This list is for New York State unschoolers (or those interested in moving towards unschooling in NYS). There are at least three definitions of unschooling in use here:

1.) The kid’s the one who chooses what and how to learn, in terms of “academics”, the “intellect”, or the “required subjects” listed in the NYS Regulations on Home Instruction.

2.) The books, materials or ways of learning are more creative, hands-on, real-world, flexible, individualized, etc., than what is typically found in conventional schools or in what is sometimes called "school-at-home homeschooling".

3.) The kid’s the one who chooses what and how to learn/do not only within the narrow realm described in definition #1, but also in terms of, for example, what to eat or how much TV to watch.

You’re welcome no matter which definition you prefer - or if yours doesn’t fit neatly into one of these. (DISCLAIMER: Elsa, the current listowner, has a bias, preferring definition #1.)

Some listmembers came here to escape discussions of curricula, etc. Please think twice before posting here what you could just as easily post on a general-interest homeschooling list.

Our unusual List Guidelines (see Files section) are designed to protect listmembers from the powers of the listowner and moderator/s.

If you’re a journalist, a researcher, or an employee or contractor of any government entity having to do with education or child welfare, or if you’re acting on behalf of someone who is, you must reveal this fact to the listowner, who will decide with the moderator/s whether your presence on the list is likely to compromise the freedom of listmembers to express themselves. You are responsible for any professional ethics, rules or laws that preclude your joining this list.

Elsa is the new listowner, as of 05/30/07. (This list description differs sharply from the one used by her predecessor, Anne. See Files section.)