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Home School Controversy
Facing the Naysayers
By Carma Haley
Both the ERIC and Ishizuka recommend that a parent check into these types of concerns prior to registering their children as home schooled. However, there are alternatives to school-related activities. Programs offered at community centers, local teen groups, YMCA and YWCA locations as well as state, county and city home schooling networks all have activities that are open to home schooled children.
The interaction of home schooled children with children who attend public or private schools outside of a traditional classroom setting may also help in breaking the barriers of uncertainty and misinformation. "It's all about getting out there," Ishizuka says. "Once these children intertwine within a public school community and interact with the traditional school children, the children and their parents will discover that these children have just as much if not more to offer the community."
Sandy Cummins of Queensland, Australia, says her region has a home schooling group which meets every two weeks for fun and socializing. "I've only made it to two meetings so far, but I was impressed by the way that many children played together and interacted," Cummins says. "They don't care whether or not they are all home schooled – they are just kids being kids."
Home schooling continues to gain popularity, but with that popularity comes criticism. This criticism from outside sources does not have to influence a parent's decision on their choice for home schooling. "Parents need to know that not everyone will agree with their choice to home school," Ishizuka says. "There are options available " the trick is to find them. Find out the specifics as they apply to your children and investigate local organizations for support, activities and available community groups."