isn't what it used to be http://www.newsweek.com/homeschool-education-partisan-defended-opinion-890088?utm_source=fark&utm_medium=website&utm_content=link&ICID=ref_fark
We started homeschooling in 1994 and I know two families who homeschooled illegally. In both cases, when I met them, their law-breaking days were behind them, but it wasn't "that" long ago. I remember the homeschool magazines were SO IMPORTANT to me, they really helped me feel supported at a time when I was just starting on a very different path. Fast forward, homeschoolers are obviously not a homogenous bunch, but there certainly is some level of comradery they share that you don't find among other parents just because of their school choice. I do think that it would have been easier to snuff out homeschooling in the 90's than now. It's too big now - the parents, in general, tend to be advocates and activists - something you don't see for other school options to that degree. There are legal firms and organizations dedicated solely to protecting and promoting the rights of homeschoolers. I expect some morphing, and if I were a bit younger, I'd be all up in this fight- but we are nearing the end of this journey, but I like when it makes the news and I appreciate the people who take this fight so seriously.
I have met homeschooling families that make me absolutely shudder, but the vast majority of homeschoolers who end up in college, in my experience, are absolutely the bomb. They are not mind-numbed rules-followers, they are not privileged twits not half as smart as they think they are, they tend to be independent thinkers, hard workers and seldom are the types who just want to know what it's going to take to marginally pass the course. Anecdotally, a few years ago a homeschooled management student of mine was promoted to plant manager and put in charge of over 100 people three years out of undergrad. She has in the last three or four years been promoted beyond even that position and when I spoke to her at a recent alumni event, she said she was now being considered for CEO of her mid-sized corporation. She is not yet 30! Additionally, I'm currently working with an upper division undergraduate formerly homeschooled accounting student on research and we have plans to present the research together at an academic conference. I have no doubt we'll get an academic pub out of this and will proudly list her, a senior, as co-author. She's just a brilliant kid. I have yet to meet the stereotypical socially inept homeschooler on campus. They seem to be the adult in the room types, free spirits who refuse to march to the beat of anyone else's drum, or kids so brilliant and hard-working you fear their questions in class, wondering if you can answer them. I love homeschoolers. Disclaimer: my wife (former academic) and I (current) were both public-schooled but have homeschooled our kids for most of their academic careers.
My 13 year old son is India right now doing his 8th grade. He's super smart and I believe he can knockout the whole high school in a year or less. But our education system is very rigid and he has to painfully move from grade to grade. There is no concept of gifted children, and home schooling at school-level is strictly limited to NIOS which itself is experimental and a minimum age of 15. I have no choice but to bring him here so he can advance at a pace comfortable to him.
Put him in college. We put our oldest in college two years early, 2nd oldest one year early, 3rd oldest two years early, and 4th oldest 3-1/2 years early. It's not just that they're such little geniuses, either. They work hard and are more interested in learning than hoop jumping; I personally think a high percentage of kids, especially homeschooled--but by no means only homeschooled--are ready for college early.
That's my plan but unfortunately, India's education system is too rigid to do that. I am planning to bring him here to USA before end of the year, so he can advance at his pace.
I love how homeschooled students are very disciplined. They are rule-followers, but they make sure to know why such rules exist. Unlike those who grew up in traditional schools, homeschoolers are very good in time management and thinking outside of the box. I just feel like that most homeschoolers tend to be introverts most of the time because of their lack of exposure to socializing.
LOL you've never met my sons! The only personality or charter trait they all share, which is probably environmental (ie. because they were homeschooled by ME as opposed to just being homeschooled in general) is that they are all very cynical, skeptical, and resourceful. That wasn't even on purpose.... Also, we probably have a different definition of "socializing" but whatever ingredient was left out of our recipe was well worth it. My young men are awesome and I'm super confident that they'll each continue to be successful in their personal lives, work lives, and community.
