Many parents, when choosing to home educate their children, are met with opposition from family, community members, and friends. Most opposition is due to the fact that those opposing, lack concrete information on the success and benefits of homeschooling; and due to the fact that most people are afraid of the unknown and out of the ordinary. This article is to provide homeschooling parents with information to back up their decision and to provide them with information to deflect the arguments of opposing family and community members.
What are some of the arguments against homeschooling?
Homeschooling had been called a "non-traditional" approach to education. It is considered by some to be unusual. Here are some facts to debunk this thought.
Prior to start of public education in this country, most children were homeschooled. Children, in the sparsely populated areas, western frontiers, and new colonies, where schools were unavailable, were taught by their parents or other family members. Some just continued to homeschool as a normal way of family life. Children abroad were also home schooled. Many of these home-schooled children grew up to be the founding fathers and prominent, life changing men and women of this country. Recently, U.S. Congressman Bob Schaffer (R-CO) introduced a measure that recognizes home school parents and students for their contributions to American education and culture by declaring October 1-7, 2000 National Home Education Week. Below is some of the language from this resolution (U.S. House Resolution 578).
"Whereas home education has been a major part of American education
and culture since the Nation's inception and demonstrates the
American ideals of innovation, entrepreneurship, and individual responsibility"
(1)
"Whereas home education was proven successful in the lives George Washington,
Patrick Henry, John Quincy Adams, John Marshall, Robert E. Lee,
Booker T. Washington, Thomas Edison, Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt,
Woodrow Wilson, Mark Twain, John Singleton Copley, William Carey, Phyllis
Wheatley, and Andrew Carnegie can be named among the home-schooled." (2)
Also among the homeschooled are Benjamin Franklin, Daniel Webster, Abigail Adams, Martha Washington, Nathaniel Bowditch, Agatha Christy, Stonewall Jackson, Douglas MacArthur, George Patton, George Bernard Shaw, Irving Berlin, Charles Dickens, C. S. Lewis, Franklin Roosevelt, John Tyler, William Henry Harrison, James Madison, and Thomas Jefferson. (3)
Pope Leo XIII reminded Catholic parents of their duties as primary educators of their children in the encyclical Sapientiae Christianae.
"It is incumbent on parents to strain every nerve to ward off such an
outrage [the destruction of the family through the subversion of parents'
rights], and to strive manfully to have and to hold exclusive authority
to direct the education of their offspring, as is fitting, in a Christian
manner, and first and foremost to keep them away from schools where
there is risk of their drinking in the poison of impiety." (4)
Pius XI seconded Pope Leo XIII in the encyclical Rappresentanti in Terra
in
1929. (5)
"The Holy See recently reaffirmed this teaching in guidelines
on sex education. It stresses the fact that parents are the primary educators
of children, especially in regard to chastity." (6)
It was generally preferred to educate your child at home than to expose them to situations that could harm their faith.
Furthermore, in 1925, Private Schools were challenged in a Supreme Court Case; Pierce v. Society of Sisters. It was an attempt to create a law to ban private schools. The court determined that the law was unconstitutional. It said that:
"The child is not the mere creature of the state." (7)
In Wisconsin v. Yoder the Court recognized that the parent had a "primary role" that was more important than the States in educating children. " (8)
This thought is also mentioned in United States House Resolution 578.
"Whereas parents have a fundamental right to direct the education and upbringing of their children;" (9)
At present, it is estimated that there are 1,700,000 children being homeschooled, thus making homeschooling not all that unusual. (10)
In summary, home schooling has been around much longer than public schooling and should be considered the "traditional" method of teaching. Home schooling is the preferred method of instruction of some faiths. It has been recognized by the Catholic Church, members of Congress, and the Supreme Court, amongst others, that the parent is the primary educator of their children and the children are not a property of the state. Therefore, giving the parent the right to educate their child in methods they deem fit.
