Seven Questions and answers about homeschooling
Marta Vazquez - Reina
1. What is homeschooling?
The Association for Free Education (ALE), which represents many of the families who choose home education in our country, explained that homeschooling is about assume the education of children in an integral way: "both the aspects of acquisition of knowledge and skills, and the transmission of values and principles. " Thus, the schooling of children is not played in an educational institution and does not follow, in general, curriculum guidelines set by the government, but learning and formal and informal education takes place in the home environment.
2. Is it legal in Spain?
The Spanish Constitution recognizes freedom of teaching and the Declaration of Human Rights, the preferential right of parents to choose the kind of education that shall be given to their children. But unlike many other countries, in Spain, homeschooling is not explicitly recognized by the legislation on education. There is a significant loophole in this regard.
For this reason, at times, especially before a child absence to formal schools, the homeschooling families must deal with the Administration. However, in most cases, complaints are dismissed finding that there are not situations of truancy and that children receive adequate home care education. The Association for Free Education has on its website the details of the legal framework of homeschooling in our country.
3. Why choose this alternative?
As stated by Carlos cabo, institute professor and associate professor at the University of Oviedo, one can not speak of a specific family profile that chooses this option, "as they form a very heterogeneous group," but if there is anything that defines them is "the firm conviction in what they are doing and the strong links with their children."
According to data from a survey conducted by this researcher, pedagogical reasons are why most of these families are choosing homeschooling. Respect the individual rhythms of each child's learning, improve their inherent skills and abilities, learning in real situations and arouse interest, the critical spirit and the taste for knowledge are some key pedagogical aspects that seek to promote the education in the home.
4. What educational methodology is used?
Children who are educated at home, as well as those who attend the school, generally follow an academic program, but with the difference that this is designed and developed according to their rhythm, their motivations and abilities. Thus, learning is more attractive to the student. Methos often used are those which promote these guidelines, such as Waldorf or Montessori.
5. Do you resort to outside help?
Some home schooling families choose to enroll their children in a non-attendance school : (Conclara and Epysteme are the two main options in our country), which also offer educational materials and resources and other services such as tutoring and counseling .Depending on the level and age of the student as well as the preparation of parents, one can resort to external assistance from tutors to supplement the student's training. In many cases, children who are educated at home complement their training at home with extra program activities (sports, languages or music) that match their interests and allow them to function in another setting other than home.
6. Is it possible to achieve formal qualifications?
There are several options for children who are educated at home to obtain formal qualifications of the Spanish educational system:
* As per Education Law (LOE 2006), education authorities should ensure the enrollment of students who access the education system late and incorporate them to the course that best suits to their age and background characteristics. Thus, children who are educated at home can insert later ( in Primary and ESO) to school attendance in the course corresponding to their age, and obtain the Secondary Graduation Certificate.
* After 18 years, students can present exams to get the Secundary education certificate and from 20 years old, to obtain the certificate of high school.
* From the age of 17 can be accessed by a test of Medium grade Proffessional Formation and from the 19, the higher level of Proffessional formation.VET.
* Consider using a foreign distance teaching center (as Epysteme, Clonlara or academia Moore, among others) and then validate the title thanks to approval agreements established among several states.
7. Where can I get information?
* Association for Free Education: the website of this association of home schooling families have current information about this alternative education and answers to common questions about the legal framework surrounding the homeschooling in our country.
* Family Education Congress: access to all presentations and lectures by specialists who participated last year 2010 in the first specific homeschooling conference in Spain. The second edition will be held at the University of Navarra next November.
* The homeschooling option: This blog by Madalen Goiri contains interesting information, documents and experiences in homeschooling.
* Educate at the family: Catalan's Web. Coordinator for the Recognition and Regulation of Family Education, which includes teaching resources and materials useful for homeschooling families Siete preguntas y respuestas sobre el homeschooling
"027 Ant - Vista centro Antequera", Malaga, Spain, by Miradas de Andalucia, at flickr.com