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DEL.ICIO.USHome school ruling should strike fear
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Home schooling is an important component of Georgia’s educational framework. Many thousands of families across the state school some 40,000 children in their homes. It is a system that continues to work well for Georgia parents so inclined.
From my own experience as a member of Congress who personally reviewed hundreds of applications for admission to our country’s military academies, I can attest to the fact that high school seniors who had been home schooled for all or part of their academic careers competed favorably in all aspects of academics with students who attended public or private schools. Georgia is not alone in recognizing the value of home schooling; virtually all other states do as well.
However, that vital system of home schooling is now threatened. Georgia parents, legislators and others who care about fairness and choice in education, and who value parental rights and individual freedom, should take note and take steps to ensure that a recent court decision in California does not take hold in our state.
While those of us east of the Mississippi, particularly here in the South, are aware that California courts generally render decisions favoring maximized government control and minimized individual liberty, a recent appeals court in that state is breathtaking in its disdain for historic notions of individual and family freedom.
The California Court of Appeals has effectively outlawed home schooling, and the ripple effects of this judicial tsunami may be felt even here in the Peach State.
The facts underlying the California case did not even relate directly to the institution of home schooling, but rather involved alleged abuse and neglect. Notwithstanding this, the decision took an unexpected turn when the majority ruled that every child in the state must be enrolled in and attend full time either a public or accredited private school, where they are to be taught only by state-certified teachers. Only parents who are state certified could home school their children.
The intent of the California jurists to completely abolish home schooling could not have been clearer: “Parents do not have a constitutional right to home school their children.” To ensure the message was not misunderstood, the court held that violators could be prosecuted and jailed. With the stroke of a judicial pen, home schooling parents in California became common criminals.
In Orwellian language, this decision sends a clear message that children are to be considered obedient wards of the state. Parents who might disagree with the state-developed and state-sponsored curriculum or teaching methods are slap out of luck. Home schooling is simply not an option.
The California court decision not only bows to longstanding cries from teachers unions that home schooling undermines their role, but also wholly disregards the unique needs and wants of both parents and students who choose to home school. For many children, home schooling is the only viable alternative to a system that is not effective in light of their specific needs and desires. Home schooling also offers a constructive way of keeping children from becoming dropouts, by promoting tailored curricula to help students excel and want to learn —- traits glaringly lacking in much of the public school population.
Even more troubling is the risk this decision poses to home schooling nationwide. California, as the nation’s most populous state, unfortunately serves in many respects as a model to other parts of the nation. The huge number of textbooks used by California’s public schools, for example, often prompts publishers to tailor the content of their publications to that state’s desires.
Clearly also, the California court decision raises the truly dangerous possibility that shortsighted courts in other parts of the country will rush to act in a similar fashion. There is the harrowing specter of dissolving entirely a family’s right to control education.
Rather than calmly waiting for the effects of the California court’s opinion to be felt here, Georgia legislators and other state leaders should be speaking loudly and clearly against this destructive decision. They should already be reviewing our laws as they relate to home schooling —- to strengthen them against the onslaught that has now been empowered by the California Court of Appeals.
Comments
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By NICK
April 2, 2008 8:29 AM | Link to this
DEMOCRATS at work.
BIG GOVERNMENT CONTROL. The taking away of American’s individual freedoms.
By Ray
April 2, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this
This is clearly an example of the government knowing “what is best for it’s citizens”.
When my daughter was admitted to Auburn several years ago, the admission counselor stated that she would take a home schooled applicant over a public school applicant in a heartbeat. The home schooled student is better rounded, more confident, more goal directed, responsible and better educated, according to her.
With a record of poor education, poor teachers and a super high drop out rate, our public schools have a long way to go to meet up with the quality of a home schooled student.
By Red
April 2, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this
Home schooling strikes fear in me because I have seen so many being taught by incompetent parents and who are woefully behind other kids their age. Yet there are some who are taught well. I have seen homeschooled kids who are very advanced, but who can not relate to kids their own age. They are more comfortable with adults. Nothing wrong necessarily, except they seem to have been cheated out of their childhood and growing up with other kids.
By Pixie
April 2, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this
Nick, It is not DEMOCRATS at Work.
Guess you forgot they have a Republican Governor!
By Nurse Ratchet
April 2, 2008 8:57 AM | Link to this
“DEMOCRATS at work.”
Apparently Sir, you’ve been asleep for the last 8 years. No difference between the Red or Blue, they’re both wearing Red undies (Republicrats). Grab your shoulders, yank real hard and remove your head from your collective arse. WAKE UP! Or perhaps you’d like to continue to allow everyone else with a ‘talking point’ to do your critical thinking for you…
THAT is the real, underlying problem…
“The public school system: “Usually a twelve year sentence of mind control. Crushing creativity, smashing individualism, encouraging collectivism and compromise, destroying the exercise of intellectual inquiry, twisting it instead into meek subservience to authority.” – Walter Karp
By Lisa
April 2, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this
After going to a “christian” school (I use that “” due to the fact that teachers were sleeping with the students, the principle off’ed himself at the school, half of my class in 10th grade were having sex in the back of the gym, and one could not even graduate due to the fact that she was pregnant with the bible teachers kid! ) I only wonder what kind of education home schooled kids would be getting if even a “christian” school failed us so badly. By the time I left to go to a public school in 12th grade I was so far behind in math and science that I could not get into any college without two more years of help (things like “what is the definition of the word History:His story, God’s paln revealed in the human race…crap like that!) It was not fair that a “christian ” school was allowed to teach us that had no accreditation other than being pervs!
By Lisa
April 2, 2008 9:13 AM | Link to this
After going to a “christian” school (I use that “” due to the fact that teachers were sleeping with the students, the principle off’ed himself at the school, half of my class in 10th grade were having sex in the back of the gym, and one could not even graduate due to the fact that she was pregnant with the bible teachers kid! ) I only wonder what kind of education home schooled kids would be getting if even a “christian” school failed us so badly. By the time I left to go to a public school in 12th grade I was so far behind in math and science that I could not get into any college without two more years of help (things like “what is the definition of the word History:His story, God’s paln revealed in the human race…crap like that!) It was not fair that a “christian ” school was allowed to teach us that had no accreditation other than being pervs!
