Do You Think People that Home School Should have to be tested to qualify

I dont know if that will help , but maybe if a short refreshment teacher-preparation course was custom made for home-teaching parents , that would help the parents focus on important aspects of the material they are teaching , also the course should be prepared keeping in mind the parts of the curriculum that are most likely to be misunderstood by the average layman adult . That could be followed by a simplified test for parents who wish to take it .However I do not believe ANY parent should be prevented from the option of teaching the children themselves EXCEPT if alternative FREE education is made available (free public school for example) . I dont know what the situation in the other countries is ,but my understanding is that there are no free schools .

In some cases I believe so. Many parents are qualified to teach their children but others aren't. I'm not dissing home schooling but I have seen one effect of it as I went to school a guy who didn't enter regular school until then and he wasn't used to the taunting and teasing that goes on in schools. Home schooled children aren't as socialized to the school system. It hurts those children. But then the aspect that many are far beyond children that go to school. So like I said there are good and bad points to home schooling. And part of that is people who teach it. There should be a test is all I'm saying.

I think parents should be screened in some way. Because a lot of parents don't even teach their children anything. They decide to keep them home and all day long all they do is sit and watch tv and color. The kids don't learn anything, how are they a productive member of society? I don't think they shouldn't school them at all, so something needs to be done.

No I don't think people who homeschool should be test to see if they are "qualified". My nephew was home schooled two years ago because the school here didn't think he was mature enough to continue with his class although he had passing grades and had met the requirements to go on to the next level. My mother in law handled his home schooling and within 1 year had him ready to meet the requirements that the school presented in order to move on to the next grade with his class. This is a prime example of teachers not doing their jobs. The failure in this case was the teachers, and not my nephew. She did not have the patience required nor did she take the time necessary to ensure that he was ready to go to the next grade level. It's either that, or he did not fit in with the "established norms" as set forth in our Socialistic and Liberalistic Education System. Public Schools want to put everyone in little boxes. They want to label them and categorize them, and then they want to indoctrinate them into a life of servitude to not only their employers but also to the government. They are taught to accept everything at face value and to do what they are told. The structure of the school day gets them used to the structure of a normal job routine. The structure of the school hierarchy prepares them for dealing with employers and those in authority while diminishing any vestiges of individuality or independent thought. Socialistic concepts and Evolution Theories are taught and encouraged while Capitalism and Creationism is discouraged. Social Order is emphasized over independence and personal freedoms. Those who chose to homeschool have every right to do so. If the child's progress is shown to be at least comparable to those who are in public school then there is no cause for anyone to be concerned. If the child is way behind the others then steps should be taken to correct the problem. Mandatory testing of parents who homeschool is a bad idea, and can lead to abuse by those who do the testing. Lincoln was not only home schooled but also self-taught, and he went on to greatness. Worry less about home schooling, and more about correcting the failure of our public schools.

I agree with you. My parents homeschooled me for a few years (it was a miserable time because I got no social interaction) but my mom is smart and helped me with everything I needed. But I don't think any parents should be able to teach their children, it should be regulated in some way. I am not a fan of homeschooling and would never do it to my kids. But I am sure there are alot of people out there that do homeschool their kids and do a great job, but I believe the majority don't know enough to be teaching their kids everything.

I agree; maybe there should be some kind of testing to make sure you're qualified to home school. I think the problem is usually that it takes more time and effort than a lot of people realize. I think most of the text books come with the answers in the back. Or you can get them that way,anyhow. But I do agree with you on the point that you can't teach someone what you yourself don't know.

I completely understand where you are coming from. I have two daughters. I homeschool my oldest daughter, who is 13, and my youngest daughter goes to public school. They are like daylight and dark. They have two totally different personalities. I started homeschooling my daughter when she was in the 6th grade. When she was in public school, she was making C's and D's and could not spell very well. The teachers in public school did not seem very concerned that she had trouble spelling and that her grades were poor. I decided to homeschool her because she needed extra attention that she wasn't receiving at public school. I do agree with you that some parents should not be allowed to homeschool their children. Some parents homeschool for wrong reasons. I do believe homeschooling is a good idea in some cases. Homeschool parents should also have their children involved in activities where they can interact with other children so that they will be able to deal with the pressures and changes of the social scene.

