Rick Badie / My Opinion

By Andrea

January 7, 2006 11:33 PM | Link to this

Thumbs up!

By Bruce Wilcox

January 8, 2006 09:15 AM | Link to this

Christian whites? Another label to content with, does that mean those who do not home school their children must be Un-Christian?

Liberal, conservative, neo-con, pacific, tree-hugger, tree-mugger, White, Black, Asian, Indian, Native American, Latino and on it goes.

With Martin Luther King’s birthday soon approachings it seems we lost his message.

I personally don’t believe in home schooling where a very limited viewpoint is taught. How can one be expected to grow mentally without learning opposing viewpoints?

The major problem with public schools now is the “No Child Left Behind Act”, where teaching for the test is the only goal. If some just want a generation of parrots I guess the Act is perfect. If the goal is to produce thinkers more freedom in the curriculum is needed and less standardized testing, after all home schooling offers just that.

By Denise V.

January 8, 2006 10:07 AM | Link to this

Hooray for Andrea and other black parents who take their children’s education into their own hands! I have been homeschooling in Gwinnett for the past five years and I can say that without exception, every academic and social group we have participated in has had a mix of white and black kids, all focused on high achievement. In the homeschool community, it’s the norm to dress modestly, speak properly, and take pride in academic success. Kids from all backgrounds thrive beautifully in this environment.

By Kristi

January 8, 2006 11:15 AM | Link to this

Kudos to this family!

We are a white family that homeschools, but we aren’t Christian. We wanted our child to have a very liberal, secular education.

The biggest myth about homeschooling is that we are hardly ever home! We go on trips, take classes, and enjoy activities that build culture appreciation almost weekly. It is a huge commitment to homeschool, but so worth it. Our son has really bloomed. He is also much more popular than when he was in public school!

People that are against homeschooling shouldn’t do it, but for those of us that love it and work so hard at it, our rights should be respected.

Everyone that I know that is homeschooling - and that is several families - are just doing a great job.

By Dave Oliver

January 8, 2006 12:01 PM | Link to this

I have heard so many horrid stories about home schooled children that they seem to pour out of a never empty vessel. I will only mention one terrible outcome of home schooling. That is: Lack of SOCIAL SKILLS. If this is not enough to make logical thinking parents go find a school for their children nothing will. I suspect they really think that their offspring have superior minds to those that would surround them in Public or Private schools, but that is for the parent to think about, and come to grips why they really home school their children. 2 plus 2 equals 5. Duh!

By jim

January 8, 2006 12:19 PM | Link to this

Repeat that lie often enough Mr. Oliver and it will still be a lie. Only the perception will change.

Might I suggest you do a bit of homework before stating emphatically that home schoolers don’t learn social skills. They are actually quite well versed in such skills.

By Pete

January 8, 2006 12:36 PM | Link to this

So sad that the anti-homeschool diatribe is still spewing. Institutional schools are a mere sliver in the history of education. Homeschool families are diverse in faiths (or lack thereof), politics, ethnicities, and philosophies. Support groups cluster around interests: Christian, Jewish, Muslim, pagan, secular, gifted ed, special ed, ADD/ADHD, learning disabilities, sports, curriculum, and a host of other agendas. These students have myriad opportunities: football, baseball, basketball, cheerleading, debate, book clubs, student newspapers, classes galore, parties, dances, Odyssey of the Mind, Destination Imagination, Academic Bowl, the Stock Market Game. My daughter is receiving an education determined by her parents—not by a faceless bureaucrat.

By Denise V.

January 8, 2006 12:54 PM | Link to this

Homeschoolers are actually more socially engaged than their public or private schooled peers. All objective studies have shown that homeschoolers are less likely to bully, use illegal drugs, and commit crimes, and are more likely to be involved in community service, finish high school, succeed in college, and make friends easily with people of various backgrounds. Former homeschoolers are more likely to be politically active, vote, and start their own busineeses than their peers. Now, that’s the kind of “socialization” we want our future leaders to have!

By Sage

January 8, 2006 02:10 PM | Link to this

Funny how these people like Dave Oliver that have a financial stake in homeschooling are the first to knock it and spread viscious lies.

By Bruce Wilcox

January 8, 2006 02:11 PM | Link to this

“homeschoolers are less likely to bully, use illegal drugs, and commit crimes,” it’s too bad that our public schools cannot offer the same one on one mothering that homeschoolers enjoy.

By Kathleen

January 8, 2006 02:11 PM | Link to this

Concerning Mr. Oliver’s comments about homeschool children and socialization. We had considered that and you are correct, our children do not receive the same socialization as public school children. Consequently, we decided that whenever our children are in need of the same type of socialization that children receive in public school, we’ll take them in the bathroom, start smoking cigarettes, and beat them up for their lunch money.

By Angela P

January 8, 2006 02:13 PM | Link to this

I am an African American woman who has homeschooled my children since 1985. I have two children in college who never attended school until they began their university education. They are doing a wonderful job! I have taught math and science classes for home schoolers for over ten years. My classes are composed of black students, white students, Asians and Latinos. I have Christian students and Jewish, Agnostic and Atheist. I have had students who live in the city and those who live on farms. It has been a beautiful thing for me to see my students get along well together.

In general my students are more socially engaged than their public schooled peers. Most of them play a competivite sport and most of them play at least one muscial instrument. Most are so involved in activities that we have a difficult time scheduling extra activities together.

You simply cannot paint homeschoolers with one brush. We are a diverse group. What we have in common is a desire for excellence for our children. We want them to be well prepared for LIFE.

By Nique

January 8, 2006 02:42 PM | Link to this

Socialization in the public schools….. hmmmm… Let’s group EVERYONE by chronological age. Let’s force the higher achieving kids to wait for the lower ones. Let’s encourage them to ALL be the same and don’t encourage diversity. Yea that’s real life alright. Nah, I think I’ll pass and stick with my private school and home school. I don’t chooes my friends and colleagues by how old they are, why should our children?

