Yearly Archives: 2010

TEACH Bulletin: September 2010

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TEACH Bulletin: September 2010

teach only

Edited by Craig S. Smith

$9.00 for subscription, includes postage

$1.00 for individual copy,  plus $0.60 postage

This issue:

Contents:

Parents Reveal Biggest Fears

  • Where’s the Problem
  • Minimising the Problem

One School Reform Model That Works

Trading Post

A PhD Thesis on Home Education

More Media Warnings

  • Sigman’s TV Rules

Something Simple to Help Children Learn

Autistism and ‘Frenemies’ Are New Dangers on Social Networking Sites

Coming Events

TEACH Bulletin in photo is different to one on this page.

To order do one of the following:

send email to sales@hef.org.nz with visa number

post cheque or visa number to PO Box 9064, Palmerston North

fax: 06 357-4389

phone: 06 357-4399

Trademe (fees added):  http://www.trademe.co.nz/Members/Listings.aspx?member=2366144

Sella (No added fees):  http://www.sella.co.nz/store/4ym9qg/home-education-foundation/display-100/



Applying for an Exemption to Home School in New Zealand

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Applying for an Exemption to Home School

in New Zealand

Here are two very helpful  links


The first is a cut down version of the exemption application, showing you exactly which comments the Ministry of Education (MoE) expects you to reply to:

https://hef.org.nz/2010/making-an-application-for-exemption-from-enrolment-and-attendance-at-a-school/

The second is a lengthy letter giving all kinds of tips on how to answer the comments:

https://hef.org.nz/2010/a-collection-of-exemption-tips-and-ideas/

I’d suggest reading those two, having a go at answering the questions, then contacting some-one on this list: https://hef.org.nz/2011/needing-help-for-your-home-schooling-journey-2/

It seems complicated at first, but it really isn’t that bad at all.

ALSO:

Applying for an Exemption to Educate at Home now an ebook:

https://hef.org.nz/2012/applying-for-an-exemption-to-educate-at-home-now-an-ebook/

Websites and blogs:

If you have a website or blog then please feel free to repost this on your website or blog and/or to link to these pages on your website or blog.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Needing help for your home schooling journey:

https://hef.org.nz/2011/needing-help-for-your-home-schooling-journey-2/

And

Here are a couple of links to get you started home schooling:

Information on getting started: https://hef.org.nz/getting-started-2/

and

Information on getting an exemption: https://hef.org.nz/exemptions/

This link is motivational: https://hef.org.nz/2012/home-schooling-what-is-it-all-about/

Exemption Form online: https://hef.org.nz/2012/home-schooling-exemption-form-now-online/

Coming Events: https://hef.org.nz/2013/some-coming-events-for-home-education-during-2013-2/

Beneficiaries: https://hef.org.nz/2013/where-to-for-beneficiary-families-now-that-the-social-security-benefit-categories-and-work-focus-amendment-bill-has-passed-its-third-reading/

Domenic and the New Paradigm

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Domenic and the New Paradigm

By Helen E. Lees

Domenic and his father in happier times.

The case of the parents of Domenic looks as though it is an unfolding brutal tragedy of misunderstandings. This is backed up and informed by doctoral research that I have been conducting at the University of Birmingham in the UK between 2007-2010. This research highlights empirical data on the discovery of home education and other educational alternatives, suggesting that in order to understand such a lifestyle and way of seeing education and the upbringing of children, one needs to have undergone some kind of ‘conversion’ experience. As a result, those in favor of home education who have, it seems from my research, experienced this kind of conversion, are living in ‘a different world’ from people who believe in mainstream schooling.

The philosophical understanding that underpins this idea comes from Thomas S. Kuhn, who wrote ‘The Structure of Scientific Revolutions’ in 1969. Kuhn says that when people discover a new way of doing things, they change paradigm and what results is an incommensurability of understanding and communication between those in the old world/paradigm and those in the new. My research shows home education is a ‘new’ paradigm and also that consequently- involved in education as a field with diverse options – is the problem of incommensurability: although people are talking about essentially the same thing (education), different ways of doing things means that when people have an understanding coming from a particular paradigm or ‘worldview’, they cannot easily understand other people in an alternative paradigm and with another ‘worldview’. It requires effort for people in the ‘old’ paradigm to see – literally – from the point of view of those in the ‘new’.