Another argument against homeschooling is that it is unproven. After seeing the caliber of persons homeschooled in the past we can automatically see that it does in fact work and produces intelligent, forward-thinking persons. On a more modern level, one only needs to look at the latest studies published in regards to the effectiveness of homeschooling. The following is a description of a large study conducted by Brian Rey, PhD:
"Dr. Brian Ray, president of the National Home Education Research Institute, recently completed the largest-ever study of home education across the United States and published it in a book entitled Strengths of Their Own—Home Schoolers Across America. Data were collected on 5,402 students from 1,657 families. Home school students’ academic achievement was very high (see table)
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A 1999 University of Maryland analysis of the nationally recognized Iowa Test of Basic Skills, confirm that children who are educated at home perform exceptionally well on nationally normed achievement tests, and such performance is also demonstrated by the fact that home schooled students scored well above the national average on the 2000 SAT As well as the 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000 ACT. (13)
In addition to the studies made of homeschooler's performance on widely recognized standardized tests, it recently hit the media that homeschoolers outperformed their conventional schooled counterparts in the National Spelling Bee and National Geography Bee.
"Whereas home schooled students continue to exhibit excellence in academic
competitions, as demonstrated by home schooled students
finishing first, second, and third in the 2000 Scripps-Howard National
Spelling Bee and by a home schooled student finishing second
in the 2000 National Geography Bee sponsored by the National Geographic
Society" (14)
The success of homeschooling can also be measured by the success of adults who were homeschooled. One study found that of adults who were home educated, none were unemployed and none were on welfare, 94% said home education prepared them to be independent persons, 79% said it helped them interact with individuals from different levels of society. (15)
Also mentioned in United States House Resolution 578, is the success of homeschoolers in higher academics.
"Whereas studies demonstrate that home schooled students excel in college,
with the grade point average of home schooled students
exceeding the college average;" (16)
Again, we can look to the prominent citizens mentioned above to attest to the success of homeschoolers as adults.
Another argument against homeschooling is one that is being perpetuated by the National Education Association, a prominent teacher's union, and seconded by Vice-President and Presidential Candidate Al Gore. (17) This argument is outline in the continuous resolution put forth by the NEA:
"...home schooling programs cannot provide the student with a comprehensive
education experience."
"...if parental preference home schooling study occurs, students enrolled
must meet all state requirements. Instruction should be by persons who
are licensed by the appropriate state education licensure agency, and a
curriculum approved by the state department of education should be used."
(18)
This argument that ONLY certified teachers should educate children
and that they are not receiving a "comprehensive education program" has
already been disproved by the facts I have listed above. By their
resolution, the NEA and Mr. Gore would that home schools should mirror
public education and they proposed that parents do not know how to educate
their children. This is a fallacy on both points. Homeschooled
children have already consistently scored higher than public schooled children
on academic standardized tests. It appears that the NEA's resolution
would want the homeschoolers to perform the same as public schooled children,
in essence, less successfully, than they do now, as they should study ONLY
what the Department of Education deems appropriate.
Their proposal that children should only be educated by board certified
teachers directly violates the Supreme Court and Wisconsin courts' decision
mentioned above; finding parents to be the primary educator of their children
and that children are not "merely a creature of the state". The NEA's
resolution says exactly the opposite of the courts' rulings, that Department
of Education is the primary educator of children, and that children are
wards of the state. Those that adopt the NEA's resolution as an argument
against homeschooling should realize it's frightening reality - No parental
rights.
To further disprove their point, in the same study mentioned above by Dr. Brian Rey states:
"… In addition, the home educated did well even if their parents were
not certified teachers and if the state did not highly regulate home schooling."
(19)
The main reason for opposing homeschooling is the so-called "socialization" or lack there of in homeschooled children. It is claimed that home schooled children are isolated and do not have the opportunity to properly socialize. Over and over it has been proven that home-schooled children do not suffer in this area. Children educated at home actually interact better with people of all ages, rather than only their peers. They have stronger family bonds; family interaction being the base of wider social interaction. They develop into individualistic, creative, well-adjusted adults who are not peer or fad driven. If one thinks about it on a basic level, conventional children spend 6 hours a day in a large group of same-aged children with limited exposure to adults for adult interaction. Home schooled children interact with children and adults of all ages whether they be involved in outside the home classes, sports, outside activites (such as 4H, music lessons, dance lessons etc) or Homeschool Group activities. Many home schooled children have more time to persue talents and develop creativity not fostered by the conventional schools due to lack of time (time in class, time spent doing homework etc..) They are more self motivated, more responsible, and more mature socially. Home schooled children often interact with the community much more than their schooled counterparts doing volunteer activities, vocational study programs, and community based activities. Homeschooling becoming so widespread has increased these social opportunities through Home School Group, college, private sector, and communitiy sponsered homeschool activites. To solidify this counter argument is concrete proof from research done studying the emotional and social aspect of homeschooling.
