Literacy development is the key to educational success. Educational studies have confirmed that children with good reading skills have a higher rate of success in school than children with poor reading skills. Most states that require annual evaluations for homeschoolers focus largely on reading abilities. Because of this, even the most relaxed and unstructured homeschooling family tends to give more consideration to their reading program than any other subject. As the number of homeschoolers continues to rise annually, so do the options for reading programs.
Types
Parents who homeschool their children have several choices available when establishing a reading program. One option is to create a new and original program. This option allows the parent to design her own curriculum, or purchase pre-packaged curriculums. Alternately, the parent can find an external source, such as an umbrella school, learning center, or virtual education program. Lastly, she can join a co-op, a group of homeschooling parents who work together to educate their children. Each parent teaches the area where he is most adept.
Features
Under a self-directed program or co-op, parents can design and execute their reading program as they see fit. Some parents chose a traditional or classical approach to education, while others explore alternative methods. For example, some programs rely heavily on the child's interests (for example, comics rather than text books), educational play (puppet shows, Yu-Gi-Oh cards, word bingo) or practical applications (volunteer work or starting a home business).
Parents can use umbrella schools or learning centers for assistance in goal setting.
Considerations
Evaluations for homeschoolers in reading programs under umbrella schools or learning centers is often based on current educational assessment methods, such as grades, test scores and teacher feedback. This is generally acceptable to the Board of Education if state requirements require an evaluation of the program. Parents who opt for self-directed programs may or may not use traditional grading methods or assessments. Some may opt for formal testing and grades, while others prefer to informally analyze their children's progress as they learn. Many states require some form of annual evaluation for homeschoolers, often in the form of standardized tests.
Benefits
Homeschooling reading programs offer several advantages to students. The flexibility of a homeschool reading program allows students to work at their own pace. Reading lessons can be delayed until a child is showing readiness, rather than at an assigned time by the school board. When a concept is mastered, the student can move on immediately, and, if ready, progress to new grade levels before the end of the year. A child's learning style and individual interests can be taken into account when designing a homeschool reading program. Finally, one-on-one attention has consistently been proven to be beneficial in any area of education.
Effects
The results of homeschooling on reading scores, as well as overall educational achievements, favor homeschoolers. According to the Educational Policy Analysis Archives, at least 25 percent of homeschoolers rank one or more grades above public schooled peers of the same age. The gap between homeschooler and public/private school performance begins to widen significantly after fifth grade. The average homeschooler typically performs in the 70th to 80th percentile of standardized tests, approximately 30 percentiles above the average public school student. Further, according to ACT test results, homeschoolers consistently have outscored their public and private schooled peers over the last ten years.
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