By Tiffany Hunt

January 8, 2006 03:04 PM | Link to this

Socialization??? The social skills learned in today’s public schools are the EXACT reason we homeschool! I want my girls to have a childhood! They don’t admire Britney Spears, they don’t understand gangsta’ rap and we don’t have to worry about their safety! They are both advanced for their ages and can and do hold conversations with other children and adults on a daily basis. We are away from home at classes, groups, clubs and field trips more than we are at home. Anyone who still accuses the homeschooled child of lacking in social skills obviously needs to meet some of today’s homeschooled generation!

By Bruce Wilcox

January 8, 2006 04:12 PM | Link to this

Homeschoolers knocking the public schools, how elitist. In my first post on the subject I suggested that we allow our public schools to have the freedom homeschoolers have in their curriculum.

We all realize that homeschoolers are perfect clones of their parents, which naturally makes them perfect also.

By Amanda

January 8, 2006 04:14 PM | Link to this

When i hear(or see) people who have no idea what and/or why we homeschool, it makes me realize the very reasons i do homeschool. My 4 girls have friends that are homeschooled and still have some of the friends they made from public school. I say this much,

By Amanda

January 8, 2006 04:15 PM | Link to this

Grrrr. My daughter hit the send button.

By Amanda

January 8, 2006 04:22 PM | Link to this

For mothers and and/or fathers who homeschool and can manage to do that, I have to take my hat off to you. I homeschool, as of June, last year. My girls are much further than their friends who are still in public school. They are very well socialized. Anyone who can oppose something so strongly should at least know something about what he is saying. I mean every homeschooled child I know is more socialized than any of the public school kids. One of the moms, that has to work and can’t homeschool her girl, tells me that my oldest daughter is the most well behaved kids of all the ones that stay at her house. You think anyone else knows how to teach your child better than you do?

For me the answer is no. I understand that some people can’t afford to stay home and do what I do. But for those who want to argue that what we do is wrong or not “politically” correct, I say keep your opinions to yourself, because most homeschooling parents and children could live without your negative sarcasms and attitudes

By Michael H. Smith

January 8, 2006 04:24 PM | Link to this

It’s good to see “our man� – Mr. Badie – is back at the blog-stand. I’m not deft on this home school subject and really didn’t want to throw out some of the more mundane rather obvious pros or cons, though what is most troubling about the home schooling approach is the absence of human interface, which is everyday present in the traditional school learning environment. True, anyone with the barest reading skills, could in fact, learn simply by reading books if their desire was strong enough to fellow through in the process educating themselves; however, a major part in my view of education and probably more so relevant in the realm of present day times is the need to develop interactive relation skills with others. Also known as, “How to play well with others� 100 and “What to do when other don’t play well with you� 101.

So I guess the questions of importance surrounds “collaborative learning�?

Well, I can only hope parents who choose to home school their children, for whatever their commendable reasons in so doing, will ponder the thought of networking with other home schooling parents of like mind to include, if by no other means than the Internet as part of the curriculum collaborative learning.

Now to step onto thin ice: Eurocentric curriculum?

Because I had the misfortune of being born in the times when America – not only in the South – suffered Apartheid this Eurocentric curriculum, which by the way, remains god-awfully present, I was denied, though considered and labeled “White�, a tremendous amount of “Our U.S. American History�. U.S. American History should reflect the times, events and affairs of all U.S. citizens including immigrations to this country accurately and COMPLETELY.

So I’m going to place some links here, even if it offends Rick for the benefit of many who didn’t get this part of OUR U.S. AMMERICN HISTORY.

]From Rob Brooks-Billson’s blog ~ RACISM, TWO PERSPECTIVES: TRANSCENDENTALISM VS. RACIAL DARWINISM]
(http://www.brooks-bilson.com/rob/publications&presentations/racism.cfm)

[The Freedom Center – National Underground Railway]
(http://www.freedomcenter.org/)

By Elaine

January 8, 2006 05:43 PM | Link to this

I am an African American, Christian, single parent. I homeschooled my daughter for two years. She started middle school as a lovely young lady, but once she started, that all changed. She was teased relentlessly by bullies—to the point where she didn’t want to go to school and at times threatened suicide.

I would never want any child subjected to the “socialization” that goes on in public school; not to mention the sub-par education that’s pushed down our childrens’ throats.

By Angela Paul

January 8, 2006 05:49 PM | Link to this

Homeschoolers - perfect clones of their parents? HA! You have obviously not met many homeschooled kids. My kids have been and are involved in so many things that I never dreamed of doing! My oldest daughter plays collegiate softball on scholarship. I had to be convinced to even try intramurals when I was in college. All of our kids play instruments and my guys are all into music that I do not even understand. Neither my husband or I have a musical bone in our bodies.

And my boys have also been very involved in politics - campaigning and all and my husband and I try hard to keep our cynical opinions to ourselves about that.

Homeschooling has allowed us to really know our children and for them to really know us, but they are most definitely not just like us!

By Chip

January 8, 2006 05:56 PM | Link to this

http://www.projectinkwell.com/

Bruce Wilcox (CEO of above) also has a vested financial interest in public schools. Seems like all the people worried about ‘socialization’ have a vested interest in making money off public education.

By Denise V.

January 8, 2006 06:31 PM | Link to this

I’ve noticed those folks disparaging homeschooling have not a peep to say about the superior education homeschooled children recieve. After all, isn’t education the purpose of all school, whether public, private or home? Fact: Homeschoolers out-perform their peers on SAT exams and national academic competitions in spelling, geography, and science. It shouldn’t suprise anyone that a curriculum customized according to a child’s learning style, attention span, personal interests, and academic readiness is better than a generic curriculum planned for a class of 20 or more students. This isn’t elitism. These are the facts. Homeschoolers simply perform better academically and socially. Many people know their careers are threatened or personal choices are proved inferior by the documented success of homeschooling and sadly, they feel the need to disparage it in order to make themselves feel better. This only reflects poorly on those who disparage homeschooling, since the facts support homeschooling’s huge success.

By Angela P

January 8, 2006 07:18 PM | Link to this

So I guess the question of importance surrounds “collaborative learning�?

There are a number of opportunties that homeschoolers have here in Gwinnett County. The article mentions Master’s Academy of Fine Arts. There is another program called Learning Opportunities in Duluth. First Baptist Lilburn has programs for homeschoolers as does Lilburn Alliance Church. There are several academic programs that are accredited by the Georgia Accrediting Commission in Gwinnett - Northeast Independent Prep, Parkwood Christian, Ivey Manor Ind Prep are just the ones that I am acquainted with.

