Okaloosa County is a community.  A community of neighborhoods that has as one of their jobs the education of children for their future…and ours.  This proposal is designed to create a seamless educational plan for two groups of students: students that are schooled at home and students that are schooled at “government schools” (public schools).  The proposal on the following pages would add a third choice beyond just home school or government schools…Blended Schools (BSP).

 Okaloosa School District

Blended School Project (BSP)

One Community

Go to any neighborhood on a Saturday morning and you will find children riding bikes and playing ball together.  They play together, go to church together; they don’t all go to school together.  While a majority of these neighborhood children are attending their local government (public) school, one or two of these children are being home educated.

According to the Florida Department of Education, home education or “home schooling” is the fastest growing alternative to public school and traditional learning environments.  All evidence suggests that home schooling is here to stay, although it is difficult to predict when the growth will peak.

A Desire to Blend With Government Schools

As state legislators, school boards and the public at large become more aware, home schoolers are gaining access to more resources – sometimes at government schools themselves.  Dr. Brian Ray, president and founder of the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI), found that “75 percent of home school families said they need or would like to enroll their children part-time in public school courses.” (Ishizuka, 2000, p. 115)  A small group of leading-edge school districts are

offering home schoolers access to schools on a part-time basis and, in some cases, special programs designed to blend home education and government schools.

What is Home Schooling?

Home schooling is a generic term frequently used to describe any family that has elected to educate their child/children at home.  A widely accepted definition is, “Home schooling is an alternative form of education in which school-aged children primarily learn at home, under the supervision of their parents, rather than in a traditional school.” (Ishizuka, 2000, p. 4)

 Is Home Schooling Legal?

Home schooling is legal in all 50 U.S. states.  However, each state manages home schooling differently within the governance of compulsory attendance laws, or in some cases, statutes specific to home schooling.

Who is Home Schooling?

Home schoolers today are a very diverse group.  They come from every background imaginable – religious and secular; rich, middle class, and poor; rural, suburban, and urban; Republican, Democrat, and Independent.  Doctors, government employees, small business owners, military personnel, factory workers, and former public school teachers head home schooling families.

Why Home School?

Researcher Isabel Lyman  (Ishizuka, 2000, p. 7) found that the top four reasons to home school are as follows: 1) to freely impart religious values, 2) to search for academic excellence, 3) to build strong family bonds and 4) dissatisfaction with the public schools. In a recent survey in Florida, dissatisfaction with public and private schools was the common reason for home schooling (Ishizuka, 2000, p.7).  Others have suggested that flexibility in scheduling is part of what makes home schooling a much more attractive option for mainstream families.

Home Schooling Facts and Figures

United States

“No one knows how many home schoolers there have been, nor how many there are today.  The only thing anyone can agree on is that home education is growing by leaps and bounds, and will continue to grow.” (Ransom, 2001, p.21) According to NHERI between 1.3 million to 1.7 million U.S. students in grades K through 12 are currently being home educated.  This represents approximately 3 percent of all school-aged children in the United States.  The estimates indicate that home education is growing by a rate of 15 percent annually.  (Ransom, 2001, p. 3)

Florida Ranks First

Florida law requires all children ages 6–16 to regularly attend school.  Regular attendance may be achieved by attendance in a home education program. The Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) determined Florida was ranked first nationally in the number of home educated students. (Geist, 1995, p. 1)  According to the Florida Department of Education  the number of home educated students has risen by 59 percent in the last five years with 25,930  home educated students during  the 1996 – 97 school year  and  escalating to 41,128 students in  2000 – 01.  “Home education  is the fastest   growing  alternative to public schools and traditional learning environments.” (http://www.firn.edu/doe/bin00077/home0077.htm)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Okaloosa County Leads the Trend

The School District of Okaloosa County has experienced an 84 percent growth in home educated students in the past five years. At a minimum, the growth rate is 15 percent annually in the  Okaloosa  School  District. The  number  of  home  educated

 

 

 

 

students has risen from 467 during the 1996 – 97 school year to 858 students during the 2000 – 01 school year.  However, many more students have not registered with the county or have gone through private schools like Rocky Bayou Christian School or Tall Pines Academy.  These schools are generally described as “600” schools, named after the Florida statutes that define their corporate status.

