Public, Private, or Home Schooling?

L

lemonstolemonade

Guest
We're considering our options for schooling for our girls, and I have some questions for seasoned folks (parents, CF'ers, friends, extended family, etc.) who have experience in these areas. I know that every situation is different, but I just want to get a general picture so we can make some educated decisions. Sometimes local school boards (I have first hand experience because I'm a teacher) don't like to grant exceptions and the like for extended absences, even health related ones. I know many teachers (High School) who make things really difficult on chronically ill children. I just don't know if I want to subject my children (especially Abby) to obnoxious people like that. I want them to have a well-rounded education, but at the same time I want to put them in an environment where I don't feel like I have to fight their battles because the big ones that I'm supposed to fight for them (because I'm their mother) are covered. TALL ORDER, I know. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

My Questions:

1. How do your/your child's absences affect your/their education?
2. Are there any cases where school takes longer?
3. What are some suggestions when exploring educational options for a child with CF?
4. What can we do up front to ensure our child isn't discriminated against (issues related to absences, activities, etc.)?
5. A long time ago, I learned that fair isn't always equal and equal isn't always fair...are there any instances out there where children in the same home do different schooling options (one public/one private or home schooled, etc.)?

Please feel free to add anything else you care to.

If you are school age (middle/high) and feel like sharing your thoughts with me about your perspective about schooling and what I can do as a parent to help provide a quality education for my girls (one with CF, one not), I would greatly appreciate it!

Emily
 
L

lemonstolemonade

Guest
We're considering our options for schooling for our girls, and I have some questions for seasoned folks (parents, CF'ers, friends, extended family, etc.) who have experience in these areas. I know that every situation is different, but I just want to get a general picture so we can make some educated decisions. Sometimes local school boards (I have first hand experience because I'm a teacher) don't like to grant exceptions and the like for extended absences, even health related ones. I know many teachers (High School) who make things really difficult on chronically ill children. I just don't know if I want to subject my children (especially Abby) to obnoxious people like that. I want them to have a well-rounded education, but at the same time I want to put them in an environment where I don't feel like I have to fight their battles because the big ones that I'm supposed to fight for them (because I'm their mother) are covered. TALL ORDER, I know. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

My Questions:

1. How do your/your child's absences affect your/their education?
2. Are there any cases where school takes longer?
3. What are some suggestions when exploring educational options for a child with CF?
4. What can we do up front to ensure our child isn't discriminated against (issues related to absences, activities, etc.)?
5. A long time ago, I learned that fair isn't always equal and equal isn't always fair...are there any instances out there where children in the same home do different schooling options (one public/one private or home schooled, etc.)?

Please feel free to add anything else you care to.

If you are school age (middle/high) and feel like sharing your thoughts with me about your perspective about schooling and what I can do as a parent to help provide a quality education for my girls (one with CF, one not), I would greatly appreciate it!

Emily
 
L

lemonstolemonade

Guest
We're considering our options for schooling for our girls, and I have some questions for seasoned folks (parents, CF'ers, friends, extended family, etc.) who have experience in these areas. I know that every situation is different, but I just want to get a general picture so we can make some educated decisions. Sometimes local school boards (I have first hand experience because I'm a teacher) don't like to grant exceptions and the like for extended absences, even health related ones. I know many teachers (High School) who make things really difficult on chronically ill children. I just don't know if I want to subject my children (especially Abby) to obnoxious people like that. I want them to have a well-rounded education, but at the same time I want to put them in an environment where I don't feel like I have to fight their battles because the big ones that I'm supposed to fight for them (because I'm their mother) are covered. TALL ORDER, I know. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

My Questions:

1. How do your/your child's absences affect your/their education?
2. Are there any cases where school takes longer?
3. What are some suggestions when exploring educational options for a child with CF?
4. What can we do up front to ensure our child isn't discriminated against (issues related to absences, activities, etc.)?
5. A long time ago, I learned that fair isn't always equal and equal isn't always fair...are there any instances out there where children in the same home do different schooling options (one public/one private or home schooled, etc.)?

Please feel free to add anything else you care to.

If you are school age (middle/high) and feel like sharing your thoughts with me about your perspective about schooling and what I can do as a parent to help provide a quality education for my girls (one with CF, one not), I would greatly appreciate it!

