Homeschooling Qualifications

So...What are your homeschooling qualifications?

I am often asked how I will teach upper level subjects, like calculus. Since my oldest is only 6, I'll start with addition and subtraction and move from there. I think we'll be able to field any questions he may have, but if we run into something we can't handle, we'll join a homeschooling support group or hire a tutor.

On a serious note, I think the question behind the question of how I will teach certain subjects is, "Are you qualified to teach?" I had the same question when I decided to homeschool.

Some state homeschooling requirements mandate home educators to have high school diplomas, bachelor's degrees or teaching licenses.

However, homeschooling statistics have shown that homeschooled students outscore both public and private school students on standardized tests. This has held true whether or not the teaching parent had a college degree or has even finished high school.

Contrary to what the "experts" would have us believe, college degrees and teaching certificates have no bearing on a person's ability to teach. In fact, I have heard parents who are former public school teachers say that some of what they learned in college was detrimental to successful homeschooling.

Homeschoolers can find instructor's guides, lesson plans, and multi-media resources to help teach their children whatever they need to know.

Are parents qualified to teach their children? Yes!

To quote R.C. Sproul, Jr.:

"There is a similar test I like to offer to determine whether or not you are competent to homeschool.The first thing you do is go wait until it is late at night. Then, very quietly, go from room to room in your house. Peek in carefully, and see if you find any sleeping children. Then be sure that these are your own children. If there are wee ones in your home during the wee hours, and if they belong to you, you are competent to homeschool."

There is no need to worry about your homeschool qualifications! Visit the Homeschool Legal Defense Association's website to find specific information about the laws in your state.