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Homeschooling Statistics Are In!
4/19/2010 | 
Posted by
MrsAshley
Homeschooling works! I’ve been doing a lot of research lately on the subject, just browsing the internet, and the following is what I’ve learned: Did you know that homeschooled children score better on standardized tests in academics, social skills, and self concept than public-schooled children? Not only that, but there is no empirical
evidence that shows that homeschooling causes harm in academics, social skills or self concept in any way. Here are some specific statistics comparing homeschooled children to those educated in the public school system.
Standardized Tests: Studies by the National Home Education Research Institute have reported that homeschooled children typically score 30-38 percentage points higher than their public-schooled peers on standardized tests in Math, Language, Social Studies, Science, and Reading.
College and Life Preparation: Homeschooled kids are very well-prepared for college. Recently published ACT (American College Testing) results for 2009 show that homeschooled teens scored an average of 22.5 (on a scale of 1-36), a little higher than the national average of 21.1. The National Home Education Research Institute (August 2009) reports that homeschool students are increasingly being actively recruited by colleges, and they succeed at college at an equal or higher rate than their peers. NHERI also reports that as adults they participate in local community service more frequently, they vote and attend public meetings more frequently, and they internalize the values and beliefs of their parents at a very high rate, compared to the general population. As for SAT score comparisons, a few studies (Belfield in 2005, Clemente in 2006, and Chatmon in 2006) have found that homeschooled students’ scores on the SAT are equal to or higher than private or public schooled students, but none of these studies has found statistically significant results.
Social Skills: According to a study by Dr. Patricia Lines at the Discovery Institute in July 2000, homeschooled children were reported to be “well adjusted” when compared to public schooled children, and demonstrated fewer behavioral problems. The National Home Education Research Institute published a study in 2007 that said homeschooled children had higher scores in social skills than those in public schools. Homeschooled children typically participate in various social opportunities in the community. According to the Home School Legal Defense Association, the average homeschooled student participates in about 5.2 social activities, and 98% of all homeschooled children are involved in 2 or more social activities.
Self-Esteem: According to thesis research by Dr. Larry Shyers (1992), no difference in self-esteem was found between homeschooled children and publically schooled children, and since then other studies have confirmed this finding.
More and more families are realizing that the opportunity to homeschool is a valid option, and are jumping in on the fun. The
- Charlotte-Mecklenburg (132,281)
- Homeschoolers! (41,042)
There are 2,476 homeschooled children in Forsyth County where I live, which would make it the largest “school” in the district, according to the 2008-2009 report by the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools:
- Homeschoolers! (2,476)
When you first begin to consider homeschooling, these are some encouraging statistics. One thing I’ve learned as well is that a parent’s education level or occupation doesn’t really make a noticeable difference in their child’s performance, either. There are also many homeschool groups and co-ops that are a wonderful support. I’m already involved in three groups in my area, and through them I have a network of about 2,700 “friends” (current homeschoolers and veterans) who are always willing to help me along anytime I have a question. Homeschooled students experience high rates of success in all areas, and there’s plenty of research to support that statement! Use it the next time a well-meaning friend or relative expresses concern about your choice to homeschool, and be proud!
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Rite Aid Single Check Rebates
Rite Aid's Single Check rebate program can at first glance seem intimidating so I’ve written a simple 5 step process to help explain the process so everyone can understand it and save big! Head over to Steals & Deals to see my guest post explaining it all on their blog.
Terrific Tips for Organizing Cosmetics and Toiletries
This is a blog post from my friend, Eva Wallace, who blogs at ClutterControlFreak.com. I think you'll find this guest post to be extremely useful in keeping your make up drawer fresh and organized.
Most of us use cosmetics or toiletries of one kind or another, but far fewer of us put a lot of thought into organizing them. Keeping these items organized can shave minutes off of your morning routine.
The first step in organizing your cosmetics and toiletries is to go through and get rid of anything that's past its prime. Below are some helpful guidelines for weeding out the old stuff.
