Pantagraph.com | News | Home school a growing trend

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

uncgrad2002 wrote on Feb 16, 2007 3:37 PM:

" I'm just curious what types of colleges home-school kids get into? Do they even have a shot at Ivy League (anyone have the % of homeschoolers who get into Harvard each year?) Or are 90% of them going to the local community college a mile from mom and dad's house and the church? "

Soon To Be Schooling At Home wrote on Feb 1, 2007 1:02 AM:

" Teachers are doing their best w/the poor curriculum they have to use. My girls (8th grade and 4th grade) will soon be home schooled, due to numerous issues in our district. It's well known (and published, look it up in a search engine) that "fuzzy math" is being taught, with little success. Yet, it's funded federally, so it continues to be taught. I taught my daughter multiplication, and she flunked math for getting ALL the right answers because she didn't do it the "fuzzy math" way. I went to the school to TEACH my daughter's teacher traditional multiplication because she "couldn't remember." Teaching long division has been wiped from MN schools. I'm currently in college...3 years into my teaching degree. Standardized testing is required, yearly, in MN. My girls are EAGER to homeschool and I already teach them in the evenings. They are both straight A students and are active in soccer, Girl Scouts, etc. There are other issues in the schools but I'm out of room. I don't knock the teachers. It's the education system that is failing our kids. "

Homeschooling parent wrote on Jan 15, 2007 6:01 PM:

" Wow! Check out the venom spewing forth from the anti-homeschooling section. That's exactally why we DO homeschool. Enough said. "

JOJO wrote on Nov 25, 2006 8:15 PM:

" I don't know what city some of you guys are in but where i live the homeschoolers I meet are very sociable and are able to mix well with others (adults, public schooled kids and other homeschoolers of all ages) I for one wish I had known about homeschooling when my children were younger. "

Been There wrote on Nov 23, 2006 8:40 AM:

" The bottom line is: One size does not fit all. Homeschooling is a viable option that should be protected. The proof is in the pudding. We have three homeschooled children who have graduated from college with excellent grades, above average social skills and are gainfully employed, active in society and well-liked. Beyond that, they are happy individuals which I find to be a rare thing today. And yes, our faith has been successfully passed on to the next generation. "

HSMom wrote on Nov 21, 2006 9:01 AM:

" I've homeschooled my 8 year old highly gifted son for over three years now. Why? The main reason is because he is so far ahead of other age peers he needs a modified curriculum. We've been in a Kansas school district (where gifted education is mandated) and now Central IL. Neither district could accomodate him. My daughter has multiple special needs and attends public school - and does get an IEP. Kids who are advanced above the norm by the same standard deviations developmentally disabled students are below the norm are not helped. My son does many more activities than his public-schooled neighbors. He's around a wide variety of ages, too. His chess class is with middle schoolers, his karate class is ages 5-17, etc. He's also in a "public school" cub scout den. I'd love anyone to come to a scout activity and see if they can pick out my so-called "unsocialized" child. Yes, he stands out - because he gives respect to the leaders or to a museum educator and follows rules. "

homeschoolingmom wrote on Nov 20, 2006 7:39 PM:

" I think there is a misconception that homeschooled children never leave home. Our children, now 11 and 19, are very active in our community and always have been. They've both been in all kinds of situations and have handled them beautifully. We've gotten nothing but compliments. Our 19 year old is in his second year of college and made the transition just fine. As a matter of fact, some of his professors are shocked to hear he was homeschooled through high school. Lack of socialization in homeschoolers is a myth because for every homeschooled child you show me that lacks socialization I can show you 10 public schooled children that exhibit the same behaviors. It isn't about where they go to school but about parenting and personality. By the way, I have nothing against public schools...I believe in them fully and have no regrets in the taxes we pay to support them. "

my2cents wrote on Nov 20, 2006 1:58 AM:

