Homeschooling is the practice of teaching ones own kids at home. Homeschooling began long before public education became compulsory. It wasn’t until sometime later when parents realized they willingly gave up their rights. Once this was discover parents began once again to educate their children at home. It was very common practice that parents would educate their children at home when they were ill and not able to attend public school. It was also popular for missionaries to do likewise. In addition, families who lived in remote areas of the country would find it more advantageous to home educate their children.
Private schools also became a viable option for those parents with financial means. Many of the private schools were run by religious organizations and other private schools were run by corporations. It wasn’t until late in the 1970’s and early into the 1980’s that the general populace began to reconsider homeschooling. Many parents just didn’t agree with the direction public education was going. In the beginning the road was very rocky. There weren’t many curriculum suppliers and very few publishers. Today things are different. There are many publishers of homeschool material. Publishers realize that homeschooling is here and not going away. In fact, they believe that homeschooling will do nothing but grow.
All fifty states recognize a families right to home educate their children. Approximately 2/3 of all the states have specific laws authorizing and regulating homeschooling. In the other 1/3 of the states parents must register as a private school or provide an equivalent education.
Of the 31 states that have specific laws governing homeschooling, none of them require a college degree, most require a high school or equivalent degree. What is required of the parent is dedication and hard work. If the parent is dedicated and committed, the time spent on a daily basis would be only three to four hours. Homeschool parents are able to draw on the resources of other parents (collaboration) in subjects they may not feel as comfortable with. There may be a parent who will teach math, another language arts, etc. It is very important that even if families don’t network together to provide for the education of the children, it is very important for the homeschool parent to join a local homeschool group, support group, and attend conventions.
Research has found that most homeschooled students are involved in a wide variety of outside activities, interact with a broad spectrum of people, and make positive contributions to their communities. Experience has shown that homeschoolers are well socialized and able to make lasting friendships across age and cultural divides.
There are many resources available to parents. Below is a starter list. Click on any of the links to learn more.
Private schools also became a viable option for those parents with financial means. Many of the private schools were run by religious organizations and other private schools were run by corporations. It wasn’t until late in the 1970’s and early into the 1980’s that the general populace began to reconsider homeschooling. Many parents just didn’t agree with the direction public education was going. In the beginning the road was very rocky. There weren’t many curriculum suppliers and very few publishers. Today things are different. There are many publishers of homeschool material. Publishers realize that homeschooling is here and not going away. In fact, they believe that homeschooling will do nothing but grow.
All fifty states recognize a families right to home educate their children. Approximately 2/3 of all the states have specific laws authorizing and regulating homeschooling. In the other 1/3 of the states parents must register as a private school or provide an equivalent education.
Of the 31 states that have specific laws governing homeschooling, none of them require a college degree, most require a high school or equivalent degree. What is required of the parent is dedication and hard work. If the parent is dedicated and committed, the time spent on a daily basis would be only three to four hours. Homeschool parents are able to draw on the resources of other parents (collaboration) in subjects they may not feel as comfortable with. There may be a parent who will teach math, another language arts, etc. It is very important that even if families don’t network together to provide for the education of the children, it is very important for the homeschool parent to join a local homeschool group, support group, and attend conventions.
Research has found that most homeschooled students are involved in a wide variety of outside activities, interact with a broad spectrum of people, and make positive contributions to their communities. Experience has shown that homeschoolers are well socialized and able to make lasting friendships across age and cultural divides.
There are many resources available to parents. Below is a starter list. Click on any of the links to learn more.
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