By Lisa
April 2, 2008 9:13 AM | Link to this
After going to a “christian” school (I use that “” due to the fact that teachers were sleeping with the students, the principle off’ed himself at the school, half of my class in 10th grade were having sex in the back of the gym, and one could not even graduate due to the fact that she was pregnant with the bible teachers kid! ) I only wonder what kind of education home schooled kids would be getting if even a “christian” school failed us so badly. By the time I left to go to a public school in 12th grade I was so far behind in math and science that I could not get into any college without two more years of help (things like “what is the definition of the word History:His story, God’s paln revealed in the human race…crap like that!) It was not fair that a “christian ” school was allowed to teach us that had no accreditation other than being pervs!
By Allie
April 2, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this
I am personally not a fan of homeschooling…the reason, my step-daughter is “being homeschooled”…however, her mother has admitted that she does not, nor does she intend, to teach this child. It breaks my heart that this little one sits at home everyday watching Zoey101 and other shows and has no idea how to read or write. The one thing a parent should give a child is a high school education. I do the best I can when I see her to try and teach phonics, etc, but there’s not much I can do 3-4 days out of the month. I do know lots of kids who are properly homeschool. The responsibility is with the parents!!!
By songbird
April 2, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this
I can see good arguments on both sides of this issue, but, the USA is falling behind other countries in science and math. How do you fully educate your child in science at home without all the lab equipment normally used for this purpose. Plus, you will have parents not teaching evolution to their kids, etc. I also believe that most parents really aren’t equipped to teach every subject - you can’t be an expert in everything.
I think if a parent is going to home school, they must follow a specific curriculum so the student is given the same broad education of a public/private school student. Parents should have the ability to add to the curriculum, but not remove anything.
By Bosch
April 2, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this
I used to think home schooling was a crock, but I’ve changed my mind.
While I still believe that parents should have some educational training, if a parent so chooses, then so be it.
I saw a news story recently where teachers in California were being laid off because of a lack of educational funding. It seems to me that the state would WANT more people to home school.
By Craig
April 2, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this
Red and Allie,
Don’t base an opinion on homeschooling based solely on one or a very few bad apples. Look at what the public system is turning out. Look at scores in our state. We rank consistently at or very near the bottom of the nation. Add to the fact our nation lags behind most other industrial nations, I have no confidence in the public school system especially here in GA. Look at the dropout rate. Look at the quality of the actual graduates. Look at in-school suspensions and the numbers enrolled in alternate schools.
If anything, PUBLIC schools should frighten you. There you have billions of dollars being spent every year by “qualified” teachers with college degrees in eight hours of controlled environments. There you have your money being spent in a careless manner. With homeschooling, they spend their own money, own time, and in their own homes. If I were a betting man, I’d put my money on homeschooling in every aspect.
By Dave
April 2, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this
California is correct. A parent that wants to teach their child MUST be certified if they want to be able to “award” their child HS Diploma. Why fight it? If you feel that you have the knowledge and skills required to teach, why would you resist? The only reason I can think of is that you DON’T feel as if you would pass a test showing you are able to teach your child.
If you think it’s about Gov’t. control, you are sadly mistaken. If you want the government out of your life, then do NOT expect to be ablse to issue your child a state-issued HS diploma, unless YOU are certified to teach in that state. You can not have it both ways.
Funny how those that shout about too much government intrusion into our persoal lives….are often the VERY same ones that think the government should be able to take away a woman’s right to choose, and gay’s rights to marry. The want to have the government regulate what one can do in the bedroom, but NOT in the classroom. Ironic, huh?
By Vince
April 2, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this
I do believe parents have the right to homeschool their children but there should be some guidelines.
Our school has lost some students to homeschooling (ususally when the child gets in trouble or is failing the parents will yank them out of school in anger). They have always come back after a few months.
I have received many students who have been homeschooled for a year or two. They are ALWAYS (100%)behind their peers academically…usually by a year or two.
Without fail I can watch a group of kids playing at the neighborhood pool and pick out the ones who are homeschooled…and that is not a positive thing.
I do not think it is fair to punish public school kids who take rigorous AP and gifted classes in high school and cannot get the HOPE because they have a 2.9 average…While homeschooled kids get a free ride if they score high enough on the SAT. (Think about it…if a parent can give their child a grade that would enable them to get the HOPE why would they give them anything but an ‘A?’
Nevertheless, homeschooling may be an option for some parents and should remain an alternative….but, man, there should be more guidelines.
By def
April 2, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this
It really does not matter whether we belive in homeschooling. The point is that the government is once again trying to tell us that as parents we have no right to decide what is best for our child.
By Christopher
April 2, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this
The big picture is missing in this debate. The homeschooling ruling was about the overall erosion of parental rights - the Nanny State approach to life in America. Most people want the government to care for them and their children, so the court’s decision fits nicely into that desire. Beware, though, where this path is leading.
There are two major institutions in America that the vast amount of citizens do not understand: the tax system and the education system. What’s the main purpose of our tax system? No, it’s not to collect taxes - that could be accomplished any number of much simpler ways. The reason for our tax SYSTEM is control of how we spend our money - a sort of social engineering.
What’s the main purpose of our public school system? Control. Social engineering. Basically, we have the Prussian system brought here by Horace Mann for the intent purpose of indoctrinating our children into thinking the ways of the State by removing the children from parental influence as much as possible.
Everyone should look to present day Germany, where homeschooling is illegal and parents are being incarcerated for exercising parental rights.
Hitler once said he didn’t care if the adults were on his side, because he had the children.
By demwit
April 2, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this
Hey…!! Why don’t they just give homeschooled students yearly tests in California??
By Rational Jenn
April 2, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this
I’m always amused by the assumptions that those who are obviously not familiar with home schooling make—usually that the children do not have friends. That is not how it really works and anyone who took the time to research the enormity of educational and social programs for home schooled kids, especially here in Atlanta, would know differently.
