Palmetto Independent Educator’s was founded June 1996 by Renee Madden. Denise Merchant was chosen as director in 1997.

We, at PIE, understand how important it is for your needs and questions to be addressed. This resource is dedicated to assist you at reaching your goal, the highest quality of education.

It is our goal to help families who are considering home schooling to find the support and information they need. This resource is organized into several steps that will help you become familiar with home schooling, state law, accountability associations, support groups and much more.

OUR PURPOSE

PIE was created out of the belief that education should be both affordable and non-intrusive. The purpose of PIE is to provide a legal means to home school your children at a minimal cost to you, the parent. The office of PIE takes a unique approach to achieving our purpose. Our approach is based on a common interest and responsibility between the office of PIE and each member where the administration and its members work together.

The ultimate objective is to provide an association that members are proud to be a part of, meets state requirements at a minimum cost to the parent, and provides the resources and support you need through effective communication.

To attain these goals, it is our intension to provide a quality service in the areas of accountability, support for parents through various record keeping solutions, and to provide a knowledge management resource that can be easily accessed, simple to use, and one that provides members an opportunity to contribute to as well.

ACCOUNTABILITY

PIE provides the security of a proper legal covering while giving the freedom to choose and implement an educational program that best fits your child’s needs. An overview of PIE's Accountability Program is provided here.

Accountability requires the office of PIE to coordinate annually with South Carolina’s State Department of Education, members of PIE, and each school district members reside in. An overview of PIE's Calendar Year is provided here.

 Important Note: Each year, the State Department of Education conducts an annual review of the association’s standards to ensure that the minimum requirements of the association are met. PIE's documentation correlates with each section of the home school laws to ensure members are fully aware of all requirements. An overview of PIE's Documentation is provided here.

RECORD KEEPING

Maintaining education records can be a challenge. Some parents become overwhelmed because of the responsibility. Particularly with the transcript and diploma which are important documents necessary for entering college or having access to quality employment with a desirable salary.

As a result, we have witnessed families who home school under the 3rd option during the elementary and middle school years eventually place their high school students into public or private school. Otherwise, if not for the uncertainty of maintaining high school level records, and the fear of the child/student not being accepted into college, these families would continue to home school under the 3rd option through to graduation.

The office of PIE desires to provide support for those in need. We will work with members to share information, ideas, and encouragement whenever possible.

KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT RESOURCE

The following is a short list of some very basic questions the majority of parent/teachers will need to consider at some point within their perspective home school program.

1. Curricula: As the parent/teacher, the ultimate responsibility has been shifted from the public school to you.
   1. Which curriculum should you use?
   2. Where can you get the curriculum you need?
   3. How much will it cost?
2. SC Law: Each home school family needs to have a full understanding of the home school laws.
   1. What are the requirements?
   2. Who do you need to contact?
   3. How do you avoid conflict with state officials?
3. Record Keeping: Maintaining education records can be a challenge.
   1. How do you collect the appropriate records?
   2. How much is too much?
   3. What are some best practices?
4. Support Groups: Support groups provide a wealth of ideas, news, encouragement, and activities.
   1. How do you find a support group to join?
   2. What if you can’t find a group you like?
   3. Are you required to join a support group?
5. High School: Having educational goals set in place as early as possible will be an advantage for both the parent/teacher and child/student. Waiting until the last minute can become costly. In some cases there will be programs and/or benefits which may be lost.
   1. Which courses should your student take?
   2. How many credits will your student need?
   3. Are there any programs available for your student?

Unfortunately, not all questions are going to be so basic. In fact, many parent/teachers will come to the conclusion that navigating through time sensitive information, an endless flow of materials to choose from, and rules that are continuously changing, is a very daunting task.

The office of PIE desires to help.

Managing knowledge is a process that involves several layers of involvement. Researching and collecting quality information, organizing and creating knowledge, and reaching a competent level of understanding for how it all comes together. Through the use of networking and Internet technologies we are able to provide a knowledge management resource which includes a MEMBER HANDBOOK, MEMBER CENTER, and DOCUMENT LIBRARY.

Members can now enjoy the opportunity to share information, ideas, and the latest news in their area with other members. An overview of PIE's Knowledge Management Map is provided here.