1. State law places the responsibility of deciding the curriculum with the state department of education (in any state). Whether we like it or not, we are a nation of laws. Therefore, whether the homeschool proponents like it or not, the state decides.
2. I am a teacher. I have a degree from one of the top programs in the nation. I do understand that being a teacher automatically disqualifies me in the minds of some homeschool proponents. As I said before, I am not against homeschooling. I have however, personally seen what happens when someone who is not qualified to do it attempts to do so, and what happens when a parent merely removes their child from school without educating them.
Therefore, I stand by my view that homeschooling is a great choice for some, but absolutely a wrong choice for others. I am not criticizing anyone for wanting to homeschool, nor am I criticizing the many fine parents who take it seriously and do an excellent job.
Why am I NOT surprised about this?
I was hired this past March to teach computer courses in the continuing education/workforce development division at our local State Technical College. Because of my "teaching style" I've become the most popular professor there - my students actually learn something! However, because I don't have a master's degree I'm not eligible to teach any courses that are credit courses. Amazing isn't it? Your "professional" counterparts would rather have someone who has a degree "teaching" than someone who can actually do the job.