In America, there was a time when the idea of homeschooling raised eyebrows of concern and could result in a visit from social services. A lack of trust by the government and public in general in a parent’s ability to educate their own children made homeschooling a bit of a stigma.

Even today in some circles, there are still many “old school” thinkers that go so far as to say that homeschooling is tantamount to deliberate child abuse. As ridiculous as that sounds to most of us, overcoming such ignorance has been a problem for some parents looking into homeschooling.

Overseas, it can be much worse. Homeschooling is illegal in Germany, a law instituted under Hitler and still enforced today. German families who choose to home school must do so in secret and run the risk of arrest; or worse, having the state take their children away.

Performance of home schools versus public and private schools

It doesn’t take much effort or investigation to discover that homeschoolers excel above their public school counter parts in nearly every category. According to a study conducted by Dr. Lawrence Rudner:

• The average home schooled 8th grade student performs four grade levels above the national average.

• One in four home school students are enrolled in a grade level that is above their age level.

• In every grade and in every subject, home schooled students outperform both public and private school students.

Other studies confirm these findings, showing that home schooled students have a much higher college entry rate, score higher on SAT’s and ACT’s, have a higher rate of college graduation, and earn higher incomes in the workforce.

These numbers come despite the fact that about 25% of parents in America who choose to home school either never attended college, or attended but never received a degree. An additional 7-10% have only an Associate degree.

Why do homeschooled children perform so well?

The advantages to homeschooling are many, and are quite revealing as to why homeschooled children do so well.

One on one attention – Whenever a child needs assistance, the parent is there to give him or her full attention, whereas in public schools a teacher must divide their attention between dozens of children.

Ability to focus more time where needed – If a student excels in math, but flounders in science, then a parent can very easily devote as much time as is needed to teaching science. Public schools are regimented, with each subject receiving equal time regardless as to the performance of the student.

Homeschooled students move at their own pace – If a student excels in math then they can advance much quicker than students in a public school, where all students are required to move at the same pace.

Diminished distractions – The parents control the environment, and there is no peer pressure from other students trying to talk a homeschooled student into doing things other than school work or study.

Do parents need some kind of special training or certification?

Some states highly regulate home schools, requiring training and certification in some instances. However, studies show that there is virtually no difference in performance between homeschooled students in highly regulated states versus homeschooled students in states with little or no regulation.

The truth is that homeschooling is gaining in popularity and as such, more and more information and help materials are becoming available. The modern homeschooling parent can now effectively teach their children, regardless of the parent’s own education level, thanks to pre-developed curriculums such as those provided by Heritage Home School Academy.

Parents today can use these curriculums to guide their children. Some curriculums are so effective that parents can study ahead of their children in any subject for which they are lacking and effectively teach the same subject to their children. Furthermore, many children often “learn to learn,” reaching a point where they are able to teach themselves and follow a curriculum with little interaction required from the parent.

Each year more families choose to start homeschooling, spreading knowledge about its benefits, and erasing old stigmas along the way. For more information about homeschooling and home school curriculums, visit Heritage Home School Academy.

Today we all know that education is must for everyone but are afraid about the safety of our children due to the increasing number of crimes in Michigan.  Michigan Homeschooling may be the most promising way to give our children a higher level of education while mitigating worries about safety.  As the name implies, with homeschooling programs you may educate your child within an atmosphere that addresses special learning opportunities available in Michigan.  Homeschooling may also offer a self paced study schedule in which the student isn’t forced into their classmates’ pace, required to submit coursework on arbitrary deadlines or complete final examinations. Though powerful vested interests oppose homeschooling, it is also true that parents see the benefits of homeschooling a child.  There are obvious reasons that make homeschooling the best way to teach the values that most parents believe and hold true in Michigan.

Homeschooling provides the best education in moral and religious beliefs for children. Instead of having alternative forms of sexuality thrust upon them by the state-mandated curriculum at the age of seven, parents can introduce these concepts at an age that is more appropriate for the child.  When deciding to educate their child, a big decision and one of the keys concerns that comes to every parent’s mind is whether or not he or she has the ability and knowledge to be a teacher and do the job correctly. But in Michigan, homeschooling parents have the support of over 100,000 other families and over 1,000 support groups and networks that have been set up to assure that parents are successful. In addition, the internet has changed the face of Michigan and homeschooling forever by offering virtual tours, online distance learning programs, educational games and activities that make the Michigan homeschooling dynamic.  Instead of having to settle for the curriculum promoted by lobbyists and special interests homeschoolers may choose from the best and brightest instructional methods in America – or the world for that matter.

Homeschool programs give children more focused education and more individual attention than a school, providing alternative academic time and support through online systems. Furthermore, the Internet can assist busy parents too as children have an entire online library available at their fingertips.  In fact, due to the advances technology there are more tools available than ever to assist parents in the task of providing homeschool education for their children. For those students who live in rural areas, homeschooling is best at providing an efficient learning environment.  Riding a bus for an hour each direction is more a waste of time than anything else. Therefore those students who are homeschooled often have better computer skills than their public school peers. Another benefit that makes homeschooling better than a public school is that it is difficult for a teacher to rotate 25 to 30 students through the use of classroom computers in any timely manner. So now if you are in any confusion about  Michigan homeschooling environment, just consider all the benefits that a homeschool program offers parents and their children as well.

