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    theresa


    Theresa Lode or, simply “T”, had her world turned upside down and inside out when her son was diagnosed with ADHD and a few other goodies. Her choice- follow the doctor's orders....or trust her heart and delve into the world of Free Range Education. She chose the latter...

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Believing is seeing

Posted on February 28, 2013 by therealmotherlode

I’ll never forget the conversation I had with a woman a few years ago.  She was wringing her hands, eyes were filled with anxiety.  “He’ll have over a hundred thousand dollars in student loan debt,” she told me.  Her son was studying German and hoped to get a….uh…not sure what he wanted to get.  

I asked her if he had considered simply moving to Germany for a year or more to get fluent?  He could earn money, learn German and understand the culture better.  Not to mention help him sort out what he’d like to do.

I could almost hear the gate crashing down and the key being tossed aside. DON’T go there!

It was clear she was unable to see past the “you must get a college degree to be successful” thinking.  Even though she was connecting the dots with the debt with which this kid was getting saddled, she just couldn’t let go of her paradigm.

Believing is seeing.

When we settle on a belief…be it the moon is made out of green cheese or you must have a degree to be successful…we will find ways to substantiate that belief.  Even if it’s unreasonable.

And no, I’m not against college.  For some kids, it IS a vital part of their education and preparation for their career.

But all too often, parents overlook some very important alternatives.  This article from a Tennessee news station illustrates my point.

Here’s a few tidbits:

Nearly 30% of Americans with associate’s degrees now make more than those with bachelor’s degrees, according to Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce. In fact, other recent research in several states shows that, on average, community college graduates right out of school make more than graduates of four-year universities….

A two-year community college degree, at present full rates, costs about $6,262, according to the College Board. A bachelor’s degree from a four-year, private residential university goes for $158,072.

There are lots of great options!

But first…you might have to examine your beliefs.

theresa_sig

 

Filed under: College education, education, Free Range Education, homeschooling, The Mother Lode Project | 2 Comments »

The question that makes me cringe

Posted on February 27, 2013 by therealmotherlode

It’s a favorite question among homeschool moms.  And one asked by those curious about homeschooling.  But when I really cringe is when I hear it asked by parents of preschoolers.  Or parents with special needs’ kids.

The question?

 What curriculum do you use?  

Even Captain Picard finds that question exasperating.

GAH!!! Even Captain Picard finds that question exasperating.

For starters, the scope and sequence which defines any curriculum is arbitrary.  I mean think about it….who the hell decided all 10th graders should take geometry?

Furthermore, how it’s all diced up and compartmentalized, removes most (all?) learning out of its natural habitat.  Is it any wonder the kids are disengaged from school?

It’s not a sign that the kids need incentivizing, it’s a sign that the blasted system is irrelevant and broken beyond repair.

Folks, set aside the curriculum catalogs.  And instead of asking your self “which curriculum?” a better question is, “How is my child bent?”

And then go from there.

An extra note for parents of preschoolers-  Read, read, read.   Take nature walks.  Get a magnifying glass and microscope.  Turn off the TV.  Snuggle.  Bake cookies.  Enjoy your little one.  And fer-cryin-out-loud…stay away from curriculum!  YES!  Even those funsie looking books at Costco.

I hope I wasn’t unclear.

Here’s the best part that you get to do:

 Rediscover the wonder of learning through the eyes of your child.

 

Filed under: education, Free Range Education, homeschooling, Public schooling, The Mother Lode Project | 4 Comments »

Hackschooling makes me happy

Posted on February 15, 2013 by therealmotherlode

I’ve not heard this moniker before but I absolutely love it!  Bet this young man’s presentation will bring a smile to your face.

Happy Friday, everyone!

Filed under: education, Free Range Education, The Mother Lode Project | 3 Comments »

This young man gets it

Posted on February 14, 2013 by therealmotherlode

I love this article in today’s Washington Post- A 15-year-old student’s ed reform plan: Self-directed learning.

From students to teachers to parents…more and more people are waking up to the need for school reform.  And of course, the voices of opposition indicate this will not be an easily won battle.

I’ve debated with myself on how to fight this and I think I’ve come to the conclusion that dialog with like-minded parents, kids and educators is the way to go.  Discourse with the defenders and gate keepers of the system is an exercise in futility, it seems.

What do you think of that article?

Filed under: education, Free Range Education, homeschooling, Public schooling, The Mother Lode Project | 4 Comments »

The disaster of NCLB and why I advocate FREd

Posted on February 13, 2013 by therealmotherlode

chkheadavatarThis article, A warning to college profs from a high school teacher, spells out sobering assessment of what 11 years of No Child Left Behind has brought to the state of education in America.

