Home schooling seminar Saturday

Conference focuses on teaching techniques, home learning laws

Thursday, Aug. 9, 2007

By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer

More children across the state are getting their formal education at home, and, in response, a group of parents have organized a conference to help others better their teaching techniques and understand home school laws.

Last year, nearly 69,000 students in North Carolina were taught at home, up by more than 17,000 since 2002. In Catawba County, nearly 1,100 students attend home schools, according to the state's Division of Non-Public Education.

The inaugural Love to Learn Conference brings an array of topics, including vaccination regulations, home school laws, concurrent college credit and ideas to make education more exciting, said event co-planner Teri Kuiper.

Planners expect about 200 parents and students from across the state at the event Saturday at Catawba Valley Community College, Kuiper said.

Kuiper said the sessions will give information to new and long-time home school parents.

"We want people to feel connected and empowered," said Kuiper, who began home-schooling her three children in 2000.


Want to Go?
Register for the conference 8-8:45 a.m. Saturday at Catawba Valley Community College's Multipurpose Complex, 2250 U.S. 70 S.E., Hickory. The programs will be 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. A toddler play area and a craft room will be available for children.

Tickets are $40 for families of any size; $20 for adults; $15 for children. Details: www.lovetolearnconference.com.


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