 Additionally, when looking at the available data, there are approximately 256 registered home schoolers in the North Zone, 339 registered home schoolers in the Central Zone, and 263 registered home schoolers in the South Zone.  At this time the School District of Okaloosa County does not have the information needed to provide statistical data showing the exact number of elementary, middle and high school students who are being home educated in the district. According to state law the parent/guardian is required to provide only the name of each child, birth date of each child named, and address of all children who will be enrolled in a home education program. Therefore, by examining birth dates, it can be estimated that there are 339 elementary aged registered home schoolers and 519 secondary aged home schoolers in the district. Currently the district is in the process of revising its home education enrollment form, and will be asking the parent/guardian for some additional, optional information so valuable statistical data may be collected.

 

Current Law and Policy

National

Like government education, home schooling is not under the jurisdiction of the federal government, but under state regulation.  However, home schooling has gained national recognition as a legitimate option in education – the U.S. Senate recently passed a resolution declaring September 17 – 21, 2001 as National Home Education Week.

 Florida

There are few legal requirements for home educators in Florida.  The parent/guardian is not required to be a certified teacher, nor does the law require any other educational qualifications.  Currently, the parent or guardian must notify the Superintendent of Schools to establish and maintain a home education program.  The initial notice must be a signed Statement of Intent to Home Educate to the Superintendent within thirty days of the establishment of a Home Education Program.  According to the law the parent/guardian is only required to submit their notice of intent from the time their child is six years old until he/she is sixteen. The parent or guardian must maintain a portfolio of records and materials; the portfolio is to be preserved by the parent/guardian for two years.  The portfolio shall be made available for inspection by the Superintendent upon a 15-day written notice.  An annual educational evaluation to demonstrate educational progress must be completed with a copy submitted to the district’s Home Education Office. Although it is not a requirement, the Florida Parent-Educators Association (FPEA) advises members to continue submitting an annual evaluation after the age of sixteen.  This annual evaluation will preserve their right to participate in interscholastic extracurricular activities, scholarships and good student discounts on auto insurance. (FPEA, 2000, p.10)

According to state law, home educated students in Florida may participate in interscholastic extra-curricular student activities.   The home education student must meet the same academic standards and residency requirements as other students.  To be eligible to participate in interscholastic extracurricular student activities, a home education student must also meet the same standards of acceptance, behavior, and performance as required of other students in extracurricular activities.

  Okaloosa

The Okaloosa School Board policy on home education is in alignment with the state statutes.  This includes the definition, rationale, and responsibilities of the parent/guardian. The policy contains guidelines for home schooled children to participate in interscholastic extracurricular activities.  The School District of Okaloosa County requires that all home education students complete the athletic physical examination and participation form (MIS 4178) before participating in any athletic practice or game.

 

Taking the Next Step

Florida’s Government Responds

In 1998, Florida voters amended the state Constitution to redefine the way education is governed.  Florida’s education system will serve the public, providing current and useful information on education choices for families, both in the public and independent sectors.  The system will be focused on encouraging more choices within and outside the public education system.  A Transition Task Force was created, to make recommendations to the Legislature to develop the steps needed to move toward a new governance structure.  Staying true to the Guiding Principles established in the legislation, now a part of Florida Law, the mandate requires the new governance structure be:

·        coordinated, seamless system for kindergarten through graduate school education;

·        student-centered in every facet;

·        maximize education access and academic success for all Floridians;

·        safeguard equity and refuse to compromise academic excellence; and

·        emphasize local control of institutions.