" Parents are the key, whether a child is in public, private, or home school. Some families shouldn’t home school. Some parents shouldn’t be parents, either. The solution is not to outlaw all parents, nor to require a license to become a parent. Social skills are learned by example and by practice. Children who accompany their parents through the day, see how adults interact, usually superior examples over the interaction of 25 same-aged peers. There are opportunities through many organizations and clubs for group interaction. My children have been protected and gradually introduced to tougher situations—as they’ve been ready individually to handle it. Naturally reserved, my dd made a smooth transition into college and is excelling academically as well as participating in numerous extracurricular and social activities. Note on taxes: I don’t think my neighbors would like being taxed to support our homeschool, yet we are taxed to pay for their children’s education and yet are not allowed participation in local public school activities, be it band, sports, etc. We pay for two schools, buying curriculum, supplies, & equipment for our home school plus pay taxes on those items. We’re not asking for handouts, just relief from double taxation. "

parent2 wrote on Nov 20, 2006 1:07 AM:

" Formal schooling is about learning how to read and write, do math and think. Period. Socialization happens when we are at school or wherever. It's best accomplished from being around good models. Same-age peers are not good models. Bullying at school is unavoidable, but what does it teach a child? Would skipping these negative "real-life" experiences be so bad? How many of us had our lunch money stolen at college or were cornered by the work bully last week? FACT: homeschooled students excel at testing. Homeschooling is the Cadillac of education. My former-teacher husband advised me to add that teachers are doing the best they can given the limitations of a full classroom. You can't beat one-on-one tailor-made tutoring in a comfortable atmosphere from a motivated parent. I see homeschooling as an extension of parenting that some are fortunate enough to find. I absolutely love homeschooling. My children are more likely to obey me now. It has improved our family life. By the way, the homeschooling parents I know would be utterly embarrassed if one of their children grew up using the run-on sentences that educator "Yay" used in her comment. Let's remember the real reason for schooling. "

Public school advocate wrote on Nov 20, 2006 12:28 AM:

" People say that our public schools are horrible and fail to teach students anything, but literacy rates in the United States are close to 100%. Also, when we test students, we test everybody. This is not the case in most other countries. Nations such as Japan, Germany and England, too name a few, track their lower achieving students into various carriers. And, because of that reason only their best students attend secondary schools. In the U.S. everyone must attend until they are 16, or 17. "

Why wrote on Nov 19, 2006 11:55 PM:

" Why was my comment not posted. Pantagraph editors don't like free speech? Are you 40 year old virgins that were home-schooled? "

Society/Real World wrote on Nov 19, 2006 11:27 PM:

" Although I would not doubt any studies that show that homeschooled children score higher on tests and get better grades than public school children, what I do doubt is their level of preparedness for the 'real world'. At some point in life, you have to let your kids actually PARTICIPATE in society. Yes, there may not be 'bullies' at home like there are in a public school. However, your kids need to be in socially uncomfortable situations every now and then when they are growing up so they can deal with these situations in college, and after college in their jobs. To me, this type of experience cannot be gained in a home-school environment. Bottom line - you can't shelter your kids forever, you must expose them to society and let them do some learning on their own, without Mommy and Daddy in the next room. "

Homeschooling wrote on Nov 19, 2006 8:22 PM:

" The only problem with homeschooling is it doesn't get you prepared for the types of individuals that you are going to deal with on your job. You will eventually meet some very "difficult"and/or "bully type" individuals at your place of work. You will run into individuals that look different from you and have different beliefs.You need to have a coping mechanism to deal with unpleasant situations and/or people "

alan wrote on Nov 19, 2006 8:06 PM:

" First, the schools are not required to let any homeschool children into their classrooms or for sports. Just ask a home school parent who has tried.( Ive suggested registering as an illegal) Second, Anyone can home school their own kids as well as neighbor kids, as we have also done. Its considered a private school. Third, Our situation was brought on because to advance our child ahead a grade, after testing, the administration said he might sruggle to be in the top 20% of the next grade. I said do you mean challenged? They didnt feel it was in his best interest to have to try hard. Experts! "

