Mike's Response to Home Schooling

I had initially intended to write a long post, responding to each of the criticisms of home schooling. In fact, I called my brother-in-law to make sure I wouldn't cause a feud by responding directly to his post. I wrote the post, and then decided to do more research. I had previously done a little research and felt confident that I was justified in my opinions. After doing more research, I don't even feel like I need to respond to any of the specific criticism. The data shows that homeschooling leads to individuals who are at least as good, and often better, than their public/private schooled peers in academics, socialization, problem solving, critical thinking, and civic engagement. I'm neither for nor against home schooling--but I think it deserves fair treatment.

Here's a link to a summary article by one researcher.

Here's a link to the search page where you can narrow your search of home schooling articles. It's easiest to scroll down towards the bottom of the menus and select one of the ERIC Thesaurus Descriptors. Click "search," and scroll down to the bottom to see the articles that contain that descriptor. For most of the studies, you can only read the abstract.

This is the only website I surveyed, so if someone finds research contrary to what's found here, I'd be interested in seeing it.

Now, to be sure everyone knows--I don't really believe in research done by social scientists, but sometimes it's your only option.

Mike

*** I appreciate all of the comments and that people were able to voice their disagreements in a mostly respectful manner. I like being able to discuss controversial issues and not feel like I am being attacked for what I think. I'm also grateful for personal revelation and that through prayer, I'll be able to know exactly what's right for my family. I'm sure you'll support me in whatever decision I make.

Adrianne

Comments

blondeviolin said…
I've had a bit of both experinces--homeschooling and public schooling. Currently, my plan is to do like my sister does and take advantage of k12. Most states have this option now. It's an online charter school. The child is at home with you mostly, but has his/her own teacher, social outings, etc, etc. The k12 curriculum is an awesome curriculum. You still get the flexibility of homeschooling, but the ability to have friends through homeschool coops/social planning etc. And it IS public school--at home! Oh, and did I mention that it's free? They do loaner computers, internet reimbursal, supplies, etc, etc. You supply glue, paper, pencils and other things you would in a public school setting.

I have sat in on a few of my niece's/nephew's lessons and it is really comprehensive. My 13-year-old niece is in trigonometry because that's where she tests into.

I know for a fact it is an option in OH and in CO. Don't know if it's something you want to look into, but here's the page for the Ohio Virtual Academy.
Team Clark said…
You guys are great.
As I said in Jason's post, I wouldn't consider homeschooling and that is how I feel.
HOWEVER, Adrianne - I think that if anyone is qualified to teach their children at home, it is you. You are amazingly talented in that part of being a mom. You really are. So whatever you guys decide will be great.
Frances said…
Those wer yer best posts yet. So controvershal.

p.s. I went to public skool and I turned out fine.

:)
Katrina said…
I love homeschool debates. And although I still have about 3 years before I have to decide, it is still on my mind. The only thing veering me away from home school would be that I'm not sure if I could mentally/emotionally handle it on top of having toddlers/babies at home.... but then I add up the hours that public schools take my young, easily molded child away from me-8 hours/day, not including any driving time or school activities. That right there is an easy 40 hours a week that they are teaching what I could probably teach my child in 16 hours/week or less at home. So 24 hours would be left to also teach my child what really matters in this world- The gospel of Jesus Christ. Not only that, but there would be plenty of time to go to educational places with them like museums and parks, and they would have time to develop their talents, such as taking piano lessons, dance lessons, or whatever they're interested in. Any ways, to say it in more simpler form, I think public schools have a lot of time wasting activities, and in the mean time take our children away from valuable time that we could be spending enriching our own child's life with what matters most- gaining a testimony! And when they do reach the "real world" their testimony will help them overcome any socialization problem that people say can result from homeschooling. When I think about all of this, I believe that of course it would be for the best interest of my child to be home schooled. And I hope that I have the emotional strength to be able to do it when the time comes, but with the Lord's help all things are possible! Another thought: my brother-in-law has been teaching 5th graders in a public school for about 5 years, and he is the most PRO-homeschool man I've ever met. He tells me, there is no way he can teach 25 kids all at once, as well as a mom can teach their own children one on one. He said its the facts of public school, kids that are slow, get left behind, and kids that are catching on faster than everyone else get bored, and that's just how it is. He sees it every day he goes to work. It sounds hypocritical for a public school teacher to say that, but because of what he sees everyday, he is having his wife homeschool all of his children! I told him he needs to write a book from a teacher's perspective why homeschooling works better than public schools.. Maybe someday he will! :-)
Katrina said…
Also, I don't want to offend anyone reading my comment. I don't think it is "Bad" to send your child to public schools, I just think that it is better for them to be home schooled if it is at all possible. That's all. :-)
Carolina said…
Just curious, what do you mean when you say you "don't really believe in research done by social scientists?" Does that mean you don't believe in their methods? Don't believe in the conclusions they draw from their research? Is it a bias that you believe they have?

I'm not a social scientist (or depend heavily upon them in my work), so I don't mean any of these questions as an indictment. I really am just curious.
Michelle said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
Michelle said…
If someone can clear something up for me.

Why is it that
"most Moms that homeschool"
are also the same Moms that tend to nurse their children until they are 3 an 4 years old, and the same Moms that don't belive in vacinating their children?

I just don't understand?

About homeschooling, I feel that a parent should be involved with their children's education, like before during and after school, this doesn't mean they have to be their children's education. I love what Jason wrote in his post on the lewisnclark.blogspot.com I completely agree with him and usually I don't so this is new! :)

Friday, 05 March, 2010
Carolina,

I'm just being cocky. I think it's funny to tease about social sciences because Adrianne's degree is in a social science. Since early on in our marriage, I have tried to explain to her that "real" sciences come up with "real" conclusions. My favorite "studies" in the social sciences are case studies. They are usually something like, "The author interviewed 11 16 year-old girls about their feelings regarding the recent break up of the Back Street Boys." and then they draw conclusions like, "Local governments should develop a larger population of male singing groups to fill the void left when one of these groups disbands." Is that science??

In truth, I respect their efforts and recognize the value they provide, but it sure is fun to tease about the occasional silly study.

Mike
The Duke said…
Your last comment, Mike, was the best. :) I don't know if it is actually possible to get a real un-biased study on this issue. It's kind of like someone that wants to know about Mormons - so who do you ask? Mormons, of course. Would you want an investigator to ask a Catholic about Mormon beliefs? Probably not the best source for truth about us. But would the person asking the question feel like they were getting an un-biased view? Probably not. But we're the best source.
Jim may have some ideas about this from his schooling in graduate school at the Univ. of Indiana. He was studying Educational Psychology (I think). He read lots of opinions and ideas about types of schools, ways to effectively teach, etc. Maybe he would have some good "science" from his books. I'll ask him.
Carolina said…
Oh! I'm just slow to pick up on these things.

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