CHOIS Connection is published quarterly by Christian Homeschoolers Of Idaho State.
This article appeared in a previous issue.
CHOIS Connection
CHOIS Tidbits
by Linda Patchin
"Myths Under the Microscope"
published Spring 2010
Oftentimes I read online articles about home education that conclude with readers posting their thoughts. Just when it seems that I have seen every stereotype of homeschooling trotted out, a new one will rear up and startle me. There are still critics who do not care for home education, and who are not shy about expressing their opinion. In this article, I would like to explore some of the myths that I have heard.
"Someone needs to monitor what is happening inside those homes…" This sentence has many different conclusions, such as: …to make certain that adequate educational progress is being made; …to determine if physical, emotional, mental or educational abuse is taking place; …to ensure that broad spectrums of religious views are being taught, and so on. In other words, "The Village" is looking for more children to monitor. Legitimate home educators would want authorities to take action if they had clear and compelling evidence that abuse was taking place; we certainly would not want to be a shield for abuse. Does anyone monitor the home lives of traditionally schooled students? What happens to the enrolled child who is not making adequate educational progress? Could traditional schools put their own house in order first?
"Homeschooled kids won't learn how to deal with criticism because all they hear is praise from their parents." This myth implies that the homeschooled never leave their homes, or have siblings. There is enough criticism in the world to go around. Has any parent ever been able to shield their child from all negative feedback? Would they even want to?
"All homeschoolers are super brains/dumb as doorposts." This myth is usually preceded with, "I knew A homeschooler once who was…" It amazes me that tolerant people are so quick to label an entire people group based upon one person whom they have met. As in any other form of education, there are those students who will excel and those who will not. Home education, by virtue of a lower teacher-student ratio often experiences a higher degree of success than other systems. It does not follow that the students who have received private tutoring by their parents are innately more, or less intelligent than their peers.
"Homeschoolers win the spelling bee/geography bee/Bible quiz because that is all they study." I have trouble believing that any parent would be so short-sighted as to think that proficiency in only one subject is all that their child needed to develop into a well-rounded adult. Hopefully, we all strive for a comprehensive education, as well as making head knowledge, heart knowledge.
"Homeschoolers are cheap." I would disagree with terminology. I believe that homeschoolers are frugal, but that occasionally their desire to be good financial stewards can impede their better judgment. Being financially cautious is admirable unless it hinders our efforts to efficiently home educate, or be a blessing to others. Be wise. Know when your time is worth more than the slight savings gained from not purchasing an answer key, or having to erase entire used workbooks. Recognize that there are worthy causes that depend upon your financial support for their survival. For example, when this magazine asked readers to donate five dollars for their subscription last year, fewer than twenty subscribers responded with a donation. If this magazine is to continue, it must be supported financially.
"Homeschool parents are motivated by fear rather than by faith." Fear may be a healthy instigator for many actions. It may initially motivate a parent to remove their child from an unhealthy school environment, but I think it is unlikely that it could sustain a parent through twelve years of home education. That accomplishment requires a tremendous amount of faith! If the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, then why couldn't fear for our children's well-being be the beginning of a successful faith walk?
"Homeschool kids will grow up to be social misfits and nerds." This persistent criticism implies that public schools do not graduate any such persons. I praise God that most home educated students have missed the lesson on mass conformity! Interaction with every age group, rather than an unnatural age-segregated classroom, allows our students to learn valuable cross-generational communication skills. Involvement in extracurricular activities gives them access to meaningful interest-based friendships and mentoring. If dressing with modesty is nerdy, than some may prefer to wear that label.
"All homeschoolers are religious/have large families/are wealthy." In the most recent nationwide study conducted by the National Home Education Research Institute, 95% of respondents identified themselves as Christian. This same study found that 97.9% of homeschool parents are married, with an average of 3.5 children. The median family income for homeschoolers spanned the nationwide median for families headed by a married couple with children. Of the 19.4% of homeschool mothers who work for pay, most of them, 84.8% worked part-time. This being said, I am acquainted with home educating families of various religions. I have friends who are homeschooling an only child. I know very few homeschool families who would be considered wealthy by American standards. All sorts of people successfully home educate their children. One common trait that I have recognized is that they all exhibit sacrificial love for their children.
