WOW home school biology books diss Darwin/evolution

[samrock]

Where is Clarance Darrow when ya really need him??

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100306/ap_on_re/us_rel_home_school_evolution

[Maat]

1. We homestudy through a public charter school ...

and, so, we have access to Prentice-Hall science books. We're lucky. People who do not go through a charter school or private school do have problems in terms of access to decent books. However, I've been able to obtain any texts I want through used book sales (also Teacher Created Materials may have something). Go to www.brainpop.com has great episodes on science-related topics, and related study materials. I cobbled together a GREAT unit on evolution and on the history of humankind (if I do say so myself).

I just checked. Used copies of our textbooks are online, along with the teachers' editions.

It does look as if there's quite a market out there for high-quality textbooks that can be accessed by all.

[Ms. Toad]

24. We didn't home-school,

but scheduling difficulties meant our daughter couldn't get the formal language classes she needed - and we had no trouble finding textbooks and teacher's editions on e-bay. I suspect they're also on Amazon.

[Maat]

39. Yep.

I just looked; I could get the ones I wanted on Amazon.

[skepticscott]

2. What a nauseating article

Not only the ignorance of fundy home schoolers and their pseudo-academic enablers, but the complete lack of knowledge of the author, who give equal time and no scientific criticism to creationist pap.


This phrase alone: "Biology: Third Edition" from Bob Jones University Press is enough to make you claw your eyes out...

[Pisces]

3. I have a fundy sister in law who will be homeschooling her children to teach them creationism.

She can get states funds and someone will come to her home once a month to check the work. This is a waste of money. I don't think homeschooling parents should receive funds when our public
schools are hurting. There are a lot of ignorant children being taught crazy science such as the earth is only 6000 years old. I am sad for these children.

[spanone]

4. the kids will learn the truth in the end and wonder about their crazy mama

[kdmorris]

5. What state is that in?

Most states I've heard of most definitely do NOT give any funds to homeschool children (including my own state).

I will need links/proof to back up such a statement.

[Kievan Rus]

6. That's horrible. Letting fundies teach pseudoscience: your tax dollars at work.

I'm against the teaching of pseudoscience as fact to begin with, but it really makes me angry when they use OUR MONEY to do it.

[mzteris]

35. i don't believe there are tax dollars "at work"

for the homeschoolers. Although, there certainly have been cases of traditional public schools putting "intelligent design" into the classroom! That really pisses me off!

However, if you really think about it - consider if there were no "homeschooling" option for these bozos. They would completely overrun the schoolboards and impose their bullshit on every child!

[Raspberry]

11. A lot of people choose to homeschool

because (in many cases) the schools have become cesspools of failure. Sad, but true.

[mzteris]

19. wtf state is she in?

I know of NO state that offers pay to people to homeschool!

"Possibly" - if there is some sort of disability? Maybe, but a religious choice to homeschool and the state paying for it? Nope. Ain't buying it.

[panzerfaust]

7. Shocking ... ?

Is not that the whole point of most home-schoolers: to avoid their kids being exposed to something other than fundamentalism?

Exceptions I am sure. Equally sure, not many.


"Odenton Christian School was founded in the 1970's in response to the untenable situation in the government school system, after the pastor of Odenton Baptist Church preached a message on that subject. This was when public schools were much safer and offered a better education than they do today.

In that time home schooling was almost unheard of, the Christian school movement was expanding and Christian students faced a grim prospect at the hands of a public education system that was departing from God and His word at a rapid pace..." http://www.ocs1.org/index.php?n=Main.OurPurpose

[mzteris]

20. Nope - increasing numbers of progressives

choose to homeschool.

People - many in fact - hs for EDUCATIONAL reasons. Some for societal, political, nurturing, lifestyle - you name it.

[depakid]

29. According to the article, the vast majority are fundies- or "religiously oriented"

[mzteris]

32. according to a "christian fundy GROUP" of course -

"The majority of home-schoolers self-identify as evangelical Christians," said Ian Slatter, a spokesman for the Home School Legal Defense Association. "

But if you parse even their OWN research . . . conducted by a fundy . . .

