Online virtual schools with accreditation and a reliable reputation are designed to make teaching kids at home as simple and without stress as possible. Assignments and studies are completed through the online portal by the student with parental access to keep track of progress, lesson plans and grades. Teacher options are available to have them involved on a part or full-time basis which affects the responsibilities and tasks that each of the parties need to fulfill. When searching for the best program, carefully research and talk with the Admissions staff to have all questions answered and what must be agreed to in writing.
Parents of elementary students can choose to act as the full-time teacher with either print or online curriculum depending on the level of comfort and preference of both student and parent. When this is selected, it is the parent’s responsibility to keep track of the student’s progress, grade work and submit documentation as outlined by the program. Teachers have a supporting role in this scenario so they are available to answer questions, provide recommendations and give guidance when asked but they are not directly responsible for the child’s education progress. Homeschool parents are always responsible for encouraging, supporting and holding students accountable even if they are not acting as the teacher role in any capacity. Billing and code of conduct agreements are common with Christian and virtual schools so that parents acknowledge, for the record, their commitment to making payments and keeping students aligned with the calendar and completion.
When families enroll in homeschool 5th grade online program, and other elementary/lower middle school grades, they have the option to have their children work directly with the certified teachers on a part or full-time basis. This is an important distinction because the parent may share or have no direct instruction responsibility depending on which is chosen for enrollment. Teachers who are full-time instructors must have frequent communication with parents to let them know of any issues, status updates, changes in curriculum and other important notifications. The online program should clearly outline the expectations parents should have of the teachers before they get started with the program because switching a student mid-way through the year can be disruptive and challenging in several aspects. If possible, ask to speak with whoever would be the student’s primary teacher so that you can be comfortable with their experience, personality, communication style and ability to interact on a personal level with your child. Online teachers are a critical part of a successful virtual home education because they are the individuals who will answer questions, clarify material and be in charge of grading and putting together tests.
Last, but not least, is the student’s responsibility in their own education. Younger students need guidance and encouragement from parents and teachers to help them move through the process and take charge of their learning. As children develop into teenagers and enter into high school, the responsibility should be greater for the student in all areas including communication, selecting courses for the upcoming year and preparing their path to graduation. Choosing courses and electives in high school is a one that students should complete so they can make choices based on their interests and what they want to do when they go into college or enter the workforce. One of the benefits of online homeschooling is the ability for students to develop skills like self-study, time management and take ownership in their education. Parents can start transitioning these tasks when they homeschool 5th grade online so that students are well-prepared by the time they enter 7th and 8th grade. Students should be held accountable for their work by parents and teachers but should be able to take pride in what they submit knowing that it is for their future benefit.
Administration, admission and billing staff should be friendly, accessible and able to answer questions before and after enrollment. These members contribute to the overall experience that the student and their parents have throughout their time of enrollment and these can easily make it stressful with poor customer service.
The best homeschooling experience is one where all parties involved work together in a smooth and collective manner for the good of the student. This requires enrolling in a program with a solid reputation, high graduation rate and record for students being accepted into colleges around the country. Parents can choose their level of involvement with the day-to-day tasks, but they must have a positive view of homeschooling and support in a variety of ways. Some students may be reluctant to engage in the homeschool method and this should be discussed within the family because without their cooperation, the entire process can be significantly more challenging. There are many online homeschooling programs to choose from so take the time to research the top options before making any commitments so everyone can be comfortable with the final decision.
