Thoughts on Homeschooling

What are your thoughts on homeschooling? What would make you homeschool your child? If you wouldn't homeschool, tell me why not?

Re: Thoughts on Homeschooling

As a teacher, I honestly would never homeschool my child. I think that it is incredibly important for them to socialize with peers, respect other figures of authority (besides their parents) and follow rules within a group. I truly believe children who are home schooled are missing out on learning how to deal with the world in preparation for a future job. JMHO

Re: Thoughts on Homeschooling

Re: Thoughts on Homeschooling

I respect your opinion very much, but I'm just curious about a few things if you wouldn't mind answering.

Have you ever met or spoken to a parent who homeschooled? If so, what did you think of the child they homeschooled?

Also, would you feel differently about homeschooling if the child was special needs?

Just really curious about this subject ...
Thanks for any input!

Re: Thoughts on Homeschooling

I work in a college so I have dealt with many high school students who were homeschooled, for a variety of reasons. Some parents feel the students can learn more 1 on 1 or that their children are too advanced for a regular classroom, some have felt their district was too violent...

In most of the cases I have seen, I found the students to be ill-prepared to enter a regular college environment. Most were socially unable to adjust, even if the parents made an effort to get them involved in extracurricular sports or activities. They were not used to working with classmates on team projects, and not prepared to deal with a classroom that did not move at the pace that they dictated. I think there's also the concept of learning the competition with others...Many of the homeschooled kids I have met think they are the best, smartest, most talented kids ever, and while I think it is great for parents to build self esteem, there can be a rude awakening in college when they are exposed to that element of competition.

I wouldn't feel any differently if the child was special needs because I feel there will come a time when every special needs parent needs to figure out the plan for when they are unable to take care of their child 24/7, and I feel like as parents the job of a parent is to set the child up to be as successful as they can be if the parents are unable to take care of them. I have a friend with a down syndrome daughter and we've talked about this at length...

Just because the child is special needs to me does not mean that they still do not benefit from the social interaction with other children, IMO. I'm an educator and not a parent, but I do think that socialization and the atmosphere of a special needs classroom can benefit the special needs child.

Message edited 8/17/2007 11:12:43 PM.

Re: Thoughts on Homeschooling

I teach children with special needs in a very restrictive setting. It is rare that any of our parents would choose homeschooling over school in a classroom setting. I would imagine that a parent would have exhausted every effort possible before making such a decision.

I do know of parents who home school their child. The child is more immature than cognitively delayed and I think that is a function of this particular set of parents. They do not seem to have faith in the school system in which they live - which happens to be a pretty good one - one I would have no problem sending my children to.

It is ultimately a parent's choice to do what they feel is best. It is also their responsibility to make sure that extra-curriculars, regardless of a child's disability, are included after school instruction is complete. I have had students in Karate, music, art and other types of classes as well.

If you were to ask my personal opinion, I don't like homeschooling. I think the socialization of children is very important and especially of children with special needs. I do not have children yet and I am more than qualified to home school if I ever wanted to and still I'd never do it.

Re: Thoughts on Homeschooling

My degrees are in Elementary, Reading and Special Education. I have taught both Secial Ed and Elementary. I am presently working pt as a SEIT. I feel a child with special needs should be in a school setting for the same reason as a reg ed child. They will have to deal with the world too. I find that I can meet most of the needs of my students most of the time, however, I do feel there are times when someone else's point of view is invaluable.

As a parent, I believe having the input of teachers would often(not always) be helpful. We know our children best, but sometimes it helps to see them from another's perspective, in another environment. Parent's can supplement as well.

I do not have direct experience with children who are homeschooled.

Re: Thoughts on Homeschooling

Re: Thoughts on Homeschooling

I have spoken to a few parents who have homeschooled and I have met the kids. There are situations in which it is warranted and best for the child. Until I met those people, I did not know that there are homeschool groups of parents who get together to provide a group environment for their kids and I did not understand how it all really works.

I find the homeschooling concepts to be interesting. However, there are only very limited circumstances under which I would do it. Also, I would try to limit the number of years.

If I had a special needs child, I would do everything in my power to get my child into a public school that offers great services. If I became unhappy with those services, I would consider homeschooling but it would take a lot for me to go that route. I'd be fighting in court for services if I had to.

BTW...someone dear to all of us has tried homeschooling and I believe they are still doing it, not for special needs, but they had their reasons.