Reply: TO V wrote on Nov 19, 2006 7:42 PM:

" "Teachers need to step it up and earn their pay OR LOWER MY TAXES." This is the only place you probably have ever "said" that comment without putting your name to it... as an elementary teacher I would like for you to walk into an elementary school and put yourself in a teacher's shoes for a day. Then when you see how we earn our pay maybe then you could get off your high horse and understand what it takes to be a teacher. Then and only then maybe you could experience the most rewarding "job" there is. "

To V wrote on Nov 19, 2006 7:38 PM:

" My son's 5th grade teacher told me. that in her first few years of teaching, she had to learn math right along with the kids she was teaching. The teacher didn't even know 5th grade math! This teacher is still teaching and I believe also has a masters + hours. Is she more qualified to teach math than me, who went through Calculus? Makes me wonder how she even got through school. Of course, not all teachers are like that but when you see it, it makes you question everything in the public school. "

2ND child wrote on Nov 19, 2006 7:29 PM:

" I feel being the 2nd of four children in my family prepared me for socializing, compromising, expressing myself to others, and learning to accept my older sisters bullying. Now in the working world I sit in my cubicle and find I don't need to socialize! "

terry d wrote on Nov 19, 2006 5:04 PM:

" One of the great things that keeps America united is a"common" language. Many immigrants to America had to learn english to "make it" in business and in public situations. Most newspapers write for the 8th to 12th grade reading level. This is because people who use English as a "secondary" language may not understand that which is written on the college level. People of all ages read newspapers. I have been asked by people who use differant languages how to build their vocabulary of the English language and my advice is simple, always try working the crossword puzzle in the daily newspaper, because it is no disaster if you are wrong and the correct answer is always published in the next edition of the paper. "

To Taxes wrote on Nov 19, 2006 4:42 PM:

" The home schooling (and Central Catholic ;-) parents who want tax breaks, should have paid attention in history class. At one time, schools, roads, police protection and other government supplied services were paid for by users. Ben Franklin started the first homeowners’ insurance company by forming a group that paid for their own private fire department. If you hadn’t paid, they wouldn’t put out your fire. I may not use the schools, the libraries or the coliseum, but I agree that they are important for the community. OK, maybe not the libraries; who reads books these days, anyway? "

They'll be back wrote on Nov 19, 2006 4:33 PM:

" In our city families try home schooling and then their kids come running back to the public school. In most cases they are severely behind academically and longing for social interaction. The public school welcomes them with open arms, and even lets them just take certain higher level classes while still being home schooled. Once the kids realize that the public schools are fun and challanging, and the parent realize the schools are good they come back full time. Parents who home school make a choice, but as a taxpayer I shouldn't fund that choice. "

1 2 wrote on Nov 19, 2006 3:50 PM:

" I find it interesting that our public school’s claim to fame is 'we socialized better.' Socialization is the ability to interactive with all ages and social groups not just peers in an unsupervised setting. "

to Why not? wrote on Nov 19, 2006 3:15 PM:

" That was me in public school. I did next to nothing except sleep, got a B average, top 20% of my class, and then when I got to college I wasn't prepared at all to actually study. And since I wasn't a football player or other trained horse, school was socially worthless to me. I made friends elsewhere. "

Why not? wrote on Nov 19, 2006 2:50 PM:

" Here's another vote for home schooling by someone who was bored out of my mind for 12 years of public education. I was never challenged and maintained a solid B average without ever doing more than paying attention in class. I rarely did my homework, didn't study much and still did just fine. I don't see any reason why most parents couldn't teach their own kids. I don't care how long you've been teaching or whether or not you have a masters in education, the vast majority of teachers that I had were of the "read the book yourself, do the homework, then take a multiple choice exam" variety. It speaks volumes that our educator's biggest complaint against homeschooling is that kids don't get the social diversity brainwashing that I guess is more important than anything else now. Who cares if little Johnny can read as long as plays well with others right?? "

to depends wrote on Nov 19, 2006 2:36 PM:

