or present you in any legal proceeding.
16. My husband or wife does not agree with my decision to Homeschool. Will you speak to him or her?
A. LEAH is a support group for home educating parents. We cannot convince your mate that you should or should not homeschool. You may find support for your decision to home educate in your local LEAH support group. We suggest that you carefully consider the pros and cons of this decision much as you would any major decision in life, prayerfully considering your attitudes and motivations.
17. Can you help me with my paperwork?
A. Speak with your support group leaders or read the LEAH Regulations Manual first. Visit on http://www.leah.org/paypal.html Most Chapter leaders offer help with new homeschoolers or have mentor new homeschoolers. You will be most fortified if you read the regulation manual first before speaking with your Chapter leader. Occasionally Region Ten (and other regions) will hold teleconferences on the LEAH regulations. These tele-classes (which are free) are scheduled to be held in June, August and January.
18. I want to speak with an experienced homeschooler. Can you help me get in touch with someone?
A. LEAH is a volunteer organization and most personal contacts can be made within the groups. Veteran home educating parents are available but please keep in mind LEAH is a volunteer organization run by volunteer parents. Please respect their time and do not telephone during traditional school hours or obvious family times or late night. Please email Chapter leaders. They will direct you to services and support within the group.
19. Can you home educate my child for me?
A. LEAH is a support group which assists parents who are home schooling their own children. To find someone to homeschool your children ask at local private schools, your church or research at home learning schools. It is possible to delegate part of your academic teaching load to another party, but you would still be responsible for submitting the paperwork of updates to your local school district.
20. Can you recommend a curriculum?
A. Your curriculum choices are based on your educational philosophy and personality. As such is a personal matter. LEAH does not particularly endorse one product over the other. Many new homeschoolers find security in a well established curriculum. Other new homeschoolers find that they prefer a particular approach. You will best find help by speaking with other homeschoolers, your support group leader, online research and attending our conventions. An advantage of homeschooling, unlike school settings, is that you can decide “on a dime” to scrap a curriculum that isn’t working and begin with another.
21. Can you tell me about your Conventions?
A. LEAH holds two conventions. One is in Syracuse for the entire state. It includes many vendors, speakers, etc. Visit www.leah.org for information. It is generally the first week in June. Thursday evening is reserved for vendor workshops and shopping hall. All day Friday and Saturday are workshops and a huge vendor hall. See http://www.leah.org/convention/2005/information.html. Be sure to check on our graduates’ commencement ceremony at the convention that has grown to feature more than 100 graduates per year!
New York City & Long Island holds a convention with vendors and speakers. It is generally the first weekend in May. Visit www.leah.org for information. LEAH desires to reach the city and the island with the benefits of homeschooling – we wanted to have a more accessible convention for our downstate brethren. We rejoice in the diversity of homeschooling families that join with us!
22. Can you test my child before I start homeschooling so I know what curriculum to choose?
A. Testing services and support are generally found in your local support group. You may also call BJU Testing for a local tester. There are tests available so that you can administer tests to your own children. Some Christian schools offer testing services to homeschoolers, particularly during their holiday or seasonal breaks. You do not need a standardized test to begin homeschooling your child. You may desire something not quite as comprehensive, like a screening or a checklist. Such screening is found on many curriculum websites.
23. Can you give me information on testing?
A. Testing and most NYS information is found in the LEAH Regulation manual. It is only $15.00. You can order it on http://www.leah.org/paypal.html or purchase one from your local chapter.
24. My child is very advanced. Should I report them their accelerated grade to the district or their chronological grade?
A. No matter how accelerated your child is, once you begin reporting your school district is going to go by your records. If you advance them several grades you are often giving yourself more paperwork. However, if you strongly feel your child will graduate earlier and want the superintendent to validate their education you may want to do this. Please keep in mind that many parents with accelerated children do academic work far beyond their grade yet keep their paperwork simple by keeping them in their chronological grade.
