Posted on 02/16/2006 3:05:19 PM PST by Ronaldus Magnus
Meet My Teachers: Mom And Dad
A growing number of affluent parents think they can do better than any school
No longer the bailiwick of religious fundamentalists or neo-hippies looking to go off the cultural grid, homeschooling is a growing trend among the educated elite. More parents believe that even the best-endowed schools are in an Old Economy death grip in which kids are learning passively when they should be learning actively, especially if they want an edge in the global knowledge economy. "A lot of families are looking at what's happening in public or private school and saying, 'You know what? I could do better, and I'd like to be a bigger part of my kid's life,"' says University of Illinois education professor Christopher Lubienski.
(Excerpt) Read more at businessweek.com ...
It won't hinder it at all!! I'm on a Classical homeschooling board, and one woman was talking about her daughter getting appointments to a couple of the service academies.
If you're concerned about having a diploma that is acceptable to the Academies, there are umbrella schools, and schools to which you send the portfolio of the students work, they 'credential' it and keep records for you. When the student completes all requirements, they issue a diploma. They'll send transcripts to any school for which you give them permission to send it.
Our daughter is registered with North Atlantic Regional High School. You do the curriculum YOU want to do, just follow their guidelines about keeping records, etc. Click on the link and I think you can download their handbook.
Where I live in the northeast, our "homeschool community" is probably one of the most "diverse", and it does seem very divided. The word is that it's 50/50 Christian/secular, but under "secular" I've come across mostly Jewish, Catholic, and Christian families calling themselves "secular" simply because they don't fit-in with the groups with the stricter interpretations.
We also seem to be split 50/50 Republican/Democrat, too, believe it or not. The last election, there were homeschoolers around here supporting Kerry and spreading Michael Moore propaganda around.
But, whenever we're threatened with legislation, everyone comes together to oppose it. A division on regulations (support vs. oppose) is what could destroy us, imho.
Our daughter took the higher math classes, and physics with the lab at the Community College. Her dad could have done the Math, but it was a vey busy time for him. Worked out well, though. She enjoyed the classes, and didn't have a problem being in classes with folks older than herself. She also took a couple of Composition classes, because she didn't believe me when I tried to tell her how to go about writing. That's ok; at least she's learning!
Even if their materials are 'narrow' they are at least learning the basics, reading, writing, Math, spelling. That alone gives them the jump on many in the public schools.
Oh, I think there is plenty of room for all kinds of homeschoolers. We're strong Catholics, but I didn't use just Catholic materials for our kids because since they will be living in the world and dealing with folks there, they need to be aware of what's going on, and how to stand up for themselves with a reasoned argument if they ever need to do that.
I didn't see your post before I posted #42 above where I expressed the same fear.
I wonder if that's what happened in PA where some homeschoolers did support regulations, and now it's one of the most regulated states.
I'm convinced that some kids, a small few, don't belong in an institutional classroom setting. It requires kids to obey authority and go along with the group. That's an important lesson for most, but it crushes that small few who need freedom and less structure.
Thanks for the ping!
How about Eagle Scouts to demonstrate leadership potential? Or some community project?
Good luck!
What do you want to bet that the alternative fuel for petroleum that will be a success will be invented by a homeschooled young adult.
Do not hesitate to home educate.
Invest in your child's future and the country: Take your children out of public indoctrination centers. Imposed multiculturalism is tyranny.
I agree, and thanks for the ping.
We did a tour of Virginia's Senate and got to chat with the local reps. Running here and there throughout the sacred halls were the cutest little high school students in blue blazers. Pages, all of them volunteer, many of them homeschoolers. Asking your local representative if your child can work in his or her office is a GREAT idea to gain experience, an excellent activity to list on an application, and a source for impressive recommendations.
It doesn't have to...one of the young men in our homeschool support group just got an appointment to West Point. My husband and I are very proud of him. He was in some of the co-op classes we have taught over the years. It's like one of our kids getting the honor! (By the way, our two college kids are on academic scholarships - one a national merit scholar and the other a presidental scholar.)
I'm a divorced work-full-time mom homeschooling a 16yo for the past 4 years. Even single moms/dads can do it; it just takes some creative time management. ;)
I think the most important thing is that we continue to learn and be curious - and we talk, talk, talk!
Especially if you want them to know 'reading, writing and arithmetic' to quote and old expression.
Hello, good to meet you!!!!!!!! I love meeting other single mom homeschoolers (we are rare). I have wondered what to do after my kids are grown and out of the house (which is coming up on me very quickly), and just now, after reading your post, I think I have an idea.
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