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And I'm sure there are those who make good choices and homeschool appropriately. However, I feel like many homeschoolers I have dealt with a have a screw loose or two...
The part of the Prussian Educational system that was imitated was compulsory education. Similar to Japan. I'm the first to admit that our public schools-- especially in places like Texas-- do a lousy job of teaching kids to think, however, they're not a government conspiracy. Sorry.
We do have compulsory education in the US and it is a fact that is was based on the Prussian model. It's not a secret by any means. I actually think that most teachers counteract the original intent because they actually do want to see students learn and succeed despite the historical roots of the system that they work within the confines of.
I can honestly say I never knew anyone - certainly no one in my extended family, neighbors, friends, etc. - who was homeschooled.
In order to homeschool, one parent has to be home all day, right? Most parents I know work. Therefore it stands to reason that the vast and overwhelming majority of Americans do not homeschool their children.
The person I knew who did homeschool, is not a good example. This child was never around other kids his own age, too much in the home. Know exposure to the big great outside world, which I believe children need.
He was sort of withdrawn around kids his own age.
The way she taught was not the best example either. But I am more then sure there are extremely good examples set by other homeschool Parents. Don't have a problem if the child is actually learning for his age, but when he is 3 years behind, this ought to tell the Parent something is not right.
I do not believe that all homeschool Parents however are capable of doing an exceptional job with their own child. Yes I am sure a lot do, but this cannot be the exception to the rule.
In the past, I wasn't very keen on home schooling. But, times have changed. I would strongly consider it if I couldn't afford private school tuition. Public schools are a mess.
I knew of 3 families who homeschooled, none for religious reasons. One family did because the boys had problems in school due to Aspergers, two because the parents thought they could do a better job. They all socialized with my kids so they weren't sheltered.
I have never met normal, well adjusted parents who homeschool. Almost without fail, those I know of who homeschool have an extremist religious or political agenda, are over-controlling nutbars (like in the case of the article), or conspiracy theorists who rail against "government schools..."
Why is the percentage of unbalanced people who homeschool their kids apparently so high?
They are the ones you hear about. I have begun homeschooling recently. I have no extremist religious views, am not a conspiracy theorist (actually the opposite LOL), have nothing against government schools (or private schools), and am not over controlling. You won't find my kid in the news. Unbalanced parents come in every shape and size. I've not kept up with this story today, I need to read more, but "homeschooled" doesn't necessarily equal freak family.
That's great. That's a much better option than "teach it anyway and learn with your child..."
I have retreated a bit since my OP-- And I'm really not talking about unqualified parents teach (although I know they exist).
I am talk about extremists nutbags who use homeschooling as an MO to make sure their kids turn out to be extremist nuts as well-- and hear no dissenting opinion.
Jumping in, those parents exist. No argument from me. And I am NOT qualified to teach certain subjects (I have a BA, but there is no way I'm going to be able to teach physics, for example). My daughter is starting an online program this year. Certain subjects are going to be difficult for her. I have access to tutors. Many homeschoolers use a co-op system. The reason why you hear more about the nutty homeschoolers is because they are the ones who make the news. For my kid, we are trying this for many reasons. First, she does not do well in a classroom setting (she has been in both public and private all of her life). English, History...any kind of current event, she is so far ahead of her peers she is bored. Science and math classes are more difficult for her, and when she falls behind the anxiety is so horrible she gives up. Another aspect that appeals to us is that she is very much into the arts, travel...things that are hard to fit into a typical school day. Homeschooling is certainly not for everyone, and plenty of people who would like the opportunity simply can't do it because it's impossible for them.
Extremist nutbags are extremist nutbags. Not much you can do about them without taking rights away from other parents who are interested in the education of their own kiddoes.
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