Motivation to Homeschool
Feb. 23, 2006 at 8:54 AM
Homeschooling
HSLDA President Micheal Smith cited a study done by the National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES). They studied homeschooling and released a report which included the top three reasons parents choose to homeschool they are:
1. Safety: 31.2% These included negative peer pressure, drugs, crime and violence.
2. Teaching from a religious perspective: 29.8%,
3. Desire for a more academically rigorous education, 16.5% of parents.
My answer would have actually changed depending on when I was asked.
My introduction into homeschooling began when I was 19 years old. I was a freshman at the U of Michigan at the time and I was disillusioned with the education I had received. I graduated in the top ten percent of my class from an "excellenet" school and yet I felt I was poorly educated. I had never read a "great book" and my understanding of both US and World History was pathetic. I did excell at math and to my schools credit I did have calculus. But I knew I wanted something better for my children.
I had just become a Christian and began attending a church in the area. There were a lot of young families and many were homeschooling. As I became acquainted with the families I was more and more convinced that homeschooling was an option that I would strongly consider when I had a family. So initially my decision was based alot on academics. But as I began to grow in my faith and study the bible I learned that I did not want my children to have only knowledge but to have wisdom.
Slowly, my initial preference to homeschool turned into a conviction. I am to the point now where I would not consider giving up homeschooling any more than I would consider divorcing my husband.
So if I were asked this question when I first thought about homeschooling I would have answered with number 3. But now it would be answer 2.
This study also brings up an interesting questions; If safety or the standards in education improved would familiies return to the public schools? If they don't have a conviction that homeschooling is what they should do, I bet many would. But some may also be like me, they start out for academic reasons and then it becomes something more.
What is your motivation for homeschooling? Is it a conviction or preference?
Related Tags: homeschool, homeschooling, public schools, parenting, education
1. Safety: 31.2% These included negative peer pressure, drugs, crime and violence.
2. Teaching from a religious perspective: 29.8%,
3. Desire for a more academically rigorous education, 16.5% of parents.
My answer would have actually changed depending on when I was asked.
My introduction into homeschooling began when I was 19 years old. I was a freshman at the U of Michigan at the time and I was disillusioned with the education I had received. I graduated in the top ten percent of my class from an "excellenet" school and yet I felt I was poorly educated. I had never read a "great book" and my understanding of both US and World History was pathetic. I did excell at math and to my schools credit I did have calculus. But I knew I wanted something better for my children.
I had just become a Christian and began attending a church in the area. There were a lot of young families and many were homeschooling. As I became acquainted with the families I was more and more convinced that homeschooling was an option that I would strongly consider when I had a family. So initially my decision was based alot on academics. But as I began to grow in my faith and study the bible I learned that I did not want my children to have only knowledge but to have wisdom.
Slowly, my initial preference to homeschool turned into a conviction. I am to the point now where I would not consider giving up homeschooling any more than I would consider divorcing my husband.
So if I were asked this question when I first thought about homeschooling I would have answered with number 3. But now it would be answer 2.
This study also brings up an interesting questions; If safety or the standards in education improved would familiies return to the public schools? If they don't have a conviction that homeschooling is what they should do, I bet many would. But some may also be like me, they start out for academic reasons and then it becomes something more.
What is your motivation for homeschooling? Is it a conviction or preference?
Related Tags: homeschool, homeschooling, public schools, parenting, education
5 Comments and Trackbacks
posted by lattegems on Feb. 23, 2006 at 10:09 AM
I so much agree with what you've written. I've often thought about why I want to homeschool and why I continue when it would be so easy to just send the children to school. I had the same experience in high school, graduating number 5 (whoo-hoo) in a class of 350, but really hadn't "learned" well. I mostly did what I was supposed to i.e. homework. I want something better for my family.
I do want to add, though, that I don't homeschool because I hate/detest public school people themselves. I wish they wouldn't take it personally. I just don't like the system. THis makes me THANKFUL more than anything that I can homeschool.
posted by CMMomma on Feb. 23, 2006 at 10:19 AM
My decision to homeschool was originally based on the fact that my 18 month old already knew his alphabet and was "teaching" the other kids in his daycare ( I worked until he was 5). I knew, based on my brother's experience, that at his pace, he would be bored at school and most likely labeled ADD. I wasn't willing to allow the school system to diagnose my child and handicap him for the rest of his school career (and life). So, I really started looking into homeschooling when he was young. Fortunately for me, my husband agreed wholeheartedly from the get-go. After my research, I was determined that the government had no business monopolizing the education business and that homeschooling was the best for all children (not necessarily for all parents, though). Finally, in just this last year, my conviction has been leaning more towards a christian calling. So, just like you, my answers would have been different over the years. I don't have any intentions of quitting, though again, you might get a different answer depending on how my day went ;-)
Thanks for your comment on my blog. We are all feeling MUCH better now.
Wyndee
posted by on Feb. 23, 2006 at 10:28 AM
I have heard it described as some are "visionary" homeschoolers, and that some are "reactionary" homeschoolers. Like you, I began as a reactionary homeschooler. However, the Lord took me on a journey that led me to become a visionary homeschooler. It is a conviction not just a preference. Therefore, it is ingrained as a part of me. It has not always been a pleasant journey, but by the grace of God, I have stayed the course. It is true, though. If reactionary homeschoolers do not believe that the Lord wants THEM to take responsibility for educating their children; then, if the school circumstances improved or they could suddenly afford private schools, a lot of reactionary homeschoolers would bail. I am very thankful that I did not have to make a long-term committment to homeschooling when I began. The Lord knew that I needed to be more dedicated.
And He knew that it would involve a process over time. God is so good and patient with us!
Youngwife - (I just realized that I had been logged in autimatically as my daughter!)
Edited by rayinmay94 on Feb. 23, 2006 at 7:35 AM
posted by SusannahCox on Feb. 23, 2006 at 11:47 AM
Visionary vs. Reactionary is a good way to put it. I usually state it in the negative by saying, "I didn't start homeschooling in reaction to anything." I caught the vision from other homeschooling families before I ever had children. I loved the way their families interacted; I loved the maturity and politeness and kindness displayed in the children. They were all so thrilled with homeschooling that they made me want the same sort of closeness in my own family. Since then, I have formed opinions about government schools that would keep me away from them under all but the most dire circumstances. I also concluded that if it's "my job" (not the school's) to instill our faith and values in my children, then fine, but I can't really do that unless they are home with me. I still think of myself as more visionary, though, because I think homeschooling is so doggone *cool* in and of itself. I wouldn't consider private school even if we could afford it. (Waste of good funds that we could put to better, more efficient, use on fun educational stuff. :) )
posted by creativehsmom on Feb. 24, 2006 at 1:09 AM
True, the safety and the standards in education can be improved and some do homeschool for reasons other than convictions. I doubt that the other dynamics that come into play within the system will ever change. It will never be an option for our family. Our convictions led us to hs. Stepping out a bit and looking at this whole situation regarding the PS system, I have to say that I'm not sure they can ever assure families that they can provide a safe haven. All we have to do is take a look at our society in general, those are the families who send their children to school, albeit public. What is the current rate of crime? The number of latch key kids increases all the time. Our society will always be equal to the public schools. How can they ever change?
Good question!!
Cathy :o)