It’s too soon to tell.
Since mid-March and the spread of the Coronavirus, the face of home education has changed. Families across the globe have now experienced “homeschooling” under very difficult circumstances. But even for veteran homeschool families, what is happening in our community is not true homeschooling. It’s crisis-schooling.
A recent poll showed that 40% of American families are considering some form of school at home in the fall. That’s a staggering number.
How do families, support group leaders, and co-op organizers plan for their new normal and resuming community activities in the face of so many unanswered questions?
Parents are researching homeschooling at a rate that is overwhelming. At its core, homeschooling is a volunteer-driven, grassroots movement. From state-wide organizations to local support groups, individuals are rising up to answer questions at an unprecedented pace. All in the face of so much uncertainty about what the future holds.
This week the CDC published Considerations for Schools and someone quickly made a blue graphic attempting to summarize very complicated recommendations… and then the internet went crazy. The “blue sheet” paints a very grim picture of the future in schools and it contains a great deal of speculation and misinformation.
If you are a volunteer leader, you may have questions about how this will impact your groups and co-ops. The bottom line is that it’s too soon to tell. The CDC considerations are only recommendations for schools to review in order to begin putting their plans in place. Every state will have the option to adopt these guidelines in multiple ways, either through regulations or just recommendations. Indiana’s Governor Holcomb stated that he will not make any recommendations for opening schools until July. In our state, potential guidelines for homeschool groups will flow from the regulations for public schools. It’s vital that leaders remain informed about pending regulations, but it’s just as vital that we don’t add to mass confusion.
Are you a homeschool group leader? Make sure that you reach out to your IAHE Regional Representative so you will receive accurate information.
Will there be a federal mandate that forces regulations down in a way that impacts homeschool families and groups?
It’s too soon to tell.
This week, HSLDA also shared about potential legislation at the Federal level that could have a significant impact.
It is unknown what community life will actually look like in the fall.
So, what do we do?
We remember these things.
- We are called to live in faith and not fear. Living in faith reminds us that God is in control, especially in the face of so much uncertainty.
- We lead well when we point families to accurate sources of information.
- We will get through these difficult times with a lot of prayer and a lot of flexibility.
How can we help?
Do you have questions about homeschooling or group leadership? The IAHE is here to help. Reach out to our team and let us know what questions you have.
