Replies

Actually, there's mostly no such thing as a gifted, nor a disabled learner among most children -- they all come along at their own pace, some faster, some slower. Even though my kids are WAY ahead of their public school counterparts, they are just on par with what kids were learning 100 years ago!

Think about all those older folks you know who have "only an 8th grade education", and their wisdom and education, and that should give you some perspective on how dumbed-down it has become. In fact, one futurist pointed out that the current 13-year education really only should take about 7 years. So, no, homeschoolers aren't necessarily a brilliant, special lot. I daresay their parents are highly involved in their educations and character development (as would a diligent public school parent, I think), and that probably has a big impact on how they do.

Now, if being polite, respectful of all ages, caring of youngers, respectful of elders, making eye contact with all, not being a respecter of persons (but discerning of character), less influenced by peer pressure, and colorblind, well, I'm just not going to apologize for that sort of "socialization," on behalf of homeschoolers.

Think about all those older folks you know who have "only an 8th grade education", and their wisdom and education

No, I'll think about all those homeschool parents posting here who make
out their kids to be so very much superior to mine. That's what I'll think about.

They insult my kids, they make an enemy.

Simple stuff.

Actually, there's mostly no such thing as a gifted, nor a disabled learner among most children Sure there is. Children who are mentally retarded or developmentally behind, for whatever reason, aren't on the same level as an average kid and certainly not the same academic level as an honor student or one with a high IQ. That doesn't make that child less but let's not pretend that there isn't a difference. We see this daily in our schools with mainstreaming. What was learned or learning 100 yrs ago is nothing compared to what kids are taught and need to learn today. I agree that the elderly or old people are a tremendous resource and have wisdom we can only hope to attain but their education is nothing compared to what kids are learning today in schools. There is far more knowledge, information, etc. today than 100 yrs ago, on an academic level. My parents had a high school or GED education. They both grew up in the Great Depression. My Dad was a WWII vet and both my parents were street smart and school smart. But neither could help me with Calculus in high school. Or Advanced Chem, or AP Bio. Let's not pretend that what was taught 100 yrs ago is anything like what kids are being taught today when it comes to academics. As for your last paragraph, I agree. I don't homeschool my kids but you can bet your ass they are respectful and kind and everything else you said. It's called parenting. Something far too many parents today forget or can't be bothered but it has nothing to do with homeschooling or private schooling or public schooling - it's about parenting.