What do homeschooling families look like?
The vast majority of the parents in the study were married (97.9%), and the families had an average of 3.5 children compared to the general population’s average of
2.0 children.7 (See Figure 9.)

Homeschoolers’ median family income ($75,000–79,999) closely spanned the nationwide median (about $79,000) for families headed by a married couple and with one or more related children under 18.

Parents held to a wide variety of religious beliefs, although the majority identified themselves with various denominations of Christianity (82.4% Protestant, 12.4% Roman Catholic, and .2% Eastern Orthodox). Other categories included atheist/agnostic (1.1%), Jewish (.4%), Mormon (.8%), Muslim (.1%), and a variety of others (about 2.5%).

www.hslda.org/docs/study/ray2009/2009_Ray_StudyFINAL.pdf
****

http://nces.ed.gov/pubs2006/homeschool/

Homeschooling in the United States: 2003
Statistical Analysis Report
Parents were then asked which one of the applicable reasons they considered to be their most important reason for homeschooling—31 percent of homeschooled children had parents who cited concern about the environment of other schools, such as safety, drugs, or negative peer pressure, as the most important reason for homeschooling and 30 percent had parents who said the most important reason was to provide religious or moral instruction (**and again - "moral instruction may not have ANYTHING to do with FUNDY religion, nor even religion at all!). While these were the two most common responses, another 16 percent of homeschooled students had parents who said dissatisfaction with the academic instruction available at other schools was their most important reason for homeschooling.

******

Traditionally, the biggest motivations for parents to teach their children at home have been moral or religious reasons, and that remains a top pick when parents are asked to explain their choice.

The 2003 survey gave parents six reasons to pick as their motivation. (They could choose more than one.) The 2007 survey added a seventh: an interest in a "non-traditional approach," a reference to parents dubbed "unschoolers," who regard standard curriculum methods and standardized testing as counterproductive to a quality education.

"We wanted to identify the parents who are part of the 'unschooling' movement," Mulligan says. The "unschooling" group is viewed by educators as a subset of home-schoolers, who generally follow standard curriculum and grading systems. "Unschoolers" create their own systems.

The category of "other reasons" rose to 32% in 2007 from 20% in 2003 and included family time and finances. That suggests the demographics are expanding beyond conservative Christian groups, says Robert Kunzman, an associate professor at Indiana University's School of Education. Anecdotal evidence indicates many parents want their kids to learn at their own pace, he says. http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2009-01-04-homeschooling_N.htm

[HockeyMom]

8. Send them to Catholic School

Yes, you will have to put up all the other Catholic BS, but at least they teach Evolution and keep it separate from Religion, ala the Bible Fundies

[Libertas1776]

9. having experienced catholic school...

i have to say that is true. well, at least in my school it was (up in NY)

[Raspberry]

10. Homeschooling parents

have the right to teach their kids whatever they choose to teach. That's one thing that "freedom" means.

[samrock]

12. Many parents want to make sure their children are carefully taught...

You've got to be taught
To hate and fear
You've got to be taught
From year to Year
It's got to be drummed
in your dear little ear
You've got to be carefully taught

You've got to be taught
To be Afraid
Of people whose eyes
are oddly made
And people whose skin
Is a different shade
You've got to be carefully taught

You've got to be taught
Before it's too late
Before you are 6 or 7 or 8
To hate all the people
your relatives hate
You've got to be carefully taught

[Raspberry]

15. *yawn*

[RainDog]

13. yes, they have the right to teach their children bullshit

and we have a right to note that they are idiots.

[Raspberry]

14. Yup. n/t

[comrade snarky]

49. So no academic standards for those kids?

Teach anything you want? Whatever bullshit you happen to be into or, if you feel like it, nothing at all.

Nope, sorry. There's a reason we require a basic amount of schooling.

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

16. There IS such a thing as home school books?

That, in and of itself, is wrong on so many levels.

[Raspberry]

17. Don't know why you're surprised

Homeschooling has grown exponentially over the last few years. Of course there is a market for textbooks for the parents who choose to homeschool.

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

21. And what would be the reason for parents to choose them over "normal" textbooks?

Other than awful things like teaching Creationism?

