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HomeLink Advisor's Job Description:
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Definition
An Advisor is the HomeLink employee who teachers a class or course.
An Advisor in the HomeLink Program may be a certified teacher, may be a
specialist in a field of study, or may be a person with a passion and
expertise that can be transmitted to students entrusted to him or her.
Because HomeLink is not a school, all of the Advisors need NOT be state
certified teachers.
PART 1 -- Courses and Advisors
The Advisor will work with the Director to find an appropriate curriculum
for a selected class. The Advisor will develop a comprehensive, compelling
course description that allows parents to foresee what the course will
cover.
The Advisor is responsible for preparing a year's worth of lesson agendas
for each of the courses taught.
The Advisor will develop, print, and provide to the parents weekly
assignment sheets for each of the courses he or she teaches.
The Advisor will work with the Director to develop, print, and provide to
the parents a booklist of materials and/or textbooks that will be needed for
a course.
PART 2 -- Advisors and other Staff
The Advisor will seek training, counsel, and direction from the Director
whenever he or she feels the need to enhance their performance with the
students, the parents, or the other staff.
To the best of his or her ability, the Advisor will maintain a good working
relationship with the students, the parents, the Director, the support staff
on location, the national director, and the Maine office.
Each Advisor is responsible for keeping track of his or her work hours,
completing the time sheets, and submitting them to the appropriate payroll
person.
The Advisor will meet as requested with the Director.
PART 3 -- Advisors and Parents
The Advisor will be available for direct contact with the parents. This
includes providing the parents with an email address and the HomeLink
Program's office phone number. It is the policy of the HomeLink Program
that the Advisor is NOT to give out his or her private phone number to
parents or students.
The Advisor will reply to phone messages left for him or her at the front
office. The Advisor will reply to emails, letters, and other correspondence
received from HomeLink families and staff.
The Advisor will counsel and advise parents concerning students who may
benefit from achievement testing, outside services from other agencies, or
other needs that may become apparent to the Advisors, the Director, or
others in the Program.
The Advisor will emphasize and reinforce to parents that they are the
primary decision-makers for their students' education, even in the courses
their students may take through HomeLink.
The Advisor may arrange meetings with parents, students, or others as
necessary.
The Advisor will maintain beneficial communication with parents concerning
each student's achievement, performance and classroom conduct.
PART 4 -- Promoting the Program
Advisors are encouraged to provide promotional literature to parents,
homeschool leaders, students, and others who might benefit from the HomeLink
Program.
Advisors, to the best of their ability, are free to answer questions posed
by parents, students, homeschool leaders, or others concerning the HomeLink
Program. However, in speaking of HomeLink, Advisors are also encouraged to
avoid unhealthy comparisons of the HomeLink Program with other support
groups, coops, or courses offered by others. It is never HomeLink's
intention to "put down" another program -- we do the best job we can, we
emphasize the benefits of what we offer, and the consumer makes the
comparison and the decision.
From time to time, the Advisors may be asked to provide narratives,
articles, anecdotes, testimonials, or other information for the HomeLink
Program web site. Advisors are paid for their time when they contribute to
these projects.
PART 5 -- Program Management
The Advisor is the Manager and Controller of his or her classroom. In
addition to the previously mentioned items, this management and control will
include, but is not limited to, the following:
Each Advisor will issue assignments to the students and parents and clearly
communicate the expectation and accountability needed for completing the
assignment.
The Advisor will collect assignments and offer a grade for each. In
addition, the Advisor will keep a record of the grades, average the grades
quarterly, and report the quarterly grades for each student to the Director
or the Director's designee.
In the course of his or her duties, the Advisor will discern any student's
special needs. If the Advisor believes there may be a need for achievement
testing or disabilities testing, the Advisor will bring this to the
attention of the Director. After consultation with the Director, the
Director and Advisor may decide to meet with the parent to advise them of
their observations and recommendations.
