My group wrote a one page summary about the issue of home schooling. This was a challenge because it is hard to summarize a large quantity of information. I realized the value of this assignment because it allows me to quickly reference the main facts, whereas a research paper would be more difficult to locate information. In this summary you will find a brief overview, the positives and negatives surrounding the issue, and my group’s conclusion about home schooling.
Home Is Where the School Is
Home schooling, dramatically increasing in its numbers, has become one of the predominant alternatives to public schooling. An estimated 1.7 million children in grades K-12 are currently being home schooled, and the numbers continue to rise. Home schooling is when children are taught in a non-traditional environment, usually with a parent as their primary teacher. Parents are able to create personalized curriculum based on specific beliefs, values, and standards, that they desire to instill in their children, principles that are often lacking in public schools today.
Home schooling is considered an issue in our society today for a variety of reasons. Some feel that home schooling undermines public education. They do not feel children can learn anything at home. Some are afraid schooling is used by parents as babysitter for their children. Others believe that children cannot learn from an unqualified instructor because they think that parents cannot teach their children as well as a real teacher could. Many believe that children would also miss out on opportunities that a “traditional classroom” may provide. Society is afraid that these children will not be prepared for the outside world because of their unique learning environment. They think that these children do not learn certain organizational skills, how to manage their time, and vital socialization skills.
Various positive points can be made for the side of home schooling. A child can receive one-on-one attention and an individualized curriculum. A self-paced environment is a beneficial aspect of home schooling as well. There is much flexibility in home schooling, allowing more time for learning and more opportunities for related field trips. Another strength of home schooling is that a family can incorporate their values and beliefs into the curriculum. Some parents choose to home school to provide their children with a more nurturing, safer environment. Children are raising their self-esteem and are better able to interact with their peers on a more positive and healthy level. Children also have a chance to actively be involved in more activities due to shortened amounts of time in their learning environment.
Various negative points can be noted on the side of home schooling. Some people feel as though interaction with a child’s peers is essential to their learning and growth. They feel that when children are home schooled they are not receiving much social interaction with other children. Another limitation brought about by home schooling is less cultural awareness about different religions, races, disabilities, and political issues. Children home schooled tend to be around only others of similar socioeconomic class. Another down side is as children approach higher grade levels, their parents are less knowledgeable about the more difficult subjects.
There are many more strengths and limitations to home schooling besides the ones listed above. Home schooling will never become the mainstream of society, but its numbers continue to grow. Our group believes that home schooling is a viable alternative to public schooling, but it strongly depends on each family’s beliefs and circumstances.
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