Beginners Guide to Homeschool Lingo

It’s a whole new world out there? What’s a co-op anyway? Keep reading to find out!

  • Co-op/Cooperative: A program where parents volunteer to run a program that’s typically like school for a day. E.g. if you’re interested in writing and another mom is interested in science, you can teach what you’re interested in and so can the other mom. It’s a great way to share expertise and lighten everyone’s load! These programs are often inexpensive because they are volunteer run and parents must remain in the building. To learn more about cooperative programs in Rochester, click here.
  • Curriculum: Materials that present subjects in a methodical way. While you can certainly create your own, curriculum companies do it for you. There are a huge variety of approaches and scope and sequence and it can be overwhelming. To learn more about curriculum, click here.
  • Drop off program: A program with paid teachers that you can drop your children off at. These are typically more expensive because they are drop off. To learn more about drop off programs in Rochester, click here (check the “drop off” column).
  • Individualized Education Plan (IEP): A legally binding educational document that entitles you to school based services (but many school districts will say they can’t provide). Learn what you’re entitled to by clicking here.
  • Individualized Home Instruction Plan (IHIP): Paperwork. You can learn more about paperwork by clicking here.
  • Letter of Intent (LOI). More paperwork. You can learn more about paperwork by clicking here.
  • Quarterly Reports: More paperwork. You can learn about paperwork by clicking here.
  • Socialization: What you need to stop doing so you can get some bookwork done.
  • Standardized Testing: Required every other year starting in 4th grade, can be administered at home. Click here to learn more.
  • State Standards: something people think are extensive and difficult to attain but are actually kind of embarrassingly simple (you’ve got this).
  • Unschooling: a method that no one can agree on the definition of but is essentially focused on inquiry based learning rather than following a specific curriculum.
  • Written narrative: a form of annual assessment required when testing is not. To learn more about how to write one, click here.

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