The HomeScholar, Homeschool Consultant

The HomeScholar's new e-book, "The Easy Truth About Homeschool Transcripts teaches you how to create incredible homeschool transcripts using tools you likely already own. No need for complicated software or expensive accreditation services. You have everything you need to impress colleges with your students.

Read more about it here.

The Gold Care Club has four parent education courses available this month. Each one hour course comes with handouts that you can print from home. The courses are available only to Gold Care Club members. This month's classes:

1. "Record Keeping" on audio download and online video.
2. "College Scholarships for High School Credit" on audio only.
3. "Grades and Credits" on audio and video.
4. "College Preparation" on audio and video.

Member benefits include a weekly 20 minute consultation. Don't be shy! I'm really not scary to talk to! Members also receive priority email support, so they never need to feel alone. Other information available only on the Gold Care Club website:

1. Discount prices on every product
2. Article-length answers to 8 important questions
3. Listen to 16 of your "biggest questions" thoroughly discussed
4. Transcript templates in 10 different formats
5. Planning guide handout
6. Grading criteria handout
7. Sample science lab write-up
8. Video links to scholarship instruction
9. Links to every article I have written.
10. Chart for a College Prep Plan for Middle School

I love taking care of Gold Care Club members! It allows me to help the most homeschoolers at one time. It can really provide a unique opportunity: a support group meeting JUST for high school issues EVERY month WHENEVER you need it. It's convenient for everyone, and I'm getting great feedback. I know you will love it.

Get one free month membership to the Gold Care Club when you purchase my e-book, "The Easy Truth About Homeschool Transcripts."

Have you seen my new website yet? I'm very excited about it! I think it's pretty, but that's not what's important. The "Free Resources" box clearly lists the support that is available at no charge. And there is a search button, so you can quickly find the information you need.

Also included is a great new Recommended Resources area, where you can get my recommendations on great high school curriculum.

Don't forget to check out all the great recommendations in the "About Us" section of the site.
Visit

Not too long ago, Congress agreed to bail out the insurance industry. When those insurance company executives started having resort gatherings at exotic locations, with gourmet dining and luxuries beyond measure, Congress and the public went ballistic.

They were wasting our investment money and our tax dollars on frivolous things! Congress wants to force them to stop that behavior. They have a measure of control because the companies accepted the bailout money. The company used public funds, and the government has control over what they do.

You may agree or disagree with the bailout decision, but that's not why I mentioned it now.

Parent partnership and alternative education programs see us an a source of income. When we use their programs, they get money. Some programs get money directly from us, other programs get money on our behalf sent from the government. Either way, we make money for them.

These programs benefit financially when they make us feel afraid and incapable. And once we sign up, they can exert control over us the same way congress can exert control over industries they bail out. They love us - but there are strings attached.

Read the entire article here.

I have been writing homeschool high school articles on EzineArticles.com to encourage families to choose the homeschooling high school option. Please take a peak at my Profile, which will include all my articles so far. New articles are added regularly. You can subscribe there, and then have access my articles as they are published. Here is an example. Please use this site to grab FREE content for your blog, website or newsletter.

In addition, read my article "Homeschooling High School, Preparation for Life" in The Link Homeschooling Magazine. Pick up your copy at Border or Barnes and Noble. You can also request a free copy!

CLICK HERE TO RECEIVE A FREE COPY OF THE LINK. Please remember to include your mailing address in the email requesting your copy.

Read my homeschool high school articles at ezinearticles.com.

By Matt Binz
Mr HomeScholar

Big news this week for Seattle public high schools. After an eight year hiatus, the "E" is back.

And what, you ask, is the "E?"

"E" is the socially acceptable designator to signify a failing grade. It was apparently decided long ago that giving an "F" was much too damaging for a failing student's self-esteem.

Alas, even moving from "Flunk" to the more values-neutral "Eww" was a little too harsh for the delicate sensibilities of our feel-good generation.