Everyone’s a loser under NCLB.  And my concern is that the fight to bring any sanity into the desperately broken system is an exercise in futility.  At best….it would take many, many years to turn this ship around.  Just watching the battle for a simple charter school bill here in Montana reminds me of the stranglehold on money and power educrats wield.  (I heard some bantering during one hearing that completely bypassed any obligatory “it’s for the kids” talk…they went straight to ranting about money.  At least there was more transparency.)

I’m concerned over kids who are in school.  But I’m also concerned for kids how are brought home to be homeschooled.

Why?  I think it’s important for parents to clarify why they’re homeschooling otherwise they just end up mimicking what the public schools are doing.  That is not a good plan.

I love Free Range Education (FREd) because it is pretty much the opposite of the NCLB-driven, factory model for school.  Children are not regarded as data points. Learning is organic.  And relationships are valued above all.

You can read more about FREd here.

Q4U: What do you think the high school teacher’s warning to college profs?

Filed under: education, Free Range Education, Public schooling, The Mother Lode Project | 2 Comments »

Should I pull my kid out of school?

Posted on February 11, 2013 by therealmotherlode

Should I pull my kid out of school?  This is a common question I get asked.

Usually, the issue is pushed when a child’s had a bad experience…or is just miserable. (We pulled Molly out of school this past semester for the “miserable” reason.)  Or it could be you’re tired of fighting an adversarial system and its gatekeepers.

Here’s a few things to consider, starting with the simplest solutions:

How’s your relationship with your child?  I think this is, bar none, the most important consideration.  If getting out the door every morning is fraught with frustration and battles…start here.  I strongly recommend the parenting resources at Love and Logic.

Are you communicating with teachers?  This is the easiest solution.  I’ve found *most* teachers will bend over backwards to help.  Ditto for administration.

Are there other school options?  Public schools are slowly getting the memo that many people are unhappy and are trying to recoup their lost market via alternative or online options. And if you’re lucky to be in a state that allows charter schools….check it out. I LOVE charter schools.  If your budget allows and the values are consistent with yours, consider a private school

Is home schooling an option?  I’m a huge advocate of home education but I realize it’s not for everyone.  But if you think it might be…consider it. And then consider it more.  Know that even working single moms, with special need’s kids,  pull this off successfully.  I’ve known families where both parents worked and they’ve  homeschooled.

Having said all this my biggest word of advice- TRUST YOUR GUT.  If you think your child is in crisis and your gut says get him out NOW….Do it!  All too often we quell our parental instincts because we’re so trained to follow the cow path set before us.

If you pulled your child out for a period of time to sort things out…that is a valid option too.  And trust me- you’re not jeopardizing his future.  If he goes back into school, he’ll get right back into things with nary a hiccup.

Have any questions or comments on this?  I’d love to hear from you!

theresa_sig

 

Filed under: education, homeschooling, Public schooling, The Mother Lode Project | Leave a Comment »

What if we did it this way?

Posted on February 5, 2013 by therealmotherlode

What would happen if we tutored kids…

…in what they’re good at?                                         .

Instead of trying to shore up….

…what they suck at?

Filed under: education, Free Range Education, homeschooling, The Mother Lode Project | 2 Comments »

Is “I hate school” training for “I hate my job?”

Posted on May 9, 2011 by therealmotherlode

Do you know someone who hates their job?   You probably do.  I spoke with one over the weekend.  My young friend, a college graduate, hates her job.  At 25, she feels trapped and overwhelmed.  But yet she trudges off to her job to earn her very modest income because she has student loan debt.  Her dreams will have to be put on hold.  That is, if she can keep them alive. She comes home from her job each day so exhausted, she has no energy to look for other opportunities.  Or to create one for that matter.

Yes, these are difficult times in the job market.  And many would commend her for sticking it out.

I’m not one of them.

I encouraged her to run for her life.  Literally.

I meet too many people who started out like my young friend, 20-some years ago and today they are passed even feeling trapped.  They’re shut down inside and can’t figure out why they’re so unhappy with their lives.  They molder at jobs they despise and bosses they barely tolerate.

We are so trained in our culture to “do the responsible thing,” yes, even if it means a stress-related illness.  “Be thankful you have a job,” we tell people.  Hey- I get that.  We were unemployed for six months last year!

But there’s something seriously wrong with this picture.  Especially when we no longer question the insanity of this all-too-accepted reality.

This isn’t an easy road to follow.  Mother Superior from The Sound of Music isn’t going to appear and serenade you with her soul-stirring rendition of “Climb Every Mountain.”  It takes intentionality and a lot of work.

Like the frog in the pot of hot water, people are trained to grow accustomed to their misery.

I believe the training starts in school.