"Dr. Larry Shyers observed children in free play and group interaction activities. Conventionally schooled children had significantly more problem behaviors than did the home educated. This is probably because the primary models of behavior for the home educated are their parents" (20)
"Shyers, from the secular perspective of his research, looked at how homeschooled children treat other children. Shyers found no significant difference between his two groups in scores on the Children's Assertive Behavior Scale. But direct observation by trained observers, using a "blind" procedure, found that home-schooled children had significantly fewer problem behaviors, as measured by the Child Observation Checklist's Direct Observation Form, than traditionally schooled children when playing in mixed groups of children from both kinds of schooling backgrounds. This observational study was reported in some detail in the 1992 Associated Press article. Shyers concluded that the hypothesis that contact with adults, rather than contact with other children, is most important in developing social skills in children is supported by these data." (21)
The following is excerpts from Thomas C. Smedly's study:
"…. the findings indicate that children kept home are more mature, and better socialized, than those who are sent to school." (22)
" The classroom is mostly one-way communication, along stereotyped
and rote channels. Information flows at the pace dictated by the teacher.
Given the constraint of many children wanting their moment in the sun,
few meaningful interchanges are possible on a given day between teacher
and individual student.
This contrasts to the home education communication
environment. Ten children is small for a class, but large for a family.
Each child at home has immediate access to the attention of a significant
adult. Home educators stress the initiative and responsibility of the individual
student, and build community through voluntary cooperation rooted in a
common faith, a common perception of duties." (23)
Another faction of this argument against homeschooling is that home-educated children will be isolated and sheltered. I ask, is it not the parents fundamental right and responsibility to shelter their child from that which could harm them physically, emotionally, spiritually, and intellectually? Is it wrong for a parent to shelter their child from potential physical harm in the volatile and hostile environment that government schools have become through gang violence, emotionally disturbed children and staff & bullies? Is it wrong for a parent to shelter their child from sexual harassment, verbal abuse, humiliation, ridicule, secular humanism, confusion, and immoral sexual education? I think not.
An article by Fred Worth fortifies my opinion:
"When children are protected from the negative influences so prevalent in the government schools, they will grow up more emotionally healthy. They will grow up more firmly established in the values of their parents. That way, when they do need to make value decisions later in life, they will have a firmer base on which to make their decisions." (24)
One argument that goes hand in hand with socialization that I have personally confronted is, "What if your child WANTS to go to school?"
All I can say to that is: what if my child wanted to do drugs, become a gang member, have a baby at 14, date a known abuser, stick their finger in a live electric outlet, or rob a bank? Is it not my responsibility as the more mature, responsible, and knowledgeable parent to deny them this "want"? Is it not my right and responsibility to keep my child from what I feel is harmful and detrimental to their social, spiritual, physical and academic well being?
As for isolation, home-schooled children in general are not isolated. They have the opportunity and do participate in social functions as mentioned above. They have neighborhood friends, extended family, and friends gleaned though other non-school related activities. Even physically isolated rural children have these opportunities. More and more social opportunities for homeschooling are appearing, including high school age Proms, Teenage social groups, play groups, co-op classes, etc. Again Fred Worth confirms this:
"It is true that home school parents might have to go to a little more effort to give their children opportunities to meet other children. But it is also true that with the government schools not being a factor, the parent is better able to monitor the kinds of friendships that their children develop. Since home schoolers tend to be active in church, clubs, etc. their children are not likely to lack for contact with their peers. Many homeschoolers are active in home school support groups. Those groups provide further social activities." (25)
The last, and weakest argument is that by homeschooling children,
the government run schools lose the money to provide comparable education
to those children who do not have the option of private or home schooling.
It is my right to do what is best for my own child, and use my hard earned
resources to benefit my own family. The government school system
was failing long before the revival of homeschooling. My federal,
state and local taxes still go to government education spending, regardless
that my children do not go to governmental school. I receive no monetary
assistance or additional tax breaks from the government to educate my children.
If it is not being used for my children then there must be "extra" for
the government school to spend. The concept of "School Choice" has
actually forced government run schools to elevate their standards of achievement,
teaching staff, and curriculum to compete with the success of privately
and home educated children. Should tax credits be implemented in
the future, it would not effect the government schooled children as the
budgeted amount to school my children in the government system still far
out dollars what I will receive in tax credits. Here is it simply
explained by an advocate of school vouchers in Providence, RI.