My kids have played basketball, baseball and softball with the Greater Gwinnett Barons and run cross country with the Gwinnett Thunderbolts. Both are top notch programs that have produced collegiate athletes.

The lone home schooler that only interacts with his parents is an anomaly. Most homeschoolers are very involved. Alas, my one disappointment about homeschooling teenagers is that they are not HOME enough!

By Rachel Floyd

January 8, 2006 07:19 PM | Link to this

How sad that Dave Oliver didn’t do his research before posting such a harsh diatribe against homeschooling children. The fact of the matter is, science has studied this very question and much to their surprise they found that there was no negative affect on social skills for those who were homeschooled. In fact, just the opposite is true. These children are usually more intelligent socially than their peers in public education. What he fails to understand also is that homeschooled children are most often put in social situations in other ways…like homeschooling co-ops, field trips, organized sports just to name a few. Too bad Mr. Oliver didn’t do his homework before posting. Hmmmmm. Perhaps he wasn’t taught to research a subject before pretending to be an expert in the field. I be willing to bet he wasn’t homeschooled.

By Michael H. Smith

January 8, 2006 07:20 PM | Link to this

I’m glad to see home-school success stories, this gives Conservatives like myself good ammo to fight for returning a portion of our government confiscated vested interest tax-dollars to the parents which choose alternative education. If nothing else it serves as a wake-up call to CEO liberal-contrarians, public schools and politicians who think they’re doing such a great job for our children and us.

By Lilburn Parent

January 8, 2006 09:01 PM | Link to this

@Dave Oliver… You really ought to do some research prior to making such comments!

I don’t homeschool my children. I have to work. However, I applaud the families that make the sacrifice and do so.

As a working parent it is very challenging to fill in the gaps between what is taught at school, and what is understood by your children. Additionally, some teachers don’t have the time to spend with each child requiring extra help.

Not all children work well in “LARGE” classes. I believe in Gwinnett County, that 29 kids in a class receive “one” teacher and 30 kids will have “two teachers.

This means that there is less time that can be spent on kids needing the most help. The neediest kids are likely the slower and the faster kids.

The slower kids may not understand and require additional assistance. There is also the risk of them losing interest and exhibiting behavior problems.

The faster kids may need additional work, or risk becoming bored and exhibiting behavior problems.

Homeschooled kids can get the attention they need. It takes far fewer hours to teach daily. The day can begin early or a bit later. Some kids function a bit better at 9:00-10:00 versus 7:00-8:00.

Parents typically know their children. They can provide the time needed to assist kids struggling to understand. They tend to have a lot more patience with their children. This is very helpful with a child’s self-esteem.

Social skills… the homeschoolers have a HUGE network to tap into. They take trips, and in the higher grades take specialized classes together.

By the way… when the other kids come home from school they are available to play with “homeschooled” kids, provided they are “not” latch-key kids.

There is a large number of “Latch-key” kids in public schools.

Finally, parents are not limited to teaching what is taught in the public schools… “Eurocentric curriculum, academic inequities and racism, be it real or imagined.”

I could go on, and on…

By Carol R.

January 8, 2006 09:14 PM | Link to this

When my son was five a dressed him in red and took a picture of him as he headed into his kindergarten class. He was excited to be able to go to school and learn. He was reading, writing, adding, subtraction and beginning multiplication. He had been in a Montessori school where you were allowed to learn at your own pace. I met with the principle of the school ahead of time to see if he could be moved to first grade so he would be challenged. I was armed with school work in order for him to see my son’s ability.

I was told it boiled down to money, the school would not get funds unless he was in kindergarten class. I sent him on to kindergarten thrilled because the teacher had been a special ed teacher accustomed to dealing with a wide range of ability. Instead I was disappointed because my son was told repeatedly not to get ahead of the class. I requested that he be put in a reading class only to be told he couldn’t tie his shoes. ( HE HAS ACCOMPLISHED THIS TASK AT HOME.) But after pleading he was sent to read for one hour a week.

Blinded by not having the awareness of homeschooling, I continue his education through the government. By 4th grade he was labelled as a trouble. The truth was he was bored. When he was in middle school I was asked my a teacher, “Do you really think it is safe to have your baby in the halls of the middle school?” Stupidly, I continued with my son Govt funded education.

As he moved to High School the pressure to fail became even stronger. The clothing he wanted to wear was not what was allowed in my home. The music he chose to listen to was vile. (I broke many CD’s out of disapproval.) But alas he was socialized. He had gone through peer mediation and was on the team. He could communicate better with those older and younger than himself. He read and taught himself on many a topic. He was left without a math teacher for 6 weeks and had 2 different teachers for the rest of the semester. He was asked by his peers to explain the work.

Yes, the Govt funded system did a wonderful job preparing my son for life. The pity is it is not the part of life that he should deal with IF he wants to be successful in life. I am well versed in the education system, where I volunteered for anything thing the teachers needed. I attended the parent/teacher conferences… the pity is the teacher in schools ARE NOT ALLOWED TO TEACH.

We all understand that you must first have discipline to learn anything. They simply can’t. What weapon do they have to choose? In School Suspension? Out of School Suspension? Heaven help them if they choose an out of the box discipline. They could wind up being sued. The admin and very often the parents will not back up a teacher. Heaven help them if they try and fail a student. YOU CAN’T FAIL MY SON, HE WILL LOSE THE HOPE. The HOPE has helped lower the expectations of the parents and teachers alike.

The school system is afraid to hold a student back as it might embarress them. They are very short sighted as not being able to read in high school is far more embarressing. Not only do they struggle, most simply drop out of school as soon as it is legal to do so. Is this preparing a bright students for leadership in the future?

Rest assured my son is a product of his mother (single for many years). He now proudly protects your right to choose private schools, govt schools or yes, even homeschooling. Say a prayer for him and all the other teachers who have also choosen to serve the community. I assure you every teacher I have met went into the field because of their love of children. Unfortunately, they are often disappointed when they find the difficulties they face as they try to teach.

