The shocking possibility that dumb people don’t exist in sufficient numbers to warrant the millions of careers devoted to tending them will seem incredible to you. Yet that is my central proposition: the mass dumbness which justifies official schooling first had to be dreamed of; it isn’t real. After nine years of research and a half-million dollar investment, The Oxford Village Press and a tax-exempt foundation dedicated to school reform, The Odysseus Group, announce the availability of an exclusive “Author’s Pre-publication Edition” of a long-awaited bombshell: ● 01 The Elite Private Boarding Schools ● 02 Separation of Powers ● 03 A Complete Theory of Access ● 04 Caution in Reasoning to Conclusions ● 05 Breaking Out of Dependent Thinking ● 06 An Enemy of Mental Alertness ● 07 An Apartment Floor Plan ● 08 Shadowing a News Anchor ● 09 Lessons in Citizenship ● 10 Experiences in Solitude ● 11 The Psychopathic School ● 12 An Underground History ● 13 The Prussian System ● 14 The High Priest of Scientific Management ● 15 The Daughters of the Barons of Runnymede ● 16 The Empty Child ● 17 The Psychopathology of Everyday Schooling ● 18 The Politics of Schooling ● 19 The Wealth of Nations
Homeschool is a hot topic these days. We know someone doing it, have talked to someone thinking of trying it, or heard someone discussing it. There was a time, not too long ago, when those who homeschooled stayed quiet about their choice fearing judgement or worse; interference. No longer is that the case for most homeschooling families. There are blogs, websites, podcasts and old fashioned face to face discussions being had all over the globe about this subject.
Why the Change?
There is power in numbers. Today nearly two million families in North America choose to homeschool, and those numbers continue to rise each year. With more people choosing alternate education methods there are increased amounts of resources and support. There have been enough studies completed that proves homeschooling is good alternate choice to school. Parents have support systems and teaching co-ops to support their choice and provide knowledge through years of experience.
The Numbers Are Out
In the past two decades numerous studies have detailed the academic progress of homeschooled children. The results are clear. On average, home educated children scored higher on standardized academic achievement tests than their public schooled peers. There may be other arguments against homeschooling, but no longer can critics use academics to support their claims.
Why This Matters
Every year a large percentage of children get left behind in the school system. The learning pace is too fast, the teaching style too specialized, or learning disabilities go unnoticed and ultimately untreated. With growing class sizes and dwindling funds and moral it is our children who suffer the consequences. The standard of education is being lowered each year producing mediocre curriculum designed to suit the needs of a fictional ideal student.
Reasons and Reasoning The personal reasons families choose to homeschool is as vast and varied as the people involved. Academic reasons, however, line a narrower path, one illuminated by years of experience and indisputable results.
There are hundreds of curriculum choices available to families which allows for personalized choices to match the interest, and learning style of the student.
*Free to explore
Homeschool allows students to learn at their own pace. If there is need they can stop and relearn or study further. Subjects of particular interest can be explored further expanding their knowledge base.
*Free to learn
Studies have revealed that the average student stops enjoying the learning process in the primary years. Rigorous, rote methods of study, dry material, or unmet expectations rob a child of the desire to learn. Homeschooled children are free to study subjects and topics that interest them and have the time to dig deeper until their thirst for knowledge on the subject is quenched. This often leads to hobbies and specialized interests.
Parents who homeschool their children choose a different path than the majority, and in that choice they set the course their children will follow, establishing that one need not go the way of the masses to find success. Persevering is a challenge. Thriving is a choice.
Karen Pasqualucci is a passionate (and opinionated) homeschooling mom! She has been homeschooling since 2001 and shares her discoveries and thoughts at her blog: http://www.homeschoolinghowto.com/ where she would love to hear your questions, comments and feedback! Come on over and get the latest news on homeschooling!