(Please note, homeschoolers do not currently receive vouchers or ANY
public assistance from the government.)
"Let's look at some simple math. Providence public schools cost an average
of $7,000 a year per student. A voucher costs $2,500. Therefore, each student
who takes a voucher to go to a private school saves $4,500 ! Multiply this
by the number of boys & girls who would flee the public school system
in an instant, if they could afford it, and you are talking about some
very serious money, indeed!" (26)
It is obvious to me, and those who conscientiously study the research provided by reputable sources, that there is NO argument against homeschooling. Homeschooling has proven both in the past and in recent times to be superior in academics, character formation, social and emotional well being, and in benefits to society. Anyone who claims to be concerned for children should see that homeschooling is, in fact, MORE beneficial to children and therefore has no argument against it being detrimental to children.
Some family members under the unwarranted concern for the children
openly criticize the parent's choice to homeschool. They will spot
quiz the children, ("How much is 476 divided by 12?") ask them leading
questions, ("Don't you feel like you are missing out on all the fun your
friends are having in school?"), and go as far as issue ultimatums, ("Until
you prove that homeschooling is successful, you will get no help from me!")
I have had all these "expressions of concern" happen to my children and
I from friends, family, neighbors, and even my former pediatrician!
These are not expressions of concern at all but erosions of the children's
feeling of security, and worth. By openly criticizing homeschooling
in front of and to the children, treating it as something aberrant or bad,
they are in fact causing the children more harm than good. They are
causing the child to question their own parent's judgment, making them
feel ignorant, socially deviant, lacking in worth. This is destructive
and not an expression of concern. If truly concerned, the parties
questioning the homeschooling would either stay out of it, or offer their
support. By offering support and giving the children a sense of worth
and normalcy they will encourage success in their education and sense of
well being.
So hopefully, now armed with some facts to counteract the criticisms
of homeschooling, you will have a peace of mind about the choice you have
made and the courage and knowledge to meet the opposition.
1. United States House Resolution 578, Home School Legal Defense Association.
2. Ibid.
3. Homeschooling, An American Tradition, The Public Square. http://ohioroundtable.org/
4. Leo XIII, Sapientiae Christianae (January 10, 1880). Claudia
Carlen,
I.H.M., The Papal Encyclicals 1878-1903 (Raleigh, NC: 1981), p. 221.
5. Pius IX, Rappresentanti in Terra (December 31, 1929). Claudia
Carlen,
I.H.M., The Papal Encyclicals, 1903-1939 (Raleigh, 1981), p. 358.
6. The Wanderer, January 25, 1996.
7. Becket, Thomas, Homeschooling Out of the Catacombs
Crusade Magazine.
8. Ibid.
9. United States House Resolution 578, Home School Legal Defense Association
10. Ibid
11. Brian D. Ray, 1997, National Home Education Research Insitute, www.nheri.org
COPYRIGHT Ó 1999 by Brian D. Ray
12. Ibid.
13. United States House Resolution 578, Home School Legal Defense Association.
14. Ibid.
15. Brian D. Ray, 1997, National Home Education Research Insitute, www.nheri.org
COPYRIGHT Ó 1999 by Brian D. Ray
16. United States House Resolution 578, Home School Legal Defense Association
17. Thomas Sowell, School Choice Wars (9/14/199) Jewish World
Review,
http://www.jewishworldreview.com/cols/sowell.html
18. Home education Information resource, www.heir.org, c 1997.
19. Brian D. Ray, 1997, National Home Education Research Insitute,
www.nheri.org
COPYRIGHT Ó 1999 by Brian D. Ray
20. Ibid.
21. Karl M. Bunday, Socialization: A Great Reason Not to Go to School (© 1999) http://www.learninfreedom.org/socialization.html
22. Thomas C.Smedley, Socialization of Home School Children -- A Communication Approach, (May 1992), http://members.aol.com/tomsmedley/smedleys.htm
23. Ibid.
24. 1997 - Fred Worth Socialization Issues (c1997) Henderson State University http://www.hsu.edu/faculty/worthf/social.html#6
25. Ibid.
26. "School Choice Vouchers", http://users.aol.com/davetalan/vouchers.html