[mzteris]

23. some ARE "religious" programs

but then again, some of those seem to find their way into public schools on occasion.

Having a set of curricula - with teachers editions with the answers and guidelines for teaching can be invaluable for some hs'ing parents. I personally don't like the "programs" generally because I find them too limiting.

edit typo

[Ms. Toad]

31. Haven't been textbook shopping - have you?

One of the largest textbook markets is Texas, and textbooks used in Texas must be approved by the Texas Board of Education (which is not the case in many other larger markets which permit local control of textbook selection) - so most texbook providers know that a release is doomed unless it gains the approval of the Texas Board of Education and tailor their releases to that market.

Let's just say, books approved by the Texas Board of Education don't necessarily meet my standards for quality textbooks - particularly when there is any subjectivity involved (such as which historical events should be included/emphasized, which historical figures should be treated favorably, etc.) Here's an article alluding to the problem: http://www.dailykos.com/story/2010/2/13/836838/-Wrest-control-of-textbooks-away-from-Texas

In addition, in any field of study there are variations in methodology/emphasis - in math, for example, there has been the drill fundamentals v. problem solving; similarly in English - fundamentals (grammar, punctuation, etc.) v. expression of ideas. Sometimes there is not enough variety in the mass market textbooks to cover the particular methodological variation/emphasis I might be looking for. (And that's just as a teacher who served at one point on a textbook selection committee, and as a teacher who wrote her own informally because none that were available were suitable - not as a parent trying to decide what might be best for my child if I had complete control over her education.)

[mzteris]

22. or any textbooks.

Used Textbooks - the same being used by traditional public schools.

There are "homeschool curriculum" programs - but imo - a "program" is stupid. NO child is on "a" level in learning. They're ahead in this subject, behind in that one, on target in a third. They learn this topic best visually, that one best aurally, a third best with project work. "cobbling together" various resources is the optimal to teach a child.

Of course it takes the most work - especially since you usually can't get a Teachers Edition so you wind up having to work all the problems YOURSELF to make sure the kid got them right! It's terribly embarassing when they get it right and you don't! :rofl: But with the "quirky/smart" ones, that begins to happen quite often. After a while, you just give them the book and they go to it. IF they have a question, they ask. If you can't answer it, you find someone who can. (Plenty of resources for that, btw.)

[Posteritatis]

18. Pretty big industry in them, actually, usually as doctrinaire as you'd expect. (nt)

[mzteris]

27. let me provide a link to a hs

"curriculum" school: http://www.globalvillageschool.org/

GLOBAL VILLAGE SCHOOL

Welcome. Global Village School offers a progressive, accredited, customizable K-12 homeschooling program via online and text-based curriculum, complete with individualized teacher services. Our high school homeschool diploma courses integrate peace, justice, and diversity studies with the core subjects. We are an international school; we welcome homeschooling students from around the globe.

What sets us apart from other online schools? Our creative flexible approach, and our emphasis on peace, justice, diversity and sustainability. We recognize students as individuals with unique needs, interests, and learning styles. We work to adapt our homeschool curriculum to our students, rather than forcing students to adapt to the curriculum. We empower our students to pursue their future goals in a way that enables them to prepare for college while building on their strengths and talents and staying true to who they are. We work to nurture and protect the passion and enthusiasm for creating a better world inherent in so many young people. We seek to help our students lead authentic and meaningful lives, and strive to have them leave school feeling confident in their abilities to make an impact on the world around them.

A wide variety of families and groups have found our values to be compatible with theirs, such as Buddhists, Unitarian Universalists, families with Indigo children, secular homeschoolers, families that have enjoyed Montessori schools, Waldorf schools, unschooling, etc. We also partner with homeschooling groups and people starting schools to provide curriculum, teacher support, consulting, learning styles profiles, and more.