Likewise, I often see remarks by people who know that “one home schooled kid” who is awkward or whose parents are possibly not helping them learn. Yes, that happens.
BUT! How many kids fall behind on a regular basis in school?!?!?! Do you remember no awkward kids from your school days?
Pointing out anecdotes based on (erroneous) stereotypes is not evidence that home schooling should be outlawed, regulated, or even viewed with suspicion.
By Homeschool Mom
April 2, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this
I have taught in public school and Christian school (with much the same situation as Lisa describes!)these experiences were the ones that made me homeschool my own children. They tried going back to public school for a few years but were soon back home.
Georgia requires that the basic subjects are taught but they do not specify which curriculum you must use. There are so many “user friendly” curriculum available now that I see no need for the parent to be a certified teacher (just because you passed the requirements for certification DO NOT necessarily make you a good teacher!)although I do think that you should be a college graduate in order to homeschool.
For us, it is a blessing as my younger son is dyslexic but with a high IQ. My individual attention helps him more than any help he received in the couple of years that he attended public school. I know his strengths and weaknesses and can work with them to give him a better education.
To give you an example of the incresing number of homeschoolers- in our neighborhood of about 40 homes there are about 5 families who homeschool.
By Dave
April 2, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this
Should a parent be allowed to teach their child the following: That the planet is between 6000 and 10,000 years old? Should the child who gives that answer on a test have the right to a HS Diploma? My opinion is that the child who gives that answer on a test should only be allowed to have a certificate saying the passed “bible studies class”… They have obviously not been given the correct science studies. The state has the right to regulate who it awards a Diploma to. That diploma will be used to apply for jobs, or enroll in college. The ONLY ones who should be able to administer the diploma is the state where the child resides. The teacher/s who educate that child MUST be certified by the state in all subjects required to attain that diploma. Anything else should not be called a diploma. They have no right to a state diploma if not taught buy those who are unwilling to show that they have mastery in the subjects they teach. DVD’s and online computer courses are NOT teachers.
Sample question: How big was the boat that Noah built to house “all those animals, up there in da woods, with all the bugs”? IS that another topic taught to “homeschoolers”???
By Bosch
April 2, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this
Vince,
You make a good point about HOPE.
I’m not sure about GA’s standards for homeschooling, but I have a friend in another state that home-school their daughter. Their daughter is “enrolled” in the local public school (gets to attend social events, clubs, etc.), but is taught at home - she is required to pass the same tests that the students who physically go to school have to pass - and it’s up to my friend to make sure she does.
I think home-schooling is a great option, but if a parent wants state funds, then they must be willing to abide by state laws and regulations.
Allie,
Your husband should step up and demand his daughter receive a proper education, and not shut up until she does. It takes BOTH parents.
By Jan
April 2, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this
This is my question to advocates of homeschooling without any type of control. What do you say about those who “homeschool” and their child is far below grade level? I have a family member who homeschooled her children for 6 years. They eventually entered the school system and 3 out of 4 of them failed out. No one has actually got out of the ninth grade at this point. These children started out as smart as any child around and after years of being taught at the hands of an uneducated mother now have not even gotten out of the ninth grade. Should nothing be done to address these types of situations? The oldest who is now 22 with a 9th grade education cannot get anything more than a minimum wage job. Is this fair? I actually am a proponent of homeschooling, but I have seen gross abuse in the system.
By blue
April 2, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this
Way to go California. I personally think it is far too easy for someone to HomeSchool their child in Georgia. I have three friends who (say) they homeschool but, they play video games all days, and shop. One’s child is in 3rd Grade and cannot read yet. It’s sad. I am 100% in favor of Certified Parents teaching their children. For these Mom’s that aren’t teaching their children at home they are only hurting their child in the future as well as the Country.
By Brad Rhoads
April 2, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this
We home school our kids and my wife happens to be certified. We’ve both done graduate work in education as well. The research shows that as long as the parents have an undergraduate degree in something - it doesn’t need to be in education - they can homeschool effectively.
@Red Homeschool kids are not in general “cheated” out of their childhood. It’s very common to be part of homeschool groups where kids have friends and learn from other parents with different areas of expertise.
By Brad Rhoads
April 2, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this
We home school our kids and my wife happens to be certified. We’ve both done graduate work in education as well. The research shows that as long as the parents have an undergraduate degree in something - it doesn’t need to be in education - they can homeschool effectively.
@Red Homeschool kids are not in general “cheated” out of their childhood. It’s very common to be part of homeschool groups where kids have friends and learn from other parents with different areas of expertise.
By MrLiberty
April 2, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this
What does one mean when they talk about “socialization?” I hear this crap every time homeschooling is brought up.
One person in this blog thinks that is isn’t right that a child can relate better to an adult than to other kids their own age. This is a problem?
Maybe we could talk to the kids who were recently caught plotting to murder their teacher. Or maybe we could talk about rampant drug use, rampant STD problems and pregnancy.
Government school “socialization” = Columbine. There’s really nothing else you need to know. Everything else is a smokescreen.
I am so pleased to read the responses in this blog that get it right. This is about who owns your child. Property taxes are about who owns your property. Income taxes are about who ownes your income. Drug laws and prostitution laws are about who owns your body.
This is a fundamentally dangerous and scary time in this country. The light of liberty is nearly out.
By Lee
April 2, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this
Man, how can I hide the marks on my son from his many beatings now? If I can no longer keep my children in the dark with home schooling, how can I beat bad ideas out of him? T’ain’t fair.
By lolo
April 2, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this
I wish I was homeschooled. I came out of high school not knowing where to go next. I knew college, but where, how, what do I want to do, etc. I had no prepartion for college whatsoever. My entire high school class was thrown to the wolves.
I persevered and have several degrees and a great job but looking back at my own classmates, not too many did so well.
Also, most private schools are a joke. The teachers are the same but they are generally for the students that were kicked out of the public schools or for the apathetic children of the wealthy. (I’m not bashing wealth, just their mindless children.)
