Internet Access for Home Schooling and Home Learning
As we approach home schooling and learning at home, my
family is very fortunate to have high speed cable internet on our hill. (That
happened just a few weeks ago.) Of course, last week I was thinking, what
happens if it gets knocked out by a storm? Next day, it happened. I’m happy to
report that our local cable company was here the day after and fixed it by 10
am in the morning, even though there was widespread problems in the area.
But what about people who need Internet and don’t have
that option at home? We’ve been talking about that at our library and what we
can do to help. A couple of our staff had written a grant to get more wifi
hotspots to give/lend out but the grant didn’t come through. The hotspots
themselves aren’t too expensive, but there is a monthly service contract
through Verizon that may be cost prohibitive for some. Still, it’s something to
consider.
Several years ago our library received a grant to set
up wifi at the town halls in our service area. We know the town halls have kept
the wifi working in at least a couple locations, and probably all. People can
pull into the parking lot to use it. You might check with the town hall, and/or
library, where you live to see if that’s an option to use.
Our library provides free wifi 24 hours a day from our
parking lot too, so check with your local library. Because of the high speed
wifi, we are also going to be a spot lots of students will be using for an
alternate location for schooling.
The Kids on Track Steuben program is coordinating an
effort (“Virtual School Attendance in Community Based Settings”) to help
address the urgent needs to (1) support student attendance at virtual classes
on days when they are off-site from their schools, and to (2) support parents
with child supervision during the school day. They will be working with us and
also churches, halls and other facilities that can help meet to meet this
need.
Margie Lawlor is the Director of Resilient Children
& Families Community Based Services and Kids On Track Steuben in Steuben
County, New York and can be reached at Lawlorm@proactioninc.org,
Phone 607-776-2125 x312.
So, we may have to get creative, but there are ways to
get Internet access if we search. Many fast food restaurants like Dunkin Donuts
and McDonalds provide some limited service to customers if you only need
occasional service.
The
IHIP (Individualized Home Instruction Plan)
If you’re going for home schooling, it’s definitely
time to write that Individualized Home Instruction Plan. If you need some help,
here is are a few resources on doing that.
1.
How
To Create a Great IHIP In NY— https://www.nyhomeschoolhelp.com/ramblings/how-to-create-a-great-ihip-in-ny
2.
IHIP
Worksheet from Broome Tioga Boces https://www.btboces.org/Downloads/Grades%20k-6.pdf
3.
Grace
Collaborative Guide to IHIP
https://graceroc.com/easy-guide-to-nys-homeschool-paperwork/
4.
Regulatory
and Informational Manual for Home Education in New York State:
Helpful Suggestions and Sample Forms —
Individual Home Instruction Plan “IHIP” K, 1-12 - https://www.leah.org/resources/regulatory-manual/
5.
Home
School Academy LEAH: New York State Required Paperwork
– Samples for different grade levels - https://www.homeschool-life.com/2421/custom/74302
6.
New
York State Education Department: Home Instruction Questions and Answers
— Individualized Home Instruction Plan (IHIP) -
http://www.nysed.gov/nonpublic-schools/home-instruction-questions-and-answers#Individualized
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