26/09/2024
WATCH | Basic Education Minister's update on budget cuts https://www.enca.com/videos/watch-basic-education-ministers-update-budget-cuts
FEW POINTERS FOR PARENTS THAT IS HOMESCHOOLING YOUR CHILD:
1. At 10:30 minutes into the video she says the quality of Ed cannot be guaranteed if there are budget cuts. So surely if we need to keep a min standard at home. They need to guarantee that at a school as if they don't and we are denied homeschooling we can argue that they cannot guarantee that our child will do better in a school. If anyone is denied homeschooling their child could they legally require the system to prove they can do a better job? 🤔
2. Keep in mind that the purpose of the assessments they want to do on homeschooling kids (as per the BELA BILL) is to ensure that education is taking place. If the inspectors demand CAPS assessments, remind them of this (especially applicable to parents with. neurodiverse child ), your child is receiving education according to his/her needs. As you have records and proof from professionals to show this, there should not be a problem. If your child does not fit into the normal schooling system, the DBE can not refuse you to home educate. Just treat the authorities with respect, with confidence and as colleagues. Be firm in your mind that you have primary authority over your children. However, do what you can to make them feel that you respect their "education and experience", and ask them if they have any suggestions or recommendations and tell them that you will discuss it with (for example) a educational psychologist. ( Remember that egos are sensitive and if they sense positive co-operation from you, they are more likely to leave you alone)
Also ensure that you can show them credible resources that cover the basics. They also often want to see your daily/ weekly/ termly schedule. Have one written up that would look acceptable to them - you don't need to tell them that you actually don't stick to it most days and educate around life - if that's what you do. Name the activities according to the subject names that they are familiar with : Bible study - record as life skills. Baking as home economics, fixing a bicycle puncture=science. Planning a trip - Geography. Climbing trees and gardening - nature study, Bedtime stories - literature ( just put it in your schedule sometime during school hours) ; play dates using dress ups = drama.
Sometimes you just need to be flexible, right?
😉. Make sure that you have a good answer that they can understand with regards to socialisation; eg outings, sports, cultural activities, scouts etc . They want to see that there is integration with diverse peoples.
Just one more thing that applies to everyone. If a student has done an assessment and fares below the expected standard, just state what steps are being taken to address the challenges.
Please don't stress - it will only make your homeschooling experience miserable and don't make your goal keeping the education department officials happy - pray and focus on what your child needs to prepare them to live a fulfilling life of service to the community and give them the tools to face the challenges and responsibilities awaiting them in adulthood. This is what the education department says that they want to achieve after all.
You love your kids and are doing what you believe is best for them. Believe in yourselves, build each other up, and encourage each other.
Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube is providing an update on budget cuts in her department that could potentially leave thousands of teachers without jobs.
