States Begin Crack Down on Home Schooling

Icehouse ^ | 01/03 | unknown

[twyn1]

Bella-
I read thru' the rest of the posts this morning -- just wanted to clear up a few things...
We homeschool, but we do not think we're "better" than other families, or entitled to special perks merely because we educate at home. This was just the right choice for our children and our family. We do want to be allowed the freedom to choose what subjects we cover, and how we educate (I am an unschooler at heart, and would LOVE to use delight-directed learning with my DD, but it cannot be done here in PA because of the arbitrary "rules" of what education is--so we compromise and as such, I alienate her just a little) I worked in the public school system. My son was emotionally and physically tormented in school (for being smart, polite, not "cool") and my daughter was turning into a little hood (hanging out with older girls who smoked and wanted to "try" sex, cheating, bullying other kids--she was in 5th grade). We pulled our kids out of school to save them, and it has worked wonderfully.

My son (who tested as gifted in math and science) is holding a 4.0 in community college right now (first year, but with a year of early dual-enrollment) -- he bascially taught himself math after the Algebra 2 level...BUT...my daughter HATES math (as well as most reading), and she is not a super student -- her PSAT scores were decent but not exceptional. That's okay with us tho'--because she has a huge heart for young and abused children, and volunteers at the local childrens' home, and works with her Youth Group at shelters for battered women and the homeless..this is a kid who, 6 years ago, was headed on the fast track to trouble.

Which kid is more "successful" ?

Yes, there are some homeschoolers who "cop an attitude" and/or give the impression that parents who use public schools don't love their kids as much, or are selfish and materialistic. But most of us are just so dang pleased with how well home education works, we see how our kids have changed and how they retain a real thirst for knowledge...and it's exciting for us -- we want all parents to know that they could do it too. Yes, Home School isn't for everyone, finances or family circumstances may prevent it, and some parents are just not cut out to teach their children...but there must always be freedom for parents to educate as they see fit...not as the state warrants. Otherwise we're sliding down that slippery slope into socialism and the "Nanny State". Most of us just want "the government" to leave us alone -- and don't worry about the miniscule amount of homeschoolers who may not be "qualified" or whose kids are failing -- they very well may still fare better than the ones who leave public school functionally and emotionally illiterate and dowtrodden. If you are a "small l" libertarian, I think you can understand this ??

By the way -- Home Schoolers NEED strong and stubborn lawyers -- want to come over and argue for our side ?? We're the "little" people ya'know :)

[SauronOfMordor]

SauronOM.....I remember our conversations of, what, one or two years ago? Warms me inside to know your aspirations are becoming your reality. Way to go, man!

Thanks, dasboot! She's going to try again in the spring, and see if she can make 1300. She officially starts highschool (homeschool) next year, and I figure with a sufficiently-high SAT, the local colleges might take her seriously enough to allow her to take biology & chem courses on their campus (I don't have the funds or expertise to set up a full lab in the basement for her)

The middle daughter is coming along in third grade, too.

[Wurlitzer]

"Have you ever met an Education major? Lord help us if you think a college degree and state license in education means anything. "

That reminds me of a true story.

I used to drive race cars and I was getting one painted at a collision shop owned by a former college English Prof. (his father died and left him the shop). This clod was applying old newspaper for masking but only after he read each page. It took him almost a full day to mask off the car. The shop is no longer in business. It was funny at the time (I was not paying by the hour) but now I see how sad it was.

[Bella_Bru]

You have FReepmail. :-)

[hsmomx3]

Thanks! Since this discussion is getting big, I felt your link deserved a new thread!!

[hsmomx3]

It depends which state you reside in. Some states have some terrible homeschooling laws while others are less restrictive. Keep in mind that if a homeschooling family is a member of Home School Legal Defense Association and pays their dues, HSLDA asks that you abide by the state law.

[GailA]

Catching up, on my back reading finally.

[dasboot]

Our local colleges turned down our requests to have our then 15-year-old on their campi...insurance liability and other such. Had to wait until they were 16. Wish you better luck. The s much preferred the night-courses....more serious learnin' goin' on; and they really had a ball talking to all those motivated 25 to 60 year-old students: I think that was a more valuable experience than the courses they took.

Looking foreward to more good news from yer school!

[jps098]

Most of the teachers I've met (in 40+ years), are C- students with degrees worth about as much as toilet paper. I will NEVER let my children be educated by the Communist Do-gooders that make up the teaching profession.

[Coleus]

A BA in Educations isn't worth the paper on which it is written, toilet paper is more valuable. There is a link here on the FR with Jay Leno on his Jay Walk where a teacher was interviewed and couldn't answer who was the General who led the states into victory.

A license is also a piece of paper, in many states it comes with your degree, in other states you have to teach for one year, it's not too special to have a license.

I know some so-called teachers who couldn't pass the National Teachers' Exam, a relatively very easy, general-knowledge test.

Most Nuns in Catholic Schools for many years taught WITHOUT college degrees. And, most teachers in "private" schools, including the very expensive boarding and college-prep schools around the USA DO NOT have teaching licenses. Many have advanced degrees in their respective discipline.