More and more home school grads are blogging about all sorts of things. Like every other human undertaking, home schooling is not a perfect endeavor. There is a lot to learn from hearing what home school graduates have to say about their experience in home school. The proof of the pudding is in the eating, so grab a spoon and dig in!
Kiery's Notebook
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Interesting post. My two cents:
ReplyDeleteMy public high school had a 50% attrition rate (i.e. half of my Freshmen class was not around when it came time for graduation).
I know many students who never learned Algebra on their way to graduation (they took the "easy math" instead).
So, while I completely agree that homeschooling should not be only about what the parents think the student should know--and a good education will include all those subjects (including higher-ish math)--I think the perspective is a little skewed by her experience. Her experience of feeling let down or unprepared is not unique to her homeschooling.
The point, I guess, is that in the public school system, the data suggest that the standards are often not met. Thus, standards are not the issue.
Granted, again, if you're homeschooling and skipping stuff because you can, that's not a good reason. But gaps exist in every education. That's why we should be life-long learners.
~Luke
Wow! That is a horrific drop out rate!! 0.0 And I thought our local schools were in trouble...
ReplyDeleteYour comments about public school grads not necessarily knowing Algebra are well taken. I commented as much on her blog, knowing her remedial math classes at community college will be full and the huge majority will be public school grads.
I think her point is that when you choose to home school you are choosing to be 100% responsible for your child's education. There is no guidance counselor to share the heat with you for taking the easy way out.
I think that Kiery is asking moms to home educate so that college is possible for their children, even if that means making students do things they don't like. I think that's important because in my experience, home school moms are so super supportive of one another that no one ever dares say, "hey your kids might need Algebra!" or "Johnny really should be reading by now. Have you seen a specialist?"
My oldest is 20 now, and surprisingly to me, some of the times she most applauds my actions in her life growing up were when I insisted on her doing things she did not at all want to do! I remember those times as full of strife, anguish on my part, resistance on hers- just YUCK!
But she is grateful now, even though I was never sure if it was the right course of action at the time. It just seemed right. A lot of parenting is by the seat of our pants, learn as you go!
Anyway, imho, helpful criticisms that can improve the home schools coming up now are beneficial. And, totally agree about the life long learners! =D Onward and upward!
I just LOVE Kiery. Thanks for showcasing her blog.
ReplyDeleteShe is a loving and lovable human being. So many people of good will wish her every success, and I am one of them! =)
ReplyDelete