Homeschool Responsibilities

The responsibility of educating children ultimately rests in the home, so it seems only fitting that there are parents who are taking on that responsibility and educating their children in a full-time capacity. As Jenn pointed out, home-schooling was the 'norm' in the early 1800's. The need for all children to have a balanced education brought about compulsory education. It was felt that immigrants, farmers' children, and urban children all needed to be educated in the basic structure of our society and democracy. Every child needs to be able to read, write, and do arithmetic. However, this brigs into account concepts and ideals that may not be in line with the values of the particular family unit. As noted by Fredrick Hess, "it is inappropriate for public school teachers to use their office to impose personal views upon a captive audience." (p. 163) The manner in which a child is educatied is therefore under the authority of the parent(s) of the child.
Choices in the educational process are numerous and they continue to grow. Parents are given many options when it comes to teaching their children. Although many homeschoolers teach tehir chldren outside of the public school environment for religious reasons, there are a growing number of homeschoolers who are teaching their children because they are disappointed with the public school system. In the "Focus on Education" article mentioned earlier, it was stated that "academic concerns outweigh religious reasons." Some see that the pubic schoool does not meet the needs of their special education child. Some have had bad experiences with bullies or with a poor teacher. Others see homescholing as an inexpensive option to an individualized education. Whatever the reason, homeschooling is just one option available for parents who are dissastisfied with the methods by which their children are being taught.
One of the greatest appeals of the homeschooling choice is the lack of regulation. As Dr. Scott pointed out, "the lack of regulation is the greatest strength [for this choice], but it is also the greatest weakness." Unregulated schooling practices could create a culture of children who are not being educated in subjects that are necessary to compete in society. Rob Reich, in his article "On Regualting Homeschooling: A Reply to Glanzer", states that he believes that "parents...bear the burden of proof in showing that parents, in their capactiy as teachers, will meet the state's and child's interests in education." Reich supports greater regulation for homeschooling. He also believes that there is "no good evidence about the performance, academic or otherwise, of homeschool students." All homeschooled students should be registered and all students should take basic skills tests. Is the homeschooling curriculium too subjective? Should there be "basics" that should be covered? Who's to say what...by when...how? I do believe that homeschooling has a place in our educational system and I have considered homeschooling my own children on a number of occasions, but there are still a great deal of questions to be answered. For now, I allow my children to go to the public school, support them wherever I can, and be in contact and communication with their teachers, so that we may all (student, parent, teacher) work together for the best interest of the child.