By the way people, the Governor of California is of no importance to this case. This is a matter of the judiciary. (You know, seperation of powers) Regardless, it is the mega-liberals in charge on the bench making these rulings that will affect us all some how, some way.
By Rational Jenn
April 2, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this
Jan—
What do you say about those who send their kid to SCHOOL and their child is far below grade level? Because that happens ALL THE TIME.
There is gross abuse in the school system, too. These are not adequate examples of why there should be high amounts of state regulation for those who keep their kids out of the hands of the HIGHLY REGULATED school system.
By dougmo
April 2, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this
Let us all remember that this ruling comes from the planet California. This planet revolves around the sun known as Berkley. There is no intellegent life on this planet. In all seriousness, if it gets to the US Supreme Court, California problably get reversed. Since the 9th Circus is also based in California, I am sure Clarance Thomas & company are drooling to slap this ruling down.
By CharlieFoxtrot
April 2, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this
Just because some of you have seen one case where homeschooling does not work does not mean homeschooling is a failure in general. Also, when 35% of large American cities have high school graduation rates less than 50%, who’s to say public schools aren’t failing as well? Fact is, there will always be a certain percentage of people who fail. The goal is to minimize the number of failures and by removing options for people, you remove options that might help one person be successful over the other options.
Note - apologies for the fox news link. I don’t mean to bring anything partisan to the debate. just the first link when I googled the story I was referring to.
By ZsaZsaATL
April 2, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this
Nick you are an idiot - REPUBLICANS put these into law! Not the Dems…
Maybe some home schooling would do you some good! shaking head
I dont see anything wrong with the government requesting that home schooled children be subjected to core curriculum tests every year. I think this is beneficial to the parents and the child - there should be no penalties unless the child is FAR BEYOND the state curriculum guidelines for their age. When the child is ready to go to college, they have to take the SAT or other internal testing to gauge where they are academically any way.
Another MAJOR concern of mine in Georgia, the Hope Scholarship - what if the student didnt ‘graduate’ from home school with a true 3.0+ GPA? Seems an area of exposure for Georgia…just a thought, would love to hear more if anyone knows where we are with this topic.
By Bosch
April 2, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this
Jan,
Your family member who is 22 years old and can not get nothing more than a minimum wage job is an adult, no?
Help this person - they can enroll in adult training programs, vocational schools (plumbers and electricians make a hell of alot of money) and if they need remedial help, i.e. help just to get it the school), then help them or tell them where to get help if they do not live near you.
No, that isn’t fair that this person grew up with parents who didn’t give a crap about their education, but at a point, this person is responsible for themselves.
But, yes, parents who claim to home school, but really don’t, that’s got to be addressed.
Also, in regards to those parents who home school because of religious beliefs (people who teach their kids about creationism, Noah’s Ark, etc.) that’s their right. Their children will grow up thinking this, and either change their minds later or not. Either way, it’s a person’s right to think and believe how they want. Even if we disagree with them.
By JustMe
April 2, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this
Um, you are wrong Barr (big shock there). CA did not outlaw home schooling. Why must alarmist republicans over exaggerate things?
CA simply said that if a parent wishes to home school, they should be knowledgable of HOW to teach. There are too many parents that claim to home school and end up not teaching anything at all - and the child suffers.
CA is simply trying to look out for the best interest of the child. Why is that such a bad thing?
It is funny to me how conservative republicans are so hypocritical. They claim to be concerned about the fetus and are against abortions - why? Because they say that the fetus cannot defend itself. However, what about a 3rd grader that is forced to be home schooled? The same conservative republican then changes their tune and wants the parent to be in charge.
Come on you conservative republicans! You cannot have it both ways? Wait a minute - guess you can because you are HYPOCRITES!!!
By Tom
April 2, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this
shrugs So many silly comments…
For the pro-homeschooling crowd: you must wake up to the fact that there are parents who “homeschool” but do not take that job seriously. Parental rights are important but parents who do wrong by their children (failing to educating them) deserve to lose those rights. I don’t think it’s unreasonable to have at least some minimal oversight or expectation of standards.
For the anti-homeschooling crowd: you must wake up to the fact that some of the best college students we have were homeschooled and there are literally hundreds of thousands of kids failed by the public (and private) education system. Parents have an obligation to choose the best for them and even without an education degree they may do a better job of educating their children then the local school district does. We already stifle parent’s ability to get their children into the best performing schools (assigning to a particular school in a particular district, unable to afford a private school), so I think it would be a travesty to take away another option from well-meaning parents.
For the anti-government control crowd: Yes this California ruling is disturbing but the best way to keep government out of our lives is to ensure they don’t have a reason to. Governments step in most times because powerful people perceive that someone is being harmed. If you know a parent who is “homeschooling” a child but not teaching them, then get involved before the government feels compelled to. It’s one thing to allow adults to make choices that are unambiguously harmful for their lives; it is a very different thing to allow adults to make choices that are harmful to their children.
For the pro-government control crowd: Realize for every action the government takes you approve of, it sets the table for the government to have more control and take actions you disapprove of. The incredible power governments can wield—taking away people’s freedom, money, or opportunities—should be reserved in all but the most extreme cases. I wish more people had the foresight to see the trickle-down affect of more rules and regulations.
By Dave
April 2, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this
Pixie,
This ruling was by Judges, not the Governor…….I bet the Judges are Dems & appointed by Dem Governor.
Remember the 3 branches of government
By Mathetria
April 2, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this
For all of those who speak of homeschooled children as being behind their classmates, why is it that colleges prefer homeschooled students?
Consider this - homeschoolers don’t have to follow a set curriculum, we have the freedom to teach things in a different order than the public schools. So just because a homeschooler may appear to be behind on one topic, that same homeschooler may know a lot more about a different topic than a public schooled child. Our kids learn it, just in a different order than the public schools.
One of my boys didn’t learn to read until he was 10 years old. My other children all learned to read at a very young age, but this child just couldn’t get it. Had he been in public school, he would have been labeled and put in special classes. But at home he worked at his own pace and learned to read when he was ready. Today he is an excellent reader and scoring high on standardized tests.
