Homeschooling VS Public Education

Government education is broken. Students face threat of violence from peers and intruders. Graduation rates are slipping. Those who do graduate cannot compete globally. Administrators fight reform attempts. They argue teachers are not liable for a student's performance. Teachers blame inactive parents. Parents need to take more control over their child's education.

Homeschooling provides that control. Parents have control over every aspect of their child's education. Parents control when students attend classes, choice of curriculum, and possess a high level of accountability. It seems like such a simple solution. Government school administrators do not like this option either. Administrators state many reasons why homeschooling is not adequate.

"Students will not receive the proper amount of socializing." Personally, I love this argument. Getting your head slammed against a locker or dunked in the toilet is not proper socializing. Yet, this behavior is rampant in our government schools. Congress even felt it necessary to pass anti-bullying legislation.

Homeschooling provides many opportunities for socialization. Children are able to choose from many activities including; orchestras, sports teams, and group field trips. We all are products of our experiences and associations. Homeschooling gives parents influence over these associations.

Parents cannot effectively educate their children. In years past, homeschooling resources were limited. Parents had few choices, use the school's curriculum, create their own, or hire a retired teacher. Today, there are many resources available. Homeschoolers can purchase books that include student and teacher manuals. Classes are available through video conferencing, DVD, and through the internet. Students, at the high school level, can enroll in internet-based high schools.

Escaping bullying and returning parental control are just two benefits. Parents, some without college degrees, are producing high scoring children. Since 1996, homeschoolers have score above the national average on ACT. Many factors combine to produce such results.

Children enjoy smaller class sizes. Government school administrators often use this statement. However, they are advocating more money for their districts. Homeschool classes are limited to children in the household. Children receive the individual attention they need. Parents can quickly identify and address any deficiencies. Children requiring additional challenges receive them. Children are taught to strive for excellence not mediocrity.

Parents hold a high level of accountability. It is very difficult for children to hide homework assignments, project deadlines, or test dates. After all, Mom and Dad are the teachers. Through accountability, parents are able to instill a strong work ethic. Children learn their subjects, not how to become master manipulators.

Parents must demand school systems and choices that produce superior students. Teaching and instruction must look at students as individuals. Days of treating students as a class and producing mediocrity are gone. Homeschooling has and will continue to address all these issues without demanding more taxpayer money. Any American that wants exceptional children needs to support homeschooling.