25. My three year old is reading. Should I begin reporting his progress to my school district? When should I stop reporting?
A.
You begin reporting when the child is compulsory school age which is
"a minor who becomes six years of age on or before the first of December
in any school year...until the last day of session in the school year in which
the minor becomes sixteen years of age" or completes high school. It does
not matter how advanced your child is when he or she first turns the age of
six.
Effective July 2005 every school district may require students to report until age seventeen. This will be a matter for each local board of education to decide.
26. I want to advertise my product or service to the Homeschool community. What can I do?
A. Currently the main channels are to advertise in the LEAH Messenger or at our Conventions through the programs or in the give-away bags that we do. See information at www.leah.org under the Messenger page. See advertising rates below
You are invited to advertise your products or services in our quarterly newsletter, The LEAH Messenger. This popular publication of approximately 32 pages is mailed to the homes of our 3800 member homeschooling families across New York, and contains articles of interest and encouragement to New York’s homeschoolers.
Advertising space is limited to about 15% of the magazine (we may expand the number of pages somewhat in order to accommodate the ads while maintaining content). You will find our rates below.
Our readers are most interested in products and services related to education (homeschooling in particular), family life, Christian life materials, etc., although we will accept some general interest ads as space is available. We will not accept advertisements for products or services that in some way violates our Statement of Faith (also below). LEAH reserves the right to reject any advertising submission without comment or explanation.
We accept "camera-ready" copy only (no ad layout or editing services are provided) - most standard electronic formats are acceptable. No ads will be accepted without payment. Please contact the editor for the availability of any premium pages before submitting materials and payments.
Mail Address: Editor, LEAH Messenger
12 Chesfield Lookout
Fairport, NY 14450
Email Address: messenger@leah.org
If you are interested in advertising or obtaining booth space at our convention (in June at the State Fairgrounds, Syracuse, NY), please go to www.leah.org/convention/2005 for full details, or call (315) 363-5637 to receive a vendor brochure. The LEAH Convention is annually attended by approximately 4000 homeschoolers. You may also advertise for our second event, the New York City/ Long Island Convention by calling Rev. Rudy Hugo at 516. 315.4909 or email Dadsheart5@aol.com.
Rates for LEAH Messenger Advertising
Standard Pages
Full Page $200.00
Half Page $125.00
Quarter Page $75.00
Eighth Page $50.00
Sixteenth Page $20.00
Premium Pages
Center-Fold Spread 150% ($600 2 Full Page Spread)
Inside Front/Back Cover Premium 125% ($250 Full Page)
Back Cover (Up to Half Page) 200% ($250 Half Page)
Camera-Ready Ad Copy Only
Most Electronic Formats Acceptable
Check with Messenger@leah.org
27. I am a member of the media, student or company and would like to interview homeschoolers for an article, news piece or promotional segment?
A. Contact LEAH President Rich Stauter at President@leah.org or by info line at (315) 637-4560 or Vice-President Rev. Rudy Hugo at VicePresident@LEAH.org. Due to the nature of our organization – volunteer parents who generally have full-time outside jobs and moms who use answering machines to keep school time going – we encourage you to allow several days of lead-time and avoid calling right at your deadline. Thank you.
28. I want to Homeschool my child in Science but they attend the local high school. What can I do to get the science work she does at home documented so the school district accepts it?
A. Currently, NYS does not have dual enrollment. If your child is enrolled in high school they fall under the auspices of your local school district. You will have to work with your local high school to get work authenticated. LEAH is a support group for parents who are educating their children at home fulltime.
29. I recently moved to New York State and do not know what my school district is or even to whom I should report?
A. If you are in New York City dial “311”. It is an information line for all NYC Services. They will give you the name and address and telephone number of the Regional Office. The NYC Department of Education is governed by Regions not districts (as they were in prior years). You will have to report to your district.
If you are in Long Island or the rest of NYS ask your neighbor or realtor. Most school districts are generally reflected on your school tax statement – the office where your property records are kept should be able to tell you the school district. Some districts do have unconventional cut-offs so it is often easiest to ask a neighbor or the realtor.
