Going Home to School

By: Alexis N. Pomeroy
30 November 2007

Abstract

Homeschooling has been an excellent way for young individuals to gain an education for centuries. However, there are many who strongly believe that home schooling is not the best method for educating children. Socialization and structure is a large concern for them, along with the possibility of inadequately qualified parents. They say that home school hinders social development. Regardless, homeschooling continues to rapidly increase in popularity. There are many circumstances where homeschooling is the best way for children to learn. Common reasons include people who are constantly moving or traveling as their career, children who are gifted feel unchallenged by conventional schooling systems, or parents who feel that the public school system lacks the quality they desire for their children. Many parents report a dissatisfaction with the public and private schools is a main motivation for homeschooling their child. Religious concerns, whether the presence of it is desired or not, is also a common factor. Children are given the opportunity to learn about and use modern technology that is becoming so prevalent in today’s world – therefore receiving valuable skills that are so marketable in today’s working world.

Going Home to School

Homeschooling has greatly increased in popularity over recent years – for good reason too. With low-budgets, irritable teachers, rowdy children, and few curriculum choices, the public school system seems to fall short in many aspects. Homeschooling presents students and parents an alternative method of gaining a high-quality education as well as refined development for the individuals. For some, home schooling is the most logical option for their lifestyles, while for others it equates to deprivation of social or academic opportunities.

Homeschooling has been an excellent way for young individuals to gain an education for centuries. Homeschooling was the original educational system – the first method of learning. It continued to be the ordinary source of learning in rural areas through the late 1800s. Laws were enacted to ensure school attendance in that same century. The conventional schooling system with structured classrooms and daily routines began to take prevalence in society and homeschooling became less common and more obscure. The 1960s brought a renewed popularity and modernized approach to homeschooling and it rapidly continues to increase its numbers of advocates every year. Editor and writer Rhonda Rieseberg stated, “in the late 1960s and 1970s, dissatisfaction with traditional schooling began to increase the numbers of home-schooled children. But the dramatic resurgence in home schooling has occurred since 1978, when an estimated 10-15 thousand children in grades K-12 were home schooled” (13). According to Brian D. Ray, "there were an estimated 1.7 - 2.1 million children (grades K-12) home educated during 2002-2003 in the United States. Home schooling appears to still be the fastest-growing form of education.” Homeschooling is rapidly becoming more popular and is going to continue doing so.

Homeschooling provides a customized, superb learning experience for children of all ages. It increases the potential preparedness of living in the world. Children who grew up being homeschooled score higher than national averages on state assessments and college admissions tests. Jon Wartes, a counselor at a public high school tracked the SAT scores of hundreds of Washington state homeschooled children for several years. In reports published annually from 1987 through 1990. Wartes found from the Washington Homeschool Research Project in Woodinville, “that homeschoolers consistently scored above the national average in reading, language, math, and science, with a median score at about the 67th percentile. Other studies have resulted in similar findings, with the home educated in Montana averaging at the 72nd percentile, in North Dakota at about the 85th percentile, and in Oklahoma at the 88th percentile” (Rieseberg). It is a brilliant alternative for many in gaining a substantial education.

Many believe that homeschooling instills a natural inquisitiveness that proves extremely beneficial in being motivated to learn and grow. It creates an independent mind and self-discipline. They are able to learn at their own pace instead of a standardized pace set by the school and government. Choice of curriculum is a favorable option for families and their child is spared from the busy-work assignments that teachers love to hand out.

Home schooling is legal in all the states. Some states have set qualification requirements for the teaching parents, such as a teaching certification. Many of the states have required standardized tests to ensure sufficient learning is taking place. In some states, tests or evaluations are taken every year, while others are required every few years.

In a detailed profile, the government reported that most home schooled children live in cities and have well-educated parents where one stays home. There are many circumstances where home schooling is the best way for children to learn. Common reasons include people who are constantly moving or traveling as their career, children who are gifted feel unchallenged by conventional schooling systems, or parents who feel that the public school system lacks the quality they desire for their children. Many parents report a dissatisfaction with the public and private schools is a main motivation for homeschooling their child. Religious concerns, whether the presence of it is desired or not, is also a common factor. Parents often express concern with the ability of teachers being able to give the instruction to their child when there is a classroom full of 30 students.

