Oh brother. I was just reading about Dr. Phil's homeschooling debate that aired about a year ago. I am really annoyed that Dr. Phil didn't do better research on this topic. Another homeschooling show is airing soon, let's hope it goes better!
#1 Homeschooling Myth: Socialization!!
The whole socialization thing is the Number One concern everyone has about homeschooling - but here's the thing: people ASSume that the only true or valid form of socialization is found in a traditional school setting. But no-one researches that theory to get to the truth of the matter. I mean, seriously, what DID the world do before traditional schooling became the norm?? Hmmm, I think they HOMESCHOOLED. And somehow we got to where we are today! Gasp! 
Dr. Phil Says:
“Once kids get to high school, social development is important. They become more independent. They want to interact on their own. They’re post-pubescent. And so they don’t do well in a homeschool environment in high school as they do socially in a public or private school. So the truth is they’re not going to be like some nerd who’s scared by their own shadow because they’re homeschooled if you do a good job with the homeschooling and you get them into the extra-curriculars after the fact.
Lifeway.org says:
This study entitled “Homeschooling Grows Up” analyzes the first generation of homeschool graduates to examine “how they are succeeding in their homes, in their work, and in their lives.” Here are some of the highlights:
• Over 71% of homeschoolers participate in a voluntary church or neighborhood association, compared with 37% of U.S. adults.
• Over 76% of homeschool graduates ages 18-24 voted in a national/state election the past 5 years, compared with just 29% of 18-24 year-old public school graduates.
• Only 4.2% of homeschool graduates consider politics and government too complicated to understand, compared to 35 % of U.S. adults
• Over 95% of homeschool graduates were glad that they were homeschooled.
And these findings are just the tip of the iceberg! The vast majority of homeschoolers are content, know the value of hard work, and want to homeschool their own kids.
Additionally, college recruiters often seek out homeschooled students. “Admission officers at Stanford University think they are seeing an unusually high occurrence of a key ingredient, which they term ‘intellectually vitality,’ in homeschool graduates” (Worldwide Guide, page 71).
http://www.lifeway.com/lwc/article_main_page/0,1703, A%253D161130%2526M%253D200128,00.html
I've read the above from various sources over the years - even mainstream publications such as Reader's Digest. The bottom line is: Homeschooling works. AND, yes, your child can be properly socialized!
(oh, and before I talk more about socialization here's an interesting little tidbit on how shows like Dr. Phil operate: http://localhs.com/scuttle/2006/10/great-school-debate.asp Be sure to read it if you intend to watch the Dr. Phil Oct 27th show on homeschooling)
More info on socialization: http://www.nhen.org/nhen/pov/editors/default.asp?id=158
http://www.hslda.org/research/ray2003/Socialization.asp
http://homeschooling.about.com/od/socialization/
and the best one yet:
http://www.excellenceineducation.com/socialization.php
Now, none of this is meant to put down those who attended traditional school or choose to send their kids to traditional school - I absolutely know it's possible to raise intelligent, caring, and successful children while sending them to traditional school. My goal is to educate people on homeschooling and to dispel the (MANY) myths surrounding this parenting and education choice. I'm so saddened when I get into a conversation with someone who just KNOWS that homeschooling is not for them when they obviously know nothing about it and don't have a single educated thing to say on the topic! They clearly have NOT done any true research into the topic. Isn't doing what is best for your child a part of being a parent? And doesn't knowing what is best for your child require diligently researching all of the options available?
Comment feed for this post
Well considering homeschooling is a HEAVILY religious trend (nobody can deny that a heavy percentage of homeschoolers are religious) is that really surprising?
Thats like saying 70% of swimmers like the water as opposed to 50% of adults in the US. Well...yeah...they probably wouldn't be swimmers otherwise. Matter of fact I'm kind of surprised its not higher than 70% considering I bet the % of homeschoolers who are religious is higher than that.
• Over 76% of homeschool graduates ages 18-24 voted in a national/state election the past 5 years, compared with just 29% of 18-24 year-old public school graduates.
I'm not even sure why this is something you would tout as being a benefit.
Homeschooling...it encourages your kids to vote.
• Only 4.2% of homeschool graduates consider politics and government too complicated to understand, compared to 35 % of U.S. adults
This has junk science written all over it. What does the fact that I THINK I know what I'm talking about have to do with whether or not I actually do?
Where are the test scores showing homeschoolers have a better understanding of our government, socio-economics, geopolitical affairs, etc. etc.?
You asked two groups of people to rate themselves and one said "I'm better"...so? I guess you could say that homeschoolers are...a more confident bunch when it comes to their opinions.
I will leave out my theory on why that is because this is the wrong crowd.
• Over 95% of homeschool graduates were glad that they were homeschooled.
...and?
I'm one of that 5% by the way.
Not to mention this whole thing is VERY shaky because they compare one group, to a hodgepodge of other groups.
I'd like to see them compare this to private school graduates only.
The Point:
"This study entitled..."
Thats not a study kids, thats a survey.
And for the record I'm being nice because I WANTED to make a joke about it being ok that they don't know the difference, they were probably homeschooled, but I didn't...kinda... ;p
I just heard a recent study that homeschoolers have averaged higher on the ACT than public and PRIVATE schools for the last two years.
Also, as a homeschooler myself, I find complete ease in social settings as do all of my siblings. Yes, there are the token "easy to pick out of a crowd" homeschoolers, but you can find that in any group. My siblings and I are so thankful our mom took the time to teach us at home, I dread to think of the person (following the crowd) I would be had I attended public school.
As for us all being "religious", yes, I suppose the vast majority are (though I despise the word "religious". That makes it sound like you have to do certain things, a certain way, at a certain time-how about just having a living, breathing realationship with Jesus?). When you have a certain belief, you are unable to just be ignorant to what our society is endorsing. Just basic moral values would lead someone to be more aware of what our children are being taught.
Thanks for letting me put my two cents in :-)!