**Note: For the purposes of readability, “Americans” in this blog refers to those who were born and raised in the United States and who grew up under our public education system. It is in no way implying that those who live here, but were born and raised in a different country are not Americans. The point is to note the cultural differences in how the two groups in general view the purpose of education and to do that it’s easier to refer to one group as such.
Some of you already know that the community in which I live could definitely be described as international. In fact, as Americans who were born in the United States, we are a minority in this neighborhood. Consequently, I have lots of opportunity to befriend and talk with people who were schooled and raised under an entirely different system. I’ve come to note some differences in the response to homeschooling from a more international perspective vs an American perspective.
Many Americans View Homeschooling As. . .
Whenever I talk to people who were raised here. . .if they are opposed to homeschooling, the first question that comes up is socialization. Almost always. I’ve been told that if I don’t send my children to school, they will lack the ability to socialize in a structured environment. I’ve been told ad nauseum that my children need more friends than the few good and close relationships they have. In fact, if I’m to believe every thing that I’ve been told regarding socialization and homeschooling–clearly my spouse and I are misfits completely incapable of teaching the cultural literacy, politeness, and other behaviors that will make our children well socialized. Occasionally, I get asked about courses that we’re teaching and whether or not I’m qualified to teach them–but that is not typical. I should also note that no one ever dares question my right to homeschool. . .because after all. . .we Americans are all about personal rights and freedoms. But I should just know I’m messing my kids up.
Others View Homeschooling As. . .
However, whenever I talk to someone who was not born and raised in this system, I’m almost never asked about socialization. While I get a variety of questions about how we do school and isn’t the school system better. . .I inevitably also get questions about academics. How do I know if what I’m teaching is rigorous enough? What will I do when the subjects get harder? What kind of diploma will my kids receive? Homeschooling, is often not an option in other countries. Going to school in many countries is a privilege and not a right.
Based on my conversations with people over the last twleve years, I have to wonder why it is that Americans are so consumed with socialization over academics. Dare I suggest that if we begin to change our view from seeing public education as a means of socialization to seeing the family as the primary means of socialization–public and traditional schools might be able to do a better job.
Valorie Delp shares recipes in the food blog, parenting tips, breastfeeding advice, and current research in the baby blog, and insight, resources and ideas as the regular guest blogger in the homeschooling blog. To read more articles by Valorie Delp, click here.