30. I’m moving to the area and want to move into a Homeschool friendly school district. Can you advise me?
A. This is a very subjective question. Generally you may email a LEAH Chapter Leader (see the Map on LEAH page at http://www.leah.org/support.php ) and ask what their experience is and/or that of their members. Remember, the question is relative and you are bound to get many different responses. As time goes by and the school district personnel changes the answer to this question will change also. LEAH strives to maintain a positive educating relationship with the State Education Department and the local districts so that we can keep them apprised of the homeschool requirements. It is true that we generally find our membership is much more aware of the homeschool requirements than the districts – especially in areas that do not have a lot of homeschoolers.
31. Do homeschoolers get diplomas? or Can homeschool graduates have a normal life?
A. Homeschool students do not get public/government high school diplomas because they are not public high school students. Please read complete details from www.leah.org home page as to the options homeschool have to validate their high school education. Know that homeschoolers have been graduating for decades and they do well in their adult life – in college, in business, at home. Check research done by Dr. Brian Ray at National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI) at www.nheri.org/. There are also many articles at http://www.hslda.org/docs/nche/Issues/C/College.asp that document the success of our students in life.
32. My son just dropped out of school can I Homeschool him or is it too late?
A. It is never too late to homeschool, however, please see the above.
33. Can you Homeschool me. I hate my high school?
A. Only parents, their designees or legal guardians may home educate you. If you are a motivated learner, perhaps you may visit some teen websites on the web and research home education and make your case to your parents. See if you might know others in your church or community. Sometimes retired Christian teachers might be willing to assist you. LEAH primarily supports homeschooling parents.
34. Can you tell me the basics of homeschooling in New York State?
This information is taken from Home School Legal Defense
Summary
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New York Legal Home Schooling Options: 1 |
|
|
|
Option: 1 |
|
Legal Option: |
Establish and operate a home school |
|
Attendance: |
Substantial equivalent of 180 days per year; 900 hours per year for grades 1-6; 990 hours per year for grades 7-12 |
|
Subjects: |
Grades K-12: patriotism and citizenship, substance abuse, traffic safety, fire safety; Grades 1-6:arithmetic, reading, spelling, writing, English, geography, U.S. history, science, health, music, visual arts, and physical education; Grades 7-8:English, history and geography, science, mathematics, physical education, health, art, music, practical arts, and library skills; At least once in grades 1-8: U.S. and New York history and constitutions; Grades 9-12: English, social studies--including American history, participation in government, and economics, math, science, art or music, health, physical education, and electives |
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Qualifications: |
“Competent” - A person is deemed to be competent if they follow the regulations. |
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Notice: |
File annual notice of intent with the local superintendent by July 1 or within 14 days if starting home schooling mid-year; complete and submit an Individualized Home Instruction Plan (form provided by district) |
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Recordkeeping: |
Maintain attendance records (must make available for inspection upon request of the local superintendent); file, with the local superintendent, quarterly reports listing the number of hours of instruction during quarter, description of material covered in each subject, and a grade or narrative evaluation in each subject |
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Testing: |
File, with the local superintendent, an annual assessment by June 30; must be from a standardized test every other year in grades 4-8, and every year in grades 9-12; the child should score above the 33rd percentile or their home instruction program could be placed on probation; other years can be satisfied by either another standardized test or a written narrative evaluation prepared by a certified teacher, a home instruction peer review panel, or other person chosen by the parent with the consent of the superintendent |
© 2005, HSLDA
NOTE: This summary is not intended to be, and does not constitute, the giving
of legal advice. Many states have unclear compulsory attendance statutes, and
the courts of those states vary in their interpretation of the statutes.
Therefore, there is no guarantee any state will accept all of the options for
compliance listed under each state. This summary is not intended to be a
substitute for individual reliance on privately retained legal counsel such as
that provided by Home School Legal Defense Association.