“The National Education Association believes that home schooling programs based on parental choice cannot provide the student with a comprehensive education experience.”

BS

So the founding fathers didn't have a "comprehensive education experience"? Thomas Edison didn't have a "comprehensive Education experience"? Albert Einstein, John Newton, Abraham Lincoln, William Shakespeare and the like didn't have "a comprehensive education experience"? Well, I guess I don't need to either.

Right on, Elizabeth. It would appear that only thing that those true geniuses missed out on was the mind-conforming of the masses.

which is not to say that it is the wrong choice in some circumstances... trade-offs exist.

BULL!!!!!!!!!

Just what you would expect from the NEA. It's interesting that home schooled kids consistently outscore public school kids in aptitude tests. As to the "comprehensive education experience" I agree. Home schooled kids miss all the wonderful things such as walking through those neat metal detectors. The NEA isn't interested in educating anyone, only keeping the teachers unions fat and happy.

"Are you experienced?" ;-) Frankly, homeschooling is more like an apprenticeship where knowledge is gained from experience rather than a classroom. Jim K is correct -- unions are but legalized mafias.

Naturally they would oppose home schooling programs - that would upset the monopoly of the government schools.

Archer, in the infamous words of Jimi, 'I am', bloodied a bit but better for the ware. jim YES. Not exposing too much of my family, my eldest started college at age 15, never attending governmental indoctrination, exhibiting a sufficiently comprehensive education experience. In one state that I lived, the State claimed that it possessed legal title to all children and they had ultimate say as to education. I was merely steward over state property by recognition of being the creator of such state property (my children). I was told that religion could not be taught during school hours and that I had to follow the state outlined curriculum. I'm a little disappointed my work took me from there, I was looking forward to battling that one. The NEA is truly one of the greatest antagonists to a comprehensive education experience in America today.

Of course choice is an anathema to all bureaucrats.

It's the arrogance of the statement that bothers me and that it is coming from a monolith rather than an individual.

I perfectly agree. We are fast becoming isolated not only towards other nations but also within our communities and this is yet another vehicle to speed up the process. Parents, I agree, should be responsible in helping their child to become educated while helping the educational process by early learning and encouragement. Children must be free of parental intolerance and indifference, they must have the freedom to choose their own path in the world. State education, as the basis by which children can obtain education, must be the norm, all else can be extra curricula. Children should not be made to believe in their parents philosophy or religion they should be free to choose. Furthermore, Parents have no experience in the very complex attributes that are necessary in the education of a child. And lastly, there is nothing so damaging to the growth of a child than isolating them from other children. There is nothing that can take the place of learning from other children: How A Child Learns by Dorothy Law Nolte: If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn. If a child lives with hostility, she learns to fight. If a child lives with ridicule, he learns to be shy. If a child lives with shame, she learns to feel guilty. If a child lives with tolerance, he learns to be patient. If a child lives with encouragement, she learns confidence. If a child lives with praise, he learns to appreciate. If a child lives with fairness, she learns justice. If a child lives with security, he learns to have faith. If a child lives with approval, she learns to like herself. If a child lives with acceptance and friendship, he learns to find love in the world.

Whenever RBESRQ becomes the victim of their beliefs he/she will live in regret for the soul and life their child.

fertilizer RBESRQ "Children should not be made to believe in their parents philosophy or religion they should be free to choose." Does that work with college professors also because my home schooled daughter is a junior at Sac State and doing quite well in all classes she's taking except when she has a slightly conservative or independent thought. Then she is ridiculed by her professor. So much for free thinking.

The National Education Association believes that home schooling programs based on parental choice will not provide the union with sufficient funding to maintain their power and the status quo of unaccountable, incompetent 'educators'. There. Fixed it.

Robert, what home schoolers are locked away from other children, Would that be Tim Tebow, quarterback for the Gators? Every blogger here that admits home schooling, I would bet have more sociable children than those put through dumbing down cattle drives. Your statement is so ignorant, it is not believable.

I teach at a community college. Last night my students talked about how mind-numbing their educational experience was, and how a couple of bad students in a class could prevent the rest from learning. The beauty of home schooling is that education can be tailored to the student. The ones who can excel can move at their own pace, those who need extra help can receive it. For RBESRQ, the home schooling environment is usually much less critical and demeaning than the brutal world of school. And, since many home schooling families have multiple children, the children do learn from one another.

WOW Nancy, you're a rare animal, THANK YOU!

Yes, I agree, with one proviso, and that is: any family wishing to home school should pass a means test. The test should be based on a liberal and holistic education.... I'm not saying the public school education is good in the US but the philosophy is good. Instead of funding wars, our military machine, and the banks, we should concentrate on providing funds for a better public school system. Home schooling would isolate children causing problems with their behavioral skills.

Goes without question, one of the most ignorant statements of All Time ! It is hard to get a drink of clean water, in an ever polluting sea !!