Monday, May 09, 2005
Home School is Not an Option
For those interested in my daughter's education, home schooling is not an option. We have run into the obstacle that Mo misses the age cut-off date for Kindergarten by 26 days. So per our pediatrician's request, we asked about early enrollment. Basically, could she test into Kindergarten for this school year (2005-2006) and not have to wait. The answer, no. The State of Missouri no longer allows early enrollment.
Next option, could we home school Kindergarten and she could then start First grade in 2006? No, home schooling is available to parents in the State of Missouri, but the school does not test for placement. The child is placed in the grade that would be determined by their age if they had be attending school since grade K.
Okay, now what? This is what we need to do. She will begin Kindergarten in the 2006-2007 school year and will be observed. If her teachers, counselors, etc deem that she is above the Kindergarten level in only one or two classes then for those classes (let's say math and reading) she would attend a First grade class. The rest of the day would be with her class, but she would attend the next grade level in those subjects. If she is observed to be over the level of her class in all areas, they may then advance her a grade. They said they typically try to do this by the end of the first quarter, but it can happen anytime throughout the year.
So, what are we going to do? We have made the decision that we will not officially home school her, since it will have no definitive result. We will continue to buy her the little workbooks you can find at Wal-mart and other stores for math, reading, letters, etc. She loves those things! Then, we'll wait and see if they attempt to advance her in any classes or in grade. Not much else we can do. I'm not going to hold my breath, but she does already know her letters, numbers, colors, a basic knowledge of reading, and an above basic knowledge of math. Plus, she's a drama queen so the art and music teachers should love her.
That's it, Mo will have to wait another year to begin her formal education.
Next option, could we home school Kindergarten and she could then start First grade in 2006? No, home schooling is available to parents in the State of Missouri, but the school does not test for placement. The child is placed in the grade that would be determined by their age if they had be attending school since grade K.
Okay, now what? This is what we need to do. She will begin Kindergarten in the 2006-2007 school year and will be observed. If her teachers, counselors, etc deem that she is above the Kindergarten level in only one or two classes then for those classes (let's say math and reading) she would attend a First grade class. The rest of the day would be with her class, but she would attend the next grade level in those subjects. If she is observed to be over the level of her class in all areas, they may then advance her a grade. They said they typically try to do this by the end of the first quarter, but it can happen anytime throughout the year.
So, what are we going to do? We have made the decision that we will not officially home school her, since it will have no definitive result. We will continue to buy her the little workbooks you can find at Wal-mart and other stores for math, reading, letters, etc. She loves those things! Then, we'll wait and see if they attempt to advance her in any classes or in grade. Not much else we can do. I'm not going to hold my breath, but she does already know her letters, numbers, colors, a basic knowledge of reading, and an above basic knowledge of math. Plus, she's a drama queen so the art and music teachers should love her.
That's it, Mo will have to wait another year to begin her formal education.
