homeschooling

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Home : 2001 : September : 28

homeschooling
By mina

Hi Everyone,
First, let me say that everything I put here may or may not be grammatically correct, but it has been my experience that everyone makes mistakes and should have their work proofread.
Second, I feel that
you are somewhat biased Jennifer and that you aren't just looking for insight. Phrases such as "most homeschoolers practice..." are just as inapplicable as "most public school teachers..."
As for homeschoolers being behind their grade-level peers, my thought would be that these are not homeschooled children, but instead are unschooled, which is a different philosophy of teaching. It

has been my personal experience that homeschooled children function at or above their peers. This is a direct benefit of so much one-on-one attention at home.

I do feel "qualified" to speak from both sides of the issue. I am a public school teacher who homeschools my own two children. My 15 year old daughter will finish an accredited high-school curriculum in 1 1/2 years (4 years of high school in two years of homeschooling). My 13 year old son is certainly at or above grade level in all subjects...I test each child using the Stanford exams at the end of each year, as well as the TAAS. We have a multitude of homeschool friends whose children are polite, well-behaved, and bright. Admittedly, there are a few children I do not enjoy being around, so we just stay away from them.

I am able to homeschool because my husband works nights. One of us is able to be home at all times and help when the children need us. My co-workers were initially skeptical of our situation, but have become very supportive as they have gotten to know my family. They realize that we aren't rejecting public school, we are just choosing to homeschool. (By the way, we did not practice Attachment Parenting...we practice respect of one's elders and love of one's children.)

As for public school, I certainly agree that there are MANY wonderful teachers! I know quite a few personally. However, there are some perfectly awful teachers. I'm speaking of teachers who belittle and embarrass children, who avoid referring children to the special help they need because they don't want to handle the paperwork involved, and the teachers who just plain don't know what they're doing. These teachers ARE out there.

I am not against public school, however, I do think that it isn't for everyone. Homeschooling is just an option, and I'm sorry that your limited contact with homeschoolers has been unpleasant. They shouldn't bash public school. Unfortunately, sometimes people from both sides speak out of ignorance.

I would be glad to have further discussion with anyone who is interested. You can email at my school address listed.

As for cons of homeschooling, I can think of a few.

no FREE access to materials (labs, field trips, computers, etc.)

we aren't allowed participation in extra-curricular activities supported by the schools (clubs, sports)(even though we pay the same taxes for schools as everyone else)

no free, appropriate education (I pay for everything involved)

There are too many pros for me to list, but number one is that we get to spend time with our children being a family and imparting OUR values, not the values of our culture...and my children are not allowed to watch inappropriate television shows that are geared to teens these days. We aren't being too protective, and we do feel that our children will be able to "function in the real world." We are being responsible parents who take the shaping of character very seriously.

Oops! Jumped on the soapbox there....anyway, what we're doing works for us, but wouldn't suit everyone. I am happy in my job and consider myself to be an excellent teacher as are many of my co-workers AND my homeschooler friends.

Ciao!