Cosmetic shelf life guidelines:
Unopened, sealed products usually have a shelf life of 3-5 years or more. As long as they stay sealed, they will last for years. The shelf life countdown begins when you open it. Consider using a makeup spatula or baby spoon to dispense non-pump products to reduce bacterial contamination and extend the shelf life.
- Oil-Free Foundation: 1 year
- Cream or Compact Foundation: 18 months
- Concealer: 12-18 months
- Face Powder: 2 years
- Blush and Bronzer Powder: 2 years
- Cream Blush: 12-18 months
- Powder Eye shadow: 3 years
- Cream Eye shadow: 12-18 months
- Eyeliner: 3 years, sharpened regularly
- Liquid eyeliner: 3-6 months
- Mascara: 3 months
- Lipstick: 1-2 years (longer if stored in the refrigerator)
- Lip liner: 3 years, sharpened regularly
- Lip gloss: 18-24 months
- Nail Color: 1-2 years
- Cream & gel cleansers: 1 year
- Brushes: Wash every 2-3 months in a mild detergent
- Sponges: Wash weekly and discard monthly
- Natural cosmetics: These don’t contain preservatives and should be discarded sooner. Check with the manufacturer.
- Perfume: 2 years. Best if stored in a cool, dark place.
- Hairstyling products: 3-5 years.
- Bar soap: 3 years.
- Shaving cream: 2 years.
- Deodorant: 2 years.
- Anti-aging and acne treatments: 3 months to 1 year.
- Body lotion: 2-3 years, particularly if it’s in a pump container.
- Shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel: 3 years.
- Bath oil: 1 year.
- Sunscreen: Check the package for an expiration date.
Remember, these are just guidelines. Regardless of how long you’ve had it, if it smells different than when you bought it, trash it. If it’s separated or changed color, trash it. If you can't remember when you purchased it, trash it. The old adage for food applies to cosmetics as well; When in doubt, throw it out.
Handy tip: Keep a Sharpie with your makeup bag. Write your own expiration date on them so you will always know when it is time to toss.
Next, you need to decide where you want to store your cosmetics.
Ask yourself these questions: What kind of storage space do I have available; drawers, cabinets, counter space? Do I want my products out where I can see them or tucked away out of sight? Answering a few simple questions before you begin will help you purchase exactly the organizers you need, and will save you time and money in the end.
Here are a few suggestions for organizers:
· Store lipsticks vertically. http://www.stacksandstacks.com/lipstick-tray-organizes-24-tubes-of-lipstick-or-mascara This way you can easily see the name or color dot on the end and can avoid digging through a pile to find the color you want.
· A nice countertop organizer http://www.stacksandstacks.com/large-makeup-organizer-movable-compartments can keep your makeup looking pretty and in easy reach at the same time.
· Vanity drawer organizers http://www.stacksandstacks.com/large-plastic-vanity-tray fit in most drawers and some are even stackable. They can hold everything from hair accessories and lotions to makeup and nail polish.
· Small drawers http://www.stacksandstacks.com/3-drawer-mini-storage-cube are perfect for the countertop. They are compact and the clear ones allow you to see what’s in them easily.
· A nice travel case http://www.stacksandstacks.com/travel-cosmetic-case work well for home use, too.
Handy Tip: Sometimes we have what we need already. Try some of these repurposed items for your cosmetics:
· Pencil cups: Great for makeup brushes.
· Flatware trays: These make good organizers for drawers and have spaces long enough for mascara and long brushes.
· Portable tool box or tackle box: The ones with the divided trays that lift out make super cosmetic organizers. As long as it doesn’t smell like hubby’s last fishing trip.
· Craft storage containers: There are so many shapes, sizes and styles out there, you may have the perfect one already.
· Stacking drawers: There are a multitude of plastic stacking drawers available to fit anything from a large cabinet to a small corner of your countertop. I have one from Iris in my cabinet for cotton balls, cotton swabs, spare razors and toothbrushes, and feminine products.
What tips do you have for organizing cosmetics and toiletries in your bathroom?
Eva Wallace is the website manager for StacksandStacks.com http://www.stacksandstacks.com , the blog manager for ClutterControlFreak.com http://www.cluttercontrolfreak.com and has become the go-to girl for all things organized.