Filed under: education, Goal Setting, Personal development, Public schooling, The Mother Lode Project | Leave a Comment »

Alternatives to public school

Posted on May 4, 2011 by therealmotherlode

Are you looking for alternatives to public school?  You are not alone.  As I mentioned yesterday, there is a groundswell of voices crying out for better options in education.  Here’s some you may wish to consider:

Public Charter Schools- Contrary to the shrill voices of opposition, these are NOT private schools funded by tax dollars.  They are PUBLIC schools and receive tax dollars just like any other public school.  The difference is they are governed by an independent board and may have a specific focus or mission statement.

Google”Arizona Charter Schools” to see the wonderful variety these schools bring to the table.  There are schools that focus on classical education and some that focus on the trades or technology or the arts! When we moved to AZ, we specifically chose Cottonwood, AZ because of American Heritage Academy and their focus on training leaders…we were THAT impressed with what we saw. 

Private schools- Yeah, I know.  You know this one already but it’s too costly for your budge.  I get that.  Really I do.  But it’s still an option.

Start a school- Yes, this IS an option. I turn this suggestion over to education expert Marty Nemko, here. 

Homeschool- Oh yawn, tell me something I don’t already know.  And I can hear the reasons why this is NOT an option for you.  I get that too.  It isn’t for everyone.  But here’s a hint…if you’re planning on recreating school in your home, it is NOT something I recommend.   (Unless you enjoy stress-related health problems.) 

Unschool- Before you scoff at this notion, check out some of the late John Holt’s material; you can find plenty of his books on Amazon, like this one my friend Chelsea told me about.  Go on.  I’m going to go fetch another cup of coffee while I wait for you. 

Online- This would fall under “homeschool” however; the explosive growth of online options makes this worth mentioning as an option.  Check out Kahn Academy on You Tube for absolutely free online classes.  Many universities offer free online classes too. The opportunities are endless and the barriers that once held us back….have crumbled.  I have a good friend whose teenaged kids have taken some pretty lofty college courses.

Free Range Education- Not quite “school” but not quite “unschool” either, this is the approach I’ve learned through many years of homeschooling.  This is the “There is No Map” approach to educating your children. (If you’re a Seth Godin fan like I am, you’ll recognize the language.)  This is new territory folks! 

It’s an unsettling and disorienting approach in a scope and sequence dominated society.  FREd uses a little of this and a little of that with the goal of finding what works for your child.

FREd is also based on the premise that your child is wired and gifted in certain areas and THAT is where you should focus your energy.  My good friend Chris Davis just wrote another brilliant piece on this very thing.   You may read it here.

Still finding these options don’t work for you?  May I make a radical suggestion? 

Move.

Yes, as in move.  I am not suggesting that flippantly.  We spent half of last year unemployed and know that in these times a family’s got to go where there’s work.  However, if school has become such an issue for your kid (ESPECIALLY if they have special needs,) this may be something you should consider. 

Crazy idea?  Yes.  But lately, I see this is precisely what some families are doing.  I know one family who recently left Montana because of the state of affairs here in the Helena school district.  Private school or homeschool wasn’t an option due to various circumstances.

American Heritage Academy in Cottonwood, AZ was a decisive factor in our move to that small city.  (We would still be there had we found employment in the area.) 

Indeed, I am hearing of more and more families who take this option.

Those are my suggestions.  And now a question for you:

What has worked for your kids?

Filed under: education, Free Range Education, homeschooling, Public schooling, The Mother Lode Project | Tagged: , , , , , | 6 Comments »

Is school a struggle for your child?

Posted on May 2, 2011 by therealmotherlode

Is your child struggling in school?  Or do you know a child who is struggling?  You are not alone.  Rarely does a day go by that I do not hear a story or get an email from a frustrated parent because they are watching their child struggling in school.

Chances are good it’s not your kid’s fault.  Our one-size-fits-everyone models are desperately failing our kids.  The elephant is in the room but no one is talking about it.

Only now we must.  The kids that *have* been able to work within the confines of the system are graduating and moving on….to massive student loan debt and a job market that’s been offshored.

Google “student loan debt” for an eye opener. It is said the student loan bubble that is coming will make the housing melt down pale in comparison. Read the bitter comments from kids who say I got good grades.  I did everything I was supposed to do. And know I have $100,000 in student loan debt and I’m unemployed. And this from kids who “succeeded” in school!  There are untold numbers of others who processed through the system who will end up on our welfare rolls or in prison as they lack any marketable skills, much less the ability to think or reason. I can’t imagine the hopelessness these kids must feel.  The system that was said to prepare them is…betraying them.

Back in my nursing days, I observed that many times folks don’t want to go to the doctor until something DEMANDS attention.  They ignore the little pains until it turns into a big (and more costly) pain.

If you’ve got a 3rd grader who is struggling or a 5th grader who hates school, may I suggest you heed the early pains sooner than later?   And here’s a hint…I don’t think it’s your kid that needs to go to the doctor.

Education reform is more imperative now than ever before.

Filed under: ADD/ADHD, education, Public schooling, The Mother Lode Project | Tagged: , | 2 Comments »

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