Find out what they did here

Parents, Hang Together

By Matt Binz, Mr. HomeScholar

Homeschoolers are a rebellious bunch. Their lives are filled with everyday insurrections and ten-cent treasons. You know who you are:

* Moms who sign their declaration of intent with the same spirit that John Hancock signed the Declaration of Independence (SHOCK!)
* Dads who alarm their friends and neighbors by educating their kids during the summer (SHUDDER!)
* Students who "Stick it to the Man" by forgoing Prom (TREMBLE!)

In general, you firebrands demonstrate a wanton disregard for societal norms by taking personal responsibility for the education of your children (GASP!)

But revolution is tiring business. I've noticed a trend in families to lose their subversive tendencies as their students approach high school. After pulling up roots from the old country and staking their claim in the New World, many lose their vision of being rebels.

It seems they forget the reasons why they are rebelling.

Read Complete Article Here.

Gold Care Club
Hi Lee,
Thank you so very much for your very thorough reply. I truly appreciate you taking the time to answer my question. Your reply helps me out a lot!! Thank you also, for re-sending the links to the "5 mistakes" and for the High School Testing. Thank you for the wealth of information you provide on your website. I was reading your article on record keeping. I am one of those "What??!!! I didn't know I had to keep records!" people. Thank you again, Lee!! I really appreciate all your help! You are the BEST!!!
With warm appreciation,

~ Megan in Hawaii

"The Easy Truth About Homeschool Transcripts" e-book
Lee,
I finished the entire ebook, and I LOVED IT!!! Thank you so, so much for all that you are doing. I have needed support like you offer for a number of years now. Most people I know are just putting their kids in high school because the task is overwhelming to them. We have felt that homeschool tK-12th grade is the path for our family. After talking to many parents who are done raising their children who agree that parents can do this, I feel even more resolute in our decision.
Sadly, I've been told more times than I can count that to keep a transcript is not necessary. That the colleges and universities will not look at it. They advised to just submit ACT and SAT test scores. We followed this advice for our first child with results we are not pleased with. You have completely changed my mind on this issue. I feel empowered. Our next child will be armed with a transcript so he can apply for scholarships just like any other applicant. Our eldest son scored a 32 on the ACT and was quite advanced in all of his studies; but without the transcript no one would consider him for scholarships. He had no trouble getting into college, where he is doing great getting top scores. Getting in is not the problem. It is the cost of higher education that is the problem. I am convinced if I had had a coach like you while I educated him through high school, he would have received a scholarship or two. Creating a transcript for our second son has empowered me even more with knowledge that we can do this. We know where we are going.
It has felt like we've been going on to the end all alone. Now I feel supported. I am just nervous to call or email you for help. One of these days I will be brave. Thank you, again. You are one of my heroes.

Sincerely,
~Stacie in Utah

Individual Consulting
Hi Lee,
Thank you so much for all the information today. Scott and I had a great discussion on our drive home. We both feel confident that homeschooling high school really is possible. I am going to check out the resources you sent. We thought our discussion was just the right length, and we can't think of any other questions at this time. It seems that they were all answered for now. We talked with Matthew over dinner about all of this, and he seems excited. Now we just have to implement it. May I post about a link to you from my blog? I wanted to talk about what helped make our decision to homeschool easier. It would be great if I could link to you.

Thanks for all your help!
~Tressa
(I asked Tressa's permission to share her blog. Read Tressa's Blog Post)

Dear Lee,

Your sign off "Blessings" is more true than you may realize. When I realized how much I needed some guidance from a successful homeschooler of upper level students, I decided that you would be the perfect person to call. I spent several days figuring out how to ask for your help. Can you imagine my relief when I saw your brochure? I could call you and not be begging for help, but accepting your talents!

