As the number of families turning to homeschooling continues to rise, it becomes important for parents to have a solid plan in place. To ensure a smooth homeschooling experience, parents may consider creating a home-school contract or agreement.
A home-school agreement is a written document that sets expectations, guidelines, and responsibilities for both parents and children. This agreement is similar to a contract and is meant to be signed by all members involved in the homeschooling process.
The agreement should ideally be created before the homeschooling begins. This will provide a framework for the school year and ensure that everyone involved is on the same page. The agreement can be reviewed periodically and updated as necessary.
A homeschooling agreement should include the following elements:
1. Curriculum: The agreement should outline the curriculum that will be used for homeschooling. This should include the subjects that will be taught, the books and materials that will be used, and any other details related to the curriculum.
2. Schedule: The agreement should outline the schedule for homeschooling. This should include the days and hours of instruction, as well as any breaks or vacations that will be taken.
3. Roles and Responsibilities: The agreement should outline the roles and responsibilities of both parents and children. This should include who will be responsible for teaching each subject, who will be responsible for grading work, and any other responsibilities that need to be clarified.
4. Expectations: The agreement should outline the expectations for both parents and children. This should include expectations for behavior, attendance, participation, and completion of assignments.
5. Communication: The agreement should outline how communication will be handled between parents and children. This should include how often progress will be reported, how concerns will be addressed, and how feedback will be given.
6. Dispute Resolution: The agreement should outline how disputes will be resolved. This should include who will be responsible for resolving disputes, what steps will be taken to resolve disputes, and what the consequences will be if disputes cannot be resolved.
By creating and signing a home-school agreement, parents can help ensure a smooth homeschooling experience. It provides a clear framework for the school year and helps avoid misunderstandings, miscommunications, and disputes. A home-school contract can help set everyone involved in the homeschooling process up for success.