Choice and Options as Partnerships

 Partnering Public Schools

The most recent development in the home schooling world is the emergence of partnerships between public schools and home educators.  Mary Lou Carothers, Education Program Director, Office of Family Involvement, Florida Department of Education, stated, “the only thing the district is required by law to provide for home schoolers is extracurricular activities.  However, the district is within its legal rights to provide academic courses.  Also, the district will collect FTE for that attendance.”  Mrs. Carothers went on to say she encourages the district to work with home educators.

 

Section II.

What Home Schoolers Think

 What Home Schoolers Think

National

Stephen Holtrop, Ph.D., (1996) a home educator and college professor, states that he can picture his children “participating in some sort of shared-time program in a public high school.  I look forward to a time when superintendents and state education officials will work with home schoolers to offer classes or materials on an as-needed basis.”

Local

     At a recent meeting, Sam Nelson,                 President, Gulf Coast Christian Home Educators Association (GCCHEA) said he supported choice, and may choose not to participate, but that a Government (Public) School – Home Education Partnership was a great choice for his members and our community.  Mr. Nelson agreed to collaborate with the district by giving his continued input and to communicate the message to his organization. He also indicated he would assist with the dissemination of information concerning course offerings to his membership.  Mr. Nelson also noted that testing for knowledge in a specific course should be considered as a way for students to progress through a course or class.

     During the same meeting the Vice-President of the GCCHEA, Lisa Ausley,               suggested areas of emphasis should include upper level math, the arts, music and languages such as Latin and Greek.  Mrs. Ausley indicated that she embraced the idea of a Government School – Home Education Partnership, but that “trust” is the biggest element the school district will have to overcome throughout the next few years if they wish to develop a partnership with home educators.

When meeting with Charlotte Dunkle,               President of the North Okaloosa Association of Homeschoolers, Mrs. Dunkle confirmed that “trust” would be a factor for the home school community when working with the public school district. She went on to say that a neutral site would be the best alternative for transition, taking away the attitude of “us and them” at the beginning of the project.  When asked if the district should continue going forward with the concept she said, “I think so, especially higher math, foreign language, and the arts.”  Mrs. Dunkle also agreed to distribute information and course offerings to her members.

Recently, Amy Fogg,              a former teacher in Okaloosa District Schools and a current home educator, contacted the district office to inquire about the possibility of discussing a Government School – Home Education Partnership.  Mrs. Fogg home educates her eight-year-old son and has two children attending local government schools, one being the Senior Class President and Homecoming Queen at Choctawhatchee High School for the 2000 – 2001 school term.  She said, “ there are a lot of wonderful teachers and schools in Okaloosa County.  Most parents have one subject that they don’t feel comfortable teaching. Math is the one area I am least comfortable teaching.  I don’t have the same collection of materials, nor do I have the same expertise.  I would prefer a professional teach my son math skills.”

Mrs. Fogg stated that she believes we’re all doing the best we can to educate our children and we should all work together as a community.  She is convinced that “this merger is a fantastic idea” and she supports the district’s efforts.  She is an active member of the GCCHEA and has spoken to other home educators who are also committed to the idea of a Blended School Project.

 Government School – Home Education Partnerships

National

In Santa Barbara, California a local school has opened its doors to home educators and their children.  The school’s vision and philosophy encompass the idea that learning happens all the time and in many places.  The HomeBased Partnership began in the fall 1993, bringing home schoolers into the school on a part-time basis.  The parents are involved in all aspects of the school’s operation.  The curriculum is derived from the State Frameworks and Learner Objectives of the Santa Barbara Elementary School District.  The HomeBased Partnership offers families a lending library, teacher resources, learning in multi-age groups and other parents as resources and support.  Some examples of classes being offered are ceramics, theater arts, Spanish, sign language, physics, and marine science.