In the course of his or her duties, the Advisor will discern any student's
academic performance or classroom conduct. The Advisor may believe that a
particular student would better be served by HomeLink's "Independent Study"
option. After consultation with the Director, the Director and Advisor may
decide to meet with the parent to advise them of their observations and
recommendations.
CLOSING THOUGHT
Advisors are the front line of the HomeLink Program. Your relationship
with students and parents will keep the program strong. Your passion for
the subject area will move the student in a better direction. Your
understanding of the goals for the student can produce greatness, almost
without much effort for some, yet with hard work for others. You know the
difference, and you will become better and better at what you do. Your
colleagues, your director, and your national director are all here to help.
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Parent's "Job Description"
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(Actually there is no real "job description" for parents; rather, there are
expectations, tips, and procedures outlined in this document which may be
helpful to define parents relationship to HomeLink.)
PARENT'S ROLE
PART 1 -- Courses and Advisors
The Parent will review the course offerings, course descriptions, and course
advisors for possible classes for his or her son or daughter. Questions
about courses, advisors, or curriculum can be addressed to the advisor or to
the director.
Each advisor has developed, printed, and can make available (to registered
Parents) the weekly assignment sheets for each of the courses he or she
teaches. These lesson plans are valuable tools, and as such are NOT made
available to families who are NOT registered in the HomeLink Program. We
ask that our registered HomeLink parents and students keep these materials
confidential and not distribute these lesson plans to others outside of the
Program.
One special feature of the HLP is the "Electives". Electives are generally
short-term classes focused in a specialty area (such as horsemanship,
forensics, Mount St. Helens, hurricanes, etc.).
Electives are usually available during three periods:
Several weeks before these sessions, newsletters are mailed announcing the
elective classes. These short-term specialties may be especially inviting
for HLP student¹s friends who are not otherwise registered with the Program.
All are invited.
PART 2 -- Parents and HomeLink Staff
Parents and students may seek occasional counsel and direction from the
HomeLink staff concerning their studies. HomeLink has a special option
available called "Independent Study" which can assist families and students
on a one-on-one basis. The Independent Study option can be used for 2 or 3
sessions, or as long as it is needed. Any student who believes he could
benefit from the Independent Study option is encouraged to speak to his or
her parent first, then to the HomeLink advisor.
To the best of his or her ability, each advisor will maintain a good working
relationship with the students and with the Parents. One of the advisor's
jobs is to maintain beneficial communication with Parents concerning each
student's achievement, performance, and classroom conduct. If at any time
it appears that this is not being accomplished, the Parent is encouraged
meet with the advisor, and if necessary, to bring the matter to the director.
Each Advisor will provide the Parent with a direct access email address and
the HomeLink office phone number. This is necessary to facilitate healthy,
on-going communication from the Parents to the advisor. Phone messages left
at the HomeLink office will be relayed to the advisor, who in turn will
reply to the Parent. It is the policy of the HomeLink Program that the
Advisor is NOT to give out his or her private phone number to Parents or
students.
The HomeLink Program emphasizes and reinforces that Parents are the primary
decision-makers for their students' education, even in the courses their
students may take through HomeLink.
PART 3 -- Parents and Other Support
Parents are encouraged to use other support groups in the area to enhance
their homeschool experience. While HLP provides some specific services to
Parents, there are many other resources available. HLP Parents are
encouraged to be part of these other groups. The HLP director can provide
the contact information to help Parents find these other support services.
From time to time, Parents in the HomeLink Program may be asked to
voluntarily provide narratives, articles, anecdotes, testimonials, or other
information for the HomeLink Program web site. This is strictly voluntary,
but is appreciated.
PART 4 -- Parents and Program Management
Here are some tips that HLP advisors have found helpful for Parents.
A.
