youtube/watch?v=VM6uqj0_jQc

1. Homeschooling 101 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VM6uqj0_jQc

2. Objective Students will be able to: • Indentify the two main groups of families who homeschool. • Identify the different methods of homeschooling. • Identify why homeschooling is the fastest growing educational trend in America today.

3. Homeschooling Statistics in the U.S. In spring 2007: • 1.5 million (or 2.9%) of U.S. school-age children were homeschooled, an increase of 74% since 1999. • More White students were homeschooled than students from any other racial/ethnic groups. • Two-parent households made up 89% of the homeschooled population.

4. Two Main Groups of Families who Homeschool • Idealogues: feel that their personal values are not being taught to their children in public schools (36% of homeschool families). • Pedagogues: view public schools as dangerous or inept and wish to foster a broader interest in learning by focusing on the individual child’s interests (38% of homeschool, with 21% concerned with school environment and 17% dissatisfied with academic instruction).

5. Different Methods of Homeschooling • Parent-guided curriculum: no collaboration with the public school. • Student-guided curriculum: no collaboration with public school. • Enrolled home study: public school determines the curriculum. • Radical homeschooling: there is no set curriculum.

6. Myths Concerning Homeschooled Children • Myth: homeschooled children are socially inept. • Truth: they are often more socially-rounded than their public-schooled peers. • Myth: homeschooled children will not make good citizens. • Truth: they tend to be more actively involved in politics and their communities than their public-schooled peers.

7. Why Homeschooling is a Fast-growing Trend • State and locally run school systems. • Americans’ sensitivity to children’s individuality and specific needs. • Normalisation: acceptance of the masses. • Institutional support from public school systems. • Technological advances such as virtual schools.