SOME SAMPLES:

PEACE AND DIVERSITY STUDIES

Peace & Diversity Studies Survey (Text with Web) 5 credits
What are Peace and Diversity Studies - why should we care about them and what can we do? These questions form the basis of this course and your thoughts about them will likely change from lesson to lesson. We will explore many concepts and discover what a social justice perspective might look like in different facets of society. We will challenge you (and ourselves!) to explore the very way we look at the world, because like Eleanor Roosevelt, we believe that "It's not fair to ask of others what you are not willing to do yourself." P & D Studies explores the topics of peace and diversity on many levels, but a significant portion of the course focuses on the United States. In this upper level course students are challenged by tough questions about controversial topics in the peace and justice community. Each lesson begins and ends with a quote that is relevant to the lesson focus or the overall themes of the course.

The Peacemakers (Text) 5 credits
This Web-based course discusses the concept of peacemakers by discussing several Nobel Peace Prize winners. Students explore questions such as: Who are the peacemakers of the world? How did they do what they did? What motivated them? Who was Alfred Nobel and how did the Nobel Peace Prize come into being? What can the student do to become a peacemaker?

Coming of Age (Text) 5 credits
Most people would say that "growing up" or coming of age is a very challenging time of life. This course explores what it is like when being a minority is added in to the mix. The course utilizes two texts: The Shared Heart: Portraits and Stories Celebrating Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Young People and Coming of Age in America: A Multicultural Anthology.

Literature of Diversity (Text) 2.5 to 10 credits
Literature of Diversity encourages students to explore social issues through the study of literature. Selecting from a large number of books from African American, Hispanic, Asian American, Native American, gay and lesbian, and women's literature, students explore a variety of social issues that are personally or politically meaningful to them. Credit for this course varies with the amount of reading and number of projects completed. Specific reading selections and activities should be discussed with the students teacher.

The Buddhist Path to Peace (Online) 2.5 credits
This course combines writings from Buddhist teachers of peace such as the Dalai Lama, Thich Nhat Hanh, Lama Surya Das, Pema Chodron, and others. Students will learn how Buddhist teachings can be useful in creating peace in the world by reading, reflecting on, and practicing basic Buddhist teachings.

Reflections on Peacemaking (Text) 5 credits
Our text is the beautiful and inspiring book, Architects of Peace, by Michael Collopy. It contains portraits and interviews with 75 different peacemakers. The intention of this course is to guide students in their own reflections about what it is to be an architect of peace, and to remind them that one person really can make a huge difference.

Global Spirituality and Activism (Text) 5 credits
Twenty-eight religious leaders and thinkers from around the world speak about their own personal journeys and about universal dilemmas: Is there a universal code of human ethics? What role do our traditions play when hatred wears the mask of religion? What kind of environment will we bequeath to our children? Can religion combat racial and ethnic bigotry? How does personal spirituality affect our actions in daily life? This course uses the text, A Parliament of Souls: Conversations with 28 Spiritual Leaders from Around the World. The book is a companion to the Public Television series filmed during the World Parliament of Religions held in 1993 in Chicago.

Service Learning (Text) 2.5 credits
There are several components to this 9 week course. You will research volunteer opportunities in your local community and donate 15 hours of your time to an organization. You will also read about other people’s thoughts and experiences related to service, reflect on what you have studied and experienced, and keep a log of your volunteer activities.

International Human Rights (Web) 5 credits
The course centers around the universality and other basic concepts of human rights; the general field of human rights (civil, political, economic, social, and cultural); the major instruments protecting these rights, including organizations and international laws; and some of the different people and organizations that are making a difference. Students will have opportunities to conduct independent research on the topics that most interest them.

Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Literature (Text) 2.5 to credits
GLBT Literature encourages students to explore social issues facing the GLBT population through the study of literature. Selecting from a large number of books, students expand their horizons by becoming acquainted with the stories of many gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people. Students will learn more about themselves and others as well as improving their reading, writing, and comprehension skills. Credit for this course varies with the amount of reading and number of projects completed. Specific reading selections and activities should be discussed with the student's teacher.

Planetary Stewardship (Text with Web) 5 credits
Using The Better World Handbook: Small Changes that Make a Big Difference along with The Better World Shopping Guide, this course will teach students how to make a difference in the world by changing the way they, their friends, family, and neighbors live their everyday lives. It will cover topics such as socially responsible investing, travel, shopping, and transportation. It will also provide information on media, community building, finding good meaningful work, list many organizations people can become involved with, and much more.


