EDspired is about advocacy and being inspired to make change. EDspired had the pleasure of interviewing Dorothy Jones of Washington, DC about her experience as a parent who transitioned one of her three children from attending public schools to homeschooling.
Set the stage for us; share your journey of how you became a homeschooler?
When we left The School for Arts in Learning (SAIL PCS) a few years back we enrolled Zari in our neighborhood school. The school worked for my two other children following the transition from SAIL, but not for Zari. No efforts made to individualize instruction or make accommodations for her learning style. After years of struggling and feeling ignored by the staff and the special education team, I decided not to allow Zari to lose the love of learning and curiosity about life. We looked at other schools and weren’t impressed. So, this fall, we started homeschooling.
What have been the greatest challenges you have faced?
So far, time management has been the biggest challenge. They give you a rough schedule, but because I know the areas she needs more help in, we spend more time in those areas.
What are the successes thus far?
Zari loves school again! She hasn’t had a meltdown since we started the online program. She does still get frustrated, but she handles it better. Math has always been a weak point for her and she is really excited about the online math course. The online class is what I believe sold her on the program. She is a techy and says she feels like she is in college. Soon she will be conducting science experiments. She didn’t have a lab at her former school.
How do you think this has impacted her school career?
She has choices on what she wants to tackle first. Her attitude towards learning and her confidence have improved. In school, she didn’t actively participate and now she is comfortable talking and sharing what she thinks and what she knows.
Would you recommend homeschooling to others? Why or why not?
Yes. If you have a child that is struggling socially or academically, homeschooling is a good option. I am a believer in the public school system as I was in public schools my entire school career. I think the social aspect of school is important, unless your child is floundering or withdrawn.
What are the top 3 things to consider before homeschooling?
- How would your child react to not physically being around other students?
- Do you have the time to dedicate to being your child’s teacher? You have to teach a minimum of five hours a day. It’s not something you can take lightly.
- Do you have patience?
How can we find out more about you and all the other projects you are working on?
Check out:
Urban Offspring on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/urbanMama74
Classroom 5612: http://www.classroom5612.blogspot.com/
EDspired 
Very informative post. Good luck to the family and hope mom stays patient!
I was totally moved by this home school story. I am proud to say that I know Ms.Jones and her girls. And I have witnessed her dedication and passion in raising her children. But most of all she understands the process of our educational system, she knows there are times when one must take matters into their own hands for the future of her child. Stay strong Ms.D keep hope alive!
Give the girls my love.
MBrown