Based on the response homeschoolers get from college admissions, not only do homeschoolers learn all that public school kids learn, they excel. And they don’t only excel in academics - they excel in character qualities.
I will say I am not an advocate of unschooling, but I am most certainly an advocate of parents having the right to teach children at home if they so desire.
By BlueMoon
April 2, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this
Wow, there are some people on here that really don’t know how home schooling has evolved. It has basically become like distance learning where the students watch the teachers on TV or computer monitors and submit homework electronically. While not every child is doing this now the trend is clear with enrollments escalating through the roof and these students on average are doing far better academically than their peers.
Don’t let facts stand in the way of your good ole fashioned ignorance though.
By sclinton
April 2, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this
Home school is looking better and better everyday. I have found that many teachers today are just collecting a PAY CHECK. I will take a new teacher right out of school before I will take a veteran. My Children attend school in Rockdale County. I am so disappointed in the teachers, administrators as well as the bad $#@$ Children who attend Rockdale Schools. Home school and Private Schools are looking very appealing for next year school term.
By Skeptic Tank
April 2, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this
I still have to laugh at the idiots writing in that this is symptomatic of Democrats in power. Take a look at our federal government these days…for the large part controlled by Republicans since 1994…and see how government regulation has INCREASED under their watch. Sorry, folks, you listen to too much right-wing looney tunes radio. Your ideology may be right, but your choice of candidates is WRONG WRONG WRONG.
By Sorry Vince
April 2, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this
If your kid can’t make a 3.0 in “AP” classes, they shouldn’t get a free ride to college. The HOPE should be given to all students based on standarized tests, anyway. Getting a B at a government high school isn’t very hard. In fact, I did it without doing homework or studying. That didn’t really prepare me for college, now did it. It didn’t take very long for me to figure out I’d have to work, and work hard, to earn a B at Georgia Tech. The government schools really suck at preparing students for college.
By mleko
April 2, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this
Based on all the idiotic comments on this article, most of us were apparently well-schooled by the government. We all have our high school diplomas to prove to the world that we are grade-A certifiable brainwashed and we’re highly skilled at being told what to think and what to do next.
By Deb
April 2, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this
Don’t lump all homeschoolers together because of a few bad apples.
My sister in Texas homeschooled all of her children. Her eldest child finished a year ahead of time and went on to college where she finished with a 4.0. The other children have attended college and graduated with extremely high scores. One of her kids is currently pursuing a master’s degree. Socialization? They met with other homeschoolers and were active in church - they had plenty of socialization. These four young adults are some of the most well-balanced people I know.
Yes, there were standards. A curriculum had to be followed and tests had to be passed.
Parents should have the right to choose their child’s education. And if that choice is homeschooling, there should be standards met and tests should be passed.
By Dave
April 2, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this
“By Dave”…is NOT “DAVE” (just letting you know)… Once again, you’re blaming dems. You want NO government control unless it’s the governments control over a woman’s right to choose, or gay’s rights to marry. You even want government to “control” sex education (because SEX is bad and WAR is good…right?)… You want the government to control access to birth control (once again sex is bad)… you can NOT have it both ways. No child gets a “state diploma” unless the teacher is certified by that state. Why is that TOO MUCH for those of you that homeschool?
By momof4
April 2, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this
I’ve homeschooled my daughter since 1st grade. She is currently in 7th grade and is a wonderful, social, well-rounded, well-mannered 13 y.o. And, a talented ballerina to boot! She does a DVD program and is taught by talented, seasoned teachers. We do standardized testing every year and last year most of her stanines were in the 7,8, and 9 range (5 is average for those who don’t actually read their child’s test scores). In language useage and mechanics, she scored at a level comparable to a second semester college freshman. Sure, there are some homeschoolers who aren’t up to par, but the same holds true for public schooled and private schooled children. Our children are not the property of the government, no matter what they’re leading some of us to believe.
By A p**&^d off momma
April 2, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this
The homeschoolers I know play outside all day, are doing yardwork or are visiting relatives. They don’t know the difference between minimum & maximum & can’t spell the simplest words. So for those that say homeschooled children are the brightest a FEW of them MAY be, but the majority of them aren’t the brightest bulbs. You know what’s going to happen to those kids? They are going to depend on the state to care for them & their uneducated children for their entire lives.
By anonymouscoward
April 2, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this
Mr. Barr, your opinion piece is very slanted. As a Californian that is very aware of this issue I can tell you that the court clarified that there is no right to home schooling as described by the California Constitution. In fact the Constitution as it was originally written proscribes that the government provide all schooling which was based on the needs of those times.
Governer Ahnald immediately promised that the California Legislature will address this issue and make changes to allow home schooling.
That’s the story, not your attempt to describe jurists that want to take control away from individuals. Of course the rest of you people jumping in here with cries of over reaching government, while correct most of the time, need to get a grip and check where these stories and opinions come from before mouthing off.
By Vince
April 2, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this
Sorry Vince…
I never said my child could not get the HOPE…but the gifted AP courses my daughter takes in public high school are more challenging than courses I took at Emory 30 years ago. I am certain they are more difficult than the various video series or kitchen table lectures mommy gives.
I mentioned that I am a supporter of a parent’s right to Home School…but I don’t think it is fair that all a homeschooled child needs to do to get the HOPE is score high on the SAT. It’s an aptitude test. It doesn’t reflect the hard work needed to really get a B average.
And, schools are so much more challenging now than they were 20 or 30 years ago I doubt many of us on here could graduate with the same GPA’s. I know I could not.
I do not speak ill of homeschooling, but I do wish there were more requirements. Every September I meet with parents of kids who have been homeschooled but who are now enrolled in our public school. Their kids are bright but very behind our students. That’s disheartening. Are there students out there who are helped academically by homeschooling? I’m sure there are…but I haven’t met them yet.
I won’t even go into the socialization issue again…but just to say…I can always pick them out in a crowd.