I have a grade 8 education (complete and part of grade 9) and I homeschooled my kids for 2 yrs with great success...Do I think there should be some sort of testing? that would depend...Who would decide what the test would consist of? Who would be giving the test? if its the school board they are going to be more inclined to fail ppl unnecessarily because they want those kids in school (it looks better for them, and finacially is better for them)...the State? Well I dont know aobut other States but here in NY it would NOT be a good thing, again because the State is far too demanding and would be more inclined to make the acceptable level far too high/unreachable for most....Not to mention the fact that ppl tend to assume that homeschooling should be done in one set fashion which is so far from the truth...I UNschooled my kids...they have an Aunt who homeschooled in a very structured setting which is what worked for them...and so on...And finally...just because the parent isnt necessarily skilled in certain areas or "the brightest person" type thing doesnt mean there isnt resources..there are PLENTY of resources for a homeschooling parent.... What do I think of homeschooling in general...Well for us it was the best thing we could have done when living back in Canada...BUT its certainly not for everyone particularly if the parent gets caught up in the "you HAVE TO do it this way" type thng rather than doing things their way..

Home Schooling one's child is a parent's prerogative. If the parent feels that they have to home school their children, they have every right to do it. But, home schooling just for the sake of home schooling is something that I don't agree on. It depends on the situation of the family. Thus, I don't agree that there should be testing for parents who Home School their children. But, as much as possible, children should be taken to a proper school to experience learning in the best way.

no, I do not. The parent is the first and most important teacher a child has. It is the parent who teaches the child to walk, by encouragement - even if the parent is in a wheel chair. It is the parent who teaches the child to use the potty. (even if the parent is incontinent, he/she can teach this) It is the parent who teaches the child to talk - and I have deaf friends who naturally have a huge speech impediment, yet their children speak wonderfully... IT is the parent who teaches the child to love, even if no love is returned. your question makes me wonder if you think parents should be tested for qualifications to be a parent... and just who makes that determining decision? the criteria? What I have taught my children is how to learn - so if they exceed my knowledge or my inteligence *BRAVO* they will continue to grow because they know HOW to learn. Anyone who was able to graduate public school should certainly be able to pass along what he has learned, and his abilities should be sufficient to teach his child. Do not be fooled that a public school teacher is necessarily that much more inteligent, that much more knowledgeable than a parent with no degree. IF as you say a person is dumber than dirt (what a horrile expression) then I doubt they would be very inspired to home educate anyhow.

Okay, I am a home school parent who is "bright " enough to school my kids. I graduated from high school in the top 15% of the class and I went to college and studied elementary education. I am very intelligent and yes, I don't know everything, but I am as qualified as any teacher in any public school system. I dont' believe parents need to be tested to school the kids because if they are following state law with the schooling then mot kids are tested or checked on any way. Speaking of teachers and public schools, here is something that happened to my daughter the last year that she attended public school and after reading this, see if you still see public schools as the best place for a child to be. My child was turning in assignments and getting them back with failing grades on them, She came home and mentioned to me that she must be having problems with the work as she was failing, so I agreed to help her with her work that evening. The next day, she came home and said that she failed again. I knew something was wrong so I looked at the papers and marked the things that I knew were right that had been marked wrong. I went to the teacher the next day and asked for an explanation and was told that she didnt' know why they were wrong. We set up an appointment with the prinicipal and teacher and were told that the teacher's aid in the class room had graded it as a different subject. She had graded a spelling assignment as a science paper. How dumb can you be?? These are the kinds of people that can be allowed to teach our kids in public school. I know not all teachers are like that but my point is that some parents are just the same as some of the teachers we have within the school system. I believe home schooling your child is a choice that you have and just because you don't feel it is right gives you no right to misrepresent the public about home schooled kids. Most of them are much "brighter" than public schooled kids and much more mature as they have more interaction with adults than mot kids. My children have plenty of social time at chuch,work,etc. Plus, the hours we are "in school" we are working- not playing or sleeping etc. I know what they are learning too!