Another factor is the attitude that educators of the public school system take in relation to their students. Many are seen to have a disrespect towards the students and believe that they are superior to them in every way. With homeschooling, the child is placed with high importance and are given the chance to gain self-confidence and worth. They are allowed to think freely and avoid getting yelled at by teachers if they want to get a drink or use the restroom.

However, there are many who strongly believe that home schooling is not the best method for educating children. Socialization and structure is a large concern for them, along with the possibility of inadequately qualified parents. They say that home school hinders social development.

Researcher, Nola Aiex, reported in her article, “The stereotypical home-schooled child is often portrayed as being shy, passive, and lethargic because of his/her isolation from the normal socialization found in formal schooling. Critics further allege that the self-concept of the home-schooled child suffers from lack of exposure to a more conventional environment.” She says that there is more research needed to determine sufficiently the condition of home schooled children relative to socialization. Her article concluded saying, “Notably, the success or failure of the home schooling experience depends inevitably on the success or failure of the family's interpersonal relationships. Home schooling is a complex issue and represents a tremendous commitment on the part of the parents – in most cases, the father must function as the sole breadwinner, and the mother must spend most of her time instructing her children.”

Homeschooling results in highly-educated individuals who are well-prepared to join the workforce. Children are given the opportunity to learn about and use modern technology that is becoming so prevalent in today’s world. Rieseberg writes:

"The quiet hum of electrical synergy relays the infinite language of 0s and 1s as a second-grader learns to play piano, a ten-year-old takes the helm of a simulated spaceship [...] computer technology has affected nearly every aspect of our lives and has the capability to enhance home learning. Combine the oldest learning environment with the newest technology, and you may provide the best preparation for the workplace of tomorrow... The workplace of the 21st century will be a multi-ability, multi-generational workplace in which students who conform with their peer group may struggle to compete, while students who move beyond peer expectations and develop personal expertise and independence will likely find exciting and challenging opportunities (12)."

As seen in Figure 1, a young girl uses interactive software to learn. This provides her an opportunity to prepare for the real-world work force, which relies so much on computers.

Figure 1: Girl learns to use modern technology.

Homeschooling has evolved to a outstanding way to prepare children for today’s world of work. It cultivates high ambition and self-motivation, naturally encourages the development of entrepreneur skills, involves extensive use of modern technology, and encourages interaction with people of all backgrounds and ages – which all mirror the workforce of the nation.

Children who are homeschooled are able to access computers and use technology whenever they need to. They can take online classes and use the myriad of resources available. Conversely, children who attend public schools have limited access to computer use in school – maybe having a computer available in a computer lab for an hour a few times a week.

They also feel that their children would be deprived of sports programs. Some question the qualification of parents in relation to teaching their children, but this can be solved by independent study programs, distance study courses, or tutors. The materials and coursework can be rather expensive (base expenses for coursework alone easily exceed $1500 for one year), and public schools are already funded by tax payers such as the parents, yet the coursework that can be hand-picked is well worth the price. This customized way of education gives children an extremely advantageous step ahead of their peers. They are inventive, motivated, and are able to interact well with people of all ages.

Homeschooling requires a huge time investment in planning out lessons, selecting curriculum, guiding children with homework and assignments. Nonetheless, it is spent so efficiently with homeschooling – it does not even compare with the wasted hours of sitting in classrooms all day. With a regimented study schedule, school lessons and assignments can be completed in less than half the time of long public school days. This provides time for the children to pursue interests in music, art, outdoors, reading, or countless other activities.

While homeschooling does exceed academically, people often express concern for the number one opponent of homeschooling – social skills and development. Many have a misconception of homeschooling, often labeling it as “isolated from the real world.” Christopher J. Klicka, Senior Counsel for the Home School Legal Defense Association, wrote an article on the very topic. He states,

"Public school children are confined to a classroom for at least 180 days each year with little opportunity to be exposed to the workplace or to go on field trips. The children are trapped with a group of children their own age with little chance to relate to children of other ages or adults. They learn in a vacuum where there are no absolute standards. They are given little to no responsibility, and everything is provided for them. The opportunity to pursue their interests and to apply their unique talents is stifled. Actions by public students rarely have consequences, as discipline is lax and passing from grade to grade is automatic. The students are not really prepared to operate in the home (family) or the workplace, which comprise a major part of the "real world" after graduation (1)."

