I'd like to quote from a Lisa Lombardi, whose teacher trained sister home schools her kids, who wrote a letter to the editor in Feb 2000 Atlantic Monthly:

..."Her children are bright, wth good manners and lovely, lively spirits. The five year old can already read and do his numbers. Howver, by the end of their twelve year home schooling process they will know nothing about geology. They will know nothing about evolution or natural selection, which are the cornerstones of modern biology, from ecology to genetics and gene mapping. They will speak only English.They will have been taught that their way of belief and behavior is the only way, with no exposure to other cultures, other beliefs, exept to be told that those ways are wrong. And that includes not only other systems such as Islam and animism but also Catholocism and, indeed, other kinds of Protestantism, which are also anathema to my sister. Those children will know a great deal about the Second Amendment and nothing about the First, which guarantees freedom of, and freedom from, religtion. They will be taught that the United States is a Christian, rather than a secular, nation.

-- joj (jump@off.c), March 25, 2002

Answers

JOJ

As far as what a student is taught in school, it varies from school to school. As much as you would like evolution taught there are as many or more who would choose not to have it taught. I was a biology major and still feel that it is as much of a leap of faith to believe evolution as it is taught, as it is to believe the Bible, but I choose the later.

Nothing has been "proven to my satisfaction", ie.that evolution is true. There are many major holes in the theory. The original basis of evolution, the big bang, is ridiculous. It states that there was this gob of stuff that had been in existence forever, and all of a sudden it went wild and created the universe. My question that no one has ever answered is where did the stuff come from in the first place, and since it had been there forever why did it suddenly change to create the universe, why didn't it just stay the way it was???

Many other things are taught in public school that majority of people do not want their children exposed to. Condoms 101, boy everybody should learn that in third grade. Political correctness 210, fit in or be shunned by those in authority and all your peers who have been pressured into accepting the current, politically correct beliefs.

"Political correctness, at its core, is intimidation" David Kupelian

I took a foreign language in college, now I can not speak enough of it to do me any good. It was a total waste of my time and money, because I had NO INTEREST in the subject. They say it is for a more rounded education, I think it is so they can hire more professors. If you have an interest in that sort of thing fine, but don't shove it down everyone's throat.

I have to agree that there are some people who think that their way is the only way, but I fell the vast majority of homeschoolers that I know are not in that category.

I fail to see what is incorrect about saying this country is Christian. The vast majority of the population is indeed Christian, and you would be hard pressed to say that the founding fathers did not base the country on Christian principles. Read their writings, it is so obvious.

This debate can and will probably go on forever. The choice is up to the individual. We as parents are responsible for our kids. We are responsible to God, ourselves, and our country. It is a big responsibility, but who better than a parent to carry out this task??

-- Bob in WI (bjwick@hotmail.com), March 25, 2002.

Bob, the big bang is most certainly not "The original basis of evolution". I have a lot of trouble with that theory, too. My pea-brain can't understand how something (the universe) could come from nothing, if that's what supposedly existed before the big bang. I personally have to think that the universe has always been here, in one form or another. But I can't say that my theory is the right one.

On the other hand, I have a hard time with the old "God created the universe in six days" bit, too. Who created God?

Maybe God was always here, maybe the universe was always here. Quien sabe? I agree with you that there are lots of improvements possible at public schools, but to not teach evolution, which is as much a fact as the "theory" that Earth revolves around the Sun, is not one of them!

-- joj (jump@off.c), March 25, 2002.

So what's Lisa Lombardi's sister's kids have to do with the pro's and con's of home schooling?

My children are home schooled, they are being taught creationism along with Darwinism and the theory of evolution. We are learning Spanish, and my children are exposed to other cultures as we have had missionaries and pastors in our home from Cuba to Africa and in between. We also study other religions such as Judaism and Islam. Yes, we know a great deal about the second amendment as well as the rest of the Constitution and Bill of Rights. And yes we are "born again Christians".

My kids also have the benefit of not having to be exposed to foul language, drugs, sexual harrassment, hatred toward those who are different and teachers that just don't care anymore. Yes, my kids do have a social life.