As for me, I will continue to teach my daughter at home. As far as the over used term socialized here is the true meaning of the word: **so·cial·ize Audio pronunciation of “socialize” ( P ) Pronunciation Key (ssh-lz) v. so·cial·ized, so·cial·iz·ing, so·cial·iz·es v. tr.

I personnally think the govt has enough control in my life. Best of luck to all of us who have children, no matter what route you take for education… a PARENT HAS TO BE VERY INVOLVED THAT IS WHY IT IS CALLED PARENTING.

**par·ent·ed, par·ent·ing, par·ents v. tr.

By Bruce Wilcox

January 8, 2006 09:50 PM | Link to this

To those who keep insisting that anyone that wants to improve our public schools has a vested financial interest misses the point completely, we all do. This country, not just Georgia, is ranked at the near bottom of industrial nations as far as education. How can anyone expect this nation to compete on the international level we once enjoyed?

We all realize that the majority cannot homeschool or send their children to private schools so we all must work to improve our public schools.

As I said before teaching for the test as dictated by Washington only turns out parrots, not thinkers. While “No Child Left Behind” makes great policial spin it does nothing to develope the minds of the students.

Allowing teachers more freedom in their curriculum, the kind that homeschoolers enjoy, is a start. Second is smaller class sizes, the one Governor Sonny threw out from Governor Barnes reforms, would allow teachers more one on one, another benefit that homeschoolers enjoy.

So we all have a vested financial interest in our public schools if we want to advance economically and politically on the international scene.

Instead of focusing on such a narrow view of the small world some reside in take a real hard look at the BIG picture.

By Chip

January 8, 2006 10:30 PM | Link to this

I certainly agree with ALL of that. It is the flexibility to teach to a students’ style and interests that are real strengths of homeschooling, mix that up with the love you find in a home, and there is a great recipe for success.

By Bruce Wilcox

January 8, 2006 10:55 PM | Link to this

Thanks Chip, I’m glad you understand now where I’m coming from. Homeschoolers are such a small minority their effect right now is hardly noticed on the larger scale.

I believe that ones social skills are based more on the individual than the environment. I agree that homeschooling is a great recipe for success, it’s sad that the majority cannot enjoy it.

By teacher5

January 9, 2006 07:50 AM | Link to this

Twenty years ago I wouldn’t have had a lot of good things to say about homeschooling. However, I encouraged my niece, who is a highly qualified teacher, to stay home with her daughters and home school them. Thank goodness she listened. The girls are not exposed to the vulgar language and slutting dressing that I see every day in public school. Are you are wondering why something isn’t done about the language and the dress? Many parents who see nothing that their little darlings do as wrong. Hooray for homeschooling parents who have enough guts to do a job that has been so diluted in the public school that some days I feel like a referee. A double hooray to the black parents who see the need for home schooling.

By S. Woody

January 9, 2006 07:56 AM | Link to this

It is so sad, Mr. Oliver that your perception of homeschoolers is based on a few ignorant comments by others as uninformed as yourself. I have two very social children, who not only excel in school, but who also have great “social” manners! They attend college, hold jobs, even vote and have been extremely successful even though they were homeschooled! Perhaps you just haven’t had the privilege of meeting the right “homeschoolers!”

By jim dumond

January 9, 2006 10:09 AM | Link to this

Unfortunately Mr. oliver may only be recalling the nightmare stories that make the news. Seems the press can’t let an opportunity to mention homeschooling when they report on abuse cases.

In my opinion the prss really adds to the perception that homeschooling is bad. They fail to mention that for every child that has parents that use home schooling as a cover for abuse there are thousands more that don’t.

Reporting is a big issue in perpetuating the lies and stigma surrounding homeschooling.

By Lana

January 9, 2006 11:01 AM | Link to this

I am a high school teacher. My comments are based on my personal experiences. The few home-schooled students that I’ve gotten in my career were so far behind the other students; it’s not even funny. They also did not have the ability to interact with the other students on a “normal” level.

Not everyone should be allowed to home-school their children. My neighbor home-schools her daughter, and I wouldn’t let her train my dog to sit!

If it is done well - then I’m all for it. But, if you’re not going to make the huge committment - please, please, keep them at home through high school so we don’t have to deal with the problems that you’ve created.

By Blair

January 9, 2006 12:58 PM | Link to this

Ty,

I agree with your comments. Since moving here 18 years ago, this newspaper has to exploit the race card in most of its stories. From the state flag to gentrification to segregated church congregations on Sunday to Freaknik. It never ends with this paper. I’ll read it online for amusement, but my subscription was cancelled many years ago. I would not knowingly spend a cent to contribute to its success. I live in an educated, upper middle class neighborhod of mixed nationalities. I know for a fact there is not one AJC subscriber in the area. Everyone feels the way I do.

By Becky

January 9, 2006 01:59 PM | Link to this

I really wonder about the comments made by the high school teacher.. How many have you been exposed to in your classroom and what were the circumstances of them heading back into the school system? Did you give them extensive testing to say they were behind? After all, homeschoolers (and even private schools) vary in curriculum and schedule to the point where anyone changing “school” might seem to be “behind”. When I was young and changed schools, I was behind in some areas and ahead in others.

My son has had a classical education at home, obviously something that is NOT found in the public schools. We also work chronologically.. so at this point, he can’t tell you much about WW2 but is very strong in ancient history and early American history and has had extensive discussions with college students about his research and studies. He tends to dumb down his vocabulary for public schoolers in rural GA, but he has more friends than most people have in public schools without the trash.

As for socialization of those same students.. are you telling me that every public school student is perfect, does well with huge groups and adapts to changes quickly? You don’t seem to judge everyone by the same standards.. even homeschoolers have shy people, but I have seen very few that are absolutely isolated.. I think there are more isolated child cases attending public school than at home.

JMHO..your mileage may vary…

By Lana

January 9, 2006 02:18 PM | Link to this

Becky - I prefaced my comments with the fact that they were based on my own personal experiences. So, please don’t personalize anything I said to your situation with your child. I did not mean to offend homeschooling parents, and I don’t want to get attacked! But, I will answer your questions.

I have personally taught 7 homeschooled children in the past 3 years. I had no teaching experiences with homeschooling children prior to that. My only experiences prior to that were the children on my children’s rec-league baseball teams.

