Frequently Asked Questions about ECHO
How
much does it cost to join ECHO-MN?
Nothing! ECHO-MN is not a membership organization. No dues are required to be on the E-Group or attend most ECHO functions. On very rare occasions we may ask attendees for a small donation to help defray the cost of a particular event.
No. We do not provide curriculum or other learning materials. We offer
information and support to homeschoolers, and act as an umbrella group to our smaller support groups. Individuals in smaller support groups dosometimes form their own teaching co-ops. ECHO-MN is not involved in the management of those co-ops.
ECHO-MN was begun as a response to a lack of opportunities for the families
of very young homeschoolers. However, as our children grow, they may remain a part of ECHO. The friendships they are forming now will be some that willstay with them throughout their childhoods. As the smaller support groups grow, many decide to cap their membership in order to retain a sense of intimacy for both parents and children. Thesegroups will gradually come to represent older children. New families with young children will be assisted in forming new support groups.
General Homeschooling Questions
I
think I want to homeschool, but I don't know where to start. Help!
The first step is to find other homeschooling families. Find out what they
do and how they do it. Getting involved in an ECHO support group is a greatway to accomplish this. You can also ask questions on the ECHO-MN e-group. One piece of advice is to talk to other homeschoolers before you spend a lot of money on curriculum. Many new homeschoolers regret spending money before they have educated themselves as to their options.I've
heard that homeschooled kids can't get into colleges. Is that true?
This is not true for most colleges. In fact, many colleges have begun to
actively recruit homeschoolers. See http://learninfreedom.org/colleges_4_hmsc.html for a list of colleges which already admit homeschooled students.This is a common concern among new homeschooling parents, and it can be a
sensitive issue. Many homeschooling families get together with other families on a regular basis, and children form friendships in this way. While most children are sitting in a classroom each day with other children the same age, listening to a teacher, homeschooled children are out in the world interacting with others of all ages. They are not restricted in their socialization in the way that other children are. In fact, some parents choose to homeschool specifically in order to avoid the negative aspects of socialization that are rampant in today's schools.
These are the most common styles and philosophies of homeschooling. One style is not right for every family. Often, families use a combination of approaches to meet the needs of their children.
Traditional:
Often referred to “School-at-Home”, this approach attempts to
replicate the school model in the home setting. Textbooks are used and a
schedule is followed.
Classical
Unit
Studies
Unschooling
Charlotte
Mason
Waldorf
Montessori
Eclectic
Is
homeschooling legal in Minnesota?
Homeschooling is legal is all 50 states! The
regulations and requirements differ from state to state so it is important
that all homeschoolers become familiar with the laws in their area. The
Minnesota homeschooling statutes allow parents to homeschool their children
with limited regulation by the state. The links below will take you to the
statutes. If you have any questions please email us at echo-mn@earthlink.net
.
Minnesota Compulsory
Instruction Statutes Online:
120A.22
Compulsory Instruction
120A.24
Reporting
120A.26
Enforcement and Prosecution