I won't be homeschooling my kiddos because I am one of those dumb people that you are talking about lol. I have really bad memory problems and don't remember most of what I was taught in school. The only teaching that I am doing is getting my 2yr old started on her numbers, colors, letters, counting, and being able to point out what different things are. She also is learning how to bake and that is what I am teaching her. I do plan on sending them to public school because of the interaction and I plan on getting a day job once they are all in school. I also think that there should be tests like we had to take senior year for people that want to homeschool.

yes!home schooling is a tough work!when u home school,u have to be good in all areas..how could u teach a child at home if you yourself don't have a profound interest on the subject matters? people that home school should also learn how to teach a child apply the theories taught at home. people who home school must be screened and must undergo rigid training for them to master the subjects and for them to let the child apply what he has learned.

The idea is that everyone gets an education. If they choose to opt out of the public school system then that's their choice. They already know their own abilities. Who cares I say!

Whether you want to accept it or not, anyone that can read, comprehend, and follow directions is capable to teach their child the basics for English, Math, and Sciences. Most curriculums are setup in such a simple, well planned out, easy to follow way and are completely successful at teaching a child what they need to know. What do you think the public schools use? In actuality, a homeschooling parent is a better teacher because it creates a one-on-one personal tutor that cares about the child succeeding. Even if a parent isn't all-knowing in every topic, there are so many resources for home schoolers that your head would spin. Depending on what homeschooling program you take part in, sometimes you have access to specialized tutoring from a credentialed teacher as well. My concern with the opinion you hold....is the fact that because you feel someone is dumber than dirt then that perception is truly accurate. Maybe you're unaware of this persons true abilities. I find that a lot of people that put down home-schooling are insecure with their own ability to teach or seem to be somewhat jealous or wishing they were brave enough to take it on for themselves. Just some food for thought.

Yes, I do think that anyone who is in charge of children's education should be qualified to do so. All countries have a standard to which they expect children to be educated and anyone who sets up an educational establishment privately is usually inspected regularly to see that they conform and that basic standards are adhered to. This should apply equally to Home Schoolers as to private and public schools. I know that there is a lot of help and material for anyone wishing to Home School. I don't know if one has to register the fact that you want to withdraw your child from the State education system. I think that is the case in the UK and I believe that, if you did do that, you would have to undertake to educate your child to a minimum standard. I don't know what applies elsewhere.

I think people that home school should have to be tested to qualify.

i was worried at first when i started home schooling my kids. i got my GED but that was it. it wasnt because i didnt want to go further it was because life and the way i was raised. i was scared that it had been so long that i would not remember things etc. i use the alpha omega books for my kids and to be honest if they are getting ready to do somethingi dont remember i look at the books. they explain everything. it is a complete guide to home schooling. my kids were tested and there scores were outstanding i am proud. i dont think it should be mandatory for a parent to have go to college etc. the kids take test provided by the state and if the kids arent learning what they should learn then the state should step in. if a parent really cares about the education of there child they will do what has to be done to give them the best. i do think that the parent should have to sit down and speak with soemone so that the parent can show they can read etc. but as far as them having to have an education to do it no i dont think so. some people dont go to school but till the 9th grade and are smarter then those that get a ba, masters etc. i think the parent should have to pass the GED though.

In the event that the child's education does not suffer I see nothing wrong with homeschooling. As far as I understand there is a testing procedure for the students who are home schooled as a way to prove their knowledge. I think that, with regulation to make sure the child is learning at pace with their grade level, the parent should be permitted to design their child's education.

no ! it is bad idea. i feel home schooling have not a circumstance for children growing up . maybe in home the children will get more care. but no any partner with them. people must come through trouble and solve it by himself