Re: Thoughts on Homeschooling

Re: Thoughts on Homeschooling

I want to present a specific situation to all of you and see if your opinions change:

A 6.5 year old with a very severe seizure disorder, ataxia, apraxia, functionally deaf and developmentally delayed. He understands and follows directions very well. He can make some word approximations, but no clear verbalizations. He is charting about 2-3 year old skills with a few scattered higher skills. A delightful little boy with a lot on his plate. He was in a special needs school since age 3 ... full day program including 6 weeks of summer.
Full therapy ... PT, OT, Speech.

After three years of formal schooling, the child could barely walk independently. No speech development all all. Motor skills were very poor. The child knows no colors, letters, numbers, etc. He cannot answer a simple question after reading a book. The child has no means of communication other than grunting and pointing.

After three years of schooling at the same location and the same teacher, the school assigns the child a new teacher. During the first six weeks of school, the child loses 7 lbs because the teacher refuses ... yes, refuses ... to work with the child's feeding issues. The school decides (about working with this child for three prior years and dealing with the feeding issues) that things are "too difficult to manage any further". The parent is called in and told the child needs a "more medically fragile program." The parent fights and the superintendent refuses to assign another teacher or work with the family.

The choice ... the child remains and continues to lose weight and will wind up with a g-tube ... or the child is withdrawn from school? The parent withdraws the child and searches for a new school ... nothing available or suitable for the child.

Homeschooling becomes the only option. A year of homeschooling under the child's belt and guess what??? He recites (after being prompted) every alphabet letter. He counts to five (prompted.) He knows 4 of his colors. He's signing about twenty signs. He points to objects and attempts to vocalize the words for what he points to. He is walking ... and not falling. He climbs stairs. He has regained 8 lbs and is trying new foods.

He goes to the library and takes field trips with a homeschooling group. He is social, friendly and happy.

The bottom line ... he has made strides with the parent as a teacher that school couldn't accomplish in three years.

After reading this, what do you think? Does this make you feel any differently about homeschooling? Be honest.

Re: Thoughts on Homeschooling

In that situation, yes homeschooling is/was the best option, but not every situation can be generalized.

Re: Thoughts on Homeschooling

Before reading this last post, I would have said that a child with special needs would be better off in school.

I don't have children yet, but if that was my child, I would have done exactly what that mother did, pulled him out of that school. I probably would have found out what my legal rights were as well considering they weren't meeting my child's needs.

The mother deserves a pat on the back. She fought for her child and her child is clearly benefiting. Good for her!!!

BTW- I am a special education teacher.

Re: Thoughts on Homeschooling

What did the district suggest as a more medically fragile program? I still don't know that I'd agree...I might have argued for a 1 on 1 aide, or another district program that could better handle his needs..My friend fought and got her down syndrome daughter in an out of district program with a large number of down syndrome students, and the girl is flourishing in an environment with other students like her. I still feel that that is the best solution. It's hard to say that he wouldn't have made those same strides with you working with him from 2PM on every day during that year, concentrating on those things. The time spent at school is a small portion of the entire day.

What really matters is that you feel that you are doing the right thing. Obviously the things people offer in terms of not preparing kids for college or work do not apply to your son.

Message edited 8/17/2007 11:25:36 PM.

Re: Thoughts on Homeschooling

Re: Thoughts on Homeschooling

Re: Thoughts on Homeschooling

I don't like the idea of Homeschooling. I feel the kids get to sheltered. They are not around other children and don't know how to act around their peers. Also, who knows what type of education they are getting. They are being taught by one of their parents, who may or may not of even went to college.
That being said, this is JMO. I could be totally wrong. I am just speaking from experience of meeting homeschooled kids.

Re: Thoughts on Homeschooling

Ok, I read your new post. In that situation, I say Homeschooling turned out to be better then public education. It still has not changed my opinion on Homeschooling.

Re: Thoughts on Homeschooling

Re: Thoughts on Homeschooling

Re: Thoughts on Homeschooling

It cannot be a free-for-all. There is accountability otherwise children would not be able to pass state tests or get diplomas - IEP or otherwise.

Re: Thoughts on Homeschooling

Re: Thoughts on Homeschooling

I think it all depends on the situation, the child and the parents. In the situation provided, it was clearly the best option!
By the way, if this is your own personal story - you are to be commended for your hard work and determination! What a lucky child!

Re: Thoughts on Homeschooling

Re: Thoughts on Homeschooling