It is not my duty to test any children who enter the school system. I am basically given a roster of students; and I teach them! So, no - I did not give them any extensive testing to determine where they should be placed. The parents told the curriculum administrator what courses they had supposedly covered at home, and they were placed accordingly. If the parent says that the child successfully completed a yearlong Algebra I curriculum at home, I expect that I should not have to reteach any of that curriculum in Algebra II. After speaking (at length) with the parent - I concluded that this person had no business attempting to teach Algebra I! She should have sought “professional” help in this area, because the child’s math skills were weak, to say the least.

As far as the reason why these students returned to public school - overwhelmingly, we heard (from the parents) that it was to get the HOPE scholarship, and that the children wanted to go to “regular” high school.

As far as being able to relate to their peers - the homeschooled children had been sheltered to the point where they had no idea of what was appropriate and what wasn’t. They had a hard time making friends, and didn’t really know how to work effectively in a group setting. These students were “different” to the point where everyone who came in contact with them asked what was wrong with them - it was not just me or the students in my class.

Please re-read my post and cut and paste the part where I said that every public school educated student was perfect, because I don’t see where I said that! If I did - please let me know so I can apologize for typing such a huge lie!

By Amy

January 9, 2006 02:18 PM | Link to this

Bruce, I too wish good public school teachers had more freedom in their curriculum choices, and in their personal interactions with the children so that the kids in public schools could enjoy some of the benefits that homeschoolers enjoy. Unfortunately, when you have a government entity and a union controlling anything, it is bound to move to the lowest common denominator instead of excelling. To the hs teacher, I’m sure ever single one of the children you have who have gone through the public school system were totally and completely prepared for your classes and I’m sure every one of them was a model of appropriate social interaction. Yes, some homeschool parents don’t force their kids to excel in math and science which is why more and more of us who do are offering classes to help shore up those who need it. But, I would bet that most homeschool students are more prepared to work hard and independently to gain whatever skills they need if they are given the opportunity. If homeschool students were really as far behind as you suggest it would not make sense for major universities to court homeschoolers as they are doing. My nephew who was homeschooled until high school is currently captain of his high school academic team and has maintained a high GPA.

By Lana

January 9, 2006 02:25 PM | Link to this

Amy - I’m curious - why did your nephew (and his parents) make the decision to stop homeschooling him in high school and send him to a public high school?

By Lana

January 9, 2006 02:35 PM | Link to this

Amy - Let me use an example of how not to draw the wrong conclusion(s).

If I say, “Dogs are great.” That does not mean that “Animals that are not dogs are not great.” So when you said that:

To the hs teacher, I’m sure ever single one of the children you have who have gone through the public school system were totally and completely prepared for your classes and I’m sure every one of them was a model of appropriate social interaction.

…that is exactly what you did! Hopefully, you are not teaching your children at home how to draw inferences!

Anyway - of course not all of my students are prepared academically or socially for my classes, or even for high school. In fact, we have a hard time with placement of students from other districts, states, countries, etc. But, if they come from an accredited school system, at least we can look at the curriculum from that system and place the student where they will enjoy the most success. Sometimes, it is hard to do that when placement is contigent on Mommy’s word!

As I said before - if you want to homeschool and DO IT RIGHT - I applaud you. But, not everyone should be able to do it.

By Kym

January 9, 2006 05:12 PM | Link to this

Hello, Rick,

FYI: One reason the state stats don’t include a breakdown by race is that the Ga law doesn’t require us to give that information in order to homeschool. And, therefore, it is illegal for the school board to even ask that question.

Thanks for a positive article about homeschooling.

Kym 20+ year veteran homeschool mom of 8

By cj

January 9, 2006 06:01 PM | Link to this

Why is it that folks cannot accept that there is no such thing as a “typical” homeschooler, just as there is no such thing as a “typical” public school student? There will be good and bad in both groups. Anyone who tries to state that “all homeschoolers are this” or “all public school students are that” are simply incorrect.

One should only object to homeschooling if they truly believe the practice to be detrimental to children or to society’s future. If that is so, then make your case. If not, then you must accept that some parents have simply chosen another way to educate their children, and as of today, in this country, they have the right to do so. If you feel threatened by that choice, then you should ask yourself why.

By Anne

January 9, 2006 06:52 PM | Link to this

To the high school teacher:

You said: “As I said before - if you want to homeschool and DO IT RIGHT - I applaud you. But, not everyone should be able to do it.”

Why doesn’t that smug, elitist maxim apply to public school teachers? Georgia is still next to last in the ratings. Do you really have the qualifications to preach and dictate to other educators—home or otherwise? The product of your output is dismal, and yet you want to dictate who can and cannot homeschool?

If you extrapolate every homeschool student who doesn’t fit in your square peg and conclude that the homeschool method is hinky, you too should be judged on each and every anomaly that tumbles out of the public school system. Egads!

I’m certified to teach in Georgia and have 20 years experience teaching; however, I choose to homeschool and know that neither you nor the GDOE has the wisdom or the right to regulate parents. Google “Wisconsin versus Yoder.”

I know firsthand that teaching in a public school classroom is hard work and not always rewarding. Since you are there in the trenches, you should understand why parents choose to make great financial sacrifices and educate their children at home.

And, I’m one of those %$#*@ liberals, too. We homeschoolers are diverse and here to stay.

Anne

By Chip

January 9, 2006 06:55 PM | Link to this

To the teacher that was talking about how the homeschooled children coming into high school stood out like a sore thumb….

My child went to school through the 3rd grade. When we first got involved in homeschool group activities, he would raise his hand and ask to go to the bathroom, or sometimes raised his hand to ask a question. Everyone just looked at him with horror, like he was weird.

School as an institution has some very weird customs really, if you think about it. Most of it stems from crowd control 101 that is taught, not the real education that goes on.

It took my child about six months before he really fit in with the other homeschool children. He just couldn’t get used to being able to just speak when he had something to say, in a normal turn, in a normal manner.

I’m watching a new little boy now who has just started homeschooling. He was so confused when the kids didn’t have to line up after a class to go eat lunch, it was really kinda funny. Sad, but funny. He’ll learn.

