Welcome to the Heart of the Matter!  The following pages are filled with anecdotes, and articles, about home education and home educators. So sit back and relax, let us carry you a little further along this home school journey.  Be sure to leave a comment on our feedback page if you want further information or have questions concerning anything you read here.

Tough Times Ahead for Education

By Lynne M. Taylor

 

Education in America has faced many challenges over the years, but none as daunting and all encompassing as the current movement led in force by our Federal Government.

 

What does this have to do with homeschooling? Right now, on the surface it would seem to be not much.  Families that have chosen the educational option to home school need   to know about the sweeping changes in our educational systems which will affect their families as well as their counterparts in public and private schools.  If you dig a bit deeper, below the surface, you’ll understand that even some of the changes have already begun to impact us.

 

While change is not new to us, the Federal Government is becoming increasingly involved in matters that are clearly beyond what we were guaranteed in our U.S. Constitution. One of these areas is education. Just look at the newspaper headlines and the numerous articles proclaiming, recommending and encouraging educational reform of some sort.  The current changes didn’t just begin; they’ve been growing in strength, unnoticed by the vast amount of US citizens for about 30 years!

 

 

Knowledge gives us power, or so it has been said. Here are a few power points for you to consider:

 

1)    The goal of the educational reform should be educational excellence

2)    Programs that I have identified which should ascribe to these goals: Race to the Top, The Common Core Initiative, Baccalaureate Schools, Global Education Schools, Goals 2000, Schools to Work, Learning a Living.

3)     Do your homework! Research these programs before enrolling your home -educated student in any of these programs.  Know what’s in the fine print.

Keep in mind parents lose the right to choose what’s best for their children’s education. Individuality is gone, replaced with a ‘one size educates all’ mantra,

To date, the most sweeping changes are targeted at the public system, but homeschoolers, private church schools, etc. stand to be in the crossfire at some point. Why? Conformity.

 

 

 

What can you do now?

1)    Stay informed. Know what’s in proposed education legislative bills, as well as current laws.  Be aware of changes, which may potentially affect our rights to home educate.

2)     Know where you can turn to find credible information, and updates.  Be sure to connect with your state and local home school support organization. Be pro active and not reactive.

3)     Know which legislators support a non Federal Government based educational option.   Petition those who do not.  Remember they work for you and as a constituent, your voice and vote still counts!

4)     Make note of colleges and universities that accept transcripts from home educated students

      5) Pray without ceasing

Join me next month for more updates on the tough times home educators face.