Emily
 
2

2perfectboys

Guest
Emily,
Hi, I see in your signature, "genetic diagnosis", so now I know what someone was referring to in the 1in 4 chances thread......
anyways, with your child only being 6 mos old, I would say u have plenty, if not tooooo much time to think about school choices. I am happy for your child that they have been "asymptomatic" thus far, as mostly my son has to, except for digestive issues. And as proud as I am of that I am also very cautious to know that this will not always be and that some luck has helped us that far, but he stil has CF, a progressive disease, it's just a mater of when we can't no longer stay ahead of the disease, which we are doing right now.

that being said, the only advice I can give u, is to let Emily be a kid....do preschool and go with her friends and partiipate in extra caricular activites as much as she can. If there comes a point in her health where home school is needed then u can consider this option, as I would consider one day, if I was ever faced with a school system that did not work with our situation.

Best of luck and continued health

Lori
 
2

2perfectboys

Guest
Emily,
Hi, I see in your signature, "genetic diagnosis", so now I know what someone was referring to in the 1in 4 chances thread......
anyways, with your child only being 6 mos old, I would say u have plenty, if not tooooo much time to think about school choices. I am happy for your child that they have been "asymptomatic" thus far, as mostly my son has to, except for digestive issues. And as proud as I am of that I am also very cautious to know that this will not always be and that some luck has helped us that far, but he stil has CF, a progressive disease, it's just a mater of when we can't no longer stay ahead of the disease, which we are doing right now.

that being said, the only advice I can give u, is to let Emily be a kid....do preschool and go with her friends and partiipate in extra caricular activites as much as she can. If there comes a point in her health where home school is needed then u can consider this option, as I would consider one day, if I was ever faced with a school system that did not work with our situation.

Best of luck and continued health

Lori
 
2

2perfectboys

Guest
Emily,
Hi, I see in your signature, "genetic diagnosis", so now I know what someone was referring to in the 1in 4 chances thread......
anyways, with your child only being 6 mos old, I would say u have plenty, if not tooooo much time to think about school choices. I am happy for your child that they have been "asymptomatic" thus far, as mostly my son has to, except for digestive issues. And as proud as I am of that I am also very cautious to know that this will not always be and that some luck has helped us that far, but he stil has CF, a progressive disease, it's just a mater of when we can't no longer stay ahead of the disease, which we are doing right now.

that being said, the only advice I can give u, is to let Emily be a kid....do preschool and go with her friends and partiipate in extra caricular activites as much as she can. If there comes a point in her health where home school is needed then u can consider this option, as I would consider one day, if I was ever faced with a school system that did not work with our situation.

Best of luck and continued health

Lori
 
L

lemonstolemonade

Guest
Thanks, Lori.

Yes, I think I was being referred to in the 1 in 4 thread. I posted in that thread my fustration about being generalized about.

I guess I'm more worried about high school than I am lower grades and pre-school/play school with Abby. I just want to be a pro-active and practice as much preventative care as possible.

I'm sure my insomnia these past few nights hasn't helped my "forward thinking" in this respect either. I was thinking about my girls and college, and weddings, and all of that sort of stuff.

I enjoy living in the present and I'm a planner for the future. I was reading Allie's blog about the danger of planning for the future too much and my heart began to ache.

I'm just ready to do what I have to do to keep Abby as healthy as possible for as long as possible. Progressive and Degenerative in terms of CF have become dirty words to me and I want to do what I can to extend Abby's health! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

Thanks for your kind words.

Emily
 
L

lemonstolemonade

Guest
Thanks, Lori.

Yes, I think I was being referred to in the 1 in 4 thread. I posted in that thread my fustration about being generalized about.

I guess I'm more worried about high school than I am lower grades and pre-school/play school with Abby. I just want to be a pro-active and practice as much preventative care as possible.

I'm sure my insomnia these past few nights hasn't helped my "forward thinking" in this respect either. I was thinking about my girls and college, and weddings, and all of that sort of stuff.

I enjoy living in the present and I'm a planner for the future. I was reading Allie's blog about the danger of planning for the future too much and my heart began to ache.

I'm just ready to do what I have to do to keep Abby as healthy as possible for as long as possible. Progressive and Degenerative in terms of CF have become dirty words to me and I want to do what I can to extend Abby's health! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

Thanks for your kind words.

Emily
 
L

lemonstolemonade

Guest
Thanks, Lori.

Yes, I think I was being referred to in the 1 in 4 thread. I posted in that thread my fustration about being generalized about.

I guess I'm more worried about high school than I am lower grades and pre-school/play school with Abby. I just want to be a pro-active and practice as much preventative care as possible.

I'm sure my insomnia these past few nights hasn't helped my "forward thinking" in this respect either. I was thinking about my girls and college, and weddings, and all of that sort of stuff.