By dd

January 9, 2006 07:58 PM | Link to this

If you want to learn about homeschooling in Georgia, click here: http://www.heir.org/

By Andrea

January 9, 2006 11:32 PM | Link to this

For those who disparage homeschooling and bring up comments like ‘socialization’ and ‘poor education’ and ‘unqualified parents’, your arguments are transparent, hateful, and demonstrative of poor public school socialization.

Just last month, we purchased our second car since we began home schooling because we spend so much time driving from place to place to ‘socialize’ and participate in home school activities and academic classes. (We wore the first car out in 2 ½ years.) We are not there alone either… Italic: We see other homeschooled people!

Being the daughter of a teacher, and the friend of many teachers, I know one of the biggest complaints in the teachers’ break room is ‘bad parents’. You are going to find them on each side. There are parents who are involved in their kids education and parents who are not. Funny thing though… for the homeschooled kids who are essentially on their own to get educated… they will still outpace their schooled counterparts. You need to compare apples to apples, and oranges to oranges.

I am still waiting for someone to come up with a reasonable, let alone original argument against homeschooling. From where I sit, most of the negative comments to date are laughable.

Being an African American homeschooler, I find that it is just good to have my kids in situations and programs where no two kids are alike (originality may be the only pre-requisite), and so they don’t stand out as odd for being smart (for their race) or looking different…unlike my own school experience.

By teacherteacher

January 10, 2006 07:49 AM | Link to this

I say more power to those who wish to homeschool. However, don’t complain about Georgia being so low on the education meter when you take out the best students. In my experience, I have found that homeschooled children are usually the brightest of the bunch.

By Lana

January 10, 2006 09:19 AM | Link to this

The one thing I’ve learned from this blog is that the homeschooling parents who’ve participated are very (unnecessarily)defensive.

If you honestly think that I care whether you choose to homeschool your own children, you are sadly mistaken! I have shared my own experiences with homeschooled children - I have not made a blanket statement about homeschooling as an option. Apparently, you guys are the homeschooling parents who are doing it well, as opposed to the ones I mentioned yesterday.

I wouldn’t do it with my own children. They have excellent teachers and have had no negative experiences because of their race or their intellect.

I don’t mean to sound callous, but, I really don’t care what you do with your own children, but, I am entitled to share my own truthful experiences about students who were the victims of homeschooling parents who should not have been doing so.

By Becky2

January 10, 2006 10:39 AM | Link to this

Excellent, Lana. If we could all just give our opinions and not call names, it would be so much better.

By Grammaw

January 10, 2006 11:42 AM | Link to this

I’d like to know where you got the statistics that prove that homeschooled kids are less likely to use drugs, commit crimes, are more likely to vote, etc. and have their own businesses.

By Andrea

January 10, 2006 01:18 PM | Link to this

Teacher teacher, thanks for being an educator willing to admit that homeschoolers ARE INDEED bright.

As for us taking “the best” kids out of public education, my kids did not become ‘the best’ until they received individualized education. I won’t blame the schools either. Institutionalized education is just not set up to provide this. In fact, it may be a near impossible feat! It is my sincere hope that schools will work toward this goal so that eventually, all kids, homeschooled or not, will be able to excel at their own pace.

By Mary

January 10, 2006 02:08 PM | Link to this

At my school, the homeschooled students are the ones who got paneled out (expelled) from school, and instead of having their children attend the alternative school, they “homeschool” their children until they’ve completed their “time.” Certainly not “the best” students!

By Maxine Harris

January 10, 2006 02:43 PM | Link to this

No matter who we are, the home schooling culture is growing and growing. I personally am giving our success testimony to all that will listen. My 13 yr old son has been home schooled since October 2005 and in just 3 short months I’ve seen a great increase in his learning abilities. I found out he is an artist with a keen eye for detail.

On the other hand, he was in a special ed, in a Gwinnett County Public School and wasn’t doing very well. It seemed like he was on a merry-go-round of failure. He socialized with a class of troubled kids that picked on him and he imitated their negative behavior and referrals/suspension followed. Wow! What a nightmare. But then I realized that regardless of who we are most parents informally home schools their children before they even go to school by teaching them the basics. Then they turn the regiens over to the public school system and trust people they’ve never seen to teach their children. Now parents have the opportunity to teach them past the basics. My son is playing basketball and home schooling and loving it! I guess many individuals speak before they do their research. But the controversy shall go on, but at least I got a chance to home school my son, before he became a negative statistic.

Footnote: Written by a black, Christian Mom.

By Nadia

January 10, 2006 04:48 PM | Link to this

Maxine - you took your son out of public school because he was Special Ed. and getting in trouble, and now you “homeschool” him and he plays basketball. Um, he sounds like a negative statistic to me!!

By Denise

January 10, 2006 05:08 PM | Link to this

You can read some of the research on the effects of homeschooling at this website www.nheri.org

By Lilburn Parent

January 10, 2006 05:10 PM | Link to this

@Nadia,

That was just plain mean! You don’t have enough information as to why this kid may be in “Secial Ed”. Some kids are there because they are outside of “average”. This includes slower, faster, troubled, etc.

I am inclined to believe that the kid playing basketball may indicate he is happier. Not enough information to conclude otherwise.

As a parent I believe that Maxine was frustrated by what was going on with her child. Any parent that has struggled with a child during trying times can empathize.

I sincerely hope that it works for her! Too many young males are becoming statistics.

By Nadia

January 10, 2006 05:38 PM | Link to this

Lilburn Parent - well, here’s some more “mean” for you. I’ll bet you his teacher(s) did a happy dance when his mother disenrolled him from school.

By Lilburn Parent

January 10, 2006 05:49 PM | Link to this

@Nadia,

You may be right in that regard. Really sad…

By Chip

January 10, 2006 06:09 PM | Link to this

I think that was pretty mean too!

I am just really tickled to see that a kid needing help, maybe needing a different path, got some help.

It is nice to have choices and options. I like how homeschooling is giving my chance to follow his interests.

My child not yet a teen and has his own ‘small business.’ He is very interested in gems and has a little antique booth where he sells jewelry, some that he makes, some that he buys at flea markets and yard sales. It only takes him a couple of hours a week, but he loves it. He made 50.00 this month and wants to go to the Weinman in Cartersville again. He didn’t as for Nike Airs or a hot toy. He wanted to go to a museum.