It seems that social services have a lack of understanding and an inability to understand home education practice and choices. They are, it seems, only seeing the situation from their own point of view. My research suggests why they might be so intractable in their views with regard to Domenic being in the care of his ‘alternative’ parents. Kuhn also talks about the strong resistance from those in the ‘old’ paradigm towards those in the ‘new’ paradigm. If we apply this to Domenic’s case, it makes some sense of the strong and continuing resistance that social services seem to have displayed against Domenic’s parents: if social services give in and return Domenic, it threatens their belief that their worldview and opinions are the ‘correct’ ones. This is a strong and world-shattering threat that must be guarded against at all costs at the level of their personal self; although it is likely to be dressed in professional language and rationale.

In the UK, there are many examples of social services having a very weak grasp of the basic concepts of home education and seeing it, as a result, as poor education. The problem of incommensurability is a global one. Of course, home educating has been highlighted through various academic research to constitute another (personally and socially positive) way of life, so it is not just about education. It is also about lifestyle. If a mother wants to follow natural medicine practices for example (a very Indian and Vedic attitude), this is a life view. It is also a life view that is valid on its own terms. If it is seen from a medical/scientistic perspective it loses validity. From following the case of Domenic Johansson being taken and kept from his parents it strikes me forcibly that what is happening is not fact based on sound judgment, but facts based on a determination to maintain validation of a particular worldview that is not and – in a democracy – cannot be allowed to be seen as the only valid worldview.

Gotland social services do not have all the answers and are not in possession of the truth. Their worldview is not the only valid one. Their facts can be seen differently. A child has the right to be brought up in the worldview of its parents and parents have the right to bring up their child in their own worldview. Using this argument, the only clause that would substantiate violation of respect for a particular worldview or paradigm of living would be substantial and substantiated profound harm to the child. I do not see any evidence of such harm having been perpetrated against Domenic by his parents. They seem, from what I have read, heard, seen, felt and personally judged, to have a solidly loving attitude and a valid worldview.

My research backs up the Johansson’s claims that the situation they are experiencing is unfair. Why is their son away from and out of their care? It doesn’t make sense from any worldview, actually. Whilst this non-sense is unfolding, Domenic, of course, is changing his worldview… Domenic’s parents are having to agree to change theirs. A dominance in perspective creates totalitarianism at the level of personal choice. A democracy is founded on personal choice. Adherence to a worldview – for anyone – is not secured by taking children from their parents.

Helen E. Lees

http://bham.academia.edu/HelenLees

This article first appeared on:

http://feeds.feedburner.com/FriendsOfDomenicJohansson

Meet a little boy removed from his family
simply because they chose to exercise
their legal right to home school.
“There must be more to this story!” Find out at:
http://friendsofdomenic.blogspot.com/

Don McCabe of AVKO NZ Tour: October 27-31

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(The AVKO tour is brought to you by The Firelight Foundation.

The Firelight Foundation is the non-profit wing of LearnEX – www.learnex.co.nz .)

According to Don McCabe, founder of the internationally renowned AVKO Educational Research Foundation, mistakes ARE opportunities!

As a dyslexic, Don knows this truth better than most. He suffered a number of early setbacks but instead of accepting failure and defeat, he used these as motivation to stubbornly pursue his dream of developing and publishing resources which would really help those with learning difficulties. Don’s story is truly inspirational. With a warm and quirky delivery style, you will be reminded of the importance of the important lessons in education and in life.

If you enjoyed Andrew Pudewa and Terry Small, don’t miss hearing Don in NZ! Don McCabe is brought to you by the Firelight Foundation, a not for profit organisation which aims to light the fire of inspiration for Home Educators.

_____________________________________________________

DUNEDIN – half day event

Wednesday 27th October

Details To Be Advised – mark this day in your diary for now and register your interest off list – fusfam@learnex.co.nz

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CHRISTCHURCH – combined with Resource Fair

Thursday 28th October

10am-3pm (Resource Fair begins at 10am)

Morning tea is provided

11.30am Session One –  Unconventional Success

Don shares honestly and about his background: when he was first diagnosed with dyslexia, how this affected him and the story of how he refused to let this define his life. Be shocked, enraged and amused at this inspiring story of one man’s refusal to give up on his dream.  This session would be suitable for anybody who enjoys hearing about someone who fought the system and overcame the odds; parents, teenagers or anyone involved in education at any level.

1pm  Session Two –  Literacy: Shattering the Myths

In this session, Don outlines some of his philosophies about learning, especially related to the teaching of reading and spelling. His unconventional approach is so refreshingly simple that you wonder why this method isn’t employed in all the schools in this country.  You will be saying, “Oh, I see. That makes sense!” more times than you can imagine during this fascinating session. A must for anyone involved in education at any level but especially suitable those with learning difficulties or teaching those who do.