The Making of a Diamond
I'm excited to share this guest post from one of my favorite writers! Tammy is the owner of Garden Glimpses and a guest contributor at Heart of the Matter. Enjoy!
Diamonds and marriage go together. Having recently celebrated my 29th wedding anniversary, I glanced at the diamond wedding band on my hand and smiled. It is not my original wedding ring as years of wear and tear managed to damage the delicate band and diamond to a point of no return. The sturdy brilliance of my replacement ring represents our years of committed marriage with all its ups and down.
When we marry, our lives together represent a diamond in its natural form. Not always pretty, but definitely full of potential. Our marriages can be compared to the four qualities that are looked for when shopping for a diamond ring: color, clarity, carat, and cut.
Diamond color: The degree to which a diamond is colorless. The less color, the higher the rating.
How can a marriage become colorless when you combine two very colorful people? Does it mean we become plain, bland, and dull? No, not at all. In fact, I think it can mean quite the opposite. Through the years the two blend together to become a wonderful well working one. A husband and wife team that have learned the value of unity and endeavor to be their best as they balance the strengths and weaknesses of one another with God at the center of their lives. Like a prism that looks colorless, yet when God’s light shows through their relationship the multi-colors are revealed.
Diamond clarity: The presence of natural phenomena called inclusions which are the tiny feathers, crystals, or clouds only seen under high magnification. Flawless diamonds have no inclusions on the surface or internally. Many flawed diamonds still maintain their integrity with no visible inclusions.
How can a marriage become flawless when you combine two imperfect people? The reality is that none of us will become perfect, but we certainly can maintain integrity as we allow God to look at our flaws and allow Him to help us with those things that may cloud our marriage. When it comes to marriage, a good test to see how your are doing it is to read through a familiar wedding Scripture – I Corinthians 13:1-10 using your name in place of the word LOVE. It’s easy to see our shortcomings and yet as you consider the end of that passage, when God who is perfection is part of our lives the imperfections disappear as we apply grace over and over again to one another.
Diamond carat: The unit of weight of a diamond, not size. One carat can be divided into 100 points. Value rises with weight.
What adds weight to a marriage? There are many factors that can add solidity to our marriages. Making simple connections with one another in the midst of busy homeschooling lives is critical. It’s easy to put our children first, but the value of putting our spouses first is worth 100 points. Simple acts of kindness such a a little note in his lunch, making sure his favorite clothes are clean and ready, a loving voice message. Reading about our love languages and applying those gifts to each other or engaging in a study such as Love & Respect which has wonderful marriage principles to apply. Time spent one-on-one is truly priceless and builds the weight of intimacy in a marriage relationship.
Diamond cut: The angle and proportions of a cut will determine the diamond’s fire and brilliance. The shape and how well the cutting has been executed will also influence the cut.
What trials have shaped your marriage? It is well known that all marriages will have conflict in some manner. The key, however, is how we will allow these to affect our relationship with one another. Will we allow the angle of the cuts to destroy or to be a healing cut of pruning that we can grow from? Keeping God centered and relationship focused will execute healthier cuts during difficult times. Marriages will flourish and become stronger if both partners are willing to become humble and speak those difficult words of “I’m sorry” or “Forgive me” adding a dimension of brilliance to their relationship.
My husband and I have a long way to go to our Diamond Anniversary, yet we are both willing to consider the color, clarity, carat, and cut of our marriage to allow it more polishing as our Heavenly Father works in our relationship. May all of our marriage relationships continue to grow and flourish with our Heavenly Father’s love as that truly is the Heart of the Matter.
Married in 1980 and still living in the same house in a woodsy rural setting, Tammy’s homeschooling journey began in the fall of 1987 when her oldest turned six years old. As rather new believers professing Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, homeschooling was a way to live out the principles found in Deuteronomy 6:4-9. Through all the challenges of life Tammy has stayed the course growing to a family with nine children who presently range from preschool age to college graduates married with children. Her role has transitioned from learning everything she could about homeschooling to becoming an encourager to others coming along the way. Please visit Tammy at Garden Glimpses.
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