I enjoy living in the present and I'm a planner for the future. I was reading Allie's blog about the danger of planning for the future too much and my heart began to ache.

I'm just ready to do what I have to do to keep Abby as healthy as possible for as long as possible. Progressive and Degenerative in terms of CF have become dirty words to me and I want to do what I can to extend Abby's health! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

Thanks for your kind words.

Emily
 
M

Mommafirst

Guest
Hi Em!!<br>
<br>
I'm not a big fan of homeshooling. My kids are still young, like yours, and I really don't know what I'll be forced to do if Alyssa's health puts her into the extended long absences that cause her to face adversaries at school. I say that because my impresssion of homeschooling may change later on -- I have been known to change my opinion, LOL!! But as a college professor, I have a perception of homeschooling that is informed from the other end of things. Now understand that I teach communication courses, where presentations and class participation is vital. From my experience, homeschooled college students are aptly prepared intellectually and academically, but aren't as well prepared in the "socialized" part of college. They don't seem as well equiped to me to stand up in front of the classroom for speeches or function as well as a member of the course. I know this is a generalization, and not all homeschooled children are the same -- but this has been my overall impression from my 12 years of college teaching. <br>
<br>
I think you have plenty of time to decide what you are going to do. But unless you have another reason besides Abby's potential absences, maybe she would be better in a school where she could excel.<br>
<br>
By the way, I know there are a lot of cynical people when they see the word "asymptomatic". While I'm unclear if Alyssa is asymptomatic or not, I often throw into my posts that she hasn't had any real indication of CF besides the MI at birth. This isn't because I'm in denial of this disease, as I am well aware you are not either, its because I want to show where my perspective is coming from. And I DO believe its possible for a child with CF to remain asymptomatic for some time. Just consider the adult diagnosed CFers who may have led relatively normal childhoods. I truly hope that the newborn screens will begin to highlight diagnosed CFers who do in fact remain asymptomatic, possibly for life!! I don't think there is anything wrong with this hope, so long as it is not accompanied by a denial that precludes you from carrying out all the necessary preventative treatment!!! Just my two cents on the issue!!!!
 
M

Mommafirst

Guest
Hi Em!!<br>
<br>
I'm not a big fan of homeshooling. My kids are still young, like yours, and I really don't know what I'll be forced to do if Alyssa's health puts her into the extended long absences that cause her to face adversaries at school. I say that because my impresssion of homeschooling may change later on -- I have been known to change my opinion, LOL!! But as a college professor, I have a perception of homeschooling that is informed from the other end of things. Now understand that I teach communication courses, where presentations and class participation is vital. From my experience, homeschooled college students are aptly prepared intellectually and academically, but aren't as well prepared in the "socialized" part of college. They don't seem as well equiped to me to stand up in front of the classroom for speeches or function as well as a member of the course. I know this is a generalization, and not all homeschooled children are the same -- but this has been my overall impression from my 12 years of college teaching. <br>
<br>
I think you have plenty of time to decide what you are going to do. But unless you have another reason besides Abby's potential absences, maybe she would be better in a school where she could excel.<br>
<br>
By the way, I know there are a lot of cynical people when they see the word "asymptomatic". While I'm unclear if Alyssa is asymptomatic or not, I often throw into my posts that she hasn't had any real indication of CF besides the MI at birth. This isn't because I'm in denial of this disease, as I am well aware you are not either, its because I want to show where my perspective is coming from. And I DO believe its possible for a child with CF to remain asymptomatic for some time. Just consider the adult diagnosed CFers who may have led relatively normal childhoods. I truly hope that the newborn screens will begin to highlight diagnosed CFers who do in fact remain asymptomatic, possibly for life!! I don't think there is anything wrong with this hope, so long as it is not accompanied by a denial that precludes you from carrying out all the necessary preventative treatment!!! Just my two cents on the issue!!!!
 
