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Homeschool: A Growing Trend

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Alternate Education > Homeschooling | By: Jackie Penn (02/19/12) Views: 1011

In the beginning days of homeschooling, pioneer parents were virtually on their own. They had to put together their own curriculum, find their own materials and supplies, discover their child’s learning style on their own with no outside help, keep their own records… Remember, Internet wasn’t readily available in those days, and when it did become more accessible, it was it wasn’t always  user friendly. I remember the early days of computers and Internet…frustrating at best. The learning curve was steep. Homeschool support groups were virtually nonexistent.
Much has changed for homeschooling families today thanks to the ever advancing growth in technology. Using the Internet and home computers is now very user friendly, and Internet availability is not a huge problem anymore with the advent of DSL and Cable. Gone are the days of spotty dial-up, well gone for most folks since there are more choices today.
The homeschool trend has become one of the fastest and most talked about educational issues along with public school testing and charter schools. In 2010, there were approximately  2.04 million homeschool students in the United States according to the National Homeschool Research Institute, and that number is growing as much as 15 to 20 percent per year. Homeschooling comprises a larger student population than voucher school programs -- at least those that include private schools, that enroll only a few thousand students in a few cities (Gardner 2000). Homeschooling also involves a larger population than charter schools. According to estimates from organizations involved with charter schools, the student population in the fall of 2000 was just over 500,000 (Center for Education Reform, 2001). Even conservative estimates of the number of homeschoolers put their numbers at that level or above according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Homeschooling is rapidly becoming a mainstream education alternative. The Old Schoolhouse magazine, a homeschooling publication, said that homeschoolers score an average of 37 percentile points above the national average on standardized achievement tests. These impressive statistics have caught the eye of college admissions personnel. The magazine said colleges are employing a wide variety of strategies aimed at recruiting homeschoolers, including strong representation at homeschool conventions, direct mailing campaigns, and promotions in publications. Some institutions have appointed "homeschool liaison and recruitment specialists." Impressive homeschool statistics in my opinion.
Parents have access to various educational aides these days. Many stores carry CD’s of educational games. This is useful for supplementing specific target areas. Just make sure the ‘games’ truly provide quality educational benefits rather than a heavy focus on fun only. Workbooks are also available in most grocery stores and mass market stores such as Wal-Mart and Target. Teacher supply stores have taken notice of homeschooling families in the last few years and now cater to them as well. Online curriculum providers are an excellent way to supplement or use as your core curriculum. Always check for a trial period and/or demos of their resources before committing to a long term contract, if one is required. Homeschool co-op groups are also on the rise. It is a super way to meet 0ther homeschooling families, participate in social activities, have your child take classes in areas you might not be totally comfortable teaching… Homeschool support groups are usually available in larger cities and some smaller ones as well. The Internet provides numerous avenues for finding support via Yahoo groups, educational forums, educational parenting sites, reviews of different curriculums, online educational magazines and blogs, educational shopping sources, discount educational shopping co-ops and so forth.
Homeschooling families are not alone in this day and time. Reach out and find others. Support goes a long way when you are having a rough day. Take time to share your successes and failures. We all learn from each other. Just remember, as homeschoolers, we are in this together. We become stronger as we journey together.