The Backlash Begins

I honestly believe the following is just the beginning of the repercussions homeschoolers will be facing as a result of Alternative Learning Programs like CVA, WAVA, etc.

WHOForHomeschooling Announcement



Running Start Procedure for Homeschoolers Rescinded

by

Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction



At the direction of Martin Mueller, Assistant Superintendent of Student Support, and Brian Jeffries, Senior Policy Advisor, Government Relations, and under the authority of Dr. Terry Bergeson, Superintendent of Public Instruction the procedure, as laid out in OSPI Bulletin 086-05, dated September 9, 2005, and the accompanying form (Running Start Enrollment Request Home-Based Instruction Students Only) have been rescinded. The procedure and form were rescinded on October 25, 2007, in Bulletin No. 098-07. This new bulletin was sent to all Educational Service District Superintendents, School District Superintendents, Secondary School Principals and High School Counselors.

To get more information, read the bulletin in its entirety by going to the website for the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, www.K12.wa.us . On the left, click on "Bulletins/Memos", click "2007", and click B098-07. Also, see the article appearing in the latest issue of the WHO's News, December, 2007. Lastly, the WHO website will be updated to reflect this change.

WHO Running Start Task Committee


For more information about homeschooling or WHO, go to the WHO website at www.WashHomeschool.org

Pieceless Puzzle? WHAT?!?

We love all things Gamewright. Don't most homeschoolers? I mean, how can you go wrong with Leaping Lizards, Scrambled States of America, or Zeus on the Loose? Those are staples in our home and we've recently been on a spree to put things In A Pickle. So when the boys and I watched this video about the Pieceless Puzzle we set out on the hunt for one (or three!) to make our own.

We were able to find the Seaside pieceless puzzle at Amazon.com. It arrived two days ago and we've had a blast putting it together. I think the greatest fun, though -- at least for the 6yo -- is to pick it up by the corner thereby undoing all the work your older brothers have done. Woo!

Friedreich's Ataxia

Someone I love very much has Friedreich's Ataxia. In her honor, please watch this video.

More great reading on Alternative Learning Programs

HomeSchool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) calls them Home-Based Charter Schools. Read here as to why ALPs are opposed by the legal entity whose sole purpose is to defend our homeschooling rights.

The Seduction of Washington State Homeschoolers

I came upon two articles that addressed (so much better than I ever could have) my concern with the explosion of Alternative Learning Programs and how they are deceptively being targeted to homeschoolers here in Washington State. Two of the most well-know are Washington Virtual Academy (WAVA) and Columbia Virtual Academy (CVA), but there are other, local programs that are very similar. These programs are causing a rift among homeschoolers and that is just what the program administrators are hoping for. If we are against each other then we cannot work together to keep homeschooling the success that it currently is.

If you are considering WAVA or CVA, please read the laws. I want you to know and fully understand that by participating in either of these programs you are NOT recognized under our state laws as a homeschooler. You may also be jeopardizing the rights of those not succumbing to the temptation of the measly pittance being offered. Think I'm being overly cautious or even dramatic?

Carefully read this spectacular article by Chris Cardiff making sure not to skip Janice Hedin's intro. Also consider this most excellent piece written by Carolyn Forte. This is a VERY slippery slope we could be headed down. Are you sure you want to help take us there?

summer purse

I finished this purse just in time to take with us on vacation. I was inspired by Linda and her sister-in-law and also by several posters at the Craftster boards. There are several things I will change on subsequent purses, but for now I'm applying Rowena's "galloping horse" axiom and am quite pleased. Check it out:















Here are some more pictures until I figure out this whole blogging thing.