Here's the sitch...

Here's the sitch...

Introducing the new homeschooling - almost unrecognizable from its 1990s version.

As I noted in my previous post, homeschooling has been in the midst of a surge ever since the onset of the global pandemic. Many experts agree it’s not stopping anytime soon.

And this is not your parents’ homeschooling. (Aw, man. Somehow that Oldsmobile motto doesn’t flow as easily here, but you take my meaning, yes?) Anyway, the latest generation of children being homeschooled are demographically diverse, socially connected, and have access to more resources than ever before.

Here are some of the most significant changes, in a nutshell.

Changes to the “Who”

Then (1990s):

• 90% of homeschooling families were white, evangelical Christian, middle-class families
• Only 25% of homeschooling parents held a Bachelor’s or higher degree
• The average household income was under $50,000

Now:

• 48% of homeschool families are non-white. Homeschooling embodies families of all backgrounds, races, incomes, and beliefs
• About 60% of homeschooling parents hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher
• Just under 50% have a household income of $75,000 or more; (15% have an income between $57-$100k, 33% of households have an income over $100k)

Changes to the “Why”

Then (1990s):

• Almost all families stated religious, moral or ideological values as the primary or top motivation

Now:

• Motivations are varied, with top concerns including:
• Concerns about public school environment, including dangers of school shootings, violence, bully, drugs and peer influence
• Desire for greater academic flexibility or rigor than public school offers
• Not enough support for special needs children in public school
• Desire to teach ethnic, cultural or faith-based learning
• Desire for more experiential or hands-on learning

Changes to the “How”

Then (1990s):

• Heavy reliance on textbooks and workbooks
• Correspondence (mail-delivered curriculum)
• Few options for faith-based curriculum
• Parents did most of the teaching in the home

Now:

• There are thousands of online and print curriculum to choose from
• Students can participate in live classes, video lessons, and interactive apps
• There is access to tutors, learning centers, and homeschool co-ops
• Technology has developed AI tools, gamified learning, and virtual reality labs

Changes to the “When and Where”

Then (1990s):

• Students did their school at home around the kitchen table, Monday through Friday
• Families took field trips and other excursions
• Students’ primary social interaction was with parents and siblings
• Limited extracurriculars such as music lessons, church activities or 4H

Now:

• Students can do hybrid learning: part home, part in-person
• Micro-schools, learning pods, and online academies have become widespread
• Homeschool students can take dual-enrollment classes with local colleges

Homeschool students participate in choral and dance troupes, theater, sports leagues, art classes, internships, martial arts, and more

Changes to the “What happens next”

Then (1990s):

• Homeschool graduates had to work hard to prove themselves
• Many colleges did not accept unaccredited courses or homeschool transcripts
• Employers were weary of homeschooled candidates

Now:

• Most colleges and universities welcome homeschoolers
• Many post-secondary schools offer special admissions paths or scholarships for homeschool students
• Employers are beginning to value the character, independence and creativity homeschoolers bring
• Homeschool students can graduate with college credits already completed

 

Homeschooling no longer qualifies as a fringe alternative—in fact, some educational researchers consider it to be approaching a mainstream educational option. Regardless of how it is categorized, it certainly appears to be a dynamic and growing movement that is evolving to reflect changing family priorities, innovations in learning, and a more flexible and individual approach to education.

Given the access to more and higher quality resources, expanded community support systems, and growing acceptance from higher education and the workforce, there’s no reason why today’s homeschooled students can’t be well-positioned for academic, personal, and professional success.

** If you are looking for a solid overview of what homeschooling looks like since the pandemic, Laura Meckler, a homeschool researcher, gives a solid interview about it on Chris Hayes’ podcast. I was pleasantly surprised to find the interview not only detailed and informative, but pretty neutral in terms of attitude and tone. You can listen to it (or read the transcript) here.