Your positive and encouraging ways made me realize that I can succeed. You helped me stop useless duplication and time wasting. Tom was immediately more responsive and cooperative. I was not the slave driver or fun slayer, I was the person implementing a well ordered plan. You, of course, outlined all our work using the texts and courses that I had chosen. Between your organizing our study schedule and the bird clock which sings every hour, I am not the target of my son's discomfort. I am a coach and teacher instead. We have had a wonderful year.

Your newsletter has been a great help. I have forwarded it to several people who also have teen aged students, whether they homeschool or not. I'm sure that with a few follow up meetings with you I'll be able to guide my son successfully through the next few years. You're worth your weight in gold.

So, Blessings to you, Lee.
CJ

~~~~~~~~~~~

My husband and I really thought that we wanted to homeschool high school, but it seemed like
such an overwhelming task. I hear that homeschoolers get into college, but I was convinced
that if I homeschooled my son I would ruin him forever. I am just very unsure of myself and
need a lot of reassurance. I found Lee Binz, The HomeScholar, one night while I was searching
the internet. I stayed up late into the night reading her blog and other articles that she has
on her website.

My husband and I were able to set up an appointment with her for her high school crash course.
Talk about hand holding! It was just what I needed to push me across the threshold of the final
decision. I am not going to ruin my son. He is going to be able to go to college. I can make a
transcript just like the public high school down the street. She answered all my questions about
SAT, ACT, CLEP, AP, and PSAT testing. She helped me set up a plan for the next four years. It
was wonderful. I still need to put it together, but the backbone is there.

It was definitely three hours well spent.

The best part? My husband and I left the meeting as a team. We discussed what we were going to do
together and with a feeling that this is attainable. Of course, I already knew that from friends
that have been there-done that, but I needed someone to tell me how to do it for my child. That
is what Lee did for me.

Even today I still feel 100% better about all of this. Maybe now I can get past all of this waffling
and be commited to our decision without hesitation. With God's help, I am in it for the long haul.
It is going to be a wild ride.

~ Tressa in Washington

Already have the latest high school record keeping software? Perhaps you should supplement it with some "Living Software"?

Easy to install: dial 1-888-LEE-2HELP (1-888-533-2435) for an auto-download.

* Guaranteed bug-free
* Always the latest version
* Compatible with any user platform or homeschool style
* This software will not enable cookies (unless you really need them!)

How does it work? Spend two hours on the phone with me, talking about your homeschool. I'll ask a bunch of questions that you WILL know the answer to. I will suggest what to write and even email you a template on a Word document for you to use.

For more information: Check out my Quick and Easy Transcript Option

I have been getting a lot of calls from panicky parents recently, from those just beginning to think about high school, to those who are finishing but still insecure. If you are feeling anxious and fretful, there is a quick and easy way to get the information you need. Consider purchasing our Homeschool Convention At Home Kit!

It's like a spa treatment for homeschooling high school - a way to pamper and care for yourself, and renew your spirit. The kit contains my almost-three-hour dvd set, "Preparing to Homeschool High School."

It covers all the basics of high school: what tests to take and when to take them, how to choose curriculum, how to keep records, what about grading, and more. In those three dvds, you'll learn enough to feel empowered and encouraged!

You will be able to use my Sample Comprehensive Record as an example of a successful high school record. Glean from it as you write course descriptions. Not a "to-do list," this book can be a visual example of what YOU can do with YOUR homeschool.

Also in the "Convention At Home" Kit is a one hour audio CD on "High School Testing" that will give you details on the high school tests: PSAT, SAT, ACT, SAT II, AP, and CLEP. The kit contains a dvd on "Getting the Big Scholarships" so that you can plan ahead and position your student for maximum financial aid. Another hour-long dvd, "Finding a College," will take you from the beginning steps of finding a college, all the way through to college application essays.

These five sources can encourage you and help you along! Here is what one customer said:

~~~~~
"Dear Lee,
Did you happen to hear my voice shouting the words "I wish I had known this years ago!" as I watched your DVD'S? I was almost sure you could, seeing as I kept throwing my head back blaring it out several times through each chapter! Each topic was like a piece of a puzzle, which by the end showed me the full picture of what homeschooling in high school is all about. I now have a renewed excitement and energy towards homeschool and keep telling my son how great it's going to be next year. Not because I understand exactly what to do, but because I know someone who does! To have a homeschooling partner, whose gifts and talents will help bring strength to my weakness, is just what I'd been praying for. In fact, just speaking with you on the phone brought me great relief, thank you for your time. Thank you again, Lee, for all the information you've shared so far. I look forward to talking with you!
God Bless You,"
~Jennifer in Delaware

~~~~~

If you feel like you want support, but you want it in the comfort of your own home, then consider the "Convention At Home" Kit.


And remember, I'm here for you if you want to make an appointment to discuss your unique situation. Just send me an email if you would like to make an appointment. I'll be glad to listen and help you find the information and solutions that you need.

Comments from
"Preparing to Homeschool High School"
Half-Day Seminar

Hello Lee,
Your presentation was great!! Even though we've gotten one son into college and we're partway through getting Andy in, I gained quite a bit of new information from your presentation that I will be able to use for Andy and our younger two kids. Your sample transcript and explanation of it were very helpful (especially since it was for a chess player!). The comparison of the tests was a lot of new information for me, and your comparison chart is very handy. The HomeScholar Planning Guide is great because it has just about everything (classes, tests, etc.) on one easy-to-use page! Real live samples, like the sample Course Description and Grades and Credits Resource sheet, really clarify things and give homeschoolers a starting point in creating their own, which is very helpful!

The "Record Keeping" section of your presentation was very good too! I'm a Cubbie, and have a pretty good handle on record keeping, but I liked your helpful hints. This topic and the way you presented it would be extremely useful for parents new to homeschooling high school. I enjoyed your engaging manner of speaking, and was impressed by your knowledge and insights. Basically, everything was excellent, and the freebies and raffles added that extra special touch! Thank you so much for coming to Vancouver to share with us!

God bless you!
Donna
~~~~~
Dear Lee:
Your presentations today were informative, well-organized, and thorough. I enjoyed your speaking style with frequent use of anecdotes and examples from your family and others you have assisted. The handouts were very helpful (I am looking forward to finding some spare moments to review them carefully) and I appreciate all of the time you and your husband took to prepare the materials for us. Thank you for promptly sending the links and additional information. You have done so much to make it easy for us to put your recommendations to use. I look forward to continuing to receive tips from your newsletter and web site. Thank you again for your time today.
Regards,
Laurie
~~~~~
Dear Mrs. Binz,
We were greatly blessed by your seminar Saturday, in Vancouver. We learned SO MUCH and enjoyed hearing your fun, upbeat way of presenting your message. Thank you for giving your time and energy to minister to home school families. We appreciate all the information you gave us in the packet and all the freebies you offered to us. It is all very helpful.
Our oldest son is a junior in our home school. We are behind on getting him going on his tests, but are very glad to know of resources that can help him prepare for them. You are so efficient in sending us the links and other resources in such a timely manner. Thank you for being so generous and helpful. By the way, I have no suggestions for improving your message. You already get a TEN OUT OF TEN !!! You can't beat that. Thank you very much for everything. May the Lord bless you and your family richly.
With appreciation,
Kim
~~~~~
Lee,
My family and I attended your recent seminar here in Vancouver. We sat in the front row and my daughter helped you draw a name for the prize! The best parts for us:
· A visual idea of what a transcript would look like.
· Organization of a transcript.
· 4 year plan for credits.
· (my favorite) grades! Major "aha" moment for me.
· The tip to save library receipts
· The realization that I should include pop culture reading etc.
· The well organized, very well presented presentation you gave KUDOS!
· Transferring hours spent translated into credits.
· Very good concrete examples.
· Love the emailed resource link the day after.
· A very good price for what you offer.
Taking my teen with me to your seminar backed up what I have been telling her all along. She just "heard" it from you! Today she meticulously filed her work and is excited about college! Thanks so much Lee. I am recommending your services to my homeschool groups and friends. In the future I will be purchasing your products and will most certainly call at some point. Blessings to you and your family and this fits a HUGE need for families I know, myself included.
Thanks again,
Cheri
~~~~~
I would love to provide this presentation for your group. Please email me for more information. The video of this seminar is currently available on the Gold Care Club.

