Making Positive Connections With Homeschoolers

By Request...January 2000

Northwest Sampler: Oregon

Location: Net School; Hillsboro School District; 561 SE Oak Street; Hillsboro, OR 97123
Contact: Marcia Arganbright, Net School Administrator; Phone: 503/693-4096; Fax: 503/693-4003; E-Mail: arganbrm@hsd.k12.or.us; Web Site: http://netschool.hsd.k12.or.us/

Description

The Internet has brought new ways of shopping, researching, and communicating. It only seems logical that it has also ushered in new ways of learning. Students of all ages can now go to school online. School no longer has to be a designated building; it can be a community of learners, gathered in thought and purpose. From the privacy of home, students can learn a foreign language, examine American history, or contemplate advanced mathematics and literature. This electronic classroom concept has proven to be especially attractive to many homeschooling families. They can now supplement home instruction with the expertise of professional teachers and consultants, without ever entering a school. These "cyber schools," as they are often called, are emerging throughout the country.

One such program was launched in the 1998-99 school year in Oregon's Hillsboro School District. Called Net School, the program targets homeschooled students who are in the second through 12th grades. Students who are unable to attend Hillsboro schools due to disciplinary and related reasons are also eligible to use Net School. It began when district leaders heard about a similar program in a neighboring state, and determined it was a concept that would lend itself well to the needs of their community. Because Hillsboro is a district that has always sought to reach out to homeschooling families, Net School seemed like a natural extension of their efforts. Several reasons motivated their decision to pursue the plan:

Net School would provide the district with a new avenue for reaching homeschool students and their families.
Net School would provide an additional opportunity for students who were less successful in both traditional-school settings and homeschool environments.
Net School would enable the district to build a bridge for homeschool families who want their children back in a public-school setting.
Net School would provide the district with additional per-pupil funding from the state.

The former assistant principal of Hillsboro High School, Marcia Arganbright, was hired as administrator of Net School. She spent her first months on the job researching similar programs around the country. From there she was able to begin defining and outlining how Net School would operate. The next step was a series of mailings sent to the district's 310 homeschooling students' families, explaining the Net School concept and inviting them to peruse the newly designed Net School web site. Subsequently, they were invited to informational meetings led by Arganbright to hear the plans for Net School, and provide input on their particular needs, hopes, and concerns. At that meeting the district learned several things from those in attendance.

First they learned that families homeschool for a variety of reasons. They also learned that while some families wanted nothing to do with Net School or the school district, others were excited about a potential partnership. Based on what was learned at the initial meetings, Net School began to take shape. At the elementary and middle levels, families indicated they were most interested in core academic subjects. Parents of older high school students also expressed interest in core academics, but noted elective courses as an additional area of focus.

In the months that followed, the district held a series of focus group sessions to refine and clarify the implementation of Net School. Involved in the focus group meetings were district administrators, counselors, alternative school staff, alternative school students, teachers, and homeschool parents. Participants pondered what would be ideal, what would work, and what wouldn't work.

Taking into account all of the suggestions and information gathered from the various planning phases, Net School officially opened in January 1999. Eight courses were offered that semester to 37 students: three math classes; two elementary science classes; two high school social studies classes; and one high school English class. Four part-time teachers became Net School's inaugural instructors. Two are currently on staff with the district and took on Net School as an additional responsibility; the other two are former district employees (one is retired and the other is an at-home parent) who found Net School fit perfectly in their new lifestyles. A criterion for everyone involved with Net School is respect and support for families choosing to homeschool. This includes the school board and district administration.

Before classes began in February, a group orientation was held for all students and their families where they learned how to use the technology that was necessary for Net School. Most participating students have access to home computer systems, but those who do not can use school computer labs. Net School also provides a technical support phone service for technology-related questions.

Students who attend Net School, like any homeschooled students, have instructional experiences that vary greatly from day to day. One day, they may work on only one subject the entire day, while the next may find them working through several subjects. Net School expects that students will work an average of five hours a week on each Net School course. This requires that they budget their time, which can be challenging for many students, but with parental guidance and support, the system works very well.

Students communicate with their teachers solely through e-mail, which generally centers around assignments and evaluation. Each Net School course has an assigned teacher who provides enrolled students with feedback and responses to questions. Through this e-mail dialogue teachers and students develop a rapport that often goes beyond discussions about lessons, and extends to topics that teachers and students talk about in any setting—hobbies, interests, life goals, etc. Students also communicate with each other via e-mail. They discuss lessons, share resource ideas, and ask each other questions. Teachers are able to participate in these student discussions and interject thoughts and ideas when necessary.

Observed Outcomes

Net School students who have homeschooled prior to enrolling are more likely to stick with the program than students who came to Net School under other circumstances.
Net School surveys find that most current students intend to continue the program as long as course offerings continue to meet their needs.
For students who are going back to regular public schools, Net School offers them a gradual transition to the school building environment.
Parents of Net School students have expressed their appreciation of the program for its willingness to work with them, and because it provides their children with an added learning motivation.
Net School students like the program because it allows them to work at their own pace, and enables them to "talk" with their classmates, thus helping them feel less isolated.

Keys to Success

Before implementing any program such as Net School, talk to your community to find out what exactly is needed and base the program design on these needs.
Prior to and during implementation, provide staff with ample resources and time for professional development.
Familiarize yourself with state regulations that pertain to accounting for students, state funding, homeschooling, accreditation, and standardization.
Don't reinvent the wheel—call on those who have started down the path already and ask for their advice and assistance.