"Train up a child in the way he should go; Even when he is old he will not depart from it." -- Proverbs 22:6.
High on the list of goals for the average Christian parent is to "train up" their children with the academic knowledge they need to succeed in the world, integrated with (and never compromising) the truth and values of the Christian faith.
Many Christian parents believe the best way to ensure that their children gain academic knowledge, yet still remain rooted in their faith, is through homeschooling.
A new study confirms the success of students who are homeschooled, compared to their public school counterparts. The P
rogress Report 2009: Homeschool Academic Achievement and Demographics, which surveyed 11,739 homeschooled students for the 2007–08 academic school year, reported that homeschooled students, on average, scored 37 percentile points above public school students on standardized achievement tests. The
Progress Report, the most comprehensive study of homeschool academic achievement ever completed, drew homeschoolers from 15 independent testing services, a
press release reports.
According to the release, the study also indicated that the achievement gaps evident among public school students did not exist among the homeschooled population:
Homeschooled boys (87th percentile) and girls (88th percentile) scored equally well; the income level of parents did not appreciably affect the results (household income under $35,000: 85th percentile--household income over $70,000: 89th percentile); and while parent education level did have some impact, even children whose parents did not have college degrees scored in the 83rd percentile, which is well above the national average for public school students. Homeschooled children whose parents both had college degrees scored in the 90th percentile.
Michael Smith, president of the Home School Legal Defense Association, believes that these results point to the commitment of parents who homeschool their children. He also indicated that homeschooling is a successful education movement that has the potential to become more prevalent in the next generation.
"These results validate the dedication of hundreds of thousands of homeschool parents who are giving their children the best education possible," Smith said. "Homeschooling is a rapidly growing, thriving education movement that is challenging the conventional wisdom about the best way to raise and educate the next generation."
What do you think about the idea of homeschooling? Do you/ would you homeschool your children? Why or why not?
Comments (49)
I was homeschooled K-12 for many reasons, one of them being religious. My parents wanted to teach me their beliefs and allow me to form my own as I got older regarding creation vs. evolution, etc. Another big reason was how impressionable little minds are...my mom didn't want to send me into the world at five years old.
I can be living proof to the success of homeschooling. I graduated with a 4.0, I scored a 34 on my ACTs (I don't know if they've changed the scale since then but a perfect score was 36), I was accepted into Harvard and Auburn University, though I chose a small, private christian college in Florida. My parents have higher degrees (my dad a Ph.D and my mom a Masters) but, like the study shows, even my friends who's parents didn't go to college were getting acceptance letters to whatever school they applied to. I graduated on honor roll after transferring to University of Texas at San Antonio. College was never a problem for me at all! So....those studies are true!
My son is only two months old but I plan on homeschooling him....and religious/moral reasons play a HUGE part.
Great post!
I and my wife homeschool our son. This past year (4'th grade) he finished with a 3.8 GPA! We're learning French as one of his electives, he's becoming computer literate, and this past year he discovered the joy of reading (meaning it's not work anymore). Homeschooling is one of the most significant and rewarding experiences of our lives, and has drawn our family together in ways that are hard to describe, working together on school projects. An amazing experience. I have no confidence that our son would be succeeding to this degree in a public school setting.
The arguments against it are often just silly. One of those is the idea that the child will not be 'socialized.' Nonsense. Our son interacts with kids from church all the time, and everywhere we go we are complimented on how well behaved our son is, and what good manners he has. Also, the public schools and teachers' unions complain about taking money out of the schools. This is nothing more then whining because they know they can't compete with homeschooling or private schools. Here in my state, the legislature is actively trying to shut down homeschooling because the legislators are a bunch of sissies scared of the teachers' unions. The test scores from our program, however (Connections Academy) are in for last year, and in terms of progress, we mopped up the floor with the pathetic school system in Oregon; they got the ass-kicking of a lifetime in academics, and now they're crying and trying to shut us down through the state board of education (and they lied to the Legislature all over the place about 'grand-fathering in' our program).
People just don't know how good homeschooling is! They don't know how well their children can perform and what a tremendous benefit the family enjoys by working together!
One warning: It's a lot of work. It's a serious commitment. If you're not up to the challenge, and committed to sacrificing your time for your kid, don't bother.
Having said that, it's hands down one of the best things you can do to jump-start your kid's future!!!
I've seen it done really well, and I've seen it done very poorly.
