https://www.nationalreview.com/corner/a-reply-to-the-enemies-of-home-schooling/
An encouraging report.
NRO: A Reply to the Enemies of Home Schooling
Published
Tidewater News and Opinion Forum
A place for civil discussion of the events of the day for Tidewater residents without the limitations imposed by media forums.
There is not much negative I can say about home schooling. It is a wonderful option for families that can do it. It is a CHOICE that families can make, but it is not an option for everyone. Families where both parents have to work to pay the bills can’t do it. It is NOT a choice available to them. And the reality of today’s economy is that the majority of families need the dual income form both parents working.
It is also not an option for single parents for the obvious reason.
There is one drawback to it that I have encountered in the past. I coached youth sports when my kids were involved. There were numerous times where one of the other children on the team (and throughout the league) was home schooled. The issue was their ability to interact with their peers. They were not exposed to other children as they would if they were in a public or even private school. Very limited socialization. I even had one parent try to explain that to me. I treated all of the kids on the team the same, but that one particular child was a challenge. And not just for me, but for the other kids on the team.
Bottom line is if a family is able and choose to home school, then bully for them. But realize that it is a CHOICE that is not beneficial to all. And even some who think they are capable find out otherwise and it ends up being more of a negative for their children.
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Are there “enemies of home schooling” in significant numbers? And in positions of power?
I have known plenty of home schooling families, including in my own relations.
More power to them.
Keeping in mind that the ones I did know, 1 parent either stayed home, worked from home or was part time employed. The other had a fairly well paying job. That is fine too. Of course, there are resources available to help, but the parents need to be decently educated themselves to a level at which they can teach.
Motivated parents, relatively well off, and well educated do make a huge difference, home schooling or not.
Yes we have problems in public education. A couple of observations, however:
School districts in affluent areas have in many cases superb schools. Often better than elite religious or secular private academies.
Public schools are obligated by law to accept everyone regardless of intellect and behavioral issues. Add in those issues with a low income school district and quality suffers.
The point is that in a relatively low wage economy like ours, it takes multiple jobs to afford decent housing, schools, nutrition, and, by extension, quality and nurturing home life to raise children.
Finally, comparing socialization is tough. An underfunded, urban ghetto school can be a serious challenge for anyone. But Scarsdale schools are probably quite a positive experience for most.
The opinion has more than a strong tone of victimhood from those who are fortunate enough to afford the luxury of home schooling.
IMHO
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