[zenjenn]

We're digging this up again out of months past but...

I do not remember where it is stated in the laws, but I believe if your kids are not in school they cannot be left alone during school hours - they must be with some kind of adult instructor (no matter who that is.) Just about any cover school, no matter how laid back, has a parent agreement that states that your children will be with an adult between the hours of 8 am - 2 pm or something like that.

Now, there's something to be said for self-learning, and a diligent learner CAN learn without a teacher present during every moment of the process. I firmly believe that the best teachers are not "teachers" at all, but take on a role as facilitator and guide. I do hope the kids are at least older and the parents are taking a very active role in reviewing progress each and every evening when they are home. Not the way I would choose to educate my children, but personally I would respect the parents' freedom unless I saw firm evidence that the children were being actively deprived of the opportunity to learn. If they are literate and have access to books and resources, they absolutely can learn. Think about it - a good university education is usually comprised mostly of independent learning - a few hours a week of lectures, maybe a lab here and there, but it is up t the student to study and learn. People are capable of this kind of learning far earlier than we think, and it is how people have educated themselves throughout most of history. With the resources we have available now with modern technology and media, it is easier than ever to learn without a traditional classroom or teacher.

Younger children... that is tougher. Very few people can develop basic reading and writing skills without very involved feedback from a teacher, and without reading and writing fluency there is a limit to what can be learned independently. Although, I admit when I am too sick to teach my kids, my "substitute" is a pile of assignments and strict instructions on what I expect to be done by my kids by the end of their school time. I am convinced this "substitute" results in far more learning than than a typical day in with a public substitute teacher!

[KittyMom]

I'm relocating to AL from GA and am quite confused about the 'church school' issue. Exactly what paperwork does the church maintain? Here in GA, I mail our monthly attendance report to the county BOE. Other than a yearly letter of intent, that is all the paperwork required.

[zenjenn]

The "church school" maintains an enrollment form and attendance (which is usually requested from the parent once a year). If the parents cease to be enrolled (presumably by failing to turn in attendance sheets), the church school has to notify the district.

The "church school" is in most cases a legal facade and nothing more. The Alabama legal perspective is that a person's right to homeschool is protected under the 1st amendment, and therefore if your child is being educated for some sort of religious/ideological reason, the state will not interfere unless there is evidence of parental negligence.

Many cover schools require more as is their choice. Some require meetings with counselors and advisors and for testing and that grades be submitted. Your cover school can pretty much be as hands-off or as hands-on as you choose.

[paulawest]

Originally Posted by Southlander

Report them (anonymously) to the state Department of Human Resources.
It may take more than one call or letter. DHR social workers are overwhelmed in some counties. There should be an office in your county or a neighboring one that serves your county.

How can you give this type of advice without even knowing the kids ages? I home schooled my kids and I had two that were very good at keeping up with their work and was checked by me daily. Maybe you should get the whole story before ruining someones life and remember there is 2 sides to every story.

[ilvcubs]

Not sure why you want to report anyone. If the kids are doing their work, their parents are reviewing the work at night, etc. and they are old enough to stay by themselves, I think it is a bit presumptuous to assume that they are automatically being cheated out of an education simply because their parents are not home all day long. There are other options and other ways of educating. You might try asking some questions and approaching the situation with an open mind. Homeschooling can occurr year round, too, so they might only be doing a limited amount of study each day, versus the traditional all day approach.

[gnatsmom]

Our Home Church operates a Part time Christian Day school and cover school for homeschoolers. Curriculum is your choice. We do require a small cover fee (once per year) because I have to cover expenses for all paper work, postage, and ink myself.
[url=http://rockchristianacademy.wordpress.com/]The ROCK Christian Academy[/url]