Homeschooling lets us focus a lot on geology and earth science and when all the other kids are in school next month, we’re going to be looking for diamonds in Arkansas. Again, I am touting the personalized curriculum that is already making my child successful at a trade of his choice. It might change. So will we.

I know our family would not be nearly as defensive if it were not for the fact that we have this totally rocking, happy lifestyle that we sacrifice a lot for at times, and yet, sometimes it seems like certain groups - like NEA- try to threaten that because they don’t ‘approve.’ We’ve had a friend that is a great parent get threatened by SOMEONE (they don’t tell you a name) who just didn’t approve, and thought it important to call DFCS because the kids weren’t ‘in school.’ It seems some ignorant people don’t just want to threaten our lifestyle; they also want to take our kids! THAT is why we are so defensive sometimes. We have a good thing going and we want to keep it that way - and we intend to. We are fiercely protective of our children. That is one thing I tend to notice about all homeschool families that I know.

There’s a lot of ignorance about a lot of things out there, and homeschooling is one. We’ve been very happy to find less of that in the homeschooling community than in the general population.

By Leia

January 10, 2006 06:40 PM | Link to this

Chip - I am a high school teacher and we have a “totally, rocking” (I love that phrase!)family too! Although my children attend public school, my husband and I “homeschool” the kids too. I think anything can be turned into a teachable moment, and we change activities and trips along with their current interests. I’m very fortunate that the children are in excellent schools and have great teachers. We take weekend trips (can’t afford to take off a month to go to Arkansas!), and I believe they are doing exceptionally well.

I do have a story I’d like to share. One of my children is on a sports team with a child whose parents homeschool him and his older brother. Every opportunity Mom gets - she will come and tell me what trip they are going on, what era of history “Johnny” is proficient in, and how he doesn’t have to associate with those “delinquents” in the public school. And, I’m serious about her saying this everytime! This doesn’t sound like a parent who is very secure in her abilities to teach or her decision to homeschool her children! Sounds unlike the non-ignorant community of which you speak. My children are really cool kids with good morals, integrity and the ability to not succumb to any negative peer pressure. On top of all of that - they are pretty smart too! My point is - I don’t feel it necessary to push my “lifestyle” on her, why do you think she feels so insecure about her decision?

By Chip

January 11, 2006 04:25 AM | Link to this

It sounds more insensitive than insecure to me, or perhaps her experience with other public school kids did involve some bad kids, you really should ask her. “I feel insulted, are you intentionall implying that my kids are delinquents?”

I know we don’t feel insecure about our child’s progress, but are just so very involved- all day every day- that it just tends to dominate our lives, and sometimes our conversations.

By Leia

January 11, 2006 07:57 AM | Link to this

Chip - that’s a good response for me to give. Thank you.

My children dominate our lives too. We feel like a taxi service on most weekends! But, we really try so very hard not to be those obnoxious parents who have nothing else to speak about other than our children’s successes.

It’s at the point now where people literally run when they see her coming, which is unfortunate, because her children are awesome. I don’t feel offended by her comments, but, at times, I’m saddened because I know that she’s not happy and that has to trickle down to her kids.

By Maxine Harris

January 11, 2006 09:35 AM | Link to this

Everyone excuse Nadia! She obviously does think before she types and that’s ok. Bless her heart! What she said doesn’t even phase me one bit. I’m not going to write an essay on why my son was put in special ed. There is a bigger picture, which I call RESULTS. I know my child’s progress is due to his home schooling education. I hope his teachers and the entire schooled jump up when he left, because we jump higher than they did. We divorced the public school system and it gave my son a second chance to be all that he can be. Some people just hate for other to do something that they are afraid to do. I’m sure that all those against home schooling can’t be 100% satisfied with EVERYTHING that goes on in the public/private school systems. I lived and survived the public school system and true I didn’t turn out bad at all. But I don’t have to accept second best in life and that’s what I felt we were doing, by allowing my son to remain in a public school. Say what you want for it or against it, but when my son is President of the U.S., I will make sure he tells everyone that he was home schooled.

By Joely

January 11, 2006 10:23 AM | Link to this

I’m all for homeschooling, and I’m a public school teacher! I often wish all of the parents of my disruptive students would “divorce” the public school system and keep their kids at home with them! Then, I could really concentrate on those who actually came to school to learn.

By Bruce Wilcox

January 11, 2006 11:18 AM | Link to this

These attacks against one another are getting a little old. I’d like to ask the teachers how they feel about the “No Child Left Behind Act”? Does it produce parrots or thinkers, does teaching only for a test dictated by Washington hinder your freedom in teaching? Do you believe that smaller class sizes really help?

It’s not really off topic, depending on the answers, if any, it would support the concept of homeschooling and that a major overhaul, sans Washington, of our public schools.

By oldteacher

January 11, 2006 11:33 AM | Link to this

NCLB means we better be teaching to the CRCT test or we are totally screwed.

By MJK

January 11, 2006 04:00 PM | Link to this

I’d like to preface my comments by labeling myself as a Birkenstock-wearing, tree-hugger, etc…

I can understand why certain families choose to home-school their children and I can also understand why others choose to send their children to private schools. It’s my opinion that public schools should, and do; offer the best educational opportunity for the majority. One of the benefits that I believe is unique to public schools is that students are more likely to be forced to interact in a heterogeneous cultural and socioeconomic environment. A hesitation I have when considering alternatives to public schools is how tolerant my kids will be as adults if they don’t attend public schools. How will they deal with conflict, social stereotypes, cultural and religious differences, etc…? I think there are certain (difficult) life lessons that are informally learned in public schools on a daily basis that I don’t think can be taught elsewhere.

By Angela P

January 11, 2006 10:03 PM | Link to this

Hey MJK, I understand where you are coming from, but public school does not always give students the broad exposure that you are referring to. Public school kids go to school with kids in their neighborhood and that are in general within 12 months of their age. Often the students they interact with are from the same socioeconomic and cultural background. This is especially true in the younger grades. By high school, most schools are so segregated (voluntarily, by the students) that the students do not interact that much together. Often the interaction that occurs is very negative.

My own children, who have been homeschooled for K-12, have been involved with a very wide range of kids. One of the complaints that my husband and I have is that their friends live so far away that they spend to much time driving to get together.