I have been down both roads with my kids with state run schools and home school and they do much better at home.

-- kathy in NE Ohio (kathy0801@msn.com), March 25, 2002.

I won't go down this road with you again, Joe. Tired of agreeing with me, are you??LOL!

All I will say is that some things are simply too big for us to wrap our minds around, and God is just that.

-- Doreen (bisquit@here.com), March 25, 2002.

Doreen, Joe, may I recommend the book "E=mc2 A Biography of the World's Most Famous Equation" by David Bodanis. Regardless of your view on creation this little book will help you to understand the physical processes that are going on right now and where they will logically end. There is also an intriguing reference to German battleships on the moon! The book is very easy to read and even I could understand what he is saying.

-- john hill (john@cnd.co.nz), March 26, 2002.

It is an all to simple question-- really. You either send your children into the jaws of the shark or you go the extra mile to insure their well being, safety, and education. Face it, the public schools are a breeding ground of drugs, sex, and venereal disease ! I like to refer to public education as "prison with buses" or "Gladiator School" take your pick they're both interchangable !

The pro's of homeschooling are everything --they live longer, have a better life, and they get know thier parents on an unequaled realm. The con's are that you had to knowhat the word sacrfice meant. That being yur children will inherit part of your soul or essence.

Alas, the question is not a question if you know the answer also. Which one of you, if your child ask for a fish, would hand him a snake ?

-- Joel Rosen (JoelnBecky@webtv.net), March 26, 2002.

Dear Joel-----you know I'm finding not only do I agree with you anymore/ but I totally agree with you sometimes------should this be scary to me??????? ha! Thanks Joel you stated it sooooooo well!!! I use to tell you/ I respected your opinions even through I didn't agree with them-----more & more I agree with you & I mean totally agree with you----what is the deal here???? ha!

-- Sonda in Ks. (sgbruce@birch.net), March 26, 2002.

If you help your children learn to become "Life-Long Learners", then they can continue their education beyond year 12 and learn some these things on their own. When I graduated public high school (Valedictorian), I did not speak a foreign language, I had not taken a Chemistry class, I knew nothing of other cultures, I knew a little about different Christian faiths, and my knowledge about the Constitution and our government was elementary. I've expanded my knowledge on all of these subjects by learning to love learning as an adult.

-- Bren (wayoutfarm@skybest.com), March 26, 2002.

My Eldest, homeschooled, was accepted at community college at 16, where he made the dean's honor list his first two semesters. When we moved, he applied to BYU, and was accepted on a full tuition scholarship, where he likewise made the dean's honor list last semester. If we are known by our fruits, I think this tree is doing okay so far.

Anyway, who are you to know and judge what others are or are not teaching their own children in their own homes? I believe that I have a God-given right and commission to teach my own. If I do not choose to delegate that right to the state, that's up to me. And why in the world would I teach my children to believe things which I do not? It is not the state's right, or yours, to decide what beliefs should be taught to my children. They are my children, and I am not ashamed to teach them my beliefs. If others choose to waive their right to be at home discipling their own, that's their business. If I choose not to, that's mine.

-- ithinkyouknowwhoiam (xx@xx.com), March 26, 2002.

Whenever this type of discussion comes up about homeschooling I remember our neighbor's teenage daughter who said to me, "I wish I had someone who loved me enough to homeschool me". She broke my heart. There are many good points made by the homeschoolers above that I totally agree with. This girl, however, brought it down to the basics for me.

-- Deena in GA (dsmj55@aol.com), March 26, 2002.

Ok I am a 14 year old boy who took homeschooling and here what I have to say. I Leard more in one day with my parents than a whole week with at school and public school forces you to learn things but homeschool teachs you more and its a lot mor fun. Thats about all I have to say though: "Homeschool is better"

-- Jamer roger Danial (Gameboyjames@aol.com), March 20, 2003.

I would like to address some points regarding home schooling. Home schooling is a system in which children are taken away from public participation. In this society it is important to participate. In school, students are able to learn not just from teachers, but from each other. Education is the pillar that makes a country, and we as citizens need to participate to keep the system and to make it better. Home schooling is no other than oppression and social manipulation of a child.

