Public funding for US/ HS?

[newsolarmomma2]

I was reading the post about testing and noticed people saying that there was funding for US. Is this common? I don't know much about this aspect of it, I always assumed we would be going it alone, you know? Can anyone shed some light on this?
THANKS AGAIN

[4evermom]

I think that is just if you sign up for a cyber school or umbrella school or something.  Generally, there are requirements that you need to fulfill so the school can remain accredited and you get access to things (classes, laptop, or such) in return.  Maybe some states have the laws set up in such a way that an incredibly unschooling friendly "school" could exist and get a share of whatever funding other schools get.  But generally all those things have strings attached.  I know there is nothing in my state except cyber school which is just public school at home with required curriculum and tests.  And all you get is a borrowed laptop.  No educational funding for unschoolers or homeschoolers here.

[moominmamma]

The only jurisdictions I'm aware of are all in the far northwest: Alberta and BC, Canada, and Alaska. I'm not totally sure about Alaska, but in BC and Alberta it's possible to unabashedly unschool and get governmental funding.

Miranda

[rubelin]

Here in CA (California) we have charter schools that offer independent study and some that are exclusively for homeschoolers. You must check in with a teacher or "Educational Specialist" every 20 school days to show learning that is happening and you must do state testing but you get access to some funding to pay for lessons, supplies, books, etc. It was hard for us because, as unschoolers, the responsibility to show learning is harder than when the kids do a set written curriculum, but there are lots of unschoolers who do it.

[kristandthekids]

I noticed your location. This is what Texas offers.
http://www.k12.com/participating-schools/texas

There's a waiting list and personally we decided against doing it.
Other than this, no funding. Not even the tax write off that paid teachers get.

[SweetSilver]

Whatever regulations WA has regarding virtual public schools and funding, those are changing.  Our state is pretty friendly to USers, but virtual schools make it harder, and what they offer, like money for gym lessons to cover PE, is drying up.  I think as an USer you have to do some fancy footwork just to continue year to year, let alone get money.

     As an aside, and I hope this doesn't stir up angry debate, I wish that homeschoolers would, in general, go it alone.  I know when I pay taxes I expect some accountability.  Parents expect accountability from teachers and school districts.  It is not a great leap to assume that accepting handouts from public school districts will eventually put accountability at every homeschooling family's doorstep.  And unschoolers would be affected first and most heavily if that scenario plays out.

     Well, that didn't answer your question, I don't think....

[moominmamma]

Originally Posted by SweetSilver 

It is not a great leap to assume that accepting handouts from public school districts will eventually put accountability at every homeschooling family's doorstep.  And unschoolers would be affected first and most heavily if that scenario plays out.

BC Canada has had funded homeschooling programs for over 15 years and while the accountability expected within those programs has waxed and waned and varies from place to place, there has been absolutely no erosion of our still fundamental right to homeschool with no interference at all should we choose the unfunded option. We can simply declare our homeschooling each fall and that's the end of it. Seventeen years of funded options and counting, and yet no threat whatsoever to basic homeschooling. No slippery slope here.

Miranda

[canadiangranola]

Miranda, 

So in BC you can just declare yourself an unfunded homeschooler and need to do no reporting at all?

I think in AB we need to register with a schoolboard (although options are many, and levels of involvement increase w/ the amount of funding received). We get under 1000/student and must file a learning plan (it's pretty loose) at the beginning of the year, and a report at the end of the year. I believe that certain private school boards are also less interference based, but again, it probably depends on which stream you choose (traditional, blended, and full on curriculum from least to most involved respectively.)

Anno

[SweetSilver]

Originally Posted by moominmamma 

We can simply declare our homeschooling each fall and that's the end of it.

Sigh..... If only........

[moominmamma]

Originally Posted by canadiangranola 

Miranda, 

So in BC you can just declare yourself an unfunded homeschooler and need to do no reporting at all?

Yes, totally. You just give your child's name and birthdate and sign so that they won't mistakenly be considered truant. We've availed ourselves of this option several times. 

Miranda

[2xy]

Originally Posted by moominmamma 

We can simply declare our homeschooling each fall and that's the end of it. Seventeen years of funded options and counting, and yet no threat whatsoever to basic homeschooling.

Things are not so free here in the "land of the free." Most states require more than notification. And I do believe that oversight would increase with the implementation of government funding.
 

[kindergirl77]

I'm curious what charter you use?

Originally Posted by rubelin 

Here in CA (California) we have charter schools that offer independent study and some that are exclusively for homeschoolers. You must check in with a teacher or "Educational Specialist" every 20 school days to show learning that is happening and you must do state testing but you get access to some funding to pay for lessons, supplies, books, etc. It was hard for us because, as unschoolers, the responsibility to show learning is harder than when the kids do a set written curriculum, but there are lots of unschoolers who do it.

[TEAK's Mom]

The distance programs in Alaska vary in how friendly to unschooling they are. Some have specific curricula and attendance requirements and would render unschooling impossible. Others are a lot more flexible, but there are still some minimal hoops through which to jump. If you do not enroll in a distance program, though, you do not even have to submit a letter of intent.