Re: Homeschooling

[Dobermonster]

Since there's already a thread . . .

I've been doing some more blog reading on fundamentalist homeschooling, and it lead me to do a little looking at the program I was involved in from Grade 2-9. It is heavily bible-based, including an emphasis on creationism (http://www.ark.net/ - would love to hear Claire's opinions of the curriculum outline, under 'handbook') . It bothered me that my government subsidizes this kind of anti-science teaching, so I looked to see what kind of assessment the ministry of education does on these programs. Well . . .

Homeschooling allows students to work at their own pace and parents to blend family, life and schoolwork into their own schedule. Homeschooling is the full responsibility of the parent, is not supervised by a British Columbia certified teacher, is not required to meet provincial standards, and is not inspected by the Ministry of Education.
- http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/home_school/

Well shit.

Oh, and there's more:

Under Part 2, Div. 4, Sections 12-14 of the BC School Act, parents may choose to register their children as homeschoolers. This must be done by Sept. 30th of each year, and the parent(s) must provide their child(ren) with "an educational program". The "educational program" is not defined specifically except to say that it means "an organized set of learning activities that, in the opinion of the parent ... is designed to enable learners to develop their individual potential and to acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to contribute to a healthy, democratic and pluralistic society and a prosperous and sustainable economy" [Part 1, Section 1, "educational program" Part (c), BC School Act ]; does not need to be approved by any school board nor assessed by any teacher; testing, assessment, visits, or reporting are not required.

- http://bchla.bc.ca/homeschool-option.html

I'm not even sure what to say at this point. Is this normal in other countries?

[Michadoh]

This is a good topic.

Personally, I do not mind sending my child to homeschooling or normal schooling

But I thin normal school is better since it is more interactive and he can gain friends and play with them physically which is now being neglected because of technology and ease of communication.

Anyway, this is just my opinion.

[Tank]

This is a good topic.

Personally, I do not mind sending my child to homeschooling or normal schooling

But I thin normal school is better since it is more interactive and he can gain friends and play with them physically which is now being neglected because of technology and ease of communication.

Anyway, this is just my opinion.

Hi Michadoh

It's an interesting dichotomy that we evolved in a 'home school' environment. Sending children to a specialist school is quite unnatural. But given the society we live in where families are generally nuclear and the 'tribe' has essentially disappeared a school, I would agree, is the better option now. My wife got her PhD in child development study and lectures on the subject at university (till she retires at the end of September). She has also written books on the subject, one of which was translated into Chinese! But none of this qualifies me in any particular fashion except insomuch as I have proof read all the stuff she has written over the decades

[xSilverPhinx]

Welcome to the board, Michadoh!

This is a good topic.

Personally, I do not mind sending my child to homeschooling or normal schooling

But I thin normal school is better since it is more interactive and he can gain friends and play with them physically which is now being neglected because of technology and ease of communication.

Anyway, this is just my opinion.

Hi Michadoh

It's an interesting dichotomy that we evolved in a 'home school' environment. Sending children to a specialist school is quite unnatural. But given the society we live in where families are generally nuclear and the 'tribe' has essentially disappeared a school, I would agree, is the better option now. My wife got her PhD in child development study and lectures on the subject at university (till she retires at the end of September). She has also written books on the subject, one of which was translated into Chinese! But none of this qualifies me in any particular fashion except insomuch as I have proof read all the stuff she has written over the decades

That's very interesting.

[Bebé Bruno]

[Icarus]

I agree with Michadoh that there are advantages for having our children attend public schools where there are useful lessons in the practice of human associations.

I am also a bit unnerved that a large proportion of home schooled kids are parented by religious zealots.  With all that, the concept is growing.  This week my  exceptional public library featured a bunch of instructional books that expound on the home schooling thing.  I fear that the home school teacher may not only be unqualified but also ignorant of the elements for a well rounded education.  The home school supervisor, usually the parent, may or may not be up to the task.....................

See other commentary at the "things that make me angry thread" ....................

[Icarus]

Reference my  last post that contained a comment about things that make me angry........if not outright angry, then sad.

At a library function I met a 15 year old super IT wizard.  That kid is a brilliant functionary for all things computer.  He is a bit withdrawn but does have some limited social skills.  Alas he is home schooled by his Fundie parents.  He gave me his Email address.  I will not use his first name that appears on the address. His first name is a biblical one. Surprise?   George4God@Gmail.com   What a goddamned shame that such a gifted mind is to be forcibly isolated from the real world and it's history. 

I should have put this is the what makes me grumpy thread.