California Bans Homeschooling

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Originally Posted by Beachbnny

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I am absoluetely astounded by this. For the first time ever, I'm very glad I don't live in California. We plan to homeschool our children, and if that becomes illegal I don't know what we'll do.

What are your thoughts on this?

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I think it's rediculous!

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A primary purpose of the educational system is to train school children in good citizenship, patriotism and loyalty to the state and the nation as a means of protecting the public welfare," the judge wrote, quoting from a 1961 case on a similar issue

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This quote in particular sounds a touch like brainwashing.

Ok, so I'm no expert on the subject of home schooling, but I have to say that I'm opposed to it. I think this law is actually a good idea.

There are several good reasons why children should go to school every day. Socialization - learning to interact with their peers, is the most obvious. Another good one comes from the last paragraph of that article:

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Heimov said her organization's chief concern was not the quality of the children's education, but their "being in a place daily where they would be observed by people who had a duty to ensure their ongoing safety."

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Imagine a situation where abusive parents home school their kids. How would anyone ever find out about it if the kids are never away from their parents, where they feel safer talking to other adults about how they're treated?

I can understand if some parents want to take control of their kids' education. But I think they should be required to work with a school and let the kid spend some time away from their parents at that school on a regular basis. I actually know someone who had to home school her step-daughter for a school year while the girl had multiple surgeries and recovered. The woman and her husband worked with a school that way, and even had the girl go to school to take tests on a semi-regular basis.

--Fromper

It is Not up to the government to tell me how to raise my children. I was homeschooled for awhile and I turned out just fine, above average I'd say. Our school system is junk and I seek to change that. There are instances of abuse with homeschooling... just like there are with traditionally schooled children. The fact that the government has just been given presidence over my (future) children scares me terribly.

The "duty to ensure their ongoing safety" lies with ME, their Parent, not with the government. Socialization is not a problem with homeschooling. It can be, and *shock horror* it can be a problem in traditional schools as well. This is a bogus attempt at getting more money into schools. The teachers' association thinks this is marvelous and I wonder why. I was in line to become a teacher until I worked in a school and saw how the teachers aren't "teaching" anymore. It's all ditto BS now that follows a government set standard. No thank you!

Fromper, I'm not attackin you here, I swear I'm just venting a little about this whole thing.

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Originally Posted by Beachbnny

It is Not up to the government to tell me how to raise my children.

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This is obviously false. There are plenty of circumstances where the government does and _should_ interfere with parenting. Such as child abuse.

Now that may not be the case with homeschooling, but your statement struck me.

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I was homeschooled for awhile and I turned out just fine, above average I'd say.

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This is anecdotal evidence and doesn't prove anything (don't they teach you that in home school? )

Whether or not homeschooling is a good idea, your sample size of one doesn't suggest anything.

it likely won't be upheld for long.

as for educational needs, most states have some form of standardization (testing/etc) that homeschooled kids must demonstrate proficiency in order to remain homeschooled. otherwise, they have to move into a situation where they are getting schooled in another way (tutors, partial school/homeschool, or going to school).

also, since it did start as a child welfare case, this might have been something that started with child protective services, an organization that is independent of the schools (though schools are mandatory reporters), and anyone can invoke the services of CPS if they feel that a child is endangered. i've called CPS on two families--one because i saw bruises on a child, the other because the boyfriend was doing/dealing drugs while being the primary caregiver for the children. in both cases, i was a neighbor and didn't know the families well. i just figured out something was wrong and called CPS.

and they dealt with the situation. obviously, the schools had not picked up on the fact that one child was being physically abused and the other children were in danger because the mother's bf was using/dealing drugs. instead, a neighbor noticed (that's me) and called the authorities.

so, school's ain't perfect.

and beyond all of that, while i plan on homeschooling my children (and yes, i consider myself more qualified than many teachers), i am not abandoning the school system. i have no children (one in utero, actually), but i've been involved in school board curriculum planning meetings since i moved into this neighborhood 9 years ago.

education is something i believe in, but if i can provide a better education for my child at home--including socialization and all of that--and i'm not an abusive person (which i'm not, thank you), then i will provide that education for my child. Via taxes, social action, and being a part of the school board and related public meetings regarding education, i can support those children who need public education in getting one that i think is good.

but my child gets the best i can give, and if that's homeschooling, then that's what it is (it may not be homeschooling, i don't know what this child's needs are yet.)

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obviously, the schools had not picked up on the fact that one child was being physically abused and the other children were in danger because the mother's bf was using/dealing drugs. instead, a neighbor noticed (that's me) and called the authorities.

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obviously? wow... sweeping assumption. the schools involved might have had quite the history of reporting this to CPS and working with both them and the parents.

-i think having a system in place to make sure that parents who educate their children at home are actually capable of educating their kids, makes a lot of sense. its not like anyone can teach a child and do a great job, and it is both the child and society who suffers if their parent can't and doesn't offer them the same level of education as a series of other skilled, trained, experienced adults may be able to, and vice versa.

i'm not stupid (as far as i know) but i can't imagine homeschooling my own theoretical child- i know i'd not have the same level of skills and experience as say... my mum who has been trained and teaching kids for 40+ years, and so i am pretty sure she'd do a better job- that doesn't mean i think a traditional classroom would be the best or only place for her to do it, or that i shouldn't be involved in a big way.

the school system can suck. but homeschooling can also suck. why should only one of them be accountable and asked to prove they're working? perhaps both should have to work to set standards and prove they're attaining what needs to be attained, for kids benefit.

Beachbnny- the government already 'forces' you to look after your childs interests in many other ways- not because it wants to punish you, but to protect them.

if people are motivated to eduate their children- thats great- lets just makes sure they're skilled and supported to do it well- we don't let anyone turn up at the bus depot and be a bus driver, or at the hospital and be a nurse, do we?! if parents hate the standard school system, by all means teach if you're able, but many aren't cut out to teach- they just think they are. if traditional schools aren't your thing, there are alternatives like Montessori and Steiner schools, for example.