Homeschooling: Reclaiming the Education of Our Children

Matthew and Corey explore homeschooling. They discuss its motives, benefits, and myths. They know that not every situation is the same. Matthew and Corey aim to provide a balanced view, considering both the benefits and challenges of homeschooling. Matthew and Corey start by addressing common, online misconceptions about homeschooling. They seek not to bash public schooling. They want to highlight problems in the public education system. Matthew and Corey also want to share their reasons for choosing to homeschool their children.

Homeschooling: Defining the Concerns

Matthew and Corey highlight some common Google searches about homeschooling. They reveal the concerns and questions many have about this approach. These include: Is homeschooling legal? Is it expensive? Does it make kids socially awkward? Does it require a specific curriculum or teaching qualifications? They acknowledge that these concerns are understandable and that they will address them from both a personal and research-based perspective.

The Christian Worldview

One of the primary reasons Matthew and Corey have chosen to homeschool their children is their Christian worldview. Their goal is to parent and discipline their children. They want to align with their biblical beliefs. But, it's hard to do that in the public schools. Matthew and Corey do not intend to criticize those who choose public schools. They know every family's situation is unique. Some may not have the option to homeschool.

Time and Priorities

Matthew and Corey explore their reasons for homeschooling. They highlight the issue of time and priorities. They note that in a typical public school schedule, children spend much of their day away from their parents. This leaves only an hour or two of quality time together. Matthew and Corey argue that their limited time with their kids is not enough to disciple them. They believe that is their primary duty as parents. Matthew and Corey stress the need to be their kids' main influencers. They don't want to rely on the public school system for that. Matthew and Corey discuss the drawbacks of public schools. They include: high student-to-teacher ratios, a focus on rote memorization over practical skills, and trends of school shootings and unhealthy lunches.

The Challenges of Homeschooling

Matthew and Corey know that homeschooling is hard. It requires great sacrifice and dedication from parents. They know that not everyone can afford to home-school their kids. Matthew and Corey stress that they are not shaming or criticizing those who send their kids to public schools. They know some families may not have the option to homeschool. Matthew and Corey are grateful for the public school system. It gives an important chance to learn for those who can't afford or access other options.    

Academic Achievement

Matthew and Corey share research on homeschooled students. It comes from a 2010 study on their academic achievement. The study found that homeschooled students scored higher on standardized tests than public school students. Their scores ranged from the 65th to the 80th percentile, above the 50th percentile national average. They note that the study also explored factors that may affect homeschooled students' performance. These include parental education, family income, and state regulation of homeschooling. The research found that these factors had little effect on the academic achievement of homeschooled students.   

Homeschooling: Social, Emotional, and Psychological Development

Matthew and Corey then address the worry about homeschooled kids' socialization. Matthew and Corey share findings from the same 2010 study. It showed that most homeschooled students interact with people outside their families. They have healthy social, emotional, and psychological development. They often perform better than public school peers on various measures. Matthew and Corey acknowledge that, in rare cases, homeschooled students may score slightly lower on some tests. They emphasize this is normal human variation, not a systemic issue.  

Adulthood and Civic Engagement

The study also looked at the long-term outcomes of homeschooled students. It found that they are engaged in activities that predict adult leadership. Homeschoolers do well on college entrance exams. Their college enrollment rates are higher or similar to the public's. Homeschoolers are also more civically engaged than their non-homeschooled peers. They note that the research shows no negative behaviors linked to homeschooling. This further dispels the myth that homeschooled kids are socially or academically disadvantaged.     

Homeschooling: Addressing Concerns and Misconceptions

Matthew and Corey talk about common worries people have about homeschooling. They use their own experiences and research to explain their views. One concern is that homeschooled kids might be socially awkward or isolated. Matthew and Corey disagree. They point to research showing that homeschooled children are well-adjusted. Matthew and Corey also stress how important it is for parents to help their children find social activities and friends. Another misconception is that parents need to be certified teachers to homeschool. Research shows that this isn't true. Parental qualifications don't have a big impact on how well homeschooled students do academically. Matthew and Corey also talk about the cost of homeschooling. They admit that there are costs involved, but argue that homeschooling can be similar or even cheaper than public schooling, especially when you consider expenses like extracurricular activities.  

Societal Trends and Concerns

Matthew and Corey then discuss broader issues in society that influenced their choice to homeschool. They're worried about the rise in school shootings, the exposure to inappropriate content in schools, and concerns about young adults lacking maturity and independence. They believe homeschooling helps protect their children from these negative influences and allows them to provide a safer, more nurturing environment.  

Homeschooling: Biblical Principles and Parental Responsibility

Matthew and Corey also discuss the biblical reasons for their decision to homeschool. They reference passages from the Bible that stress a parent's duty to teach their children about God. Matthew and Corey feel that sending children to public school means parents aren't fulfilling their God-given role in shaping their children's values and beliefs. While homeschooling can be difficult and requires sacrifice, Matthew and Corey focus on the spiritual and moral growth of their children rather than their own comfort. Matthew and Corey believe homeschooling is the best option for their family. It aligns with their Christian values, helps them spend more time with their children, and is backed by research showing the academic and social benefits. They encourage other parents to think carefully about their choices and stay involved in their children's education, whether they homeschool or not.