WV State Superintendent: “Homeschoolers Need More Oversight”
Posted on 08/02/2011 3:11:40 PM PDT by Sopater
West Virginia’s Monongalia County Board of Education is proposing a new homeschool policy. In the document’s “statement of purpose,” the board refers to stale objections, which reveal a flawed and stereotyped view towards homeschooling. Despite the fact that homeschooling has decades worth of practical and scientific evidence documenting its success, there are still public school officials who re-use the same old criticism of homeschooling—teacher competency and socialization.
Here is the proposed policy’s first paragraph:
“Monongalia County Board of Education encourages the enrollment of all school-age children [who] are residents in Monongalia County or in registered parochial or private schools so that they may enjoy the benefits a of well-planned educational program and the socialization possible in a group environment.”
As if homeschooling programs are not well-planned or lack in providing “socialization” opportunities. The modern homeschool movement has been going on for 40 years and there is plenty of evidence showing that it not only works, but it actually works better than other forms of schooling. For resources that HSLDA has been involved with to show the benefits of homeschooling go to: HSLDA Homeschooling Research webpage or the HSLDA brochure, “The Best Kind of Socialization” (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader).
Mike Donnelly, HSLDA staff attorney for member affairs in West Virginia, encourages homeschool families to respond persuasively.
“It can be frustrating to continually address the same tired stereotypes—especially in the public context of a board of education policy review process. However, as we politely and persuasively point out the facts, we have the opportunity to open the minds of people who simply have not considered the arguments or who may not be aware of the evidence in favor of homeschooling. Take an opportunity to witness graciously to your elected officials and help them come to an accurate understanding of what homeschooling really is and the evidence that shows it works,” Donnelly wrote.
Membership with HSLDA allows families to unite and oppose efforts such as this that attack and erode homeschool freedom. When united, families can effectively defeat these attacks, advance the right to homeschool, and further awareness of the benefits of homeschooling.
Thou shall have no Gods before me, saith the state.
As a college professor, I can certify that students who are home schooled are consistently at the top of the academic heap. Sadly, the majority of those who attended public schools are stupid and lazy (or, more likely, stupid because they are lazy).
Government schooling is regimented and fascist.
It’s about $. A kid in school is worth $ to them.
The primary object of public schools is to take control of children away from their parents and indoctrinate them. Simple as that. They make a hash of it, but it doesn’t matter. That’s educrats are all about.
ping to metmom
I may get some flak for the following statement: Sending your child to a government school in the vast majority of cases is a form of passive child abuse especially if you are a minority or send your child to a school which is primarily minority based
“... home schooled are consistently at the top of the academic heap”.
I know two homeschooling Moms. I will honestly say that they are the most organized women that I know. Lists and calendars for everything... and I mean everything. They arrange laundry, food shopping, cleaning etc... around their children’s schedules. I asked, “what happens if an emergency doctor appointment arises?” Answer is simply the schedule is adjusted in the evening till it runs smoothly. To be honest, I wish I was more like that!
(Plus, everyday they aren't in government school we lose out on federal money)
The re-use of the same old criticism demonstrates the ignorance of the school officials. Home schooling families get together to provide exceptional learning opportunities, far better than a teacher can provide. Home schooling families can plan and execute field trips at times convenient to them, ensuring a non watered down experience. Children are "socialized" via participation with other home schooling families (geography, math, writing clubs), church activities, Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, plus the public life all children get.
Excellent material exists on the web and through home schooling organizations. Home schoolers start university courses early (local community college), being "dual enrolled" with high school.
Home schoolers excel in all aspects of learning, do well in college, and in life.
That is very encouraging as my son and daughter i-l just announced there two daughters will be doing there Jr. and SR. high school years 'Home schooled.' I Have no data on what it is for those students who 'begin' homeschooling in their high school years. I do know the decision was made after almost two years of inquiring and research,as well as preparing the girls for this possibility. The girls are very excited that "finally" this is to be realized.
WV State Superintendent: “Homeschoolers Need More Oversight”
Any hints on what a grandparent might do to help assist the parents?... since just learned my teen granddaughters will begin this year, and thru to end of high school, being homeschooled.
Not ignorance. Greed.
Every home-schooled child represents federal money they don't get to collect.
I’m a member of the privileged class and I agree with you wholeheartedly.
I’d have been a far happier and well-adjusted child shoudl I have been educated right from the start at home.
I've seen sending a child to public school compared to child abuse many times on FR. I am yet to see the poster receive any flak.
The keyword for the FREE REPUBLIC HOMESCHOOLERS’ FORUM is frhf.
I don't recall anyone asking for their opinion.
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