U.S. History (Text) 10 credits
U.S. History provides students with a survey of historical events that have shaped the modern United States as a political and cultural entity. Using the texts Letters of a Nation, The Americans, and Addicted to War, this course presents history through the reflections of people who witnessed key events in U.S. history. Through lessons that accommodate a variety of learning styles, students learn how the past influences the present and develop critical thinking skills. The course concludes with a reflection on responses to the events of September 11, 2001 and a consideration of peaceful alternatives to violence.

Economics (Text with Web) 5 credits
This course will give students a firm grounding in the theory and structure of U.S. Economics while challenging assumptions and introducing different perspectives on various topics. The concept of economics is explored on many levels though the confines of the course dictate a focus on American capitalism with an emphasis on globalization. Students will examine the actions of the U.S. government as well as business and consumer culture in relation to domestic and foreign economies while evaluating the role of ethics and responsibility in economics.

History of Civil Rights in the U.S. (Text with Web) 5 credits
History of Civil Rights in the United States surveys the succession of civil rights movements and issues in America. Groups and issues studied include: Native Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans, Mexican Americans, religious persecution, disability rights, Womenís rights, WWII internment of the Japanese, and gay, lesbian, and bisexual rights. Course materials include selected Web sites and texts published by Teaching Tolerance.

[Bill McBlueState]

42. Where's the science?

Since this thread is about the teaching of biology in home schools, I was hoping to see an example of how biology is taught in a non-fundamentalist home school curriculum.

[mzteris]

45. oh - sorry -

I just pulled some select courses - you could, of course, go to the website yourself, but - - -

No comment on what I did put up, though?


The ones I posted before were all highschool level. Here's a full Science curric.

Kindergarten Science - Exploring the natural world – tide pools, animals, weather, etc.

1st Science - A story and activity-based introduction to biomes, ecosystems, botany (flowers, planting seeds), animals, and more.

2nd Science - The Amazon, dolphins, wildlife in places such as India and Australia, ecosystems, nature art.

3rd Science/Eco-Integrity - Animal behavior, nature poetry, animal stories, how to make a difference, a multitude of general science information for families to choose from.

4th Science - Introduction to the solar system, fun physics experiments, nature study, learning about (and creating some of) Leonardo da Vinci’s numerous inventions. Art - Calligraphy, illuminated manuscripts, and more.

5th Science/Eco-Integrity - Emphasis on environmental science (biomes, wildlife, environmental issues, climate change, ways kids can make a difference), also fun experiments such as creating invisible ink and making a fog chamber.

6th Science - Emphasis on Earth Science; astronomy, the history of the Earth from the Big Bang up through present time, presented in a colorful and engaging way. Also environmental science, including fun experiments and nature study.

7th Science - Emphasis on Physical Science; with fun and exciting experiments and readings that make science come alive. Includes topics such as physics, engineering, practical applications of science (including some significant mistakes!) Experiments include making a hot air balloon, building a bridge, skateboard science, etc. Also nature study using an art journal.

8th Science - Emphasis on Physical Science; with fun and exciting experiments and readings that make science come alive. Includes topics such as physics, engineering, practical applications of science (including some significant mistakes!) Experiments include making a hot air balloon, building a bridge, skateboard science, etc. Also nature study using an art journal.


High school courses:

General Science (Text) 10 credits
Written in an accessible and user-friendly manner, General Science is for students that want to know how the world works without getting mired in technical or scientific jargon. Accompanied by colorful illustrations and diagrams, General Science emphasizes hands-on projects and practical applications of scientific principles. Course topics include ecology and the life sciences, the physical and earth sciences, astronomy, physics, and chemistry. Units on mathematics and computers demonstrate how science has contributed to the development of technology and other disciplines. In addition to the primary text, The Ultimate Visual Dictionary of Science, General Science includes a variety of activities involving field trips and lab experiments using easy-to-obtain materials and Internet research.

