About one month ago I received this email from a very distressed but astute mom:
"I have come to realize my son has been pushed through the public school system with zero to no education.
Although we receive updates all the time (we actually received one a few days ago) stating his knowledge and abilities are satisfactory, they are not. He is unable to write above a first-grade level, does not know his times tables, and cannot comprehend what is read to him or by him.
It has become clear to me that he has mastered the ability to guess while appearing to be learning. I am in great fear of sending him back to public school in the fall . . . he is getting lost in the system."
I wish I could report that this is not the norm. But it is all too common.
Let's be clear - this has nothing to do with the impact of Covid-19 on the education system.
The learning-at-home environment, created in response to the pandemic, simply brought to light the already existent shortcomings of the school system.
This particular mom was even willing to relocate to another town in CT if her son would then receive a proper education. Unfortunately, I had to tell her that over 25 years ago, the education system in the U.S. was federalized. As a result, the curriculum, goals, and standards from state-to-state and grade-to-grade are the same. It's called Common Core.
It is failing our children.
So, what can be done?
That’s where experts, like me, step in. I have 20 years of experience at this. I homeschooled my own three children who are all college graduates with excellent professional careers.
These are your options:
#1. Home School - parents are administrators and instructors. This means you become the teacher.
#2. Home School - parents are administrators and hire outside instructors, like me, to teach various subjects. This is particularly effective if a family has a special needs child or a child who has fallen seriously behind.
#3. A Hybrid Home School/Private School/Private Instructor - some private schools, particularly Christian schools, welcome this arrangement.
#4. Home School with a Home School Consultant - parents are administrators and instructors; however, a home school consultant, like me, is hired to advise and guide.
I specialize in options #2, #3, and #4
In the 20 years that I have been in practice, I have assisted countless children in overcoming academic struggles that were not getting resolved in the standard education system.
This pandemic has brought many to a crossroads.
Begin considering your options, now, during the summer months. Things can be done differently and effectively.
I’d be happy to assist you and your family.
Pat Mattas
Certified Natural Vision Teacher/Coach
Certified Sound/Music Therapy with Advanced Brain Technologies: The Listening Program
Authorized Provider of The Movement Program: neuro-body movements for peak brain performance