In a recent post, I wrote a bit about the history of Education and how homeschooling can take education back to its roots, in Homeschooling: Back to Education. I also wrote about how the Industrial Revolution shaped education in Education and the Industrial Revolution. My last post, How education Restricts Homeschooling, hints that homeschoolers are still restricted by modern education for the most part. I will end this series by talking about how homeschooling could potentially change education.
Homeschool opponents often say that if homeschoolers were really interested in improving education, then instead of pulling their kids out of school, they should stick with it, come into the schools, volunteer in the classrooms, and work with the administrators. They claim that by being active in the schools instead of leaving, homeschoolers could affect real change in education, as we know it.
I have given this suggestion a great deal of thought. If I understand correctly, they are saying that I should sacrifice my children’s education to help improve the education for all children. Well, this is a noble idea. However, if I do not put my children and their education first, no one will. As the parent to my children, I cannot afford to work for the good of all children everywhere, while making them sludge through a system that while it is good for all children, is rarely best for any individual child. Instead, I need to do what is best for my individual children by removing them from the situation and creating the best environment for them. This is my first job, and my first responsibility.
In 6 short years (or less), when my last child is done homeschooling, I will then be free to turn my attention to education reform, and very likely spend the next 20 or so years of my life devoted to improving education for all children. I may do that by promoting homeschooling, as I am doing in this blog. I may do that be turning my attention to public education, and what we can do to improve it. However, because of homeschooling, my heart will forever be drawn to education and the children who are involved. However, there is a time for all things, and right now, it is time for me to educate my own.
*Have a question about homeschooling? Just ask.
*Want to know more about homeschooling? Start with the 2006 homeschool blog in review!
* Have you seen the homeschooling curriculum glossary?