As a home school mom and teacher of home schoolers, I often wonder where we draw the line when it comes to actually home schooling. It seems that some families farm out their children for most subjects and athletics as well. Then there are other families who don't use any outside resources. I guess this brings me to a question of how we define home schooling. For each family, I would imagine that there's a different definition to some extent. For the first family described, home schooling might be defined generally as parents having full control over their children's academic life without the parent doing the actual teaching. For other families, the idea that home schooling requires that the parents act as teachers may seem essential. I have even known families who have home schooled using nannies. Different states have different definitions of home schooling. I believe HSLDA requires members to be responsible for teaching their children at least 51% of the time. Does that mean that only those of us who do so are really home schooling our children? I wouldn't make that judgment call for anyone. I do think that using outside resources can be very beneficial if you are wise about your choices and feel that there are strong reasons for doing so..

There are any number of reasons that families outsource certain classes for their children, at various ages, including the following:

1. The parent doesn't feel capable of teaching the course. This is definitely a solid reason for using outside courses. However, be cautious about being too desperate and make sure that the class you choose for your child also meets the needs of your family's value system and quality of education. 
2. The student desires to take an outside course. Often, by high school, home school students would like a little time away from home. Taking an outside course can offer an opportunity for growth, making the student responsible to another adult, which is a great learning experience. As well, outside courses often also offer a chance to socialize within a structured classroom environment.
3. The instructor of the course is someone  with whom you'd like your child to spend time. I once put Ally in a middle school current events course just because the professor had such a Biblical, eternal worldview and he was a person for whom I have tremendous respect. She learned to examine happenings around the world from a Christian worldview and loved doing it. I think that having other teachers who demonstrate a love for the Lord or a strong faith can be worth more than the actual course content. As well, teachers who are great encouragers can work wonders for a timid child. For some children, they hear encouragement from mom and dad for so long that it doesn't have the same impact as if it came from an outsider.
4. You have a large family and need help teaching your children. At times, having one or more children participating in outside courses provides the opportunity for you to work with your other children on a deeper level. This can provide a benefit to both the children taking the course and the children at home.

When selecting an outside teacher or course, you'll want to carefully think through all of the ramifications. Weighing the pros and cons makes a great of sense in this sort of situation. Below of some of the aspects I consider when selecting courses for my children and there are probably even more that are specific to your family's needs and desires.

• Can you afford the course? It's sad to have your student start a course and then have to pull him due to the inability to pay. It affects your child, the other children in the class, the teacher and the child that might not have been able to get into the class due to enrollment limits.  Although many families go through financial crisis at some point, it's important to ascertain ahead of time whether you can really afford the outside lessons for the duration of the course. Be sure you understand ahead of time any books or materials that may add to the expense of the course.
• Is this a course in which your child can succeed? Sometimes, we are overzealous and want something for our children for which they may not be quite ready. I see this often with middle school students and parents wanting them to start high school courses in 6th and 7th grade. This can be appropriate for some students, but often it happens because the parent is worried the class won't be offered when the child is truly ready to take it. It's important for your child to succeed away from home. Be sure that he is ready for what the course requires.
• Can you and/or your child afford the time away from home? Parents who haven't used outside resources previously often underestimate the time it takes to travel. As well, most courses require a serious amount of homework time that will take away from family and other studies. Be sure that you have a complete understanding of what your student will be expected to accomplish outside of the classroom. Also take into account whether there are outside projects and such that require meeting with other students in addition to class time.
• Is the instructor someone you want teaching your child? Outside instructors often have a tremendous impact, both positive and negative, on home school students because they are presented as immediate authority. My daughter loved every person who taught her. She had tremendous respect for her teachers and for good reason; they were awesome people who deserved her respect. But I was very particular about to whom I gave that authority. When we visited a local college, considering Ally for dual enrollment, my impression of the instructors was not very positive. I felt she wasn't ready to be immersed in that environment even with her maturity level. Ally would've loved to have gone to college with those credits and she was certainly capable of the work required, but the possible impact of such instructors at an early age concerned more than receiving credits.

If you haven't used outside teachers previously, there are some practical steps you can take when deciding who to use and what courses to select. Other parents and students can be excellent resources if you know they have the same value system as your family. When my son wanted to take drama and Spanish this year, I not only went to trusted parents who had put their children with these teachers, but I also interviewed students to see what they felt they learned if anything. Students will often be more straightforward and will point out both the positive and negative aspects. As well, they are actually in the classroom. Do be choosy about who you approach. Some people are very critical no matter how valuable the course or the teacher, and try to talk to at least 3-4 different people Of course, speak with students who are responsible and studious.

Consider interviewing the teacher ahead of time to be sure that you have the same philosophies concerning instruction and spiritual issues. I once spent three hours with an instructor on the phone and he was certain my daughter was ready for his course. In the end, although I believed him to be a godly and talented man, I felt that at the time he would certainly overwhelm my daughter who was several years younger than his average student.

Preview the curriculum used in the class. Don't assume that a Christian teacher will use Christian curriculum. Most teachers use what they're most comfortable teaching. I write my own curriculum and design my own courses and parents often ask me for a booklist beforehand. If you want a certain curriculum, be sure to connect with the instructor before enrolling your student.

Finally, determine what you want your child to achieve through the course and decide if it's possible using a specific instructor and curriculum. If you don't have a clear view going in, the waters may become muddy and you'll end up frustrated by the end if your expectations weren't met.

Once you have your child in an outside course, there are a few things you can do to assist your child and the teacher.

1. Communicate well with the instructor. Even with high school students, it's important for the parents to understand what is going on with the course and the student. If you have concerns or family issues that pop up, communicate as quickly as possible for the best results. Most instructors are very sympathetic and will work with you and your student if they know what is happening ahead of time.
2. Pray for the class and the instructor. Teaching, as we all know, is a challenging calling and burn out rates are high. Prayer can make all of the difference! Letting the instructor know that you're praying is a sweet gesture and most encouraging.
3. Encourage your student to do his best and assist, as necessary, particularly with organization. As students take more courses, they become more proficient at managing paperwork and such. Early on, your child may need some guidance in this area so he is organized and prepared for classes.

Utilizing outside resources can be truly beneficial for home school families. As always, prayerfully consider any such steps you might take with your children and be sure you understand both the positive and negative possibilities. As well, once you have put your child in an outside class, commit to making it best experience for everyone involved by praying and be involved.

Many blessings on your week!

Beth