" Highly educated or inexpensive? "

Taxes wrote on Nov 19, 2006 2:09 PM:

" Home school parents don't deserve a tax break. If they do, then I deserve the same tax break for not having kids. Either everyone pays for the schools or only parents who have kids in school pay for them. Nobody pays for more programs they don't use than single people, yet it's the people who are married with kids do all the complaining. Married families receive more unearned benefits than anyone in our society - including welfare recipients. Your parental and marriage tax breaks are much more than the $1000/month that people get from welfare - and you don't deserve a dime of it. "

Losers wrote on Nov 19, 2006 2:03 PM:

" Home schooling - what a great way to tell your kid "you can't handle the world." By protecting them you are telling them they are incompetent and weak. Eventually they'll have to interact with the real world - unless they can find home college and home employment - and they won't fit in. Life is risky, but you have to let your children face those risks or they'll never be anything. "

publicschoolproduct wrote on Nov 19, 2006 1:58 PM:

" I attended public school from kindergarten through graduate school, and feel that I was well prepared for adult life both socially and intellectually. But I was fortunate to go to GOOD schools. As a parent myself, I feel it is my responsibility to oversee my childrens' education--and homeschooling can be the best option in many situations. For example, one of my son's friends was teased and bullied unmercifully in his (Catholic) school. His parents pulled him out of that school, homeschooled him for 2 years, and he chose to go to public high school where he is successful and happy. So I'd suggest that parents keep an open mind about homeschooling and consider it as an option if it seems in their child's best interest. We parents know our kids best, and are sometimes their best teachers! "

to Just a guy wrote on Nov 19, 2006 12:59 PM:

" Considering some of the horrible teachers that "taught" some of my classes, a teaching certificate must not mean all that much. A good teacher is more than a certificate. "

To Poor kids wrote on Nov 19, 2006 12:56 PM:

" You met SOME home school kids. And who's to say that public school would have socialized them better. They could have just been social outcast, always teased, and been no better off. People are different. Some home school kids will be socially inept just like many public school kids. At least the home school kids who are socially inept won't spend each day in what is possibly a living hell for them. "

To each their own wrote on Nov 19, 2006 12:37 PM:

" I don't think there's anything wrong with home schooling, providing the person doing the schooling is qualified. Home schooling is not for everyone. I would have been bored out of my mind if I had stayed home all the time growing up. I would have missed-out on a lot of activities at school and not seen my friends during the day. That being said, there are some children who do better with home schooling. Then by all means, let them be schooled at home. To those who feel public education is such a disaster, I'd like to know what you base that upon. Is it really so bad? Please provide details, not anecdotes about your niece who didn't do well or the neighbor's kid who is on drugs "because" s/he went to a public school. Also, don't rely on generalizations like "all smart kids get pushed behind or left-out because we only teach to dumb kids." Get specific. I didn't know many dumb kids who took physics and calculus in public school, but I knew a lot of smart ones that did. "

To V: wrote on Nov 19, 2006 12:25 PM:

" I think you have proved my point. All your education doesn't make you a better teacher than parents. It shows that teachers should NOT be the highest paid per hour in a community. Teachers want to take all the credit for educating children, but they are quick to point out that the success is directly related to the parent involvement. If the child isn't learning then it is because the parents aren't involved. Talk about no accountability. And yes, being in a school is very good for kids to adjust socially, but we don't pay teachers for this. In fact the teachers are the reason bullying occurs. We pay teachers enough to create a friendly environment for students AND we pay them enough to teach to all levels of students. Teachers need to step it up and earn their pay OR LOWER MY TAXES. "

depends wrote on Nov 19, 2006 12:04 PM:

" it all comes down to the choice of the parents. For example this ciuty has many Indian families who parents are highly educated software engineers. Ask them about their kids grades and 99% all their klids are good students. The reason? The indian folks take lot of interest and pride in their kids studies!!maybe one should follow their example!! "

Poor kids wrote on Nov 19, 2006 11:05 AM:

" I met home school kids. Oh my god they have no social skills. I mean in my personal spce. Asking me question the rest of us know are not to be asked. Just not know. I know public schools have problems. But at least the kid has a chance with social interaction. And might pick friends not into drugs and gangs. Teach them about that and let them go to school. And everyone pays taxes if your child goes to public, private, home school or you have no child. Sorry no tax break deserved. "

no problem wrote on Nov 19, 2006 11:03 AM:

" Funny, I've taught business at a college for many years. The best students I've had were home schooled and they certainly didn't lack the social skills "Yay" implies. They are usually better skilled in etiquette, negotiation skills and time management skills. These are skills needed in all fields. All received excellent job offers before they graduated because they were so on the ball, they started their searches before their peers. I'm urging my son to seriously consider home schooling my grandkids because they are learning zilch at BN public schools. "

What? wrote on Nov 19, 2006 11:00 AM:

" to: to What? I was referring to the previous comments made by "hmm" and "homeschool mom". I happen to favor tax breaks for college education and I don't mind paying my fair share to supply a secondary education for all, so get off my back. I'm against giving the parents of home schooled children an additional break, they should share the responsibility of supporting public education just like the rest of us. "

Marian wrote on Nov 19, 2006 10:16 AM:

" for yay! the former educator who is "some what biased": Do you think homeschooled children exist in a vacuum (if it were possible)? They interact/socialize with siblings, with peers in the neighborhood, sports activities, arts activities, church groups, boys/girls scout groups, work (if they are old enough to do so), etc. True, they may not have to deal directly with the school "doper" but they are well aware that such creatures exist and do have a moral background to contend with them. By the way, if yay were a TEACHER rather than an "educator" he/she would know that the letter "i" is capitalized when referring to oneself. "

Memphis Homeschooler wrote on Nov 19, 2006 9:30 AM:

" While not in Illinois, I felt compelled to respond. My son was getting a "wonderful" education in Memphis public schools. The schools are more concerned with good standardized test scores then individual students. Students expected to do poorly on these tests are encouraged to stay home so that the school can get a better overall score. The vice principal of the middle school he attended regularly referred to the white kids as "honkey". Gee, great learning experience. I live in a diverse neighborhood in a diverse city so that exposure is already there. As to the socialization issue, there are many opportunities, often better ones, then public school to learn social skills and how to interact with others. Public school here provides more of an opportunity to learn survival skills rather then social skills. "

Just a guy wrote on Nov 19, 2006 9:23 AM:

" Homeschooling should not be allowed, except in cases of medical need. It seems odd that to teach your own kids you do not have to have a teacher's certificate...but to teach kids other than your own you have to be certified. Just send your kids to either public or private school. The kids will turn out just fine. "

Extra-curricular teacher wrote on Nov 19, 2006 9:00 AM:

" Please don't fool yourself into thinking that your kids are growing up socially well adjusted. The are usually odd and socially inept to some extent. I know that you let them socialize with other home-schooled and some mainstream kids but essentially what you are doing is sheltering them. I teach in an extra-curricular environment and know many home-schooled families. I talk to home-schooled parents quite often. They are so sure what they are doing is right, they really don't see how odd their kids behave with others. "

Teacher wrote on Nov 19, 2006 8:57 AM:

" To Bah: If you honestly feel that you didn't learn a thing in school, then you yourself have a learning and an attitude problem. As far as your uneducated view about "mentally handicapped" students being in your class, you are seriously outdated. These students are entirely mainstreamed in today's schools and classrooms receive the support to make these children successful without taking resources away from the rest of the students. "

