[Thoeting]

If you look at my last paragraph, I do not deny that homeschooling is effective. My question was more along the lines of what keeps it from going very very bad as in these situations?

[Doctor Doom]

My question was more along the lines of what keeps it from going very very bad as in these situations?

Nothing, nor should there be. Children are not the property of the state, nor are their parents.

The last thing you want is more government involvement in education. that's what homeschoolers are trying to escape.

[Dallas]

My question was more along the lines of what keeps it from going very very bad as in these situations?

The public school system is laying in ruins, and you're worried about homeschooling failures.......that's really a hoot.

[Khepera]

What keeps it from going bad is not your concern because your not qualified to judge others abilities or motives.

[DaiHuy]

Here is a thought, maybe it was the parents, not doing what they should have been doing, or maybe the parents just taught them what THEY learned in public schools.

[homeschool mama]

***My question was more along the lines of what keeps it from going very very bad as in these situations?***

I've home educated my daughter for six years. I also lead a homeschool support group of 32 families...5 years running. I've seen plenty of evidence quite the contrary to what you're sharing.

I do know of one family whose children could benefit from a traditional education rather than being homeschooled. I know of countless public schooled children who could benefit from one on one schooling with a committed parent in a home education environment. Children who can barely read much less spell...who don't receive proper tutoring from teachers or aids due to class size and other administrative obligations.

True socialization does *not* mean chumming with a peer group of ill mannered children seeking attention. I'm not saying *all* public schooled children are this way...

We have one child so it's very important to us that she spend regular time with friends of all ages, attend coop classes, activities, sports, etc. She's a shy girl but has no problem in social settings, finding her way around and making friends after careful examination. Why is she careful? She would rather make a good friend than to get aquainted with the wrong crowd.

My daughter is in 6th grade. Can she add? lol! She'll be starting Saxon Algebra I in June. Can she read? She just finished "Last of the Mohicans"...a true classic. She built, along with her father, a radio out of a tp roll, foil, wiring, and an ear receiver. My daughter is the norm of homeschooled children I know.

One other thing. My daughter looks forward to her weekly visits with the elderly in a convalescent home. She brings neighbors flowers from our garden...which she helps till. Her postion in a community (not homeschool oriented) basketbal league is guard. Don't mess with her on the court. ;o) She plays guitar quite well and has begun writing songs. I'd say she's very well rounded as a homeschooler...a kid...and as a preteen girl.

Our commitment to her education is #1. This is very typical of homeschool families.