Maybe the saddest thing I ever encountered with a student who had been homeschooled until 12th grade was this: This boy was very smart and wanted to have at least one year of school before “graduating.” His parents (my neighbors) relented and allowed him to go the nearby high school. Around February I asked him, “How have you liked going to school?” His reply? Emphatically, he said, “It’s awesome. It is the best thing that has ever happened to me.” His intelligent and well meaning mother was nearby and broke into tears.
By Jim
April 2, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this
We home school, and have forever, our 13 year old son. I have also had, at age 60, the opportunity to asst. teach at a local middle school for the first time while aso coaching football, basketball and baseball. I would have never guessed how bad public education has gotten. Even some star athletes act like absolute fools. It is more hip to be cool than do your homework.
I am not talking about teachers, who after experiencing this year in the class room, find them seriouisly underpaid here in GA. I am most distressed by the lack of respect, negative behaviors, and total disregard for excelling in school the students bring. With many 6th, 7th, and 8th graders unable to read on the 3rd grade level and 8th graders who do not yet know their multiplication tables, I am totally shocked at what I have found. Social promotion is alive in well. “No Child Left Behind” is the biggest joke ever perpetrated on Public Euducation in 40 years. The childre are leaving themselves behind, it is not the system or poor teachers.
With middle schoolers now having sex and one local high school has over 30 girls that are or were pregnant, we now have in-school daycare. With a GA graduation rate of just 50% it is no wonder we we will try anything to keep kids, (moms an dads) in school.
I have just started reading Bill Cosby’s latest book, Come On, People. What he has to say is not just for black people. It should be required reading for every middle school student on the planet, and a book report required.
The social skills in middle school and high school today is not anything I want my 13 year old to be a part of, or even remotely experience. Now that we must mainstream even th most disruptive, ill-behaved children so as “not to stigmatize them”, we may not ever solve the problem. If pushing a Principal will not get you expelled, what would?
If the students do not care to learn, and trust me, the mandatory passage of the CRCT does not scare them in the least, it is still true: “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink”, is still true. Just change the horse to a jack-a*. When you find drugs, knives, brassnuckles, barber sissors on students today, who would not think that Home Schooling is a proper alternative.
With on line College, my son may never enter a classroom in his life. I am so thankful.
By ga_tech_92
April 2, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this
Well said Tom.
By PudHead
April 2, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this
I have an idea, how about choice! Isn’t that freedom? If you do not agree with home schooling, don’t do it! It is a choice not a government mandate.
By Willie
April 2, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this
Why is it that I, a resident of Ga have to live by the laws of the ridiculous and the radical like those in California. I will not be subjugated by the far left progessive. I am tired of having my individual rights taken away. This needs to go before the supreme court. Those idiots in california have had too many in their mo%$ and too many up their a* to be making family decisions for me..
By Copyleft
April 2, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this
Willie: If you don’t like your rights being taken away, why don’t you do something about all the Republicans in Washington who trampled the Constitution, set up a huge Homeland Security agency, pushed the despicable Patriot Act, and cheered for warrantless wiretaps?
By Another brick in the wall
April 2, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this
For years I’ve been complaining that our civil rights and freedoms and privacy have been steadily eroded by local, state and federal government decrees. This was met with jeers about how everyone is safer and society is better when the government is all powerful and controls every aspect of our lives. Enjoy it folks, the demise of home schooling is just part what you have been asking for.
By FarLeftLoons
April 2, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this
Democrats don’t like home schooling. They can’t indoctrinate students then to depend on the government and hate their country. The Dems want students to be taught that homosexuality is ok and normal, drug use isn’t all that bad, and premarital sex is fun. They want to tell students that America never does the right thing, we’re murderers, and the entire world hates us. Lies all of it of course. Take advantage of private school if you can.
By My thoughts
April 2, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this
At this point in time, I do not think homeschooling would work for my family, but that is a personal decision my husband and I should be allowed to make. Deciding whether or not to homeschool a child is no different then choosing a public or a private school education. It should be the parents’ choice.
What’s sad is that many people advocate abandoning the public school system because of its many flaws. While I agree there are major problems that need to addressed, abandoning ship is not the answer because for some families, homeschooling or private school is not an option.
By Debra
April 2, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this
I started homeschooling my son at the beginning of his fourth grade year. He had tested as gifted while in kindergarten and went to the gifted program in our county one day a week. I had no problem with his school, in fact I became friends with his teachers and stayed involved in the school. But he was frankly bored with school. He learned to read at five years and he finished his simple schoolwork before the rest of the class, so would doodle on the back of his work and talk to his friends. I have a high school education, my husband some college. But I have never ceased to read and learn, and I loved homeschooling him. We followed all the GA laws, had him tested when the local schools were testing. If I was weak in any subject, my husband schooled him at night. By 5th grade, he was reading on a 12 grade level. He played on a homeschool baseball team and took piano lessons at the age of 10. He learned a broad variety of skills, including cooking and sewing. But his love was computers. We offered him the chance to return to public schools to be able to be in a band, drama or just to be able to go to a prom or have an annual. He did not want to. He got a GED in lieu of a diploma, made 1210 on his SATs. He could not get the HOPE scholarship until after he had completed a semester at college with a B or better average. He was accepted at Kennesaw State U and was Math Student of the year in his freshman year, Computer Student of the year in Junior. He was socially busy too. He got calls from friends if he wasn’t on campus. He worked in the computer lab at school. He graduated with a BS in Computer Technology and had a job as a Web developer with a large nationwide company within a month. He has been with his company less than a year, but has already gotten a 15% raise due to a program he implimented. He also married last month, and he and his wife are a wonderful productive team. I know not all home schooled students are going to be like him, but I just wanted to counter some of the postings here that imply all we do is let our kids run wild or play video games all day.