There are pros and cons either way. Each set of parents should weigh them carefully.
it's an open-handed issue... not worth suffering a paper cut over... it should be discussed though depending on the parents... but it's not worth dividing over really... i personally don't care... both sides of the argument presents good cases... public school provides socialization but when you send to kids off to Caeser, don't be surprised for them to come back as Romans as it's been said... Public school kids have great social skills, but their knowledge basis isn't as intense as home schooled based on the fact that now public school kids and the whole standardized testing issue that's been going around...
it's worth discussing...
@JosephParsons@xanga - I found the "socialization" argument ludicrous when it was brought up to us years ago: who wants his child "socialized" by an undisciplined bunch of 13-year-olds?
My kids really didn't like public school. Besides the lack of academic challenge and the general chaos, there was a strange assumption that the kids should ride herd on each other: the better-behaved kids were supposed to influence the rowdy ones to behave, instead of teachers and parents having that responsibility. My son Jephthah's whole class didn't have recess for weeks at a time because a few of the kids "made too much noise" at lunchtime in the cafeteria. My youngest daughter Elizabeth would get into trouble because the girl sitting next to her would pester her constantly. The teacher put them together thinking that somehow Elizabeth would be a calming influence on the class brat.
When we switched to homeschooling, they were greatly relieved. Jephthah, Hannah, and Elizabeth had most of their subjects together, despite the two year gaps between them. (The youngest often had the best scores!) Math was the only subject that Elizabeth did separately. Our homeschooling was quite informal; they did the bulk of the work on their own. We didn't actually "teach" much at all.
When they reached high school, they began taking dual-credit community college courses for some subjects, and were invariably at the top of the class. (Hannah and Elizabeth each set the record for being the youngest students ever at the local college). Jephthah and Hannah graduated together in 2007 (ages almost 18 and barely 16). Hannah was a National Merit Scholar. Elizabeth graduated a year later just after turning 15. They're all doing quite well as college students.
@leadworshipper82 - I would match homeschool kids against public school kids any day on "social skills". One characteristic of homeschool kids is that they tend to relate better both to adults and to younger children than the average child, and are generally more polite and better behaved.
@Roadkill_Spatula@xanga - Always nice to meet some of the decent people! Looks like it worked for you as well as it's working for us. And you're right. The last thing I want is a failed and declining institution socializing my kid (as if that were a school's purpose, for Christ sake!). Public school beaurocrats and thugs from the teacher's union: nothing but contempt. They simply can't understand why they should be required to perform!
@Roadkill_Spatula@xanga - as far as manners... you're so right... though it's not a set thing... cuz I know many a home schooled kid who was horrid w/ manners while some public schoolers have had manners to boot... it has its varying moments...
@JosephParsons@xanga - Actually, I blame the public school problems more on parents than teachers. I taught Spanish in a public high school for a few months ten years ago, and found my colleagues to be very committed and hardworking. But the task was overwhelming, when the classes consisted of 25-30 kids from messed-up homes, coming to school without breakfast, eating junk food in the halls, consuming endless quantities of Dr. Pepper. If they aren't being parented at home, the school can't supply it regardless of how good the teachers are.
The teachers at my kids' grade school and middle school varied as to capability, but they worked hard. They were facing a stiff challenge with the rowdy kids, and some of their training (like the discipline thing) was off-base.
@leadworshipper82 - Right, ultimately it comes down to parenting more than anything else.
@leadworshipper82 - My homeschooled kid has better social skills than ANY public school kid I ever met in my life. Polite, respectful, and able to carry conversation with people of all ages. The socializing argument is B.S. Public schools teach bullying, click-forming, pecking orders based on size and strength rather than virtue, and do not at any time promote gentlemanly or ladylike behavior. The neglect and cruelty of the public school socializing teaches children that kindness and empathy are weak and that ridicule is acceptable. I've seen all these with my own eyes, and the public schools have only gotten worse since I was there.
I and my wife receive compliments on our little gentleman everywhere we go. Homeschooling beats public schools in EVERY way, including socializing.
@Roadkill_Spatula@xanga - In all my years of school, I can count my good teachers on one hand. I grew up in area where the teacher's union had the district by the balls. I remember one incompetent teacher who wouldn't even go to her classes could not be fired, so they transfered her around the district from one school to the next.
Having said that, I believe the problem lies in outside influences: politicians who think they know what's best for kids above parents, beaurocrats who haven't seen a classroom in decades, and union thugs who care nothing about the performance of their teachers. That's my take anyway.
@JosephParsons@xanga - Fortunately, Texas is a right-to-work state so unions are not very strong here.
I was homeschooled from 3rd-10th grade.
