Homeschooling

Homeschooling

     Homeschooling, educating children other than in a traditional classroom setting, is a practice that has increased throughout the country. One study provides evidence that the number of parents homeschooling their children grows 5 to 12 percent every year. The study conducted by the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI), also estimates that between the years 2007-2008, 2 million children in grades kindergarten through twelfth were homeschooled. Even with increased numbers, families who choose to home-school their children remain in the minority and many misconceptions about homeschooling remain (http://school.familyeducation..com/home-schooling/parenting/29861.html).

     There is not a “typical homeschooler” or one reason why parents choose to home-school their children. Many parents are able to effectively educate their children in the home environment even if they are not college educated or a professional teacher. The Home Legal Defense Association recently published findings that showed homeschoolers outscoring their same-aged peers on standardized tests. In addition, a significant number of homeschoolers graduated from college, were involved in their local community and were active in politics. The study also showed that more than 90 percent of children who were homeschooled were happy they were homeschooled and over 80 percent plan to home-school their own children (http://successful-homeschooling.com/homeschooling-facts.html).

    Laws concerning homeschooling are specific to each state. In New Jersey, there is no home school statute.  The law referenced allowing homeschooling is New Jersey Statutes Annotated 18A:38-25.   As stated, a child between the ages of 6 and 16 must attend a public school “…or receive equivalent instruction elsewhere than school.”  Parents who home-school their children are charged with “the burden of proof” that they are providing an adequate and equal education for their child/children.  School policies on homeschooling differ as well although parents are not required by law to notify their local public school district that they are homeschooling their children and generally are not required to maintain records or provide documentation such as test scores.

     As with all educational issues, there are perceived benefits and drawbacks to homeschooling.  Benefits for parents who home-school their children include having overall control in their child’s education experience and being able to provide truly individualized instruction. Parents choose the curriculum and how it is delivered. They also have added control over negative influences that are often prevalent in a public school setting. Homeschooling allows for more family interaction and cooperation as well as the opportunity to convey family values throughout the educational process (http://school.familyeducation.com/home-schooling/parenting/29861.html).

     There are also drawbacks to homeschooling including time and financial constraints. Parents who make the choice to be solely responsible for their child’s education expend a lot of time and energy. For the majority of the day, parents are with their children.  Typically, families who home-school their children only have one outside income. They continue to pay local taxes even though their children are not being educated in the public school system. Another drawback involves extracurricular activities. Parents must actively search for outside activities and social opportunities for their children. Younger children are often able to participate in community activities such as sports; however, teenagers usually do not have as many options, especially on a competitive level.   

     According to one parent who home-schools her five children, ages 6 to 17, the reason she began homeschooling 3 years ago was educational flexibility. She also felt that her children were not successful in their local public school. Homeschooling allows her to teach her children curriculum based on their individual interests, learning abilities and learning style. She explored numerous home school programs available that provided curriculum, detailed lesson plans and instructional guides in all major subjects.  Her family is not bound to a set time schedule or school calendar. Although this parent feels it is important that her children begin their instruction the same time each day, the length of the school day depends on their daily tasks and activities. Very important to her and many families, homeschooling allows for an integration of faith; which is not possible in the public school setting. Another important benefit is positive family interaction and cooperative learning homeschooling facilitates. Her children have developed closer relationships because they learn together and help each with their school work (similar to the old fashion “one-room school house”).

     The largest drawback for this parent is that she is “exhausted and has no life.” Her husband works 13 hours a day outside of the home and is not directly involved with the home instruction, although he is very supportive. She also works one day a week outside of the home as an occupational therapist. In addition to planning instruction in the home, this parent and her children attend a co-op once a week with other families who home-school. Her children’s social interaction is primarily with each other and with members of their church community.

     Homeschooling is certainly not for everyone. Parents who decide to home-school their children do so for various reasons. One thing is certain, homeschooling is a trend that is growing each year and offers another educational alternative for parents.