The idea of homeschooling has been around for centuries and has been a popular choice for parents to achieve the best education possible for their children. Homeschooling involves parents teaching their child the curriculum they need in order to be ready to face the world, while still following the state’s educational standards. Though homeschooling has been around for decades, the choice has become particularly popular over the past few years due to the rise in remote learning and the implementation of COVID-19 restrictions.
This article will explore the reasons why parents decide to homeschool their children, examining the benefits and drawbacks parents consider when making the decision to go that route.
What Is Homeschooling?
Homeschooling is an educational choice in which parents or guardians take responsibility for the education and instruction of their children. It is performed by a parent or tutor in the home instead of attending a school, and it is often done for religious beliefs or for personal, academic, or social reasons.
Homeschooling is regulated and typically allows families to customize their children’s education to a particular set of goals and interests.
What Are the Benefits of Homeschooling?
Homeschooling has many benefits for both parents and children. Firstly, it allows for a more customized approach to a child’s learning and education. Parents can adjust the curriculum to their child’s individual strengths and interests, and teaching can be tailored around their needs.
Additionally, homeschooling allows children to learn at their own pace without being rushed, which can be beneficial for those learning disabilities and other challenges that may affect their traditional learning experience. Moreover, homeschooling also allows students to deepen their exploration of topics they are particularly interested in and pursue additional coursework that they may not tackle if they were enrolled in a physical school.
Furthermore, another benefit of homeschooling is that it often increases family involvement. Parents are able to become more closely involved in their children’s education and discuss their progress more freely.
Additionally, homeschooled children have been known to have better social and communication skills, since they don’t have to rely on their peers to have meaningful conversations or to practice debate skills.
What Are the Drawbacks of Homeschooling?
Homeschooling does have some drawbacks that parents should consider before making the decision. For one, parents have to be responsible for the curriculum and must stay on top of all the latest educational practices, as well as maintain steady communication with the school board or housing authorities to ensure educational standards are being met.
Additionally, the amount of time, energy, and money parents must commit to teach their child may be considerable. Furthermore, homeschooling may cause a child to miss out on valuable experiences, such as the arts and team sports, because they are not exposed to those activities while they are at home. Finally, courses that are timed to students’ grade levels, such as math, may prove to be difficult to teach without having a qualified teacher on hand.
What Qualifications Are Required to Homeschool?
Most states require that parents have a high-school diploma, GED or its equivalent to home school their children. In addition, some states may require that parents receive a teaching license or have a specific DeS (Department of Education) certification.
Homeschooling families may be required to submit regular progress reports, or have a third party test their child’s educational progress.
Which States Require Testing When Homeschooling?
Many states require homeschooling families to provide proof of their student’s academic progress. This can include standardized test scores, or sample work that is reviewed by either the parents or a third party to ensure the child is learning and progressing.
In general, states require assessment, such as standardized tests, to ensure all children attending private, home, or parochial schools are meeting the state’s educational standards. This includes residents of California, Illinois, Virginia, Michigan, Oregon and Pennsylvania. Other states, such as New York, require only an occasional assessment, while others, such as Alaska, require no assessment at all.
Are Homeschooled Kids Eligible for College?
Homeschooled students are eligible to enter virtually any college or university that they choose. Many homeschoolers report having no difficulty in completing college entrance exams, such as the SAT or ACT. Furthermore, college admissions counselors are usually aware of the homeschooling process and are prepared to evaluate the qualifications of a homeschooler.
It is important to note that in order for homeschoolers to be eligible for financial aid, they must have a high school diploma.
What Social Experiences Does Homeschooling Offer?
Although homeschooling can limit a child’s interaction with other students, numerous other options exist to ensure they experience social interaction. Many homeschooling parents arrange playdates or have their children take part in co-operative classes which can take place in person or virtually. Additionally, there are extra-curricular classes, as well as outings and clubs for homeschoolers that can provide a structured learning atmosphere as well as social interaction with other children.
Furthermore, many homeschoolers participate in sports, church groups, or volunteer work that offer a great opportunity for socialization.
What Role Does the Curriculum Play in Homeschooling?
The curriculum is a crucial part of homeschooling, as it provides parents a roadmap for their children’s education. Parents must decide which courses to pursue, as well as how to teach and assess them. Many parents opt for an accredited online curriculum, while others prefer to create their own plan and tailor it to the individual needs of their child.
It is important to note that, depending on the state, different requirements may exist for coursework and assessment.
What Challenges Do Homeschooled Kids Face?
Homeschooled children can face certain difficulties that students attending a traditional school may not experience. For one, the social environment can be more challenging, as the child may not have the same access to peer groups and other extracurricular activities. Similarly, homeschooled children may find it more difficult to transition to a traditional school setting, since they may not be familiar with the educational process or have the same understanding of the social environment.
Additionally, homeschooled children may not have the same access to resources, such as libraries and laboratories, that help children to develop their research and scientific skills.
Are Homeschooled Kids Better Prepared for College?
Homeschooling parents often report that their children are well prepared for college due to the individualized education and instruction that they receive in the home. Additionally, homeschooled children typically possess a higher level of college preparation, as they are often more mature and independent than their peers. Furthermore, homeschoolers can often use their additional leisure time to volunteer or take additional classes, leading to increased motivation and focus in college.
Are Homeschoolers Less Socially Equipped?
Despite the common misconception that homeschooled children are not as socially equipped as their peers, research shows that homeschooled children are actually better at interacting in social situations. This is due to the fact that homeschooled children are usually exposed to a wider variety of social situations and experiences than those in traditional school settings. Furthermore, homeschooling allows for parents to customize the curriculum to their children’s specific needs and interests, leading to a more in-depth exploration of topics and helping children to become more mature.
What Resources Are Available for Homeschoolers?
Homeschoolers are often welcome at a variety of educational and public resources, such as libraries and museums. Additionally, homeschoolers have access to a wealth of materials and curriculums available online.
Many homeschooling parents also take advantage of co-ops, or parent-run schools, to teach their children. Finally, homeschoolers can often participate in online classes, online college courses, and virtual career paths.
Does Homeschooling Provide an Effective Education?
Parents should rest assured that homeschooling can provide their children with an effective education. Studies have shown that homeschooled children often perform better on achievement tests, as well as college entrance examinations.
Additionally, homeschoolers are often more equipped to cope with the expectations of the job market, as they have the skills to work independently and possess the self-discipline necessary to be successful in college.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this article has explored the reasons why parents decide to homeschool their children, including both the benefits and drawbacks of making such a decision. Under the current circumstances, homeschooling may be one of the best methods to ensure that our children receive a well-rounded, comprehensive, and hands-on education.
However, it is important for parents to make sure that they have considered all the factors involved before deciding to pursue the homeschooling route for their child.