10 Myths About Homeschooling Unveiled

1. Socialization 
      . According to HSLDA "Public school children are confined to a classroom for at least 180 days each year with little opportunity to be exposed to the workplace or to go on field trips. The children are trapped with a group of children their own age with little chance to relate to children of other ages or adults. They learn in a vacuum where there are no absolute standards. They are given little to no responsibility, and everything is provided for them. The opportunity to pursue their interests and apply their unique talents is stifled. Actions by public students rarely have consequences, as a discipline is lax and passing from grade to grade is automatic. The students are not really prepared to operate in the home (family) or the workplace, which comprise a major part of the “real world” after graduation." 
     . HSLDA has this to say about homeschooled children" Homeschoolers, on the other hand, do not have the above problems. They are completely prepared for the “real world” of the workplace and the home. They relate regularly with adults and follow their examples rather than the examples of foolish peers. They learn based on “hands-on” experiences and early apprenticeship training. In fact, the only “socialization” or aspect of the “real world” which they miss out on by not attending the public school is unhealthy peer pressure, crime, and immorality. Of course, the average homeschooler wisely learns about these things from afar instead of being personally involved in crime or immorality or perhaps from being a victim."

2. Parent's being teachers
   . A lot of people believe that because parents do not have teaching credentials they are not capable of teaching their children at home. Or that they will not receive the same quality of education.  However, HSLDA has said this "Most education officials publicly claim that teachers need special “qualifications” in order to be effective. As a result, public education organizations often promote legislation or an interpretation of the law that would require homeschool parents to have one of three qualifications: 1) a teacher certificate, 2) a college degree, or 3) pass a “teacher’s exam.” Although this seems reasonable on the surface, such requirements not only violate the right of parents to teach their children as guaranteed by the First and Fourteenth Amendments but virtually all academic research documents that there is no positive correlation between teacher qualifications (especially teacher certification requirements) and student performance." 

3. If you're homeschooled you can't get into college
   . Many Junior colleges and Universities have begun understanding that there are more and more homeschoolers applying for a school. As such, many of them have placed sections on their web pages specifically for such students. Universities put more weight on testing such as SAT  or standardized scores, and may also want SATll testing done for homeschooled students. If the child cannot test well they may require to take different steps first before being admitted. Colleges don't ask to see your diploma, instead, they want your transcripts. This is why I will continue to stress how important it is to keep good CUM file and transcript records. If your child is in college-bound then start preparing their files starting Freshman year so you can have a consistent flow and professional file.

4. Very few people homeschool
    . According to HSLDA, approximately 1.7 million children are homeschooled in the United States as of 2017-2018 and the number is ever-increasing as more and more parents seek out different options for education.

5. Homeschool kids don't learn as well
    . Because every child learns differently, homeschooling is a perfect choice as each child can be taught according to their learning style and capabilities. Parents are able to take the time needed to ensure the child has mastered their subject before moving on to the next. There isn't a one-way learning style so there shouldn't be a one-way teaching style.

6. Extracurricular activities are not available
   . Just like kids who get P.E., sports, or art homeschooled kids can be involved in many extracurricular activities. Some examples are club sports, dance teams, music lessons, pop warner football and cheer, classes offered by your local library for graphic design, typing, photoshop, art, and the list goes on and on.

7.  Homeschool kids stay locked in the house all day
     . This one cracks me up no our children do not live their whole school education locked behind closed doors brewing up potions to scatter around the neighborhood. Matter of fact they get better opportunities to do hands-on learning by going on field trips all over the world or just in their city. Being parents you are responsible for planning your school week, so you can incorporate field trips, visits to tour businesses, doing apprenticeships, and going to farms, museums, and historical sites. 

8.  Diploma is not legit
     . HSLDA describes a diploma as this "A high school diploma is a document that bears record of the completion of a course of study. If you're wondering whether your homeschooled student can receive a diploma, the answer is yes!" records records records make sure you keep stellar ones because this will be questioned whether it's legit. No one can fight well-kept records. 

9.  In order to homeschool you can't be employed
    . There are many options for homeschooling which I describe in detail in my post "Are there different types of homeschooling" some options work hand in hand with the working parent. In these days it is harder and harder to stay in a one-income household, or if you're a single parent it is impossible not to work. Don't feel discouraged you can homeschool go check out my post mentioned above.

10. You can't homeschool a special needs child
     . Again HSLDA states "Most states with homeschooling regulations require nothing additional of parents who choose to home educate their special needs students. Likewise, the parental rights to homeschool are the same under the compulsory attendance laws in all of the states except Iowa, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, and Vermont." If you are in the four states mentioned contact HSLDA at https://hslda.org and get more information on how you can homeschool. Look into your state's disabilities programs so you can get further assistance for programs like OT therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, and more. In a lot of states, your school district may be willing to offer free programs offered by that state.