Block · one region of the page, as the scanner read it. It may hold a whole story, part of one, several, or an advertisement; stitching blocks into articles is the next step. Text is supplied OCR.
Page 5 · column 2 of 4 · from the scan, no model involved
found half scored at or above the 91st percentile of a (Piers-Harris Children’s) self-concept scale, indicating strong self-concepts. The researcher, John Wesley Taylor, concluded the results might be explained by homeschoolers’ higher achievement levels, by their independent study abilities, one-on-one tutoring, high levels of parents interest and communication, homeschoolers’ relative independence from peers, their strong sense of responsibility and low anxiety levels.
Research in 1988 and 1986 confirmed that homeschoolers are as involved in community, church, clubs and activities as other children and are not isolated from their peers. Raymond S. Moore, author of Home School Burnout, notes a high sense of camaraderie and selfworth among homeschoolers, as well as responsibility, sociability and friendliness. He reports home educated children are seldom, if ever, involved in drugs, violence or sexual promiscuity.
In Virginia parents may legally opt for homeschooling in one of two ways. First, they may do so by notifying their school superintendent no later than August 31. There is a specific statute, Virginia Code Annotated Section 22.1-254.1, that requires parents to provide a program of study together with the notice. This law compels annual evaluations of a student’s progress, which may be carried out in the school, free of charge, by taking the Iowa Skills test, or at home at a cost of about $20 for that or another standardized test. Student progress may also be shown by other kinds of evaluation (independent evaluators, a portfolio of the student’s work, parent-superintendent conferences, or the like, under current state policies).
Alternatively, families who decide to homeschool may proceed under Section 22.1-257, the statute entitled “Excusing children...whose parents conscientiously object.” This embodies the Constitutional mandate for free exercise of religion. It requires a bona fide religious training or belief as the reason for conscientious objection. According to Attorney Christopher J. Klicka of Home School Legal Defense Association, the exemption applies even though families are not members of a church or are members of one that has no doctrine about home education. One’s convictions can be personal as long as they are religious and sincere.
Anyone interested in homeschooling in Rappahannock County should contact one of the local homeschool support groups for help in understanding the laws. Cathy Schneider (635-9322) of Chester Gap will be happy to answer any questions. She is a member of a local group of over 100 homeschool families. She can also provide information on other groups, such as Home Educators Association of Rappahannock, Home Educators Association of Virginia, and Home School Legal Defense Association, and on sources for educational curriculum materials, books and teaching aids as well as field trips and supplementary classes for homeschooled youngsters.
All Rappahannock homeschooling families are invited to a potluck supper on Sunday, September 12 (9878215 for further information).
95.1%