-- yara placeres (yara36@aol.com), April 20, 2003.

In dealing with home schooling, I think I would much rather have done that than go to public school. I have many concerns in doing public schooling, but I am only going to mention one that dealt a hard blow with me. That concern is that there were too many problems in dealing with the other students. Some of you think that with home- schooling that the children don't get the social education that they need to survive in the real world. A part of that is probably true, but that can easily be fixed by having them join clubs, sports, etc. But, in the conditions that the public school systems are in currently, I think attending them detriments a student’s social education more than it helps. For example, I happen to have very high moral standards and also standards in the way I think and believe. Unfortunately, the rest of the students in my class didn't like the fact that I was different and refused to join them in their stupid games and jokes they played on others. Because of this, I and anyone that associated with me were ostersised from the rest of the student body, and were hassled for the majority of the time during the rest of our public school education. The teachers couldn’t do anything about any of what was going on because the public school systems are to the point where teachers are basically not allowed to discipline in any way shape or form with out being in fear of losing their job. My situation got to the point where I automatically never trusted anyone and I pretty much became a loner. Upon going to college, the first person who offered me help, who later became my best friend and happens to be the most thoughtful person I ever met, received extreme distrust and skepticism. Yes, I was given a social education, but one that was so distorted that it has taken my friends at college close to two years to try to change it and get me used to associating with people again. You might say this might be an isolated occurrence, but I am pretty sure it probably isn't. Some of you who are parents probably here your children tell you what goes on at school and you probably think they are over exaggerating. They very well might be, but I know I wasn't and my parents didn't believe me anyways, which did not raise my respect for them in any way.

It is my belief that unless the whole public school system gets changed, life in public school systems is going to get worse. I know it has for my younger siblings, who finally gave in to the teasing and antagonizing and lowered their own standards to match those beneath them. Until the system does get changed, home schooling or private schooling is probably the best we can do at this time, as long as the parents are careful in what they teach their children and how they do allow them to associate with society. If you as a parent are considerng home schooling and not sure of whether or not you should, just ask your children. It is their life too, and they should have some input in how it is run.

-- JLPalmer (band_jam@byu.edu), May 01, 2003.

Good post JLPalmer. I bet the music is good also ?

-- Steve (Unreal@home.com), May 02, 2003.

Well, I just wanted to say as an eleventh grade homeschooler; I enjoy homeschooling very much. I have been given many opportunities that would have not been possible through public schooling. I was able to go to a private drivers ed school, with my friend. I have already bought and paid for a car. I am involved with sports and many other activities. I'm with my first boyfriend of one year. I have been able to be protected by my parents, they have a big say so in my life. I love them for it. Even though sometimes I disagree I will always love them and respect them. I have to siblings one who is 8 and one who is 5 months, I spend time with them daily. I love the Lord Jesus, and He has played a major role in my life. Homeschooling has done so much for me,I have been to public school also, I would never wish that upon my worst enemy. Oh and those who think that we can't go to the prom think again, we have the homeschool prom, and we have homeschool groups and field trips. I'm very busy these days so I don't have much time for homeschool groups, but I have my own group of friends. Well I think I've rambled on enough. God bless all!!

-- Stephanie Mullinax (blujean16@netzero.com), May 08, 2003.

One of the Cons to homeschooling might be the Prom for high school aged students. In Ohio, I am trying to take care of this problem. I am in the early stages of planning a Prom for April 24, 2004. I am in the Columbus, Ohio area and this would be the location for the Prom. Do you know of any one in the Ohio state would be interested, please e-mail at scifigal@insight.rr.com for further details.

Thanks Alice Everage

-- Alice Everage (scifigal@insight.rr.com), May 23, 2003.

I’m at the point where I believe home schooling is the best choice for my kids. I really don’t know much about it or the major oppositions it either, but I’m hoping to learn more about both sides. So if you could send me any info. You can on both side of the fence. Ty

edogciscokid@yahoo.com

-- E (edogciscokid@yahoo.com), June 01, 2003.

