| Homeschooling is a controversial topic which | | | | Some states, such as Pennsylvania, expect parents to |
| occasionally causes heated arguments. Irrespective of | | | | obtain achievement tests so their child's progress may |
| whether you are for or against this type of education, | | | | be regularly monitored. In this case, someone other |
| homeschooling is increasing across all states. In 2003, | | | | than the parent must administer the test in grades 3, 5 |
| 2.2% of children were taught at home. Over the next | | | | and 8. Other states, such as Alabama, insist that each |
| four years the numbers grew steadily until by 2007 | | | | child be linked with an 'umbrella' school. The umbrella |
| there were 1.5 million kids (2.9%) being homeschooled. | | | | school oversees the homeschooling programs and |
| There are a number of reasons why parents consider | | | | answers to the state. A third type of involvement |
| homeschooling to be the best option for their children. | | | | includes the state making specifications regarding part |
| The type of environment in which a child is taught is | | | | of the curriculum. For example, Nebraska expects all |
| the most important factor for the majority of parents. | | | | homeschooled students from K-5 to devote at least |
| A survey conducted in 2007 about parent and family | | | | one hour per week to stories and/or music about |
| involvement in education, (part of the National | | | | American history and heroes. Nebraska also insists on |
| Household Survey), established that 88% of | | | | implementing a monthly fire drill. |
| respondents whose kids were taught at home had | | | | Parents who have opted for homeschooling will explain |
| concerns about the way education is provided in public | | | | they did not make their decision lightly. After all, they |
| schools. An equally high percentage (83%) preferred | | | | are investing their own time and resources to teach |
| homeschooling because it meant they could provide | | | | their kids over a number of years. If you're interested in |
| religious or moral instruction in such a way that their | | | | homeschooling, there is a wealth of information |
| own beliefs were addressed and satisfied. | | | | available that includes advice and support from a |
| Many kids with physical or learning disabilities are being | | | | growing number of organizations. The Internet has |
| taught at home as well. Indeed, the number has | | | | made a tremendous difference. Parents new to |
| increased by 36% since 2003. The reasons for this | | | | homeschooling are now able to join online self-help |
| increase are not clear. Could it be that some parents | | | | groups and benefit from others' experiences. There is |
| feel their kids are able to learn at their own pace | | | | also a considerable amount of downloadable free |
| without undue pressure when taught at home? Many | | | | material in addition to commercial websites which offer |
| feel it's easier to make mistakes, and learn from them | | | | an ever-changing program of tasks and progression |
| without embarrassment, in one's own surroundings. | | | | tests across all subjects. |
| Others who advocate homeschooling point out that | | | | Homeschooling requires superb time management, |
| because there is no contact with potential bullying, kids | | | | sensible routines and time set aside for non-educational |
| develop greater confidence when they are working | | | | activities. Most parents will plan a year's tuition with |
| within their home environment. This may be one | | | | appropriate goals. A typical week could be four days |
| reason why more girls than boys receive | | | | of academics with one day set aside for field trips. |
| homeschooling. Homeschooling is also used by parents | | | | Many parents join forces with other homeschooling |
| of very bright kids who suspect that their offspring | | | | families for field trips, thus enabling their kids to meet |
| would be held back if they were taught in a mixed | | | | and interact with their peers, and overcome the |
| ability class. It is interesting to note that parents involved | | | | criticisms that homeschooled kids do not have |
| in homeschooling are more likely to be college | | | | opportunities to socialize. |
| educated. | | | | Here is an example of one day's work for a ten-year |
| Those who oppose homeschooling frequently | | | | old, taken from a self-help website: |
| comment on the fact that kids do not have as many | | | | Before 11.30am routine household chores and family |
| opportunities to socialize with their peers, which could | | | | meal |
| impact their long-term development. There is also a | | | | 11.30am Religion, vocabulary |
| risk surrounding a lack of recognized safeguards that | | | | 12pm Reading |
| protect against potential abuse. The cost of providing | | | | 12.30pm Math |
| sufficient teaching equipment is also very expensive | | | | 1.30pm Language |
| and therefore some think that homeschooled children | | | | 2pm History |
| are having to make-do with fewer resources, or work | | | | 2.30pm Spelling |
| with material of a lower quality than those found in | | | | 3pm Science or Health |
| public schools. In addition, in some states, there isn't any | | | | 3.30pm Social studies and Civics |
| oversight of student progression due to lack of | | | | 4pm Writing |
| compulsory or regular testing. | | | | 4.30pm Homework |
| Legislation concerning homeschooling overcomes the | | | | Homeschooling is here to stay and the steady growth |
| latter argument to some extent, although the level at | | | | of online advice and resources will assist in this |
| which there is oversight varies from state to state. | | | | development. |