Home School Myths: Homeschooled Kids Are Truant
Myth #1
One topic that frequently comes up during conversations about home school is the one of truancy. It is often perceived that a child who is homeschooled is (or should be) counted as truant.
While on a homeschool field trip to one of Denver's museums, I had another museum patron approach me, wondering why I was at the museum with school-aged children during school hours. I thought about telling her to mind her own business, but I like to look at negativity or disagreement as another chance to make my positive outlook stronger. If I can help someone else along the way, that's even better.
I let her know that the children were homeschooled and that we were visiting the museum to study artifacts that represented their current studies. She then proceeded to ask me if I was concerned about being contacted by a truancy officer. I politely informed her that the truancy officer would not be contacting me, as homeschooling is perfectly legal, as are educational field trips during school hours. I explained to her that this was part of the children's lessons for the day and that just like children in public and private school, field trips were a part of school.
The lady was actually very friendly. She was just misinformed and looking at the issue in a different way. She was simply thinking about the fact that we were not inside a building during school hours, but after hearing my explanation about education being obtained in other places besides a classroom, I believe she understood.
She actually became very interested and we had a nice conversation while the children were filling in their answers on the questionnaire worksheet I had brought along for them. Of course I went over the answers with them after she left to be sure the lesson was learned. Schooling does not have to occur in one setting all the time and that's something people don't often think about.
Another reason the subject of truancy can come up is because many people assume that a home school is not a school. They feel that since the child is not attending a formal school building, that means they are absent or truant from school.
However, "being schooled" simply means a person is being educated. Most children in homeschool are learning. They are not just staying at home and playing. In fact, home schooled children have scored higher than those in public and private schools. Therefore, that evidence shows they are being taught. In order to be truant, one must not be attending school at all. If the children are being taught and all the state laws are being followed, the child is not truant.
If you are homeschooling and are having legal issues with anyone, contact the HSLDA to see if they can help.
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Published by Lyn Lomasi - Featured Contributor in Lifestyle
Lyn's the Community Advocate at Yahoo! Contributor Network. Contact her with community issues & ideas. She's been contributing since 2007 and previously acted as a Community Guide. Read her tips for success... View profile
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- Homeschooling is perfectly legal, as are educational field trips during school hours.
- Education can occur anywhere.
- In order to be truant, one must not be attending school at all.
38 Comments
Post a CommentIt's amazing that she wasn't aware that homeschooling was legal. I can tell you are a much more patient person than me.
Aww, thanks for the wonderful compliments Charlotte. Having the ability to post to a media outlet, such as AC, I would be disappointed in myself if I didn't share my knowledge on this topic. As I'm sure you're aware, I agree that children should be allowed the opportunity to get the best education option available to them. What that is for each child will differ. I hope you get the opportunity to home school your grandson. If done the right way, it's such an amazing experience for all involved. :-)
I have always loved your articles on home schooling. So many people get the wrong impression about "what" it is and "why" parents choose it. I'm frankling scared to death of the skewed education my grandson may receive in public school. My daughter and I talk about it all the time. We are perfectly ready to home school if it comes to that. I won't have him fed a bunch of baloney or deprived at the best education he can obtain. He is smart, quick, and inquisitive. He deserves the best we can give him and if that is home schooling, so be it. I'm proud of you for your stance in this area. More than that, however, I'm in awe of your courage and fortitude.
That's great that she was so receptive. Its always nice when things turn out better than you could have expected. Excellent article.
To be blunt: The lady must have been living under a rock if she thought homeschooling was illegal.
So many people just don't understand Moohma. I have experienced some of those misconceptions as well. Thanks for sharing your experiences. I wish your comment wouldn't have gotten cut off. Hopefully, you'll come back and fill me in on the rest. :-)
I'm a teacher who now homeschools my young son. My parents and siblings are worried that my son won't fair as well at home as if he were in school, socializing with kids his own age. They're afraid he'll be labeled as "weird" or "geek". I reminded them that those labels can be placed on kids by others regardless of being homeschooled or not. I have to remind them frequently that I have a degree and certification to teach and have done so for numerous years so it's not like I'm not qualified if that's their issue. On the flip side, I've met up with parents of former students who say it's wonderful that my own son is benefiting from my knowledge and experience. It's not that my family wasn't proud of me being a teacher; they were and still are. As for the myths associated with homeschooling what about "You only homeschool because YOU can't let go and allow him to grow up." That one just kills me, they don't see how homeschooling is doing more for him, giving him more of what's
Aww, thanks you two. Wow Sophie! I had no idea. Thanks for the mini-lesson. :-)
very informative article. I would like to say also that Yes, we can have parents educate their children especially when the state fails to do so!
I think you did a great job in educating this lady, rather than sounding off at her. I have never considered home schooled children as truant. I share your view of the term "truant", and that is of a child receiving no education at all. In the UK, truant children are picked up off the streets by the police and their parents go to prison for their children's truancy. That has been quite a controversial move.
Sophie