Homeschooling has seen a surge in recent times, driven by the rise of the internet and the difficulty involved in traditional public schooling during the pandemic. Homeschooling presents families with the unique opportunity to customize their children’s education from a wide variety of curriculum sources. However, it is important to consider the consequences of using a homeschool or non-traditional curriculum for reasons of grade completion and college or job market-readiness.
1. Homeschool Curricula Do Not Align With Common Core State Standards
The Common Core State Standards, or CCSS, is the widely accepted statewide instruction guideline for most U. S. K-12 curricula.
This standard outlines the mathematics, language arts, and social studies concepts that should be taught at each grade level and all materials used to educate students should be aligned with this, in order to ensure they are fully ready academically when they reach the next grade level. Unfortunately, homeschool curriculum generally cannot guarantee that they align with the prevailing standards set forth by the CCSS and may not provide the same level of educational rigor that your child would receive in a public or accredited private school.
Furthermore, in some cases, the lack of adherence to state standards may mean that students do not gain an accurate overview of the subject matter. This may become problematic when the children later enter grade schools, as they will likely have to backtrack or redo portions of the curriculum that was not properly covered or was inaccurately taught.
In addition, any college prep work done through a homeschool curriculum may also be at risk of being incomplete and/or not up to the standards outlined by the CCSS.
2. Homeschoolers Lack Access to Accredited Certificates, Diplomas, and/or Degrees
Though homeschooling offers the opportunity to customize curriculums and tailor them to the individualized student’s needs, the lack of accreditation presents one of the largest obstacles for homeschoolers in their quest for college-readiness or job-readiness. In order to obtain a diploma or obtain college credits, homeschoolers will likely have to pass examinations and create portfolios of their work in order to prove their knowledge and competency, something that is not always feasible or practical.
In addition, the lack of a diploma can have long-term implications, since many employers, especially in the job market for higher-level career positions, may discount applications if the job candidate does not present proof of a diploma. The lack of an accredited diploma may make homeschoolers ineligible to obtain scholarships and grants, and although the personalized experiences homeschoolers receive often prepares them for college and career, they lack the diploma and certifications to help them gain entry into these scenarios.
3. Limited Course Offerings and Extracurricular Activities May Hinder Student Development
The lack of a wide array of class offerings can become a hindrance in the development of the student. Mainstream education covers a large variety of subjects that not only give students the tools they need to succeed, but also helps them to explore their interests, hone skills related to their interests, and cultivate the analytical and critical thinking skills necessary for future success.
Beyond maintaining a standardized traditional curriculum, homeschoolers may miss out on extracurricular activities and social interactions with their peers, which are integral for overall development. Experiencing the nuances of these activities together with their peers, such as sharing in triumphs and disappointments or reconciling differences, are moments that can teach students about interpersonal relations and instill important life skills.
4. Homeschoolers Lack Dedicated Teacher Guidance
In most homeschools, a single teacher leads the curriculum and provides guidance to their students. This teacher typically has significantly less training than a regular teacher and are often not professionally trained to inspire, excite, and lead their students in the right direction. This lack of guidance and leadership may lead to the students missing out on the important cogs of the educational system that drive them to perform to the best of their abilities.
Further, the lack of an enthusiastic teacher can lead to a lack of interest in certain subjects, as the student may view it solely as a means to an end and not something to be passionate about. On a more pertaining note, the reduced level of dedicated teacher guidance can limit the number of courses offered.
Without a controlled environment and sufficient motivation from a dedicated teacher, some courses may not be available for urgent needs.
5. Limited Flexibility in the Homeschool Curriculum
Most homeschool families use pre-packaged curriculum that does not permit the necessary level of individualized flexibility that is needed for each student’s learning. For instance, if a student excels in mathematics, the majority of pre-packaged curriculum allows for only a certain degree of acceleration to succeed in the subject due to the guidelines of the curriculum. Students who struggle with certain aspects of learning can also be hindered in their development by a lack of flexibility; without a qualified teacher guiding the student and allowing them to move at their own pace, students may become frustrated and disinterested in the subject matter.
In conclusion, the limited flexibility in the homeschool curriculum presents a great challenge in the overall student development.
Conclusion
Overall, there are a variety of reasons why parents should ask why they should not use a homeschool curriculum. Homeschool curriculums often do not align with common corestate standards, lack the necessary access to certificates, diplomas, and degrees, present limited course offerings and extracurricular activities, offer an inadequate level of teacher guidance, and offer limited flexibility. These factors can lead to a decrease in student development and ultimately limit their prospects for college or career success.
For these reasons, parents should consider the advantages and disadvantages of utilizing a homeschool curriculum before making a decision. With careful consideration, parents can make sure their children receive the best possible education tailored to their needs.