~~~~~
Thank you, Lee! May God bless you for sharing your expertise. I feel so much more confident about transferring and documenting for high school! I am on my way to becoming a binder queen!
~Robyn
~~~~~
Thank you, Lee! You can't imagine the load you've lifted from the shoulders of some of the younger moms! I'm a veteran, but I've never heard you speak or been to your sites without learning something! God Bless!
~Darnelle
~~~~~
Dear Lee
What a mine of information and help you are! Thank you for your help! It has set my (wandering, anxious, panicky) mind at rest!! I look forward to seeing you and speaking to you again,
Kindest regards,
~Paula
~~~~~
Hi Lee!
Clayton did really well this past year, and I am so thankful for all your help. I feel really good about the upcoming year. I will be in touch...
Blessings,
~Sally
~~~~~
Read More Testimonials

In our neighborhood is a quaint relic of a bygone era known as 5-Corners. Sure 5-Corners is an intersection, but it is also much more. In reality, it is a silent monument to the greater Seattle area's proud history of alcoholic traffic planners.

From 5-Corners you are faced with a plethora of options. You can turn right, veer right, go straight, turn left or assume the transportation equivalent of the lotus position; doubling back on yourself in a truly unnatural act of automotive contortion.

As I was waiting at the red light, weighing my options, I thought about the myriad of choices awaiting homeschool families as they enter the high school years. Far from just moving straight ahead, there are dozens of billboards enticing families to veer off into some sort of educational Promised Land.

Straight ahead is homeschooling high school with graduation, college and career success clearly visible just over the next rise. But look at all the other choices!

Read about your 5 choices here

It is amazing what you can find on Public Access TV on a lazy Saturday morning. For no apparent reason, I was watching a Department of Education panel discussion featuring representatives of several charter schools in New Jersey. One school, which had a waiting list of 1500 families, featured an extended school day (7:30 AM - 5:30 PM), an extended school week (every other Saturday,) an extended school year (mid-August through the end of June) and truckloads of extended homework. The panelist boasted that this allowed the students to get "50% more educational time" than other public school students.

The results? Average test scores went from the 15th percentile to the 75th percentile in four years.

Impressive? Absolutely, but at what cost....

Read the complete article here

A while ago, when I was channel surfing, I saw a few moments of "Supernanny." Supernanny doesn't go into people's homes and do the parenting. She just goes to support the parents. What does the Supernanny for Homeschooling High school do? I can:

* provide a fresh eye on the problem
* explanation of basic concepts
* discuss problem solving techniques
* brainstorm coping strategies with you
* provide information

Unlike Supernanny, however, I won't yell at you, evaluate your children or judge your homeschool. I just come alongside, parent-to-parent, to encourage and support.

One mom was doing 9 - 1/2 hours of school each day with her 9th grader. One parent was using three complete grammar programs in one year for her child. Another parent forgot to include 4 years of Latin on her transcript. Having someone provide that outside view can help you see the forest through the trees! I'm here if you need me, so don't be afraid. You CAN do it, and I'll be glad to help. Hit reply to this newsletter, and we'll set up an appointment.

This is the time of year when people think about their plans for fall. It feels wonderful to see the END of this year, and look forward to the beginning of next year. Unfortunately, though, this is also the time of year when some friends announce that they will stop homeschooling for one reason or another. I remember some years when I was really shocked at the people who stopped. Long time friends, committed homeschoolers. The hard truth is that some of your long-time homeschool friends may decide to put their kids into a traditional school setting. Too often this happens because parents are afraid to homeschooling middle school and high school. Ouch! When this happens, it can really hurt - and throw you off balance. So what should you do when friends stop homeschooling?

