If I asked you why you chose to homeschool, what would you say? What would be the strong emotion attached to your decision?
Now, if I asked you to explain your motivation to the Direction de l’enseignement à la maison (Directorate of Homeschooling or DEM), how would you feel?
Last November, I attended a meeting of the ACPEQ board where mention was made of the stress surrounding many families in relation to their dealings with the DEM. As the time for meetings with resource persons (RP) is approaching, I would like to encourage you by sharing the notes I took during a workshop on the subject presented at the ACPEQ conference in 2021. This workshop was offered by Manon Fortin, representative of HSLDA.
If you prefer, you can view the entire workshop by going to the ACPEQ website. First press the magnifying glass to search. Enter keywords: Continue without getting discouraged. You will then be asked to identify yourself as a member before being directed to the results of your search. Click on Conference 2021: Schedule. The workshop is in the Saturday column at 11 a.m. By clicking on the title of the workshop, you should be redirected to another page where you can watch the workshop.
Otherwise, here are the points that I felt were important to remember in order to assist us in our discussions with the DEM.
It is important to always keep in mind the reasons that led us to choose the path of homeschooling.
It is true that the regulations of the Ministry of Education are unsettling for families, but that does not mean that we have to give up everything that works for us to use workbooks approved by the ministry.
A question to ask is why are we afraid of DEM? We must abolish our fears when faced with it because there is a lengthy road to getting our homeschooling privileges revoked. As long as we cooperate courteously with the DEM, there should be no problem.
The purpose of meetings with the RP is to contextualize what we do. To provide certain details on the objectives we have for each child and on our plan to ensure progress in their learning. The role of the RP is to observe and make suggestions to help us.
The encounter with the RP is not an assessment. It is an observation , a discussion. The child does not have to perform for the RP. If asked, politely decline the request, explaining that an assessment will be carried out later in the year, according to the method of assessment you indicated in your learning project. If you feel that the RP is abusing its observer role, take notes and report the incident to the ACPEQ Board of Directors. This will give concrete examples that our association can use in its discussions with the DEM.
It is important to have effective communications with your RP. Try to avoid the yo-yo effect by asking for clarification in writing if what is requested is not clear.
Be open-minded about your RP. Her job is to fill out forms with bureaucratic jargon. If she can’t classify what you’re talking to her about, she’ll need clarification. Do not hesitate to ask her where to classify your projects and activities. You can even do it orally and ask your RP to do the classification for you. Ask to have the skills and requirements of the program explained to you if you do not understand them.
Remember that we do not need to understand the entire Québec Education Program. If you have doubts, don’t be afraid to ask if what you write will be acceptable for your RP.
Be prepared and organized for encounters with the RP. Make a list of books and resources you use and keep it handy. Choose the projects you want to talk about.
Do not hesitate to impose your “agenda” and talk about the points you have prepared. Put a time limit on the meeting if necessary. If the RP asks random questions that unsettle you, regain control by choosing, for example, to proceed by subject or by child.
Do not pressure yourself to perform perfectly. The meeting with your RP should serve to explain your reality of homeschooling in all its beauty. Trust yourself and keep your primary motivation in mind, the one that drives you, when you explain your life choice to someone who is not familiar with this reality.
In closing, I would add that if you need support, approval, appreciation, and encouragement, turn to experienced families or support groups. If you need help finding these groups, do not hesitate to contact ACPEQ.
On that note, I wish you continued success!