For advice, more information and resources visit http//:www.michiganhomeschooling.info

Five Homeschooling Misconceptions By Asha Oshun’ Mali

When I told my mostly middle class family that I was thinking of homeschooling my children, I was met with a host of negative responses. My mother, in particular, was mortified. “Home school!” she said exasperated. “Now why would you want to do that? Don’t you know home school children don’t get into good colleges? And, how will you socialize them?”

I did not know how to respond to her then. What I did know: was that I was not crazy about the education my children were receiving at their perspective schools. I did not blame their teachers at all for this-I knew they were doing the best they could-and honestly, I feel it’s a parent’s job to ensure their children are getting a quality education.

But still, I did not know how the home school processed worked. So, I turned to what I am good at; snooping. I stalked internet websites on homeschooling for weeks- learning all that I could. I also took a trip to the library-a handy free resource-and read books on the subject as well.

Added to this, I found out through word of mouth-which of my friends knew home schooling parents. I learned a lot from my quest, and I certainly learned a lot about home schooling misconceptions.

Misconception number one:

One of the most common misconceptions is that homeschooled students will not be able to socialize with other kids.  Having my children not only socialize with other kids their age, but also participate in community service programs, was very important to me when considering the option of homeschooling.

I wanted to make sure they had hands on experience for their perspective career interest and I also wanted to make sure they understood the importance of volunteering their time to help others in need. My thirteen year old wants to be a Veterinarian. I wondered how I would be able to make sure she was able to learn more about animals.

I found out through my research, that she could not only get experience by working  at animal shelters , but that she would also be able to fulfill a community service component by volunteering her time.

And as far as socialization is concerned, there is plenty of information available on the internet. Home-school.com is just one of the many sites where you can find home school social groups for your particular state.

There are also sites that can help strengthen your child’s skills by allowing them to interact with other learners their age.  Helium.com  is one such site. Helium offers teenagers, 13 and up, the chance to display their writing and the opportunity to read the writing of others.

Misconceptions number two:

A friend was careful to advise me that homeschooling was illegal. I told her I did not think so, but she insisted. “You are going to go to jail and lose your kids if you home school girl.” She said. While the mere thought of doing something illegal-especially where my children were concerned-was terrifying for me, my research showed me that homeschooling is indeed- legal.

There are state rules that must be followed however. I was reassured after learning from Fine Homeschooling.com (www. finehomeschooling.com) that homeschooling is legal in all 50 states. I was also encouraged by the fact that there were many sites that had detailed information on the legal information regarding homeschooling for each state.

One of the most informative was the Homeschooling Legal Defense Association.( www.hslda.org) The site is very detailed in regard to the legal ins and outs of what you can and can’t do as a home school parent or guardian.

Misconception number 3:

The next misconception I was met with was that to teach children at home you needed at least a bachelor’s degree and a teaching certificate. I learned that is in not true either. However, each state has different laws regarding homeschooling.

In Georgia for instance, all you need is a high school diploma. And, you have to make sure that you hand in an attendance sheet at the end of every month so that you are in compliance with truancy laws.

Teacher Certification is also not required in most states. You must be careful, however, to make sure that you are competent at the subjects you are teaching.  Your child’s education is extremely important. Don’t be afraid to enlist tutors to aide you in giving your child the highest quality education possible.

And you will need to make sure the tutors are qualified. In some states, like California, tutors must be certified.  However, you will have to do the research to find out what your states home schooling laws are.

Misconception number 4:

“Are you going to be able to afford it? I mean, the economy is pretty bad out there and you won’t be able to work full time if you home school.” This was a legitimate concern for me. I knew that I and my husband would have to work.

But, I knew too, that our schedules could be set up in a way that would allow us to offer our children the best of our time, resources, and attention.  As far as affordability is concerned, homeschooling is no more expensive than public school and far less expensive than most private schools.  Homework on your part is important.

The internet offers a plethora of websites on homeschooling.  One of my favorites is Successful Homeschooling (www.successful-homeschooling.com). This wonderful website gives useful information and links on where to find cost cutting materials such as used books, free and low cost homeschooling links, and much more. And there are many other sites like this one available on the web. Just head over to Google and do a search. You will be amazed at what you will find.

Misconception number 5:

Can home schooled children get into good colleges?  According to Karl M. Bundy they can and not just in America. Mr. Bundy (www.learninfreedom.org) , list well over 1,000 colleges that have accepted and still do accept home school students.

And, some of America’s finest colleges and universities, like Harvard, are listed as well.  If you are worried about standardized test like the A.C.T and S.A.T, you don’t have to. According to Isabel Shaw in an article written for Back to School with Family Education (school.familyeducation.com),

“On average, homeschooled kids score one year ahead of their schooled peers on standardized tests. The longer the student home schools, the wider this gap becomes. By the time homeschooled children are in the eighth grade, they test four years ahead of their schooled peers.”  (school.familyeducation.com)

Of course, you as the parent educator will have to do your own foot work where getting your child into the school of your choice is concerned. But, that would be your job no matter what system you choice for your child to attend; private, public or home.

All in all, homeschooling can be an enriching experience not only for your children, but for you as well. Don’t listen to the naysayers; do your own snooping. You will be surprised and delighted at what you will find.