The Washington Post and Homeschooling
"The Post’s attention is justified. Its conclusions are flawed."
Dear Friends,
As many of you know, my scholarly research in the past few years has focused on homeschooling, both its history and its present day. I’m also a homeschooling parent, so I have some personal experience with homeschooling to add the mix in my writing and research, too.
In recent months, the Washington Post has published a short series of articles about homeschooling in America. You may have come across some of them.
Here are my thoughts, as homeschool researcher, on the paper’s latest effort to define and interpret homeschooling for the nation. Read my assessment here:
“Homeschooling and the Washington Post”
Take care,
Goodness...this is interesting, Dixie. You know, my husband and I never sent our son to school. I use this phrase because the word, 'homeschool,' has never *really* applied. The definition of homeschool continues to change.
Also, most of the time when 'homeschooling' is being discussed it falls under a universal umbrella b/c the author(s) of the article(s) may be unaware of each state's individual options. Or, that some states have local control (like PA). We have the option to teach our child/ren under the Private Tutor provision. This allows parents to select a tutor (obviously) or, if the parent him/herself is a PA-certified educator, the child is taught by the parent -- PA assumes if the parent is equipped to teach in our public schools he/she is equipped to teach his/her own children.
Private Tutor Option requires no annual objectives, no portfolio, no portfolio evaluation, no 'evaluation,' no standardized testing...the provision allows parents freedom to craft the education for their child/ren. I mention this b/c it is a great example of an education option few even recognize exists. Its popularity as a homeschooling alternative speaks to the number of certified educators who choose NOT to enroll their children in the very system in which they earned a degree/certification.
We also have local control -- our Department of Education has no authority (its role is to provide legal guidance to districts/families) -- in 'relaxed' districts homeschooling parents never hear from a superintendent for the entirety of the homeschooling experience. In 'strict' districts, parents struggle (depending on the administration/community).
If the Washington Post wants to do a deep dive into homeschooling, it should push a little deeper to recognize and understand all the opportunities available in all 50 states -- wouldn't that create a national conversation?
I think the swing in public sentiment and the fearmongering must have to do with the funding issues. Even the rise of so many programs like MyTechHigh that have a "count" component and require "enrollment" of some sort. I'm so conflicted about them, but they're undeniably helpful for homeschoolers.