Know your child and trust yourself

The best advice I ever received was given to me by my midwife, shortly after the birth of my first child. "Know your child and trust yourself" she said. It still holds true, even when your baby grows up. Only YOU know what your child needs - you know your child better than anyone, and only you can decide the right course of action.

Read entire article here.

"I've posted before about my amazing online homeschool support group. Lee has been one of my loopy friends for many years. She no longer homeschools her boys but she stays on our list to inspire and encourage us. Even though her kids are much older than mine, she's been a great source of support for me in topics like chess, Latin, math, literature, science and more.

Both of her boys went off to college this year. One of them was just 16. They both received full tuition scholarships to their first choice college, and both skipped their freshmen year entirely through CLEPing several classes.

Impressive? Yes.
Unusual? Maybe.
Smart boys? Yep.
Impossible? No, in fact entirely possible.

When Lee's boys started college, instead of returning to her professional nursing career, she decided to continue doing what she knew, what she loved best--homeschooling. She started her own business to help other homeschool families successfully make the transition from home to college. She offers a wide variety of support services, including planning curriculum, creating transcripts, scholarship searches, and help with the college admissions process.

Check out her terrific website, The HomeScholar, and sign up for her free monthly newsletter. She's full of great advice and her recent topics include:

* tips for studying and passing CLEP exams
* brilliant ideas such as planning a writing curriculum around scholarship essays
* how to keep skills sharp over the summer (like my post yesterday, although her newsletter didn't come out until today)

Holly's only going into 7th grade. But it's not too early for me to keep an eye on high school and how those choices will affect college. This would be true whether or not we homeschool high school.

I am so grateful for those truly courageous families who forged the homeschool path ahead of us, making possible the many wonderful options we have now, which continue to grow each year. (Homeschooling wasn't legal in every state until the mid-1990s.) Lee is one of those people who not only blessed her own sons by teaching them at home, but she's also blessed so many of us, making a difference in the lives of our children. It's amazing what you can do just by encouraging someone else."

Thank you, Kristine, for your wonderful comments!
(view Kristine's blog at http://kristine-jewelsofmyown.blogspot.com/)

This summer my two sons graduated from homeschool high school. This fall they both started college. Both of my students were awarded full tuition scholarships to their first choice university. I find myself wondering, "How did that happen?" I believe we received scholarships because of four advantages: curriculum, SAT preparation, documentation, and character. These advantages are available to all families that homeschool through high school.

(Read complete article)

Are you thinking about homeschooling high school? Perhaps you have already started and have a few questions. Lee Binz, The HomeScholar, has created a resource just for you! The HomeScholar Gold Care Club is your one stop shop for all your homeschool high school questions. You can get expert advice on transcripts, grades, credits, record keeping, college preparation and more. This site is filled with parent training tools (videos and audios), templates, planning guides and good solid advice for all parents who are considering homeschooling high school with an eye toward college.

Get more information here

UC Riverside Actively Recruits Homeschool Students

"Among the homeschool community, we find large numbers of students who are smart, mature, creative, independent and well-socialized people," said Frank Vahid, a professor of computer science who has three children who are homeschooled. "We want such excellent students in our classes. They have a lot to offer the university community."

Save It! Share It!

My mission is to help parents homeschool high school, and many of my services are free! Please tell your friends that high school support is available, even while the economy is in the tank. Here is how I can help:

* Free monthly newsletter "The HomeScholar Record" here
* Free weekly office hours with a 10 minute consultation see website
* Free daily blog posts to answer most written questions here
* Free instant mini-course on high school here
* Free articles for individuals and support group newsletters here
* Low cost parent education courses on audio and video here
* Save money on consulting with Gold Care Club membership here