HLP academic policies
The grading scale is a numeric scale as follows:
93 - 100 = A
90 - 92 = A-
87 - 89 = B+
83 - 86 = B
80 - 82 = B-
77 - 79 = C+
73 - 76 = C
70 - 72 = C-
67 - 69 = D+
63 - 66 = D
60 - 62 = D-
Below 60 = F
Due dates are important to your grade. All work is due one week from the
date assigned, unless otherwise stated. Check the assignment sheet for
information on due dates for specific subjects. Work must be completed
before the student begins class. Work that is late will receive an
automatic deduction of 10 points -- REPEAT -- work that is late will
receive an automatic deduction of 10 points!
B.
HLP suggests you develop a schedule that works for the whole family.
A good schedule will take into consideration the following:
C.
HLP suggests you communicate clearly with your student about the assignments and the progress toward their due dates.
D.
HLP suggests you communicate with the HomeLink Advisor regarding changes or
concerns about the students work.
E.
HLP suggest you notify the advisor of planned absences.
CLOSING THOUGHT
All research points to one constant factor in the success and achievement of a student -- parental involvement. This is true in public school or private school; it is true from nursery school through high school; it is true with the gifted or the disabled. Homeschooling provides the maximum parental involvement, and we at HomeLink commend you for your commitment to your student.
HomeLink is here to assist you in making your homeschooling year a success. We understand that you are the primary teacher and we are your assistants. Let us know what we might do to help.
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Student's "Job Description"
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(As student's take classes in the HomeLink Program, they are "working" on
their courses. Their "job" is to do the best they can to glean the most
they can from the courses offered. This "Job Description" helps to define
the relationship between the student and HomeLink.)
STUDENT'S ROLE
PART 1 -- Courses and Advisors
The Student and the Parent will review the course offerings, course
descriptions, and course advisors for possible classes for his or her son or
daughter. Questions about courses, advisors, or curriculum can be addressed
to the advisor or to the director.
Each advisor has developed, printed, and can make available (to registered
Parents) the weekly assignment sheets for each of the courses he or she
teaches. These lesson plans are valuable tools, and as such are NOT made
available to families who are NOT registered in the HomeLink Program. We
ask that our registered HomeLink students keep these materials confidential
and not distribute these lesson plans to others outside of the Program.
One special feature of the HLP is the "Electives". Electives are generally
short-term classes focused in a specialty area (such as horsemanship,
forensics, Mount St. Helens, hurricanes, etc.).
Electives are usually available during three periods:
Several weeks before these sessions, newsletters are mailed announcing the
elective classes. These short-term specialties may be especially inviting
for HLP student¹s friends who are not otherwise registered with the Program.
All are invited.
PART 2 -- Students and HomeLink Staff
Students may seek occasional counsel, and direction from the HomeLink staff
concerning their studies. HomeLink has a special option available called
"Independent Study" which can assist families and students on a one-on-one
basis. The Independent Study option can be used for 2 or 3 sessions, or as
long as it is needed. Any student who believes he could benefit from the
Independent Study option is encouraged to speak to his or her parent first,
then to the HomeLink advisor.
To the best of his or her ability, each advisor will maintain a good working
relationship with the students and with the Parents. One of the advisor's
jobs is to maintain beneficial communication with Parents concerning each
student's achievement, performance, and classroom conduct. If at any time
it appears that this is not being accomplished, the Student is encouraged to
bring the issue to his or her parent. The parent may then decide to meet
with the advisor, and if necessary to bring the matter to the director.
Each advisor will provide the Parent with a direct access email address and
the HomeLink office phone number. This is necessary to facilitate healthy,
on-going communication from the Parents to the advisor. Phone messages left
at the HomeLink office will be relayed to the advisor, who in turn will
reply to the Parent. It is the policy of the HomeLink Program that the
Advisor is NOT to give out his or her private phone number to Parents or
students.
The HomeLink Program emphasizes and reinforces that Parents are the primary
decision-makers for their students' education, even in the courses their
students may take through HomeLink.