It was the best choice we could have made; I needed the time to get a good academic foundation, not for the faith, but for my academics. Public schools had let me down-- by 3rd grade I wasn't even able to read on a 1st grade level! My mom took me back to 1st grade and we covered 6 years worth of material in 3 years.
My friends often asked about how I felt about not being able to socialize-- I guess they didn't get it, but I did socialize; I was in an orchestra, ensamble, and a basketball team that did decently well in our division. My "social exposure" actually decreased once I returned to a high school in 11th grade. Sure I got to be around big crowds in the hall-ways, get interrupted during class by students goofing off, and there were always "social gatherings" after school... that after attending 1 or 2 of those, decided I couldn't participate in because of my faith.... but my school didn't have a good orchestra-- I went from a very well known orchestra in KC to one that couldn't any real classical arrangements. I ran track, played tennis, and played 1 year of basketball for our schools team.
So, yes, overall, I think homeschooling, if your willing to invest and sacrifice to do it, will give your child a significant edege academically and spiritually.
TWO side notes, however. The Biggest draw-back that I experienced was when I transitioned back into high school, I was not used to having strict assignment dead-lines. My mother usually just said "get it in sometime during this week". So we would do multiple assignments all due during the week sometimes. The second draw back is that your teach will pass along her weaknesses; my strengths are in math, history, bible, etc... my weakness academically speaking is in spelling. I've never had trouble writing a paper, using Word, but (obviously) I can't spell worth a dime. lol
If you did K-12 home schooling like that, transitioining into college would be harder, though not impossible.
I was homeschooled the second half of my schooling years, and absolutely will be homeschooling my children. I believe children can thrive in an environment where the teaching is tailored to their own learning style, and you can't get that in any group setting, whether it be public or private school. And I definitely don't want my children put in a place where they will be taught the governments "values" for 8 hours a day.
Seems like a lot of pro-homeschoolers here.
I wrote a blog about why I would never homeschool my children. Some angry homeschool mom posted it on their online group, and I had a bunch of angry mothers show to my blog and insult my intelligence and education. It was weird/entertaining at the same time.
But anyway, I think there are merits to the socialization argument. I don't think it's the best argument against homeschooling, but simply saying "my student is very good socially so homeschool doesn't cause any social problems" doesn't work any more than saying "my student is smart and goes to public schools so public schools are fine." I've worked in youth ministry for nearly a decade, and have dealt with a number of homeschool students. Some are absolutely wonderful in a lot of ways, but a lot fall into the "socially awkward" category. Without a doubt, the percentage is much greater than those in public schools. But again, social awkardness isn't the end of the world, so it's not a great argument against homeschooling in and of itself.
Furthermore, I can understand academic arguments for homeschooling. I think some public schools are very good - but some are awful. Academic reasons are legit.
For me, the bigger issue is whether we're committed to being a light in a dark world. How are we going to reach the world with the gospel if we refuse to even attend the same school with non-Christians because we're scared of being influenced? Yes, it can be tough for students to spend their days with non-Christians. Some students are negatively influenced, no doubt. But that's life. Even adult believers who work and spend time with non-Christians sometimes give in and turn on their faith. I think we sell our students short when we think that sending them to public schools will influence them negatively - because I've seen Christian parents send their students to public schools and have them influence others positively. As a youth pastor, I have a number of students who have started coming to church (without their families) and become followers of Christ because someone at school lived it out in front of them and invited them to church. I'm sure homeschool parents will respond with "well our children participate in sports, or in band, or in some other activity." That's great, and I think that's a positive step - but it's definitely not the same as spending 180 days a year, 8 hours a day with other students.
While I wouldn't want to homeschool my kids, I think there are some good reasons to do it, and I think there are inherent concerns. The same is true for public school. To be honest, I'm a little put off by some of the homeschool parents who have responded here who seem to think that they've got it all figured out and all the parents who send their kids to public school are idiots are ruining the lives of their children.
My only problem with homeschooling is if the children only have one source of information. Many parents are intelligent and capable, but what about the abusive or ignorant or manipulative? Look at the Westboro Baptist Church... the kids are indoctrinated and locked into that life because they have no alternative source of information. And no opportunity to leave, I think.
@Theophilus166@xanga - Agree 100%
There appears to be a false dichotomy present here...
Only as a last resort.
I was homeschooled most of my life, mostly because all of the other affordable educational options available were really, really bad. For my parents, it wasn't so much an issue of them worrying that I
would be "tainted" by the world or something, it was valid concern for quality education and my safety.