William J. Bennett, U.S. Secretary of Education under President Reagan, is currently chairman of K12, an Internet-based elementary and secondary school.  According to Mr. Bennett his model will take advantage of the best content and the best teachers available anytime to any students.  Mr. Bennett said, “I am optimistic about the future of U.S. education, as I am frustrated by the past and disheartened by much of the present.  We can do better, we know how.” 

     The Medford School District, Oregon has opened its doors to a brand new class – home schoolers.  The students are welcome to enroll on a part-time basis and are allowed to take home learning materials.  Phil Long, District Curriculum Administrator, notes “accepting home schooled students as part-time government school students is consistent with the school system’s responsibility under federal law to provide free and appropriate education to the nation’s youth.” (Guarino, 2000, p.2)

     Two years ago in Oregon, Debra Schaeffer Pew offered home schoolers an alternative choice, Ashland Community Learning Center. Some 200 home educated students participate in the program which allows home educated students to study in two integrated classroom groups that meet for language arts, music, mathematics and other school programs.  Unlike in government schools, students attend classes at the Community Learning Center for varying times and days of the week.  Mrs. Pew stated, “Most home schoolers have a very clear vision of what they want.  They appreciate the validation of their choice (represented by the center).” (Boom, 2000, p. 1)

Florida

     The School District of Osceola County is in their second year of providing elementary, middle and high school home educated students the opportunity of taking classes at their local government school.  According to Jim White, Supervisor of Attendance, the program has been well received with 60 home educated students, out of a possible 520, electing to participate. 

Local

     Florida Virtual High School (FVHS), an entirely on-line secondary school, began offering classes in 1997 and serves over 3,000 students. Any student who is a resident of Florida, in grades 9-12, including home schooled students, may enroll with FVHS. A home schooled student remains a home schooled student, even if enrolled in FVHS. A bill was introduced during the 2001 Legislative Session to allow Florida High School to collect full FTE for home school students.  The bill was tabled until 2003.

     At a recent meeting, Mrs. Charla Cotton, Director of the OWCC Collegiate High School, said that the collegiate high school students had issues with giving up the extracurricular activities at local government schools and the Collegiate High School’s class times not being flexible enough.  She also believes that the community would benefit by providing the home school community with more choice.

     Various on-line independent services and private 600 schools offer various classes to local home education students. One such example is the Crossroads Christian School (CCS), Inc.  CCS is a K-12 private school registered with the Florida Department of Education.  CCS offers a non-campus umbrella program/ satellite school to home schoolers.  Parents select the curriculum and teaching methods to be used with their child.  Also, CCS is now affiliated with the Florida High School.

         

Section III.

 Blended School Project –

 The Proposal

 

The issues and comments covered in the first two portions of this proposal were used to create the plan for a Blended School Project (BSP).  The proposal is designed around the concerns of both partners in this plan: Government Schools and Home School Families.

The Okaloosa School District can again return to a role as a national leader in providing educational services for our community.  Here in Okaloosa County, Florida, we are fortunate to have outstanding neighborhoods, outstanding teachers and the will to provide quality education for our children.  That blend provides all of us who live here a solid foundation to build for the future – this project is just one of many ways to begin moving in that direction.

 

The Blended School Project (BSP) For Our Community

 

Assumptions

v     Home school is being used as a choice by parents.

v     Home school support groups (HSSG) already have a strong communications and distribution network in place.

v     Courses offered would be part of a planned pupil progression through school.

v     Colleges accept home school applicants.

v     The work community accepts home school applicants.

v     Flexibility and rigor should be the foundation of a blended program.

v     A Blended School Project (BSP) serves the best interest of Government Schools (Public Schools) and Home School Parents.

v     The Okaloosa School District has enough capacity available to serve a Blended School Project (BSP).

v     Instruction through technology serves a rising number of students each year.

v     We are one community, one state and one nation.

 Proposals

1.  Transition/Neutral Off-Campus Sites

·        Three (3) off-campus sites operating a collective total of five days a week (3 sites, 5 days total, combined).

