There is so much information about homeschooling that it can seem overwhelming. We've gathered information to help you make your homeschooling decision and to inform you about laws and other legal issues. Here you'll find research and statistics that support the notion that homeschooling provides specific advantages to children and families. And we'll help you take the first steps on the road of your own homeschooling adventure.
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| Why Homeschool? |
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The first step to homeschooling is making your decision to home educate your child. It is important to become informed and knowledgeable about some of the main concerns you may have. Explore these areas of our website to learn more about the initial decision to homeschool.
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| Where to Begin |
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You've decided to homeschool your child! But what comes first? For many parents, knowing where to begin in the homeschooling process can be confusing. Although there seems to be so much information available, it may be hard to get your questions answered. We've put together some resources to start you on your journey, giving you the information and motivation you need to successfully begin to homeschool in New Mexico.
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| Legal/Homeschool Laws |
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Laws that regulate home education vary from state to state. It is important to understand the legal requirements in your state and to be aware of legislative and other legal issues that affect homeschoolers in your community. We've compiled resources that will help you become informed. Although homeschooling is legal in all 50 states, and the vast majority of homeschoolers face no problems, you may find that you need legal assistance at some point in your homeschooling career. We've compiled a list of resources to help you find the support you need. And if you'd like to become more involved in working towards homeschooling freedoms, we discuss some of the issues facing homeschoolers that we hope you find compelling.
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| History of Homeschooling in America |
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How did homeschooling start? When did it become legal? Who were the key players in making homeschooling the social movement it is today? The story of the history of homeschooling in the United States is a compelling tale of dedication, innovative ideas, and personal conviction and sacrifice. We have put together a history of this educational and social phenomenon, hoping it will inspire you to learn from the early and more recent pioneers of home education in America.
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Why Homeschool? |
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Dr. Ben J. Mettes |
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This article was written by Drs. Ben J. Mettes, who has degrees in psychology and communications, and looks at the way in which school enforces a specific psychological mindset onto children. The article looks critically at the education system, including University, and argues that it does not prepare for future jobs. School destroys intelligence, by focusing on the left hemisphere and silencing the right hemisphere of the brain.
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National Charter School Watch List |
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This list is created to be a means of informing, documenting and evaluating available information concerning the impact of virtual/charter schools on the homeschooling community. This information consists of and is not limited to news items, articles from various sources, legislative information (bills, law changes), documented efforts and experiences and other information that may give weight to whether home-based charter schools or virtual schools are having an impact in any negative way on homeschooling. |
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Suggested Questions to Ask Candidates |
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Homeschool Alliance of North Carolina (HA-NC) |
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This list of ten questions touches on political issues that affect and are important to homeschoolers. It includes tips on how to frame questions and how to elicit a candidate's opinion on a variety of issues. |
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Responding to Current Legislative Challenges Promoted by National Organizations |
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Larry and Susan Kaseman |
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Two different kinds of legislation are undermining our rights and responsibilities as parents and our homeschooling freedoms. It would be serious enough if this legislation was coming from opponents of parents' rights and homeschooling. But the fact that the legislation is being promoted by national organizations that claim to support parental rights and homeschooling is very confusing and frustrating.
This column will discuss two different legislative initiatives. Topic 1 covers efforts being made by several national organizations to get parental rights legislation or constitutional amendments passed in many states, why this concerns homeschoolers, and what we can do. Topic 2 focuses on problems that accompany efforts to include homeschoolers in federal legislation designed to give parents tax breaks for educational expenses and what we can do about this.
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