Homeschooling 101

Objective Students will be able to: Indentify the two main groups of families who homeschool. Identify the different methods of homeschooling. Identify why homeschooling is the fastest growing educational trend in America today.

Homeschooling Statistics in the U.S. In spring 2007: 1.5 million (or 2.9%) of U.S. school-age children were homeschooled, an increase of 74% since More White students were homeschooled than students from any other racial/ethnic groups. Two-parent households made up 89% of the homeschooled population.

Two Main Groups of Families who Homeschool Idealogues: feel that their personal values are not being taught to their children in public schools (36% of homeschool families). Pedagogues: view public schools as dangerous or inept and wish to foster a broader interest in learning by focusing on the individual child’s interests (38% of homeschool, with 21% concerned with school environment and 17% dissatisfied with academic instruction).

Different Methods of Homeschooling Parent-guided curriculum: no collaboration with the public school. Student-guided curriculum: no collaboration with public school. Enrolled home study: public school determines the curriculum. Radical homeschooling: there is no set curriculum.

Myths Concerning Homeschooled Children Myth: homeschooled children are socially inept. Truth: they are often more socially-rounded than their public-schooled peers. Myth: homeschooled children will not make good citizens. Truth: they tend to be more actively involved in politics and their communities than their public- schooled peers.

Why Homeschooling is a Fast-growing Trend State and locally run school systems. Americans’ sensitivity to children’s individuality and specific needs. Normalisation: acceptance of the masses. Institutional support from public school systems. Technological advances such as virtual schools.