Feeling Like Oregon’s Testing Rules are Oppressive?

Feeling Like Oregon’s Testing Rules are Oppressive?

Compared to what we had years ago, they are very reasonable. In the 1980’s, the rules regulating home schooling were simultaneously clear and fuzzy. The first rule was clear: parents had to ask and get permission from the superintendent to home school. If granted, students were placed on a list. Then, at the superintendent’s discretion,…

What You Must Do to Participate in Interscholastic Activities

What You Must Do to Participate in Interscholastic Activities

Does your student want to play sports, participate in band, choir, or speech class offered through the public school? If so, they need to be tested no later than August 15, even if their chosen activity will not take place until spring of 2026. An annual achievement test is required for each year a home…

After the testing deadline, then what?

After the testing deadline, then what?

August 15 is Oregon’s deadline to have your student’s testing completed. What’s next? Potentially a request from your ESD to turn in your test results.  From the administrative rules, OAR 581-021-0026:  5 c. Upon request of the superintendent of the education service district, the parent or legal guardian shall submit the results of the examination…

One Size Does Not Fit All: Make Your Voice Count

One Size Does Not Fit All: Make Your Voice Count

For close to 40 years home schoolers have enjoyed a simple communication process between themselves and their Education Service District. Our legal obligation has been to notify the ESD of our intent to home school and provide them with three essential pieces of information: ·         Your child’s and your name along with your address. ·         Your child’s birth date….

Hope in the New Year

Hope in the New Year

Hello subscribers, There’s hope in the new year! If you’ve tried everything and your child is still struggling academically, please read the guest article written by Susan Leckband of the HELP (Help Elevate Learning Processing) organization below. Their services and expertise may be the very thing your child needs to succeed. Be sure to click…

A Rule of Life as a New Year’s Resolution

A Rule of Life as a New Year’s Resolution

Last Friday, I wrote about the particular power of a single New Year Resolution, that of taking responsibility or ownership. This resolution had a profound effect in the life of Maxwell Perkins, a famous editor who worked at Scribner’s years ago. You can read about it here. The idea of “taking responsibility” means accepting where you find yourself and resolving…