Biology (Text) 10 credits
The purpose of our Biology course is to show students how the natural world works. Students learn about the function of human anatomy and internal systems and the healing processes of the human body; the characteristics of plants, animals, and microorganisms; and the interactions among various life forms. As a lab course, Biology offers many opportunities for hands-on projects and real world applications of scientific principles. Because GVS believes in honoring the life of all organisms, the course does not ask students to dissect frogs or other animals. Lab activities and assignments will vary depending on available materials and the studentís individual learning needs. We encourage students to discuss ideas and adapt course assignments with their GVS teachers.

Environmental Science (Text) 10 credits
Developed by Oak Meadow, our Environmental Science course introduces students to important ecological concepts, the various interactions within ecosystems, and the interconnectedness of life on earth. Course topics include the biosphere, major biomes, ecosystems, chemical cycles, and the role of living things in ecosystems. Not only do students learn about common environmental problems such as land, water and air pollution, overpopulation, and habitat destruction, but they also explore constructive solutions for protecting the environment and moving toward a sustainable future.

Physics (Text) 10 credits
Using the popular textbook, Conceptual Physics, this course emphasizes the principles of physics over mathematical calculations. Topics covered include force, motion, heat, waves, sound, electricity, magnetism, light, and mirrors. Course activities utilize written responses, experimentation, and thoughtful reflection to teach the principles of physics.

[Maat]

50. We use ...

"California Life Science," by Pearson Prentice Hall. It is the same textbook most California middle-schoolers use in the conventional classroom.

It lightly covers evolution and Darwin (one chapter). I added much more material, which I was able to get from science-advocacy organizations and www.brainpop.com.

[LeftyMom]

43. The books in that article are all marketed primarily to Christian private schools.

The Bob Jones University Press books, for example, are all named "(subject) for Christian Schools."

[undeterred]

25. If people want to raise stupid children, that's their right.

And creationism won't be the worst of it.

[Thothmes]

38. Not getting proper education does not make a person stupid.

It makes them under educated. I have know a whole hell of a lot of people over the last 60 years that are not stupid by any means but they lack formal education.

[undeterred]

40. I didn't know we were talking about undereducated people.

I thought we were talking about children being taught things that are not true, being taught things they will have to unlearn later...

[depakid]

26. Impressive:

...she watched Elizabeth's excitement turn to confusion when they reached the evolution section of the book from Apologia Educational Ministries, which disputed Charles Darwin's theory.

"I thought she was going to have a coronary," Mule said of her daughter, who is now 16 and taking college courses in Houston. "She's like, 'This is not true!'"

Christian-based materials dominate a growing home-school education market that encompasses more than 1.5 million students in the U.S. And for most home-school parents, a Bible-based version of the Earth's creation is exactly what they want. Federal statistics from 2007 show 83 percent of home-schooling parents want to give their children "religious or moral instruction."

[mzteris]

28. one thing to remember

that "moral instruction" is not necessarily linked to fundamentalist religion. Indeed, ANY religion!

[depakid]

30. Seems to be the exception to the much larger rule:

Most home-schoolers will definitely have a sort of creationist component to their home-school program."

Those who don't, however, often feel isolated and frustrated from trying to find a textbook that fits their beliefs.

Two of the best-selling biology textbooks stack the deck against evolution, said some science educators who reviewed sections of the books at the request of The Associated Press.

"I feel fairly strongly about this. These books are promulgating lies to kids," said Jerry Coyne, an ecology and evolution professor at the University of Chicago.

[mzteris]

34. no. and no.

I disagree.

Heck, I was hs'ing in about as fundy territory as you can get - the hometown of the Southern Baptist Seminary whose president STARTED the "fundamentalist Baptist" movement!

And I'm here to tell you that there were a whole damn lot of people hs'ing who didn't have those beliefs. Yeah, they're out there - but they'd be "out there" anyway. Even those who "identify as religious" - may not necessarily be embracing fundamentalism or creationism. There are some religious people who do have SOME sense! :)

Finding a text to fit beliefs? Why would that be frustrating? There are hundreds available. ANY textbook will do. College, highschool, elementary - all exist. Then there are the on-line resources. Of just general books from the library that aren't "textbook" in nature, just informational - which in many cases for a lot of kids is best anyways!

