What Resources Are Available to Homeschoolers?
To get started, most homeschooling families join local support groups. Families often find these groups by word of mouth or through public or private schools, religious groups, or state or national associations. At least one homeschooling association is active in every state. These groups offer advice and information and hold conferences at which families who school at home discuss legal, philosophical, and teaching issues.
Parents can also find guidance in books, magazines, and newsletters. This brochure's companion piece, Homeschooling Resources for Parents and Students, lists materials and Internet resources that cover a wide range of homeschooling issues.
Some school districts have established centers at which families may enroll in classes or obtain resources and instructional support. Such arrangements are called shared schooling, dual enrollment, or assisted homeschooling. Some districts also allow homeschoolers to attend public school part-time. Many private schools, some public schools, and the state of Alaska provide homeschoolers with texts, materials, and support. Homeschoolers also rely on libraries, museums, parks department programs, churches, civic associations, and other local institutions.
Where Can I Get More Information?
There are many sources of information and resources available to homeschoolers, including libraries, local public schools and other educational institutions, government agencies, nonprofit institutions, and other homeschoolers. For more information, call ACCESS ERIC at 1-800-LET-ERIC (538-3742)
Written by Patricia M. Lines, Senior Research Analyst, National Institute on Educational Governance, Finance, Policymaking and Management, Office of Educational Research and Improvement, U.S. Department of Education.
This publication was prepared by ACCESS ERIC with funding from the Office of Educational Research and Improvement, U.S. Department of Education, under Contract No. RR92024001. The opinions expressed in this brochure do not necessarily reflect the positions or policies of the U.S. Department of Education. This brochure is in the public domain. Authorization to reproduce it in whole or in part is granted.
