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Beginning to Homeschool

by Nicole Neale

Here you will find the outline from the workshop Nicole conducted at the 2008 Inland Northwest Homeschool Conference.

Declaration of Intent Form

VHS strongly encourages all members to file this Declaration of Intent form with your local school district. We are even making it easy for you by providing some of the area administrative office addresses.

The following information is comprised from the Q & A section on the CHNOW website:
Many of the district forms ask questions that homeschoolers, by the law, are NOT required to answer. Some examples would be that we are not required to list our address, only the district we reside in. We also do not have to list our children’s grade levels, only their birthdates are required by the law. If you are using a certified instructor you do not need to provide the name of that instructor. If your child is enrolled in an alternative learning program you do not need to file an intent form as you are no longer under homeschooling laws.

If you would like additional information you will find links on the VHS website to some very informative articles.

For more information about the report you may visit the CHNOW website.

Homeschool Qualifying Course

Karen Allwine is the instructor of the Homeschool Qualifying Course through the Community Colleges of Spokane. The focus of this course, though discussing "natural learning" is designed to teach parents where to find and how to select and use good curriculum. Topics in the course include the law, support for homeschoolers and community services, testing, socialization, child development, learning styles, and the 11 required subjects. Both secular and Christian curriculum are shown and the strengths and weaknesses of each program are discussed. You can contact Karen by e-mail at kga117@Icehouse.net.

Marilyn Ahrendt offers a Home School Qualifying Class three times a year in August, January and April. For more information contact The Parent Education Office at 533-4895 or e-mail Marilyn Ahrendt.

Testing Services

Karen Allwine administers tests which are hand-scored and an individualized report is prepared and discussed with the parent. If remediation or enrichment is needed, specific suggestions will be provided. Karen is also available to test public school children whose parents need or want an outside assessment. Rosehill Academy is also a Sunday test site for the pre-college SAT. The Sunday test sites are only for those students who cannot take the test on Saturday due to religious beliefs. Karen also administers the PSAT annually to sophomores and juniors. You can contact Karen by e-mail at kga117@Icehouse.net.

River City Educational Services offers the California Achievement Test CAT 5 Survey in a group setting at various locations. For more information visit their website, www.homeschoolrces.com.

Education NW Resources provides individual or group homeschool testing that meets the state's annual testing requirement. Visit www.educationnwresources.com for more information.

Warning On Virtual Schools

Virtual Schools in Washington State.

2008 Warning on Virtual Schools

Journey Stories