Venue: Hoon Hay Presbyterian Church, 5 Downing Street, Hoon Hay, Christchurch

When: Thursday October 28th10:00am – 3:00pm          Lunch approx: 12:15pm -1:00pm (Bring your own)

Price: $10.00 conference sessions and the curriculum fair    $ 5:00 curriculum fair only

Contact: Dot Brown (03) 312-8790 iew@clear.net.nz or Linda Gage 324-3329 gagetribe@xtra.co.nz

This is a joint event, organized by South Island Home Educators and Canterbury Home Educators.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Please email or post your registration to Tina Frater with names, number attending and payment method.

Address: 37 Lowes Road, Rolleston, Canterbury 7614                     Email: tmfater@slingshot.co.nz

Cheques made out to South Island Home Educators may be sent to Tina or payment made by Internet Banking

Account details:  South Island Home Educators, 03-0674-0157258-00 please put ‘conference’ in the reference box.

Names of those attending (and ages of children):………………………………………………………………………………………..

Older children and teens, who wish to listen to Don’s sessions, may attend free with a parent.

A limited children’s program of games and crèche will be available. Please make your own arrangements if possible.

WELLINGTON – Unfortunately this has had to be cancelled due to our helper being unavailable on the day. If you live in Wellington and know of a good, cheap venue and would like to help organise something (approximately 3 hours), please let me know offlist – fusfam@learnex.co.nz

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AUCKLAND – Informal talk plus Q&A session

Sunday 31st October

1-4pm

Mistaken Opportunities Firstly Don shares honestly and about his background: when he was first diagnosed with dyslexia, how this affected him and the story of how he refused to let this define his life. Be shocked, enraged and amused at this inspiring story of one man’s refusal to give up on his dream. Then Don outlines some of his philosophies about learning, especially related to the teaching of reading and spelling. His unconventional approach is so refreshingly simple that you wonder why this method isn’t employed in all the schools in this country.  A must for anyone involved in education at any level but especially suitable those with learning difficulties or teaching those who do.

Be inspired by an international speaker, upskill, view a variety of educational resources and network with other home educators.

Venue: TBA in the next day or two but will be central Auckland

THE AUCKLAND VENUE HAS STRICTLY LIMITED SEATING SO PLEASE INDICATE YOUR INTEREST ASAP.

Price: $10.00 adult; $5 teen; $35 family

Contact: Erena Fussell (09) 269 3590 or email firelight@learnex.co.nz

“…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Please email or post your registration to Erena Fussell with names, number attending and payment method.

Address: 50 Walpole Ave, Manurewa, Manukau 2102                      Email: firelight@learnex.co.nz

Cheques made out to The Firelight Foundation Ltd  or payment made by Internet Banking

-Account details:  The Firelight Foundation Ltd, 12-3032-0244986-00 please put ‘Akld AVKO’ in the reference box.

Names of those attending:…………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

****Sorry but this corporate venue is absolutely unsuitable for children but those 12 and older are welcome to attend if accompanied by an adult

These events start only two and a half weeks away so don’t miss out. Book today!

Any enquiries, please email me off-list – fusfam@learnex.co.nz . I will be emailing out the details for Dunedin (plus the Auckland venue) within the next two days.

Erena

PS Information about Don McCabe’s AVKO research foundation can be found on his website: www.avko.org or search under “AVKO” on YouTube

Scottish Government upholds freedom of choice in education

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Scottish Government upholds freedom of choice in education

Scotland’s national home education organisation Schoolhouse has welcomed the Scottish Government’s stated commitment to upholding freedom of choice in education in an unequivocal response to a series of parliamentary questions tabled by Lothians Green MSP Robin Harper.

Commenting on written answers from the Scottish education secretary Michael Russell MSP, a Schoolhouse spokesperson said:

“Schoolhouse is grateful to Robin Harper for once again raising awareness of some of the issues faced by parents in Scotland who are, or may be contemplating, elective home education for their children.  Despite definitive statutory guidance having been in place for well over two years, too many parents are still being routinely misinformed by their local authorities.

“We welcome the  Scottish Government’s commitment to supporting choice in education, as enshrined in our primary legislation. We further welcome the education secretary’s reminder to local  authorities of their duty to adhere to the statutory guidance on home education which was issued following a comprehensive consultation exercise and clearly sets out the respective rights and responsibilities of parents and councils .”

Read more here:

http://www.schoolhouse.org.uk/home-ed-in-the-news/scottish-government-upholds-freedom-of-choice-in-education