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Home education became part of the Alberta educational landscape for the first time with the 1988 School Act, and at this time, non-resident school boards also came into being.  We can assume the creation of non-resident school boards was to mitigate the persecution some home educators were experiencing by their local school boards.  Now, smaller … Continue reading "Facilitation – History Pt. 2: Back to the Basics (Part 31)"

If you were to mention home education facilitation to home educators anywhere other than in Alberta, you are likely to get strange looks.  Most have never heard of it.  “Home education what?” they ask.  “What is it?  What does it entail?  How is it that teachers come into your home?  Isn’t that an affront to … Continue reading "Facilitation – History Pt. 1: Back to the Basics (Part 30)"

I once read a saying that says it all!  “Education is going from an unconscious to conscious awareness of one’s ignorance.”  Perhaps this is a good way to end our series on opposition to home education.  You see, the biggest misunderstanding regarding home education is that it is about training children.  It is, of course, but … Continue reading "Testing Home Education – Part 10: Back to the Basics (Part 29)"

Now that we have talked about the pushback, opposition, obstacles and other potential persecution one can expect as a consequence of deciding to home educate, let’s look at how to effectively deal with opponents, be they government, third-party agencies, schools, facilitators, family, friends, and/or children. First, let’s discuss who you are.  I believe I have repeated … Continue reading "Testing Home Education – Part 9: Back to the Basics (Part 28)"

It is not uncommon for older children to bear a grudge against their parents for having kept them out of what they perceive as the real world.  After all, your decision to do things differently does result in the children being different, which they quickly realize as they venture out into the world.  Is this … Continue reading "Testing Home Education – Part 8: Back to the Basics (Part 27)"

Now that we have addressed the biggest opposers of unschooling within the home education community, let’s address what may be the biggest surprise of all.  It is not unusual for home educating children to oppose your resolve to teach them at home.  Natural curiosity is usually the impetus for home educated students wanting to go … Continue reading "Testing Home Education – Part 7: Back to the Basics (Part 26)"