By Martin Hilliard
April 2, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this
As a parent of a homeschool student who was pulled from the public schools due to the quality of instruction, I am quite happy with my choice. Homeschooling is not for everyone and requires dedicated parents who are willing to sacrifice for their children. My child takes classes with a SACCS and NCAA approved curriculum, works with professors and individuals with advanced degrees, takes all standardized tests, reads all of the classics, takes Latin, Japanese, and Spanish, and even has his writing evaluated by an international playwrite. He will receive a diploma from the Univeristy of Nebraska Independent High School which has placed children in Ivy League schools. He has also taken classes with Abeka which has one of the best math and language arts curriculums that I have ever seen. He is definately not hurting from homeschooling. In 4.5 hours he completes his work and has time to be a child. Furthermore, he is quite socialized with children his own age. There are many homeschooled organizations for socialization. Furthermore, he is a competitive swimmer and maintains close friendships with children who have a goal in life. In the past few years homeschool students have been sought by all major universities, have excelled in the national spelling bee, national geography bee, scored higher on SAT and ACT exams, and have won national science competitions. The truth is that the key is dedication whether you are in homeschooling or public school. However, I will mention that most of our founding fathers and many past Presidents were homeschooled. I will defend the teachers in Public school because they have chosen a honorable and not underpaid profession. They have been restricted in their teaching due to conformity and testing requirements. Furthermore, they can not teach because of all of the requirements of paperwork and rediculous political correctness. I choose to give my child the education that he desires and deserves and just because a few choose to take their children out of society and not teach does not mean that a majority of homeschool parents are not dedicated and having terrific results.
By Blind Homer
April 2, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this
All children should become fulltime (24/7) wards of the State around age 4. Between 8 and 10 those that score below average in standardized intelligence and achievement tests should be sterilized and diverted to the labor camps/military service programs. No more dropouts from school and society, no more wasting educational resources on morons, imbeciles, and idiots and much fewer problems with behavior issues, which is just code for unfit parenting.
By Pat
April 2, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this
Just a couple of thoughts:
First, from a lawyer’s perspective…
Who is better equipped to make decisions regarding how children are taught: a panel of politically-unaccountable judges or the legislature, who must run for reelection based on their previous voting record and who must listen to hours of expert testimony from educational specialists? Whatever the proper stance on home schooling, I argue that this is not a decision for the judiciary because those judges lack accountability. Political decisions, whether left or right, are best left for politicians not judges.
Second, from the perspective of a former teacher…
Individual antidotes may be the worst basis for forming an opinion on an issue of educational practice. Education is a social science, and is therefore not as precise as physics or mathematics. What works for one child on one day may not work for the exact same child on another day. To truly evaluate home schooling, we need concrete data. If anyone can find such data, easily accessible and not pre-skewed by political biases, please post it.
In response to people’s arguments based on “social awkwardness” of home schooled children, have you ever thought that those awkward children are the ones that need home schooling the most? If they are having difficulty adjusting in the protective environment of their own home, why would they suddenly turn into a well-adjusted, sociable kid by being tossed in a public school. Yes, the child may stand out, and that’s why they need to be home schooled to begin with. In other words, your argument is a little circular.
And as a final point from an educator, education is overrated. Yes, you heard that right, overrated. Society tries to encapsulate every social issue into the context of education: morality, citizenship, taxes, freedom, terrorism, and the list goes on and on. We must seriously ask ourselves what the point of education is. Is it to think, to recite statistics, to become employable, to become a better person, to reach self-fulfillment? Until we define what education should do, we will never know if education is doing it. But I would espouse that education is not the cure all – hard work, self-sacrifice, and sweat is what made this country great. Those traits are not “learned,” they are instilled and developed through trial and error.
Third, from a citizen’s perspective…
I understand the underlying desire for individual liberty, but that must be balanced by the realization that we now live in a global society. It is a difficulty balance, one that is not as clearly black and white, or should I say red and blue, as so many people have pretended. But to circle back to my first point, this difficult decision is best left for elected officials, who are accountable to their constituency.By Astro
April 2, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this
It’s going to be a “Brave New World” - why not just go that way and let the gov’t manufacture our children - we could do away with the whole notion of parents while we are at it. Birth them from a test tube, educate and raise them in a gov’t facility and then set them loose when they are 18.
By Pineywoodsglenn
April 2, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this
Teachers and others screaming about the horrors and short commings of homeschooling should compare the graduation rate and test scores of home schooled children vs the school system of Atlanta City.
By ray
April 2, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this
Pineywoodsglenn- homeschooled kids are losers. They stay home because they can’t hack the real world…crying all the time about getting picked on. I’m glad they homeschool, so the real teachers don’t have to waste time wiping their noses during the day…losers.
By Homeschool Dad
April 2, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
The current rules for Hope Scholarships discriminate against home-schoolers. Four of my children have graduated from Georgia Universities/Colleges with Hope help. I had to pay the first year’s tuition. When my children completed the first year with a B average, I was reimbursed the tuition cost and from then on my children were treated as all others earning Hope. Why not apply the same rules to all students? Think how much money the State would save by not having to pay for the 50% of the students who qualify for Hope but lose it after the first year.
By odbbull
April 2, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this
A Constitutional Citizen’s perspective…We are guaranteed liberties by the constitution. Also, the constitution that everyone has forgotten about limits the role of the federal government and even the state government. These limits have, over the past years ceded to power hungry politicians.
When are you folks going to wake up and see that America was made great by individuals and not government. The education department in this country (not part of the constitution) is a joke as well as others. It is up to the individual citizen to determine what is best for themselves and then live with those decisions.
If parents want to home school their kids, that is fine. We have standardized tests that shows success in home schooling. So, quit passing judgement and quit relying on the government to make your every decision. It is not your choice or say what your neighbor does as long as they do not infringe on your rights.
Also, don’t forget… “state funds” are funds paid by citizens in the way of taxes.
By Mike
April 2, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this
I schooled both of my children at home. The lessons commenced almost immediately after they got off the school bus, and also occupied weekends and holidays. They were taught during play, over dinner, in the car and during their regular homework time. Between me and the public schools, my kids got an excellent education and now enjoy lucrative professions.
The problem with our public schools is not the schools themselves — it is the parents: they regard school as a babysitter and take no interest in their child’s studies or progress.
I believe in more cases than not, parents are more of a problem than a solution.
Homeschooled children should be required to show appropriate progress on standardized tests and, failing that, should be immediatedly remanded to certified teachers in an accredited facility.