Klicka continues to explain the homeschoolers world,

"Homeschoolers, on the other hand, do not have the above problems. They are completely prepared for the "real world" of the workplace and the home. They relate regularly with adults and follow their examples rather than the examples of foolish peers. They learn based on "hands on" experiences and early apprenticeship training. In fact, the only "socialization" or aspect of the "real world" which they miss out on by not attending the public school is unhealthy peer pressure, crime, and immorality. Of course, the average homeschooler wisely learns about these things from afar instead of being personally involved in crime or immorality or perhaps from being a victim (1)."

Some may believe that homeschooling actually deprives children of social activities and similar opportunities for social development. Homeschooling does not deprive children at all of these things. Concerning social activites, Klicka affirms that “through heavy involvement in church youth groups, 4H clubs, music and art lessons, Little League sports participation, YMCA, Scouts, singing groups, activities with neighborhood children, academic contests (spelling bees, orations, creative and research papers), and regular involvement in field trips...it appears that these students are involved in more social activities, whether by design or being with the parent in various situations, than the average middle school-aged child”(2). Parents simply must keep their children involved in a variety of activities and interaction with others. Children can participate in numberless interpersonal activities. They are able to socialize with different groups of children of various ages. Rieseburg’s article reads,

"In 'Comparison of Social Adjustment Between Home and Traditionally Schooled Students' (1992 dissertation, University of Florida), Larry Shyers compared behavior and social development test scores of two groups of 70 children ages eight to ten. One group was home schooled, and the other group attended public or private schools. Shyers found that the home-schooled children had fewer behavioral problems because they tended to imitate their parents, while the other children modeled themselves after their peers. "The results seem to show that a child's social development depends more on adult contact and less on contact with other children as previously thought (15)."

Stevens reports, “since the early years of the homeschool movement, some researchers have tried to discern how homeschooled children fare academically. Available evidence indicates that these kids generally meet or exceed national averages on standardized tests ... Remarkably, the homeschoolers had higher median scores than the national norms for every subject in every grade” (13). He further informs that the majority of homeschooled students place between the 70^th and 79^th percentiles in state tests.

Homeschooling definitely provides numerous advantages for learning children. They are able to be involved socially with diverse people of different backgrounds and ages, be a part of in-depth learning, and grow closer to their families. Homeschooling provides children the opportunity to experience the world on an personal, individual level. They are able to travel at whatever time of the year they want, free of restricting school schedules. The children are given individualized learning and endless opportunities to learn about whatever it is that interests them. They are able to participate in countless extracurricular activities that would otherwise not be an option for them if they were restrained by traditional school systems. The confidence and self-esteem seen in homeschooled individuals is remarkable and noticeable. They face the world fearlessly, they look at people in the eye when conversing with them, they believe in themselves, and know that they are unique and valuable. Homeschooling is a decision available to every family in the world and proves to be advantageous and priceless in the development of their children.

Works Cited

Aiex, Nola Kortner. “Home Schooling and Socialization of Children.” ERIC Clearninghouse on Reading, English, and Communication Digest. June 1994

http://www.indiana.edu/~reading/ieo/digests/d94.html

Klicka, Christopher J. Socialization: Homeschoolers Are in the Real World. http://www.hslda.org/docs/nche/000000/00000068.asp. March 2007.

Ray, Brian D. Facts on Homeschoooling. hslda.org. 2003. <http://www.hslda.org/research/faq.asp#1>

Rieseberg, Rhonda L. “Home Learning, Technology, and Tomorrow’s Workplace.” Journal of the Agency for Instructional Technology. 4.1 (1995): 12-17

Stevens, Mitchell L. “Kingdom of Children: Culture and Controversy in the Homeschooling Movement” Princeton University Press 2001.