Yeah, the damn books are "promulgating lies" - but I'm not sure what you can do about that (legally!) Hell, I think all religion "promulgates LIES!" but I sure as hell can't do anything about THAT, either!

[depakid]

36. I guess the implication in the article is wrong then

Not bashing homeschoolers- I've known a few personally who like you have their reasons. If we were still in the states, we might even consider that ourselves, depending on the situation.

Nevertheless, there are a disturbing number of people who buy into this and hoist it on their kids- to their detriment, and everyone else's, too.

[mzteris]

37. I know of a lot of expats

who homeschool, too.

Yeah, you're right - they're out there. But they'd still be pushing it at home and then little johnny would come into the classroom and have a hissyfit and confuse all the kids who don't believe that crap.

My son used to confuse the hell out of other kids when he was still in public school K-2/3 -

"You don't believe in JESUS? You're going to HELL!"

Shrug. "I don't believe in Hell either."

"Don't you want to go to Heaven?"

"No. There's no such place."

"God's gonna punish you."

shrug "I don't believe in God".

Poor little kids. Some of them would get really angry. Some would cry.

There's just no budging him on the subject even now at 16. He helped ME see the light (at 7ish) and I was born and raised Southern Baptist (old style). You do NOT want to get into a debate about religion with him!


Funny story - we were in a "homeschool study group" - doing a literature companion piece to a history segment. One of the moms (we alternated teaching) decided to "assign" the students to find "SCRIPTURES" that fit some of the sayings in the story. My son brought in Buddhist sayings. . . she never made that assignment again! lol

[depakid]

44. In New South Wales, there are a lot of hoops to jump through before you're granted permission

and parents are required to teach the state curriculum (including sitting for the public examinations and literacy and numeracy tests).

Bit of a different deal.

[Tsiyu]

48. Good public schools are the key

but sparkly things and shiny cars are so much more fun than school taxes. But I digress.

You were right upthread saying parents have few choices. I got suckered into a package for high school biology many many years ago homeschooling. I glanced at the textbook description, teachers guide, lesson plans..yada yada - but was drawn to the lab materials. My favorite part of biology was dissection (whatever), and I wanted my kids to have the lab experience.

Lo and behold, the textbooks were fundy cake and pretty funny. I think i used them for cell biology, bought a great encyclopedia and some college Biology texts and sort of just abandoned the religious ones.

I did have a lot of conversations with homeschool moms about evolution, though, and I already had their arguments pretty much memorized because of the texts. Interesting folks, of the Earth is 6,000 Years Old Variety.

Some of them are just very, very naive, but they in no way represent all homeschoolers. I just happened to be in Georgia, living in a community with a lethal combination of piss-poor schools and religious fundamentalists. I had to homeschool or my sons would have turned into assholes.

Now it's just my fault if they're assholes....:blush:...which I don't think they are too often... :)

[Odin2005]

33. And here come the homeschool-haters in 3... 2... 1...

[Maat]

41. I guess we have to just ignore it.

Homeschooling is not going away. Homestudy programs, through charter schools, like the one in which my daughter participates, aren't going away, either. These programs are too popular with the participating families, who would literally lay down their lives to keep them going. The pertinent school board members don't want to be hauled out to the public square and be tarred-and-feathered. So, they don't, and won't, attack them.:)

[mzteris]

46. the thing is -

if these very people were put in a position where their kids WASN'T getting the education they wanted them to have - say,

the local schools being run completely by fundies whose ideas permeate the curricula;

or their kid had "Special needs" (of any kind) that wasn't being met;

if their kid was so "different" that they were not only NOT being educated, but bullied (and not just by the other kids!);

if their kid had a special gift that requires education and/or hours and hours of practice and that isn't possible with a "typical ps";

etc. . . .


then they'd jump at homeschooling or charters or whatever other option they could find.

If they really knew and understood the advantages that hs'ing can give some kids, they'd be falling all over themselves.

[Maat]

47. Well, that's the thing. You're right.

If you are a caring, loving parent, you arrange what's best for your kid. Your kid only gets one chance at a good childhoold education, and you do what it takes to put the right program in place for him or her.