PART 3 -- Parents and Other Support
Students and Parents are encouraged to use other support groups in the area
to enhance their homeschool experience. While HLP provides some specific
services to Parents, there are many other resources available. HLP Students
and Parents are encouraged to be part of these other groups. The HLP
director can provide the contact information to help Students and Parents
find these other support services.
From time to time, Students in the HomeLink Program may be asked to provide
narratives, articles, anecdotes, testimonials, or other information for the
HomeLink Program web site. This is strictly voluntary, but is appreciated.
PART 4 -- Students and Program Management
HomeLink is not a school. But any time we gather a group of students
together, we need some guidelines to outline the expectations and
responsibilities of the group. Here is some information we think you will
need to function in the HomeLink Program.
A.
HLP academic policies include the following:
The academic calendar is divided into four quarters. The specific dates for
each quarter will be available when the course offerings are announced.
A written grade report will be issued following the completion of each
quarter for grades 6 through 12. The grading scale is a numeric scale as
follows:
93 - 100 = A
90 - 92 = A-
87 - 89 = B+
83 - 86 = B
80 - 82 = B-
77 - 79 = C+
73 - 76 = C
70 - 72 = C-
67 - 69 = D+
63 - 66 = D
60 - 62 = D-
Below 60 = F
Due dates are important to your grade. All work is due one week from the
date assigned, unless otherwise stated. Check the assignment sheet for
information on due dates for specific subjects. Work must be completed
before the student begins class. Work that is late will receive an
automatic deduction of 10 points -- REPEAT -- work that is late will
receive an automatic deduction of 10 points!
B.
Academic Probation
HomeLink policy states that if a student earns an "incomplete" or a grade
below 61% in one or more subjects for any quarterly grading report, the
student will enter academic probation for the following quarter. Close
Parental monitoring and/or adjustments will be necessary to help the student
improve that grade. Improvement of a grade during the next period will
remove the probation status. Students who receive "incomplete" on the
report are expected to make up the missing assignments before they are
allowed to pass on to the next grade.
C.
Arrivals and Departures to/from Class
There is no supervision for students outside of the classroom. Please make
every responsible effort to arrive at class safely. Arrange with Parents
for pick up promptly after class. Parents are asked to call the HomeLink
office if there will be a delay in picking up their student.
D.
Absences
Since classes meet so briefly, each class period is important. If illness
or unforeseen circumstances prevents a student from attending class, he or
she is encouraged to contact the advisor to arrange for the lessons missed.
HomeLink understands that planned absences for the student are sometimes
necessary. In such cases, we encourage students and parents to arrange for
lessons ahead of time.
E.
Discipline
From time to time, some Students exhibit disruptive behavior. If disruptive
behavior persists or becomes immediately destructive to the class, the
HomeLink advisor or the director will request that the Parent sit through
the next class session with the Student. If, in the opinion of the advisor,
a student's behavior is so disruptive as to cause harm to the goals of the
class, the advisor will notify the director with the necessary details. The
director will then take the necessary steps to remedy the problem.
F.
Dress Code
Students are expected to dress and groom themselves modestly, as to not
attract undue attention to themselves. It is preferred that sleeveless
tops, low necklines, bare midriffs, or skimpy clothing be avoided in class.
Such clothing can be distracting to others and should be avoided. Lettered
shirts with slogans or other symbols should be tasteful and contain no
profanity or suggestive language or artwork. Classes are short and all
need to focus attention on the subject at hand.
CLOSING THOUGHT
In a classroom, there is an important difference between "teaching" and
"learning". There is an old "tongue-and-cheek" among teachers that goes
like this.
"Teaching" is what the relatively old people do in front of the relatively
young people. "Learning" is what the young people do in spite of the old
people!
The point here is real -- learning is not the same as teaching. Learning is
far more important. The true goal of teaching is to assist your learning.
HomeLink's classes are designed to enhance your learning. We strive to
prod, to probe, and to motivate you to learn.