M

Mommafirst

Guest
Hi Em!!<br>
<br>
I'm not a big fan of homeshooling. My kids are still young, like yours, and I really don't know what I'll be forced to do if Alyssa's health puts her into the extended long absences that cause her to face adversaries at school. I say that because my impresssion of homeschooling may change later on -- I have been known to change my opinion, LOL!! But as a college professor, I have a perception of homeschooling that is informed from the other end of things. Now understand that I teach communication courses, where presentations and class participation is vital. From my experience, homeschooled college students are aptly prepared intellectually and academically, but aren't as well prepared in the "socialized" part of college. They don't seem as well equiped to me to stand up in front of the classroom for speeches or function as well as a member of the course. I know this is a generalization, and not all homeschooled children are the same -- but this has been my overall impression from my 12 years of college teaching. <br>
<br>
I think you have plenty of time to decide what you are going to do. But unless you have another reason besides Abby's potential absences, maybe she would be better in a school where she could excel.<br>
<br>
By the way, I know there are a lot of cynical people when they see the word "asymptomatic". While I'm unclear if Alyssa is asymptomatic or not, I often throw into my posts that she hasn't had any real indication of CF besides the MI at birth. This isn't because I'm in denial of this disease, as I am well aware you are not either, its because I want to show where my perspective is coming from. And I DO believe its possible for a child with CF to remain asymptomatic for some time. Just consider the adult diagnosed CFers who may have led relatively normal childhoods. I truly hope that the newborn screens will begin to highlight diagnosed CFers who do in fact remain asymptomatic, possibly for life!! I don't think there is anything wrong with this hope, so long as it is not accompanied by a denial that precludes you from carrying out all the necessary preventative treatment!!! Just my two cents on the issue!!!!
 
T

tammykrumrey

Guest
I let my daughters go to preschool when they were little, and they tolerated it well. We then moved to a Montessori school, because it was small and I liked the way they taught the students with more of a hands on approach and the elementary class was built of 1st through 6th grade, and in the class there were about 25 kids and two teachers. After two years, I moved my girls to a private Lutheran school, because I wanted a more warm and caring atmosphere more my girls. And that is exactly what I got.

I have actually just got there 504 Plan put into effect, and it was a very simple process-basically anything I thought they may need, they got. Even though my girls tend to do very well right now, I have been told that it is typically eaiser to get the 504 Plan in place when your children are still young. I would suggest starting it when your child starts kindergarten (my girls are in 1st and 3rd grades).

My nephew goes to a large public high school, and my sister cannot get the 504 Plan at all for him. And it has been a struggle to get accomodations that he needs. His health is not good at all, and is hospitalized about every other month. He will be 16 this summer. She never realized when he started school that it would be so difficult later down the road to accomplish, especially in high school.

Yes, you do have a while to worry about it. It depends on what you think works for your family. I am christian and wanted to strengthen my daughters faith, as well as give them a good education, so for me it made sense to do what we did. The school is small, only 185 students in kindergarten through 8th grade, and it is something that I liked. Although, who would think that in such a small school there would be another CF child! But sure enough, there is, and I did add things in the 504 Plan to make sure our children are kept seperate from one another.

Explore your decisison<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> You will do what is best for your little one!
 
T

tammykrumrey

Guest
I let my daughters go to preschool when they were little, and they tolerated it well. We then moved to a Montessori school, because it was small and I liked the way they taught the students with more of a hands on approach and the elementary class was built of 1st through 6th grade, and in the class there were about 25 kids and two teachers. After two years, I moved my girls to a private Lutheran school, because I wanted a more warm and caring atmosphere more my girls. And that is exactly what I got.

I have actually just got there 504 Plan put into effect, and it was a very simple process-basically anything I thought they may need, they got. Even though my girls tend to do very well right now, I have been told that it is typically eaiser to get the 504 Plan in place when your children are still young. I would suggest starting it when your child starts kindergarten (my girls are in 1st and 3rd grades).

My nephew goes to a large public high school, and my sister cannot get the 504 Plan at all for him. And it has been a struggle to get accomodations that he needs. His health is not good at all, and is hospitalized about every other month. He will be 16 this summer. She never realized when he started school that it would be so difficult later down the road to accomplish, especially in high school.

Yes, you do have a while to worry about it. It depends on what you think works for your family. I am christian and wanted to strengthen my daughters faith, as well as give them a good education, so for me it made sense to do what we did. The school is small, only 185 students in kindergarten through 8th grade, and it is something that I liked. Although, who would think that in such a small school there would be another CF child! But sure enough, there is, and I did add things in the 504 Plan to make sure our children are kept seperate from one another.

Explore your decisison<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> You will do what is best for your little one!
 
T

tammykrumrey

Guest
I let my daughters go to preschool when they were little, and they tolerated it well. We then moved to a Montessori school, because it was small and I liked the way they taught the students with more of a hands on approach and the elementary class was built of 1st through 6th grade, and in the class there were about 25 kids and two teachers. After two years, I moved my girls to a private Lutheran school, because I wanted a more warm and caring atmosphere more my girls. And that is exactly what I got.

