Absolute Beginner's Guide to Home Schooling (Absolute Beginner's Guide)

Rating:
Summary: Some points just aren't realistic
Review: I am personally in favor of the homeschooling movement, as I understand that in many circumstances, it is the best thing for the student. However, it is not a panacea, there are many problems and consequences of homeschooling when compared to the traditional classroom. While the author does a good job in describing the mechanics of how homeschooling can be done, he vastly understates some of the problems. In fact, there are times when his attitude to the problems approaches the level of the cavalier.
The most significant example is in discussing the curriculum, especially in the qualifications and knowledge of the instructor. Middle school and high school teachers in public schools must be certified in their fields, and there is a good reason for this. There are very few people in the world whose knowledge is such that they can teach each of the traditional subjects of mathematics, history, English, economics, government, art, music and the various areas of science, all at the high school level. To say nothing of other subjects such as foreign languages, aspects of business and other courses outside the basics. Miser states, "As long as you can learn yourself, you can homeschool effectively." While this can work at the elementary and maybe the early middle school level, it is unreasonable to expect people to be able to teach themselves the necessary knowledge at the depth and breadth needed to teach these subjects at the upper levels. I know that people do homeschool up into the upper grades, but those that I am aware of rely on others to teach the material they cannot. They teach a few of the subjects and send their children to traditional schools or private tutors for the balance.
Another point where I thought the author was well off the mark is the section where he is discussing how a parent can successfully begin homeschooling their child after they have spent time in a traditional school. On page 150, there is the statement: "If your child is extremely tied to the `social scene' at school and suffers from a group-think addiction, your explanations might not help too much." The phrase "group-think" is used in several other situations to describe support for the traditional classroom form of education. To categorize a child's natural desire to remain with their friends as an addiction is flat out wrong. One of the correct arguments Miser puts forward in favor of homeschooling is that some students have difficulty fitting in socially. Here he argues that even those who are socially successful in traditional school should be pulled out and any objections they may have overridden.
On page 12, Miser argues that homeschooling is an advantage because the students education is managed by one person over a long period of time. I consider this a disadvantage, in that students need to be exposed to different teaching styles. Diversity of experience is nearly always an advantage. I also disagree with the statement that homeschoolers have access to the best educational material available. The best educational software is very expensive and some material, such as equipment for science labs, is beyond the budget of nearly everyone.
In conclusion, there is much to be said in favor of homeschooling. However, like everything else, only a realistic approach can be successful, and I don't consider many of the points in this book to be realistic.

Disclaimer: I have been a college instructor for over 20 years in math and computers, and have taught many future teachers, not all of which impressed me. I have also served as an officer in the local PTA and decided not to homeschool my children after an extensive examination and analysis of all the facts and consequences. They are currently in the public schools, are earning good grades and love going to school.