Li'l Johnny wrote on Nov 19, 2006 8:44 AM:

" Public schools, by nature and the teachers union, generally teach to the 'lowest average level of ability'. This often leaves many smarter kids struggling with boredom and frustration, which can drive even good kids into less than positive behaviors. And for reasons that I won't get into here, public schools seem to substitute excessive 'home' work for less than excellent 'school' work. Home schooled kids have the same opportunities for socialization and extracurricular activities as public school kids. All public schools must allow home schooled kids to participate (subject to the same prerequisite knowledge or ability) in any activity offered, such as band, chorus, football etc... I believe that the single biggest asset available to home schooled kids is the ability to tailor each child's curriculum to that child's abilities and interests. Most studies show that, academically at least, average home schooled kids are at best equal to, and in many cases, superior to average public schooled kids. (We have met the enemy and he is us!) "

I agree wrote on Nov 19, 2006 8:40 AM:

" Home schooling is a result of the activities that some parents insist their child can do because they are still children (food fights, vandalism etc.) It is also a result of the gradual tearing down of established traditions like the Christmas programs and parties that we use to enjoy at school. And the stuff children are required to learn but not allowed to learn (like the existence of Jesus). You put this all together with some outright thugs and bullies at school (backed by their parents proclaiming their innocence) that you get home schooling. And by the way there are more ways to socialize that at school. Actualize when you get down to it there is not much time to socialize at school if you are doing what you are supposed to when you go there. "

Teacher wrote on Nov 19, 2006 8:24 AM:

" If it were always as it is in the story, home schooling would be great! However, I get to help correct the mistakes of parents who are untrained and unsuited for educating children. You can be a bigot, an abuser, or just have no clue about discipline and see yourself as doing "God's work" without any supervision. It's a good thing the state required me to have education, supervision and practice before I was put in charge of young minds. "

Alan wrote on Nov 19, 2006 8:12 AM:

" Yes, of great note, the only thing the "superintendents" can try to say public schools offers is diversity. NOT A GOOD EDUCATION! Im glad they didnt even try to insult us with that. However, still insulting is the fact they think homeschooled kids live in a bubble. I home school and my son attends gym and recess at a public school, but even without that, there is bowling, holiday spectacular, the neighborhood! And many other groups.I guess its diversity as defined by liberals though that counts. "

V: And Further wrote on Nov 19, 2006 8:09 AM:

" I have also had former home-schooled kids in my class. They cannot function as well with other students, they act very sheltered and scared, and educationally--in my experience--they are very far behind. I will give them credit, though, they do not cause disturbances and they know their Bible quotes very well. "

V wrote on Nov 19, 2006 8:07 AM:

" What a joke. How is a Mommy qualified to know more than a group of specialized teachers who have gone through years of training and follows state apporved standards. All of this nonsense for the religious right to sprinkle Prayer in School. I have taught for 19 years, I have a Master's plus 44 hours and I would safely bet that my experience puts me ahead of a "Mom" with a workbook. These parents should be investigated for neglect because they are depriving their children of education. "

let's see wrote on Nov 19, 2006 7:59 AM:

" So home-schooled children miss out on the socialization of public schools. [sigh] What is it about the intimidation of their peers, being bullied, and on being pulled into age-segregated peer groups for twelve years that they will never have to face in the real world that this form of socialization should be recommended? Somehow missing out on the standard socialization for which public schools are known does not quite seem like a problem. "

Happy Homeschooling Mom wrote on Nov 19, 2006 7:39 AM:

" It never fails to astound me how some will try to use 'socialization' as the fall-back criticism for home-education. We have never found that to be an issue. Wherever we go with our children, we get positive comments from people about how well behaved they are in public, particularly when in large groups with other home-schooling children, as recently occurred at the Interstate Center for the Festival of Trees. These comments usually come from older individuals that are all too happy to tell us how unruly most young people are today. We tend to think of our children as being fairly 'normal' in their conduct, but apparently others feel it noteworthy because we receive that response frequently. We met our US Rep Timothy Johnson the other evening and our children were even able to hold a comfortable conversation with the man, in public. Imagine that? Strangers find them well-behaved and they can speak with adults in full conversation. Those that are biased against home-education will likely continue using the 'socialization' argument, but we know better. "

Lee wrote on Nov 19, 2006 6:13 AM:

" Yay!'s comments are typical of the educational establishment and point out perfectly why our education system needs reform. As long as there is no accountability on the part of educators, protection for mediocrity by the unions, and the sacrifice of absolutes at the altar of political correctness, public education will continue to be the institution that is turning out students that are more concerned about "intangibles" than they are being able to read and do simple math. "

parent wrote on Nov 19, 2006 6:09 AM:

" yay! is definitely biased against home school children. We are raising adults, not children -- and the truth is the average public school child does not have adult socialization. Your experience in conversing and working with home schooled pupils seems very limited. What kind of "socialization" are you speaking of? "

Lee wrote on Nov 19, 2006 6:07 AM:

" Woodford Pundit has it right. The professional "educators" can only point to their achievement of goals that cannot be measured, because the teachers' unions have successfully eliminated any other means by which educational progress is quantified. Our home-schooled daughter, now 24, has advanced rapidly in her chosen field and has been promoted to management positions normally held by those much older. Why? Because she doesn't lack the "social skills that their traditionally schooled peers have." In fact her ability to interact with fellow employees and her personality is far superior to most of the public schooled product of her age. "

BN Cynic wrote on Nov 19, 2006 1:56 AM:

" yay!, public school helped me to become the cynic I am today. Bravo! "

Bah wrote on Nov 18, 2006 11:59 PM:

" I wish I would have been home schooled. I was bored out of my mind in school. I can honestly say I never learned a thing in K-12. I was reading by age three. I tought myself math and basic programming. I never got anything out of my classes at school. We actually had mentally handicapped kids in some of my classes. I'm all for having them in the regular school, but I don't see the point slowing down a course for 24 kids and keeping them from learning for the sake of one student who wasn't going to get much out of the class anyway. "

to What? wrote on Nov 18, 2006 10:52 PM:

" would you rather pay to educate, or incarcerate?, remember, if you went to public school people just like you paid for your education "

Woodford Pundit wrote on Nov 18, 2006 10:48 PM:

" When we hear things from "education" like 'we're, 'proud of the diversity public schools offer', 'Learning to get along with others and becoming stronger through diversity', and 'interacting with students of different backgrounds and cultures', instead of 'we can make better, smarter young men and women', we must chuckle somewhat. Are minorities and the disabled props and show-and-tell objects other kids’ "educational" benefit? It irks the public school administrations that they "lose" that per kid funding on the home-schoolers. "

yay! wrote on Nov 18, 2006 10:21 PM:

" having been employed as an educator i am some what biased, but my opinion from what i have seen is that most home schooled kids seem to lack the social skills that their traditionally schooled peers have. home schooled kids, as they mature and enter college and later the work force, seem to have a harder time fitting in and connecting with other students and employees. will home school kids test higher and perform better than their traditionally educated peers, yes, it is probable as they most likely have a better environment and one on one instruction, however, from my experiences, they do not have the intangibles, the social skills, the experiences needed to be superior to their traditionally educated peers "

What? wrote on Nov 18, 2006 10:16 PM:

" My wife and I do not have children, and we pay taxes. Where's our break? "

homeschool mom wrote on Nov 18, 2006 9:24 PM:

" AMEN To that hmmmmmm! :-) "

hmm wrote on Nov 18, 2006 7:45 PM:

" sounds like a winner to me. those families should get a big tax break ... "

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