How to Address Common Micro School Issues
Micro schools are becoming increasingly popular. Many parents are choosing this method of education but tend to run into issues when they find themselves in need of school supplies, counseling services, or transfer procedures when moving states. This article is meant to address some of the common micro school issues encountered through a discussion on policies and conditions.
Academic Support and the Principal
One of the most common micro school issues faced by parents who choose a micro-school is finding an academic support system that fits their child’s needs. Parents may find that they lack close enough contact with teachers or counselors or may feel that classes are not age appropriate. The solution to this problem depends largely on state laws. The majority of micro-schools are not bound by the same rules as traditional schools, which means that it is difficult to regulate what some micro-educators may call “homeschooling.”
However, most states have adopted similar guidelines when inspecting types of education. These guidelines include provisions for homeschooling programs that are supervised by the state. Some micro-schools in these states can register, thus entitling students to some form of academic support.
The Transfer Process
Transferring schools can be challenging for children with special needs or those who are homeschooling. Most states require individual schools, either brick, and mortar or micro, to keep records of student files and make them accessible. If your child is already registered with a school you should be able to ask for permission to view their file or transfer it when moving states. Parent-Teacher Associations may also be willing to provide information regarding the academic progress of former students.
Some states have begun offering digital services for this purpose. In California, the Virtual Education Office has been established to assist homeschooling parents in receiving student records from other schools.
Licensing and State Requirements
Micro schools are arguably not as strictly regulated as traditional public or private schools, but do adhere to certain state regulations regarding curriculum and hiring practices. While some states have no regulations for micro-schools or allow for self-regulation, others have begun passing bills to tighten standards on the practice.
There are also state requirements that need to be met when hiring teachers and administrative staff. Most states require all teachers, even those working for micro-schools, to be fingerprinted and pass background checks. Staff members in charge of student records must also be fingerprinted for background checks.
As more states begin to require stricter regulations on micro-schools, it is likely the market will begin to supply teachers that meet these new requirements. However, this may prove problematic for teachers who are already working in the field and do not have an education degree or experience with traditional school systems.