I don't have kids, but I personally wouldn't want to homeschool my kids unless I was in the same desperate predicament. My parents were very intentional about making sure I had chances to socialize and learn how to work with others. They were pretty good about not hiding the secular world from me, and so I feel I am blessed.
From my homeschooling years even until now, the majority of other homeschool families I've known have been just weird. I think people who consider homeschooling need to be careful that they are not just trying to brainwash their kids into sharing their own values.
If you are an active, dedicated parent, it is very possible to instill your own values in the lives of your children without keeping them home with you all day, and without fear of exposure to the "government's education" and secular worldviews. I don't see why anyone has to hide their kids from any secular perspectives taught in a classroom.
I would find little satisfaction knowing that my child grew up to share my values because it was the only thing he/she was ever taught. It's even worse to see children grow up and veer off into all the things you tried so hard to shelter them from. I think it is best to know that my child is learning to make his/her own intelligent, well informed choices, whether I agree with them all or not. Hopefully those choices will be influenced by my parenting and example, and not in a negative way.
Bottom line, if your kids are gonna be useful adults in this world, at some point they are gonna have to face the secular world and its values without the flexibility and shelter of the homeschool world. Why hide them from what the secular world has to say? It seems to me like they would need to know.
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I'd never homeschool my kids. I want them to have the chance to get out and see what's around them; not stay home all day almost everyday. In my home I could only offer my child(ren) myself and spouse for exposure on a daily basis; any school is more diverse than a home is. Children need to grow up knowing there are many beliefs and lifestyles in the world. No, they don't need to know the details (ex: "See Suzy over there? Her parents are Pagans, which means they don't believe in God" or "That other boy in your class, Bart? He's got two daddies and no mommy"), but at least have the familiar knowledge that there are those from other walks of life. Without this, imagine the potential shock when a sixteen year old homeschooled Christian goes to high school for the first time and sits next to an athiest in class: coping with the difference would be harder.
The world is not the cold, scary place so many homeschooling parents like to envision it as; there's great people outside, too. Since homeschooled parents love to dote on their own children in examples; I'll offer up my experience with a homeschooled friend as a counter. She started at my school in 8th grade and was almost instantly a quiet wallflower. After going through a high school with others; she's more confident, has more friends than she can count (she admits not to having that many friends before), is very intelligent, and hasn't sacrificed anything to get where she is.
"I'd never homeschool my kids. I want them to have the chance to get out and see what's around them."
I don't know if that poster knows any homeschoolers, but that is most of what we do: get out and see what's around us. Many homeschoolers joke about 'car-schooling' because most of the schooling is done while traveling to some field trip or another. Actual education does not take that long, so we have a lot of free time to explore museums, tour businesses, and pursue interests.
Reasons to avoid homeschooling include:
1. Financially, you need those free lunches the government provides, (USDA school lunch program).
2. You don't like spending time with your children.
3. Your state outlaws it; (some are close to this).
4. Money and/or time is more important.
Frankly, I gave up both free lunches AND food stamps in order to homeschool.
I have a closer relationship with my children than if they had gone to public school.
My state is the easiest on homeschoolers.
My children are wonderful, well-rounded, and knowledgeable teens who will go to great colleges. (A&M? UT? Baylor? -- they haven't decided yet.)
It's a choice, so don't dis mine!
it seems like parents homeschool their children because they want to have absolute control over what their children learn. i don't want that... i'm not a chemist, physicist, musician, or writer. i can't teach them everything. i want my children to learn things that challenge what i teach them, and let them decide for themselves. i don't want to be my children's single source of information and knowledge... jeez, neither of my parents did well in school themselves. i would have turned out horribly if they had been in charge of my education. i'll leave it up to a trained professional.
besides, my husband and i plan on having actual jobs.
I am homeschooling for the first time this year. I have 5 children, ages 28 to 7. The first 5 children went to public school and I think for the most part got a good education. Their little brother is much younger and there were many years in between where the school system has changed. He went to kindergarten and first grade at our local public school, the same one all my other children went too. At the end of the first grade I began to think about homeschooling. I asked my husband to start praying. It got to the point where I just could not sleep and I was researching all the time and praying all the time trying to decide what to do. As soon as we made a decision to homeschool, I slept like a baby! I think God was prompting me to do this. That is why I am doing it. This is what God wants for us right now. My son has always been very social, and can strike up a conversation with anyone of any age (we visit a nursing home and they love him there!). I am not worried about him becoming socially awkward. We are not isolating him. He is out and about all the time.