I know that visitors to my home, where I teach math and science classes for home schoolers, have been surprised to see the degree of diversity of my students. I have students who live in Grant Park in class with a student who lives up in Jefferson on a horse farm. I have Vegan students sitting next to students who regularly go deer hunting. Students that go to church three times a week interacting with students who have never seen the inside of a church.

I am not saying that our experience is typical. I don’t believe that there is a typical home schooling experience. But it is simply not true that home schoolers are not exposed to diversity.

By Jana

January 11, 2006 11:02 PM | Link to this

Angela P - Your situation sounds great, but, even you must admit that your homeschooling atmosphere is probably atypical of about 99% of the homeschooling homes.

My public school educated children do attend school in the neighborhood with the neighborhood children, in classes with students very similar in age. But, not everyone in the school district are of the same socioeconomic status. I can honestly say that they have friends who are dirt poor and some whose parents are filthy rich! They are learning about how to relate to everyone - not just the people we handpick for them to have in our home. Those are the lessons that you really can’t get at home.

By KG

January 12, 2006 01:40 AM | Link to this

Today, we did our homeschooling in the morning. Then we went to acting lessons. There were kids of several ages and sexes and religions there. Jewish, Christian, and Pagan that I know of. Then we went to swim lessons. We swam with a nice Chinese family that we know. Then we went to a J. Campbell roundtable meeting with Buddhists, Christians, and Pagans. We are still up and going strong. We just watched Bewitched, a history special called “A Day in the Life of a Conquistador” and then “Hitler and the Occult.”

Now we are watching SouthPark and the Daily Show. Then bed. lol

That’s life in the day of one homeschool family. (As if anyone cares.)I think we had a lot of diversity today myself. My point is that we CHOOSE that. We seek it out. It is a matter of choice. It is easy to find if you seek it.

By oldteacher

January 12, 2006 06:17 AM | Link to this

You were kidding about watching South Park, weren’t you?

By youngteacher

January 12, 2006 08:59 AM | Link to this

KG - sounds like a lot of TV watching to me! But, like you said - you CHOSE it.

By Steve

January 12, 2006 09:02 AM | Link to this

My prayer … Lord make us all colorblind, and let it begin with me. Will you join me ?

By KG

January 12, 2006 04:23 PM | Link to this

Yep. We were watching SouthPark. As for watching a lot of TV - I think multimedia is quite effective for teaching. Most public schools do too. ;)

Is that our only method? Of course not!

See, not all homeschoolers are alike. We love SouthPark & the Daily Show. We TIVO it. Other families would be freaking if their kids watched SouthPark. We even watched Bill Mahler, at least until he slammed homeschoolers. :)

By oldteacher

January 12, 2006 05:15 PM | Link to this

I guess I am just a prude. I would have thought that if you cared about your kids and how they behaved, South Park would be a no-no. I have watched it a couple of times because my students (middle schoolers) talked about it. IMHO not only is it on too late at night but the language and the sexual content should be rated X. But, they are your kids and you can expose them to whatever you want. I do hope and pray you don’t regret it.

By CArol R

January 12, 2006 08:08 PM | Link to this

For Chip: since you child is interested in jewerly making you should take them to the Prospectors Pouch in Kennesaw. They were on Hwy 41 when there was NOTHING in the area except the miners. They have mining tools as well as gems in the raw form. I am also a memebr of a gem club. You can contact me if you are interested. alimolady@comcast.net.

By Kristi

January 13, 2006 02:01 AM | Link to this

http://www.savejacksonbortz.com

If you know Randi St. Denis - DFCS has taken their grandchild from their custody! They need all the help they can get.

Randi St. Denis is a very well known past homeschool mom that is frequently writing and making guest appearances on parenting and homeschooling.

There is a clip on the site where DFCS claims they are above the law??!!!

The St. Denis family organizes the Southeast Expo every year. They are very nice people.

By oldteacher

January 13, 2006 07:53 AM | Link to this

I watched South Park last night just to see if I remembered how bad it was. I was right.

By KG

January 13, 2006 03:38 PM | Link to this

“bad” is subjective.

WE think “funny” and “thought provoking” - often a biting commentary on our society, with some very real moral lessons.

Profanity and sexuality doesn’t offend any of us around here.

By Angela P

January 13, 2006 04:07 PM | Link to this

Jana, If my situation is atypical of 99% of homeschooling families, then there must be a lot more homeschooling families than the media reports! We have interaction with a fairly large number of homeschoolers so they are experiencing the same diversity that we are experiencing. I have 61 students this year, but over the last six years I have worked with over 200 home schooled students with my math and science classes. There are also home schoolers that my kids have played sports with (basketball, baseball, softball, cross country for the high school years) the kids in our home school association plus friends of friends.

Because my kids are not limted to knowing and working with the kids in our neighborhood (who they of course know) they have friends from a wide range of experiences. Because we homeschoolers are a minority of the population, we draw from a much greater area to simply have enough people for a calculus class or a softball team. So we end up with girls who live in Grant Park playing on the same team with girls who live out in Good Hope. That’s why I have an Orthodox Jewish young man from Toco Hills in the same class as a girl from a horse farm in Jefferson.

Some of my former students have complained to me about the LACK of diversity at their college campuses. They were used to more diversity with their home education experience than they were experiencing in college. Now isn’t that a surprise!

By Carol R

January 14, 2006 09:05 AM | Link to this

Did anyone catch the John Stossel piece on 20/20 last night? I think it was called Stupid Kids in America or something like that. Gives pause to think about all hard the NEA works to keep choice down concerning the school system. I am thankful for the ability to homeschool my daughter. As stated before I have done the government system. Where there is no competition there is no improvement. A simple comparison is the phone company, as Mr. Stossel pointed out. Before there was a choice there was not much improvement in the service. It was one style of phone, one ring, one high cost. Now we have many choices and the prices are more reasonable.

Capitalism is what made this country. One more thing please do NOT refer to our country as a democracy. WE ARE A REPUBLIC governed by laws. We do not have a majority rule society.

By Carol R

January 14, 2006 09:09 AM | Link to this

My grandmother predicted years ago when they began “main streaming” children it was the beginning of the decline of the school system. She was acutely correct.