| Christie Berry

Qualitative Research

Case Study E

Parent info:
Mother: Age 30  Education: Some College
Father: Deceased

Parent’s educational structure is somewhat organized.
Annual Family Income: 20,000

Family Setting:

2 children: Twin Girls
1 with disability:
J.  – Cerebral Palsy and Mild Learning Disability
Home educating both

They came into the Program in fall of 2002. They are still enrolled in our school as of this writing, 2006

J., age 8, came into the program with her sister working close to grade level across all subjects. Mother had been home educating them for a year prior to them signing up with our school. Mother complained that Jade needed extra help that her sister did not need and was falling behind in her school work.

After evaluating the girls and creating an education program that was suitable to both girls, mother implemented a mastery learning, individualized instruction program for the girls that included unit studies for the areas of science and social studies.

In my observation, I have noticed that mother has not been consistent with the individualized instruction for the areas of reading and math over the past 4 years. She has assigned ‘busy work’ for the girls instead of teaching. Even with this less than favorable situation, J. continues to learn and with help from her grandmother and mother, she is progressing. Her math and reading levels are staying about a half year behind her sister. Mother needs encouragement and support if she is to continue home educating her daughters.

It is my opinion that in a single parent household, the stresses of running the home has a direct effect on the educational environment in the home education setting. Although, it is not impossible for a single parent to home educate, the indications are that a single parent will need additional supports if they intend to home educate their special needs child.