Homeschooling is becoming increasingly popular among parents in the United States and other parts of the world. The idea of educating children at home instead of sending them off to a traditional school is appealing to some who desire more control over their child’s education and religious upbringing, who live in remote locations or who are looking to instill certain moral or cultural values. Despite increasing demand, homeschooling is still a controversial issue in many places and is met with plenty of opposition.
In this article, we’ll explore the criticisms levied against homeschooling and try to make sense of why some people are so strongly opposed to it.
Socialization
One of the main criticisms of homeschooling concerns the socialization of children, or lack thereof. Many opponents of homeschooling worry that isolated children who are homeschooled may end up socially awkward and ill-equipped to handle the world.
Such an argument suggests that homeschoolers are denied the opportunity to interact with the same variety of people as those who attend a traditional school. For example, homeschoolers may be unable to make friends outside their family or replicate a traditional school setting where children of various ages, cultures and social backgrounds mix. For homeschoolers, that notion could not be further from the truth.
Coming into contact with such a variety of people is not only possible but easy. Not only do many homeschooling parents join support networks and local activities, they may rely on family or friends to form social circles outside the family home. Empirical studies have even shown that homeschoolers better learn to handle difficult social situations than those who attend public schools.
Insufficient Education
Another common concern among those opposed to homeschooling is that it fails to provide children with a comprehensive education. Those against homeschooling worry that parents may lack the qualifications to properly educate their children and teach them skills like science and math, or that the curriculum may not follow an official state standard.
But some experts suggest that the situation may be the other way around. One Gallup survey of homeschoolers conducted in 2014 found that among those who had been homeschooled throughout their entire education, 64% considered their educational experience to have been above average or excellent. Furthermore, some studies have found that homeschoolers are better at problem-solving, test-taking, and other academic skills compared to those who attended public schools.
In the US, each state maintains its own set of laws and regulations for homeschooling. Some states require more teacher certification than others, but the bottom line is that homeschooled children do not need to be subjected to an inadequate educational program.
Homeschooling parents in the US can either design their own curriculums or teach from a program offered by their state.
Religious Beliefs
One of the main motives behind homeschooling is religious. Everyone is entitled to their beliefs and religions, yet many opponents worry that homeschooled children are restricted to a narrow worldview under which religious beliefs take precedence over areas of academic study. That is largely unfounded.
According to a survey conducted by the US National Home Education Research Institute, 75% of homeschooling families cited academic or educational concerns as their main reason for homeschooling. Just 15% said religion was the primary motivation, while the remaining 10% cited a mix of reasons.
Homeschooling families generally tend to be well-off and mindful of providing an excellent education for their children. With homeschooling, parents have the unique opportunity to tailor-made their child’s educational experience – something that has proven to be beneficial for many homeschoolers.
Conclusion
There are many criticisms of homeschooling whether valid or not. Many people feel concerned about the issues raised by the opponents of homeschooling, but on closer inspection, the benefits of homeschooling and the issues of concern pale in comparison to the major advantages for children who are homeschooled. With the right supports and resources, homeschooling can be an effective and enriching learning experience for children who are motivated and interested in learning.
At the end of the day, education is deeply personal and every family’s preferences, needs and fears must be respected. To ensure the best outcome for our children, parents must weigh their options and make the decision that is best suited to their family.