In a previous article I described to you the definition or the idea behind unschooling. Unschooling is about as opposite from public education as it gets. Therefore, in this article I would like to share my point of view as a public educator on the topic of homeschooling and unschooling.
I will begin by saying that I am not against homeschooling. That is when homeschooling is carried out the proper way. If a parent is dedicated and wishes to homeschool for appropriate reasons then I am proud that they can have the opportunity to spend the extra time with their child. However many abuse the system and the theory of homeschooling.
I feel that there are several appropriate reasons that would justify a parent homeschooling their child.
A few of those reasons are listed below.
Violence/Drugs/Sex
My school system is fortunate enough to not have a problem with these. While I am sure that there are students who drink and do drugs and students who are having sex and there are occasional fights, my district comes no where close to many that I know. I would feel very safe sending my children to any elementary school in the county. However not all parents are this lucky. Many districts enforce zoning and parents are not comfortable with the school that their children are assigned to attend. If you cannot feel safe sending your child to school, then homeschooling would be a valid option.
Enrichment/Education
Some parents feel that their child can get a better and more enriching education through homeschooling. They plan for their child to take courses that are not offered in public education. For example, some children take a special foreign language or trade. If a parent truly feels that the education the child will receive from home is better, then homeschooling is valid.
Travel
In some cases, parents travel and the children would be moved from school to school throughout the course of a year. When parents are in the military or have a job that requires the family to move, then parents may decide that it is best to homeschool. Homeschooling is likely a better option than trying to get the child adjusted to a new school every few months.
Unschooling Articles
Lessons from Unschooling Families: The Greens
Lessons From Unschooling Families: The Smiths
Lessons from Unschooling Families: The Jones