My sister is homeschooling my nieces whom are 9 and 10. The nine year old STILL does not know how to read, I saw my nieces resently and they have revealed to me that they had not worked on homeschool for 2 years. How do I report this to the state of Michigan so that my sister has to enroll the kids in school?
2007-01-28 04:58:49 · 14 answers · asked by Dawn B 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Home Schooling
First of all, we have confronted her about this issue. And she says she doesnt have to send her kids to school. Secondly the kids have no developmental problems.
She just refuses to see what she is doing to her kids, she doesnt work either. The 9 yr old still doesnt know how to read, Or do anything beyond basic subtraction or addition.
2007-01-28 06:32:22 · update #1
I'm sorry, but I know a number of unschoolers who are just like that. Some who didn't learn to read until they were 12, yet read at grade level within a year of starting to learn to read. From what I understand, people can also go to an accredited school such as Sudbury Valley and spend years doing whatever they want and not learn to read or do math or any of that. You may disagree with it, but it doesn't mean they're doing something wrong.
Since the state does not require any particular level of achievement for homeschoolers, there's nothing you should do about it. As much as you may care about those children, the law does not say she's doing anything wrong. If those girls want to do something different, then support them in purchasing materials or things like that, but if the mother is unschooling, then it's a homeschooling philosophy she believes in and will stick to. She has that legal right even if you disagree with that. When the girls decide they really want to learn that stuff, you will be amazed at how quickly they can learn it. A motivated person will learn something in far less time than a person who's being forced through it.
2007-01-28 09:47:00 · answer #1 · answered by glurpy 7 · 7⤊ 3⤋
That sounds really awful, but I would like to point out some facts. You say the children do not have developmental problems. So does this mean there were concerns and they have been tested by a neurologist or psychologist, or you are just assuming they are OK? Sometimes you cannot tell a child has dyslexia by normal conversation. My dh, mil, and son all have dyslexia but appear very bright and actually are gifted as well as developmentally disabled, and only through testing can you identify them as dyslexic.
Also, if you ask my children if they have been working hard at homeschool I have a definite feeling they would probably tell you No as well. My daughter does a "Headsprout" reading program online which is very game-like (but I highly recommend it as well as reading researchers btw). I choose fun reading books for my son to read. We often do a lot of fun projects and field trips. We just went to our Museum of History's Children's Day yesterday which was fun. I got a shipment of Pokemon books from Ebay for my Pokemon obsessed lover Friday. We play educational card, board, and computer games. We do have some worksheets (use math books) but I do as few as possible. So if I had a sister she would probably be reporting me to Children Services right now too!!! I think a sister deserves a conversation first, before the state of Michigan does, unless you are upset with her for some other reason?
2007-01-29 01:11:04 · answer #2 · answered by Karen 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would talk to your sister first, see what she says. The girls may have developmental delays or she may be unsuccessfully attempting unschooling. Then if you just don't get any where you can call social services. They have to investigate every claim and if there is truely no school going on and the children are being neglected in this way, they will handle it. But for the sake of the girls try to work it out with your sister first. If they are just plopped into school in this condition it will be VERY difficult for them to catch up and adjust. I agree something must be done if this is true, but tutors for the remainder of the year and summer may be better to at least catch them up a little before they enter in the fall.
2007-01-28 14:07:48 · answer #3 · answered by micheletmoore 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Why don't you talk to your sister instead of quizzing the girls behind her back? Nine years old is old for reading if you depend on public schools for education. However, there are legitimate curriculla that allow for later reading ages, and early ages are spent on intuitive learning.
If you spoke to her, you could find more about if this is the case, or if it's a case of true neglect. Michigan requires no notice and no testing, and I'm not sure how the school system would even react.
2007-01-28 15:39:44 · answer #4 · answered by ? 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
There are some excellent answers here concerning handling this with the parent. I would also consider setting up play dates for the girls, or bringing around other children of the same age, when they are with you. Also take them on field trips to increase their desire to know what is going on. Also, your library, most likely, will have multiple programs where they are read to, or have completion programs with rewards.
A great homeschool program often includes family and community. I have different family members and friends that are involved with us, helping in different areas in which we need covered.
I have one that helps with grammar, another that converses in literature and comparisons, another that assist in ideas for social settings, and on and on.
It will be setting an example to the mother and you can have opportunity for quality time with the children and to be a part of the solution.
2007-01-29 13:29:01 · answer #5 · answered by ksuetx 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You might be able to ask someone at a public school for that information. They won't be able to fix your sister's behavior, but they could probably tell you who to call who can help you. Also, do a search on the internet for something like "homeschooling, Michigan", and you might be able to get some contact information.
2007-01-29 16:21:48 · answer #6 · answered by Lady in Red 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe you should approach your sister first about the issue.
Try to find out whats going on from Her, let her know how vital
the situation is. If she indicates to you that she is kinda in over
her head, then let her know that she needs to enroll the children
in public school. If she indicates she's not willing to co-operate,
then as a last resort you have no choice but to notify authorities.
Sound like a plan? If so go for it and i hope things work out for
the children.
2007-01-28 13:25:17 · answer #7 · answered by jon 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Two of my boys did the same thing. They refused to learn how to read until a later age, each for their own reasons. One of them read his first book EVER at age nine or so -- and it was Harry Potter! That kid is now getting straight A's in public high school.
If your sister is modeling being literate and providing your nieces with reading materials and reading to them, she's doing it right. If she's not doing those things, maybe you could read to your nieces? A little love and nurturing is always better than confrontation and vindictiveness.
2007-01-28 18:24:45 · answer #8 · answered by hatchland 3 · 4⤊ 2⤋
Your sister has to report to the local school with updates about the homeschooling. If she is not doing as she should be the school will get involved. Why don't you just tell your sister of your concerns?
2007-01-28 13:23:18 · answer #9 · answered by Kay N 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
This is a bad example of homeschooling. I don't know how you would report it, but if you go to a school and ask there they can probably tell you for your state. And don't judge all homeschoolers based on your sisters bad example. Most are not like that. But she does not have the right to not school her children. That is illegal.
2007-01-28 23:27:34 · answer #10 · answered by ♥Catherine♥ 4 · 2⤊ 2⤋