There are two social problems with homeschooling.

The first is the lack of interaction with adversity (which builds character). These kids typically "socialize" with other kids (ie dance, sports, field trips, etc.) that are of the same breed (homeschooled). When they become adults, for the most part, they have a hard time interacting with real world situations and people, especially in the work force. Speaking from experience with many adults from homeschooled backgrounds, these adults have an illusion that "they turned out fine".

For lack of a better analogy, smokers tend to not see that their smoking is a problem, but to non-smokers, their stench causes much strife with the non-smokers, but many non-smokers don't assert that it's a problem to the smokers face. They just politely avoid the smokers and make decisions towards them that can adversely affect the smokers (ie. fire them in the workforce, osterisize them, etc.).

Homeschooled adults bring the same problem, but instead of a stenchy smell, they bring a behavior that they themselves don't notice, but many real world folks spot it a mile away and end up making adverse decisions towards these homeschooled persons politely.

The second problem is that most parents whom I have known (in the high double digits) to homeschool are very religeous (usually christian) people who beleive that their child needs to be removed from the corruption of society, but it directly contradicts their core beliefs of being "a light unto the world" or "the salt of the earth". If they beleive that there kids are more special than the corrupted world and therefore pull them out of the world, then they are not allowing there "special" children to possibly influence the corrupted world for good. This is, in large, a sort of desocialization of the real world (public schools). If we were to pull all of the good kids out of public school, it truely would be bad and probably fall apart. If parents are doing a good job teaching moral values to their children, they should have "faith" that their children will do the right thing and make the right choices, even in public schools.

The psychology involved here is part of the "rescueing parent" syndrome. Adversity is the key to growth. I know plenty more children who are a product of public schools that have "turned out just fine" in the face of adversity. A candle is not lit and hid under a bushel, but it's purpose is to give light to everyone in the house (sound familiar?).

In most cases that I have seen with parents that homeschool, the parents either have a self esteem problem (don't beleive they can teach their kids correct principles for real world situations) or they are lazy as to teaching their children and don't want to mess with public figures.

If all the homeschoolers would put their precious and talented kids back into the public school system, then the public school system would be benefitted (or blessed depending on your religeous nature) and improve because the salt would season the meal. The good children in the public school systems would have more ammunition to do good. In other words the armys of good kids would have more forces of good to join with them in combating adversity. I beleive it is a selfish thing to pull good kids from the public system.

-- Lee Adams (ladams05@earthlink.net), December 04, 2003.

It all depends on the parents who are doing the homeschooling. I know people who are homeschooled by open-minded parents, and they are taught a wide range of subjects and come out very well-rounded individuals. On the other hand, I know people who homeschool their kids so that they can tell them that evolution was made up by Satan and that Jesus discovered electricity.

-- Anti-bush (Comrade_bleh@hotmail.com), December 04, 2003.

I think that the people that respond to this should at least make sure they are spelling right, since you are talking about how much home schooling has done for you.

-- Mike J. Fosket (Nolove@all.com), April 19, 2004.

ok im only 13 years old n i was supposed to look for pros n cons on the second amendment but this looked interesting..n yea ok this is NO DOUBT an adult discussion but alright i fink home schooling is good only if you want us kids to learn lyk..from just u n nobody else...n itz good for creating situations where their are no peer pressure...but it doesnt teach us about the outside world n watevah..n so i attend a private school so i rest my case....also ive been wondering about the big bang theory too n it doesnt make sense either :) ok back to u big people to chat ^^ byez

-- Sharon (nekoru_gurl@hotmail.com), June 01, 2004.

n to the person above me..im spelling wrong cuz im hurrying n i dont bother n oso this is girl chat language so ok now that i have REMINDED YOU i gotta go:) n i got 100 in l.a. so ok bye im just spellin wrong cuz i am in a hurry n probably those "people" are too now ok bye have fun with ur boring conversations

-- sharon (nekoru_gurl@hotmail.com), June 01, 2004.