I have actually just got there 504 Plan put into effect, and it was a very simple process-basically anything I thought they may need, they got. Even though my girls tend to do very well right now, I have been told that it is typically eaiser to get the 504 Plan in place when your children are still young. I would suggest starting it when your child starts kindergarten (my girls are in 1st and 3rd grades).

My nephew goes to a large public high school, and my sister cannot get the 504 Plan at all for him. And it has been a struggle to get accomodations that he needs. His health is not good at all, and is hospitalized about every other month. He will be 16 this summer. She never realized when he started school that it would be so difficult later down the road to accomplish, especially in high school.

Yes, you do have a while to worry about it. It depends on what you think works for your family. I am christian and wanted to strengthen my daughters faith, as well as give them a good education, so for me it made sense to do what we did. The school is small, only 185 students in kindergarten through 8th grade, and it is something that I liked. Although, who would think that in such a small school there would be another CF child! But sure enough, there is, and I did add things in the 504 Plan to make sure our children are kept seperate from one another.

Explore your decisison<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> You will do what is best for your little one!
 
J

JazzysMom

New member
Forgetting about CF for a second (yeah like that can happen LOL)....by the time she is in school there might be a huge change in state/federal laws, school guidelines and a major faculty turnover in whatever school you would choose to enroll her in. IF any of these happen that might have a big influence on your decision at the time. Its difficult for me to give an accurate statement in this day and age. When I was in school the requirements of the students was no where as stringent as it is today. I also went to a small school (kindergarden thru 12 had only 500 kids) so everyone knew everyone and they all were very supportive of me. Things were easier for students & teachers with regard to make up work. I personally would have hated being home schooled. Both for the socialize & educational purposes. THAT being said....I dont think you can rule either out yet. Too much can change in that time period and I think its just one of those things that you have to wait to decide depending on circumstances at the time.
 
J

JazzysMom

New member
Forgetting about CF for a second (yeah like that can happen LOL)....by the time she is in school there might be a huge change in state/federal laws, school guidelines and a major faculty turnover in whatever school you would choose to enroll her in. IF any of these happen that might have a big influence on your decision at the time. Its difficult for me to give an accurate statement in this day and age. When I was in school the requirements of the students was no where as stringent as it is today. I also went to a small school (kindergarden thru 12 had only 500 kids) so everyone knew everyone and they all were very supportive of me. Things were easier for students & teachers with regard to make up work. I personally would have hated being home schooled. Both for the socialize & educational purposes. THAT being said....I dont think you can rule either out yet. Too much can change in that time period and I think its just one of those things that you have to wait to decide depending on circumstances at the time.
 
J

JazzysMom

New member
Forgetting about CF for a second (yeah like that can happen LOL)....by the time she is in school there might be a huge change in state/federal laws, school guidelines and a major faculty turnover in whatever school you would choose to enroll her in. IF any of these happen that might have a big influence on your decision at the time. Its difficult for me to give an accurate statement in this day and age. When I was in school the requirements of the students was no where as stringent as it is today. I also went to a small school (kindergarden thru 12 had only 500 kids) so everyone knew everyone and they all were very supportive of me. Things were easier for students & teachers with regard to make up work. I personally would have hated being home schooled. Both for the socialize & educational purposes. THAT being said....I dont think you can rule either out yet. Too much can change in that time period and I think its just one of those things that you have to wait to decide depending on circumstances at the time.
 
J

Justsmurfin

New member
I was homeschooled from 8th grade through 12th. For me and my family it was wonderful! I really cherish those years and I got a great education. My mom was the toughest teacher I ever had! She knew what I was capable of and didn't cut me any slack. I had a lot of chances to do some neat stuff. I was a lot healthier than I would have been otherwise. Not to mention I hated public school with a passion.

Homeschooling depends greatly on the parent and child. It worked wonderful for my mom and me....however my mom and my brother would have killed eachother. I know some families who have tried and it just didn't work for them. I know others like mine where it worked for one child and not the other and I know families where it has worked for every child in the family
 
J

Justsmurfin

New member
I was homeschooled from 8th grade through 12th. For me and my family it was wonderful! I really cherish those years and I got a great education. My mom was the toughest teacher I ever had! She knew what I was capable of and didn't cut me any slack. I had a lot of chances to do some neat stuff. I was a lot healthier than I would have been otherwise. Not to mention I hated public school with a passion.

Homeschooling depends greatly on the parent and child. It worked wonderful for my mom and me....however my mom and my brother would have killed eachother. I know some families who have tried and it just didn't work for them. I know others like mine where it worked for one child and not the other and I know families where it has worked for every child in the family
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top