My husband and I have given much thought to this matter. We have decided to withdraw Samuel from school and teach him at home this year. There are several reasons we want to do this, let's see if I can explain it concisely:
1) Homeschooling is my first choice in how I would like my children to be educated. I want to raise my own children and teach them to live their lives according to our Catholic faith. This can't be taught to them in a school run by the government where they can't even talk about God.
2) I am concerned about Samuel's behavior and I am afraid it will get worse by having him in school. In my opinion there are too many limits in the school setting that prevent the flexibility that is needed to deal with Samuel's outbursts. I met with Samuel's teacher several times last year to talk about his behavior. After several meetings they made a few changes, but not to the degree that I wanted. I just don't have the time to keep meeting and begging and pleading with the school to do what I think is best for my child. The input needed is way too high in proportion to the output that I get. For right now I'm better off using my energy directly on Samuel. I can also better monitor his progress when he is home with me.
3) I want Samuel to be with his family. He noticed last year that he was sent off while the others stayed home and he didn't like it. Samuel is part of our family. Our family's life includes him and all that goes along with it. I am fortunate that I have a good starting point from which to teach him.
I met with Samuel's special education teacher and the principal of his school today. I requested the meeting because I wanted to be sure they understood how much I appreciated their help over the past few years. I am glad that I sent Samuel to public school the years that I did. I told the teacher that there were complaints I had and that I would write to the school and the Director of Special Education to let them know, but I wasn't there today to talk to them about that. It was hard going in to talk to them about this, but I am glad I did it. They told me a bit about an upcoming autism program in the schools that sounds like it will incorporate more parent involvement. I hope it will be successful. While some parents are happy with how school is going for their children, most feel unhappy with it. I also got to see the new special education classroom; it's about 3 times the size of the room they had last year. I am going to take Samuel in next week to say goodbye to his teachers and his aid. That will be heartbreaking, his aid is so nice and I know she really liked working with Samuel.
In other news, I have been able to get 30 hours per week of in-home help with Samuel through a medicaid waiver. I am hoping to eventually get 2 to 3 dependable helpers. As of today I have one who has been able to help consistently and it has been wonderful. It is such a relief to be able to have hours and hours where Samuel is being guided appropriately in his activities and I am free to get some things done around the house. I am able to take Samuel and his siblings out for errands and other outings more easily, and I have been able to leave Samuel at home with the helper, which makes it easier when I take the other children with me on errands.
5 comments:
Wow, good luck and more power to you. I respect and admire your decision -- and envy your energy. I am not always satisfied with my son's education, and I know there are aspects of his education that I could handle better myself, but overall, I just don't have the self-discipline or organizational skills to make it work myself!
And congratulations on getting some in-home help.
I think it does take alot to homeschool. I admire your willingness to do so.I think your kids will benefit and I can see by what you write you are good at it.
I have worked many years on trying to get an education and I'm having to start at 4th grade on some sujects at age 44.
I'm just fortunate that I'm getting alot of help finally and I'm able to get the homeschool stuff to do it with.I'm excited about learning about the different ways that I learn so that maybe now I really can learn some things.
I'm looking forward to reading about how well you and your kids are doing with the homeschooling. I'm sure you'll do well.
Good luck with the homeschooling. I don't think I'd try it without permission to use my respite as well. Here it's a $$$ value that you request. BUT, you're not allowed to use it for school. Now?? Can you use it for in-home help while you homeschool... I don't know. It's a question I'm going to ask in Nov (my 'year' date).
I've managed with the help of tutors, programs, camps and respite to expand on the school's teaching. Which has helped tremendously.
Good luck.
S
Thanks for the good wishes! I need them and all the prayers I can get!
MPJ - Please don't think that I come anywhere near approaching perfection in what I do. I have struggled to stay on schedule in teaching my oldest son, especially the last few years. Part of the struggle, however, was always being in the car getting Samuel to and from school. Now that disruption to our day will be gone!
S - In reading your blog I have always had the impression that you are very good at gathering the resources, like outside help, you need to make everything work for your family. I admire that. Sometimes I find it very hard to delegate!
Ed - I think it's great that you have such a desire to learn and that you are willing and able to get the help you need, and start at the level you need to. I wish you the best in your endeavors!
This is very inspiring. Please keep us posted on how things are going...as you have time.
I am really hoping for the best with the kids this year. All three are in school now and it will be challanging. I wish we could home school. The hubby would have to be the one to do it, and I do not think that would work.
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