By Shell
April 2, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this
To Martin Hilliard and Debra - Hear hear! Well done and well said.I intended to post about my older sister’s experiences in homeschooling her two children but it tracks so closely to both of yours that I’ll just say a qualified “Ditto”. It all comes down to how much the parents are dedicated to their child(ren)’s education. Y’all are to be commended for yours.
By jason24
April 2, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this
Although there are exceptions, exceptions don’t make the rule. How can parents who didn’t graduate from high school or barely graduated teach their kids? There needs to be some standards or a class for people teaching their kids. There should also be a requirement that the kids be tested to make sure that are at least doing the minimun grade level.
By N-GA
April 2, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this
Mr. barr,
Are you suggesting that the Constitution of the United States gives Americans the “right” to homeschool their children? I don’t think so. Or is the sentence you wrote about this not being a Constitutional right intentionally vague? Is this referring to the US Constitution or the California State Constitution? And anything not expressly guaranteed in our Constitution is the responsibility of State governemnt, isn’t it?
Mr. Barr, you as an attorney should be able to clearly explain how the decision in a California court on homeschooling directly impacts Georgia. I thank you in advance for your explanation.
An perhaps instead of citing examples of students successfully homeschooled, perhaps you should look into those who have failed to be adequately homeschooled. Do you want to propose expanding the No Child Left Behind legislation to better monitor the progress of homeschooled children? I think you don’t.
By saywhat
April 2, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this
What’s this? California says that ““Parents do not have a constitutional right to home school their children.” - When has California cared about the Constitution - that step on it, over it, and in it everyday. Since when did the Constitution say that we - our children included - have become wards of the State?
By Proud Parent and DedicatedTeacher
April 2, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this
Where to start…
Parents have a responsibility to their child(ren). The government has decided what the basic/minimum responsibilities are (i.e. shelter and food). However, of all the things a parent can be faulted for or charged with neglect or abuse, educational neglect is not on the list—other than attendance. Government does not/can not dictate what kind of shelter (homeless shelter…mansion) or food (fast food…5 course meal). Based on the state laws we are required to ensure a minimum number of days in attendance for school, but not obligated to disclose what was learned (for homeschooling; teachers in private and public schools are subject to review of their lesson plans). We are also not obligated to love or even like our children, but caring parents do. There are no social requirements, but a responsible parent looks for those opportunities (clubs, sports, play dates, etc).
I say all this to acknowledge government does impose some control in various areas, but there are many areas that as parents we must take the initiative to be proactive for the well being of our children. More specifically, for this topic, with their education. Should parents have the right to educate their children and/or choose the best education for them? YES Should there also be a minimum set of standards? YES
As educators, we must strive to ensure that all of our students master the Georgia Performance Standards. We are held accountable by our employers, state and national governments, and most emphatically our students’ parents. As parents, if your child’s school was/is failing them—how would/will you assess that? By curriculum, academic grades/assessment, social and emotional improvement/regression, observation(s)? So, my next question is: how are our homeschooled children being assessed and who is holding the educating adults accountable for meeting the standards required for their alternatively educated peers?
In the state of Georgia, a person holding an undergraduate degree can become a teacher on a provisional certificate (up to 3 yrs)—if they are working towards obtaining said certification. I don’t think it to be unreasonable to require the same for those wishing to homeschool. Because as parents we know that desire alone does not make you a qualified teacher.
In regards to curriculum, I agree with an earlier comment made: if homeschooling parents want to add to what’s being taught or how topics are being taught that’s great, but the state standards (which are the minimum requirements)need to be met.
By Debbie S.
April 2, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
Um, has anyone not noticed that the court has vacated this decision and will be rehearing the case (announced March 26)? They evidently woke up to the fact that their opinion was off base. They have asked the public school side groups (LA Unified, the teachers’ unions, the Superintendent of Public Instruction) to file amicus briefs, and have said they will take amicus briefs from the pro-homeschool side as well. We (the statewide homeschool groups and HSLDA) are preparing those briefs. There is a good chance the court will not be quite so broad in its next opinion.
FYI, Croskey, the original author of the decision, was appointed by a Republican governor.
And as a parent of kids who would not do well in school because of their differences, I think that’s my decision to make on how best to teach them, not yours and not the state’s. I was given different kids, and I need to treat them differently. And no credential program teaches you how to teach two kids. Thirty, yes. Two, no.
Keep in mind that many California homeschoolers are already enrolled in public school homeschooling programs, taking standardized tests, etc. The rest are in private schools. Private schools in this state (a) don’t have to have credentialed teachers, (b) have to teach certain subjects but can pick their own curriculum, and (c) don’t have to give standardized tests to their students. We’re just playing by the same rules as other private schools.
By Daniel
April 2, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this
This is BIG GOVERNMENT…Both conservatives and liberals practice it. I’m glad of Bob Barr’s balanced view on the issues. I’m an independent voter who is very much for limited government.
By alton
April 2, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this
the problem that i have is that so many kids that need to be home schooled are not. those are the kids that need the one on one instructional time with of all people a parent, and hopefully good results. instead those are the kids that do not want to be in school, the state mandates that the school force these kids to learn, and the parents alertly tell schools that it is the school’s fault that their precious kid could not be forced to learn (how to read).
By Bob Barr where have you gone?
April 2, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
Home schooling has become a JOKE! How many times between 8-3 have you seen kids that should be LEARNING out running errands with mommy at the mall or grocery shopping, and of course eating lunch at a sit down restaurant?
And how exactly does a person without a teaching background, or testing, expect to teach grades 1-12?
I’m not for more goverment, but most home schooling has become a farce!
By KS
April 2, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
Please, Mr. Barr, do homeschoolers in Ga. a favor and don’t do anything else to the homeschooling law. While not perfect, it’s less restrictive than other states and allows us to educate our children in creative ways that foster love of education.
We’ve already had to fight off one attempt to radically overhaul the home study law. Don’t start another war for us that will keep us away from educating our children because we’re tied up fighting legislators who h