My 18yo son has been exploring his options. He's looked at several different vocations, but peace keeping and U.S. Marines seems to keep coming up. We went, yesterday, to visit with a Marine recruiter. He's Infantry, so most of his focus came from his own personal experience, as expected. When he asked about grade level and we indicated that we home school, his first question was to the tune of 'to whom do you report?' He found it difficult to understand that we are responsible for ourselves and do not feel the need to be monitored by the State. His second question only confirmed that we are odd - "And you're registered with the State?" Um, no. We're not. The diameter of his eyes increased. He stated that he was not sure the Marines would take him, based on that. Hmmm. I told him that our decision not to register with the State was due to a personal conviction that parents are responsible for the education of their children. We have no squabble with others who choose public education. But for us, we were convicted that home education was right for us, AND that the State has no responsibility there, since we are capable of completing the required courses.
I have struggled often with feelings of inadequacy. This sometimes comes from others who ask things like, "Whatdoyoumean you haven't covered that yet???" and similar questions. As I was writing up transcripts in recent weeks, which has been interrupted by doing my taxes, I have been mostly impressed with my children. They know WAY more than I do. To grant a child the desire to learn and the enjoyment of learning is, I think, a major goal of education. Secondly, to grant them the skills in which to find what they need to know is equal in importance. Beyond that, I am a facilitator, a coach. Taking ownership of their own education is key to the whole learning process.
So Brian took the short ASVAB and scored well, with time to spare. Boo yah! The recruiter was impressed. And when I told him that I can provide proper transcripts, he said that 'there should be no problem, then.' Yep!
Now, to complete high school, get his diploma, finish his transcripts...we're nearly finished with the beginning of the launch. He is leaning toward ROTC, and going in to the Marines as an officer. Of course, that may change, but he's making decisions for his future and becoming a man of excellence. I could not ask for more than that.
Showing posts with label Transcripts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Transcripts. Show all posts
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Transcripts and Graduation
So I'm nearing the end of the 12th grade for my oldest son. This week, I've been writing up transcript information on worksheets that I got off the web. I think the one I liked the best was the one that HSLDA has on their site. There are some things that I wish we'd covered, but, for the most part, we've done okay.
Both my 18yo and 15yo are signed up with Number2.com, so that they can study for the SATs. We've never done any state testing. The reason I chose not to is because I felt 1. that they test differently than my children have learned, and 2. that I don't want the State tracking my children. I've never signed up with the State to register my home school, either. I believe, based on the Bible's instruction to parents, that it is my responsibility, and my husband's, to be sure that our children are educated. All of the particulars may not be in place, but if I have given my children a love of learning and have provided for them the learning environment in which to study, AND taught them from the Scriptures to reason, then I have done what I ought. Anyway, it will be interesting for all 3 of us to see how they do on the study questions. I'll most likely post something on that later.
I am amazed, actually, at all that my children are accomplishing, subject-wise, within the school year. It is really a lot. As I seem to always question my own aptitude and ability, I am encouraged by what I am seeing.
In addition to the paperwork and bookwork, I have seen such a sense of direction in my 18yo and 15yo. They are taking responsibility for their own education, scheduling their own days to accomplish their tasks. It is truly a blessing to watch. In fact, all of the kids seem to be 'catching it' this year. Perhaps a little late in the year for a few of them - but that's ok. They're catching it.
Both my 18yo and 15yo are signed up with Number2.com, so that they can study for the SATs. We've never done any state testing. The reason I chose not to is because I felt 1. that they test differently than my children have learned, and 2. that I don't want the State tracking my children. I've never signed up with the State to register my home school, either. I believe, based on the Bible's instruction to parents, that it is my responsibility, and my husband's, to be sure that our children are educated. All of the particulars may not be in place, but if I have given my children a love of learning and have provided for them the learning environment in which to study, AND taught them from the Scriptures to reason, then I have done what I ought. Anyway, it will be interesting for all 3 of us to see how they do on the study questions. I'll most likely post something on that later.
I am amazed, actually, at all that my children are accomplishing, subject-wise, within the school year. It is really a lot. As I seem to always question my own aptitude and ability, I am encouraged by what I am seeing.
In addition to the paperwork and bookwork, I have seen such a sense of direction in my 18yo and 15yo. They are taking responsibility for their own education, scheduling their own days to accomplish their tasks. It is truly a blessing to watch. In fact, all of the kids seem to be 'catching it' this year. Perhaps a little late in the year for a few of them - but that's ok. They're catching it.
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