Home Schooling

Book excerpt: From left to right on the political spectrum, there is at least one note of agreement: the nation's school system has not delivered universal quality education. Accordingly, debate has raged over how to rectify this situation. Should the government increase funding, encourage privatisation, some of both? Another option, though, has emerged and is seemingly gaining popularity -- home schooling. Citing both substandard education and displeasure with school environments and curricula, many parents have decided to teach their own children. Supporters say it is well within their rights to raise their children as they see fit and that at-home learning is superior to the public system. Detractors claim that home-schooled children are deprived of social interaction and the broad-based education provided by the system. Neither side wants to cede ground, making the issue of home schooling an integral part of a wider national debate on education. In this book, the specific topic of home schooling is presented from all relevant sides to give a complete picture of the present status of the issue and its potential for future resolution. Following this overview is a thorough and carefully selected bibliography of literature about home schooling from all viewpoints. Easy access to his important resource is then provided via author, title, and subject indexes.