"Homeschoolers make idols of their families." This accusation is hurtful because while it is not universally true of all home educators, most of us, if honest, would admit that it is a strong temptation. One that easily ensnares and one that we seek to overcome. Whenever I have heard this statement, I have wondered if the person making it valued family enough. I turned to my pastor for a proper understanding of this myth, and believe that his excellent response is well worth sharing.
He wrote, "There is a danger of making an idol of our families because of the amount of time and energy it requires to raise/educate our children well. Even as Christians it is easy for something to take the place of God if we are not diligent to give Him His rightful place in our thoughts, words, and actions. Sometimes it is obvious we are making an idol out of something because that something is sinful or clearly wrong. At other times, however, it is more difficult to identify our slipping into idolatry because what is competing with God is something very good — like our families. Homeschoolers can make idols of their families by giving them all of their time, thought, even praise while neglecting Christ. They can attempt to find their value, purpose and satisfaction in their families rather than in Christ. This is a real danger because we are, as the hymn says, prone to wander."
"Homeschoolers only care about their own children, rather than their community's children." If you were on a sinking ship and you could only save a few children, would you throw a lifeline to your neighbor's children first, allowing your own to drown? Perhaps by raising Godly, respectful, well-educated children we will be improving society in more ways than we can imagine.
"Homeschoolers are not allowing their children to be ‘salt and light' in the public schools." In the words of Chris Klicka, "Christians today insist on sending their children — who are untrained, unequipped, and unorganized into battle with a trained, equipped, organized, ruthless and mature foe. Sending our children to public schools to save souls while they receive six or more hours of secular brainwashing is not a good way to win a battle."
"Home educators are rebellious." This argument takes many forms, but most often refers to rebellion against cultural norms, and the status quo. Until the resurgence of home education in the 1980's, most parents never gave the slightest thought to where their children would be educated. Neighborhood schools had taken the place of the Town Square, and folks were used to the homogenizing effect that they had on the community. They saw home education as an affront to their way of life. Today, home education is viewed as one choice in a marketplace of customizable options, as we collectively view the manifestation of the public school fade. It takes a strong individual to turn their back on a tax-supported education, and the subsequent loss of free time and income. Perhaps rather than rebellious, we might choose to be described as independent, courageous or even plucky.
"They only let the smart homeschoolers take the standardized tests." There are some states that require that homeschooled students take standardized tests. Idaho does not require this, but for many years the Idaho Coalition of Home Educators has provided the IOWA Test of Basic Skills to any parents who voluntarily wish to have their student tested. ICHE testing is open to all privately educated homeschoolers in Idaho. There is no screening of those who choose to sign up. Our voluntary test scores are in line with those of states where testing is required and all homeschoolers are tested. For more information visit ICHE.
"Homeschoolers let their children eat crayons." (I did not make this one up!) The word "generalization" comes to mind. Every family has its unusual eccentricities. Crayon nibbling is not one that I have ever encountered, but apparently there must be at least one family out there who has a different interpretation of the food pyramid. Be careful about the liberties taken as a homeschool family. There are critics watching who will seize upon one family's odd habits, and make doctrines of them. I am not suggesting that anyone should change their habits, just be aware that other people may view our idiosyncrasies as an indictment on the whole.
What can we conclude from all of these myths but that bias does exist and that for some it will always be open season on homeschoolers. Some will marginalize the movement because of one odd member. Some may be looking for a reason why home education is not for them. Some hurt more deeply, because they convict. Some are just plain funny! Wouldn't it be wonderful if our aversion to being misunderstood led us to look at some of our own preconceptions and think twice before repeating a worn out cliché?
Linda has over 21 years of homeschooling experience, and is nearing the home stretch. She and her husband, Paul, serve on the CHOIS Board of Directors.