·        An all day option versus a three or five day option at the off-campus sites.

·        Courses determined by pre-registration of home schoolers.

·        Courses staffed by part-time positions building to full-time positions as enrollment grows and stabilizes.

·        Courses in mathematics, foreign language, art, instrumental music, etc.

·        Florida Virtual High School on-line, or other technology driven courses, would be made available and managed by the district.

2. On-Campus Course Offerings

·        A district web-site would be created to allow home school families an opportunity to view course offerings available at secondary schools in our district.  The parent would be referred to the school with the desired course for registration.

·        Each local elementary school site would register students for school for part of the day depending on the need of the students and the school.

·        Florida High School on-line, or other technology driven courses, would be made available and managed at school sites.

·        Special project in Instrumental Music at Walker Elementary and Kenwood Elementary.

3. On-line capacity as a Florida High School Branch Office or other technology option                                                      

·        Begin building on-line capacity for the future for home schoolers and school sites.

·        Begin small in 2000 – 2001 with a foreign language and possibly a math or social studies course.

·        Design a plan for implementation in 2002 – 2003

4. Examine Competency Based Program / Performance Based Program

5. Examine and possibly implement a Community Service Component, a Work Study Component and a Vocational Component.

6. Evaluation of the Project

·        QA and Finance will audit the programs.

·        District Administrators and teachers will be surveyed.

·        The School Board and Superintendent will conduct forums, if deemed appropriate.

·        A graduate student with The University of Sussex (U.K.) will conduct a mail out questionnaire to assess home school attitudes/needs.

 

For 2002 – 2003

A plan will be submitted in March (2002) for the 2002 – 2003 school term / repeat for 2003 – 2004.

 

Section IV.

Office of Independent Education –

 

The Proposal

 This is not a creation of a new department, but a consolidation of several areas within the School District of Okaloosa County.  The consolidation would align the School District of Okaloosa County with the new reorganization of the Florida Department of Education.

 

School District of Okaloosa County – Office of Independent Education

“...Options to Government Run Schools”  (Witherall, March, 2001)

“One seamless system of coordinated choices that links high expectations with performance, which produces a continuum of opportunities for excellence from kindergarten through graduate and professional educational programs.”

Recommendations to the Florida legislature

Education Governance Reorganization Transitional Task Force

 

Organized For Performance.  (Gaetz, December, 2000)

“Reorganization only has meaning if it fulfills specific goals and puts the institution in a better position to produce results.”

 

Abstract

 The issue of choice in Florida has become a non-funded cornerstone of Florida legislative action.  The Okaloosa School District reflects that choice through private schools, home school (800+), charter schools, Division of Juvenile Justice, and zoning waivers for 8-10% of Okaloosa’s students.  Although home schoolers represent the fastest growing number of students in terms of enrollment, the district currently has no concrete plan to “manage the rate of changes,” (Lashley, 2001). 

 

Examples of legislative action that could cause a sudden district impact are...

1.  Florida On-Line High School “....the school (Florida On-Line High School) should begin collecting FTE from home-schooled students beginning in fiscal year 2001-2002.” (Education Governance Reorganization Transition Task Force, March 1, 2001 - Chairperson F. Phillip Handy, T. R. Witherell, Workgroup Chairman) - Postponed until 2003.

2.  Choice and Options as Partnerships “....reflects private schools, independent education progress, home schools and charter schools as partners in our state’s overall mission....” (Education Governance Reorganization Transition Task Force, March 1, 2001 - Chairperson F. Phillip Handy, T. K. Witherell, Workgroup Chairman)

3.  The creation of the state level Office of Independent Education.  There is a new division devoted to providing parents and citizens with more options in education, encouraging partnerships with independent education providers such as private schools, and ensuring that policies are supportive of students moving back and forth from independent education options to government run schools (Attachment #1).