A Growing Popularity of Home Schooling Essay Example

offers protection from negative influences such as bullying and drug abuse in public schools, it also hinders a child's ability to cope with future challenges. Although homeschooling does shield children from harmful experiences, it prevents them from developing the necessary skills to handle peer pressure and bullying, which are prevalent not only in public schools but also in workplaces, colleges, high schools, and communities (Graham 1). By not facing these risks, homeschooled children lack effective management strategies. Moreover, the protection provided by homeschooling is temporary and ceases when the child enters high school or college.

Osborne, Russo, and Cattaro (2019) suggest that public schooling is essential for equipping children with the necessary skills to confront and navigate potential dangers they may encounter. Public schools facilitate interaction between students and their potentially hazardous world, allowing children to develop early competence in handling various issues and everyday challenges. Even though public school students face problems like bullying, peer pressure, and drug abuse, they confront these situations directly and learn how to withstand them. Consequently, when transitioning to college, public school students tend to possess a higher level of competence in dealing with dangerous circumstances compared to those who are homeschooled.

Public schooling fosters independence and responsibility in students, empowering them to defend themselves against bullying in college or the workplace and navigate everyday life challenges. Conversely, homeschooling provides fewer chances for socialization compared to public education as homeschooled children have limited interaction with peers. Moreover, not attending school with local children poses difficulties for homeschoolers in establishing friendships beyond the school environment.

Homeschooled children frequently have underdeveloped interpersonal skills in comparison to their publicly schooled peers (Houston and Eugenia). This

deficiency in social development can lead to difficulties in forming friendships during high school and college, as well as establishing and sustaining relationships later in life. Moreover, homeschoolers may feel a sense of remorse for not participating in enjoyable social experiences like prom, which are commonly associated with traditional schooling. Conversely, public schools provide students with a favorable social setting where they can engage with fellow classmates.

Graham (30) argues that students attend school not only for academic education but also for socializing and establishing relationships. Public schools provide a consistent environment where students can interact with their peers, which helps them develop interpersonal skills. As a result, children who attend public schools tend to have more friendships during high school and college and feel a sense of belonging in social situations compared to those who are homeschooled. Moreover, the friendships formed by publicly schooled children are usually stronger as they are initiated early on and gradually nurtured over time.

The socialization opportunities offered in public schools assist in addressing social issues like racial segregation (Graham 1). Students develop the ability to deal with others, thereby becoming capable of accepting peers from diverse backgrounds even in the future. Curriculum disparities exist between homeschooling and public schooling, and these disparities greatly affect student achievements. Public schools have a superior curriculum compared to that provided for homeschooled children. Additionally, parents might lack the competence to effectively implement the curriculum due to their lack of training in curriculum development and utilization (Houston and Eugenia).

When compared to public schools, parents who homeschool their children may lack the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience for providing a quality education. Public schools adhere to

a standardized curriculum that is designed to provide students with the essential competencies needed for exams and accreditation. Qualified teachers in public schools play a crucial role in effectively implementing this curriculum, resulting in greater academic achievement when compared to homeschooled children.

Homeschooling limits children's involvement in extracurricular activities, like sports and field trips, which are commonly found in public schools. This can make it difficult for homeschooling parents to find community sports events that cater to their children's needs. Consequently, homeschooling families have taken the initiative to create their own sports activities, but these may not be as effective as those offered by public schools (Houston and Eugenia). Additionally, financial constraints can prevent homeschooling parents from affording necessary learning resources. Many choose not to work full-time, resulting in reduced income (Osborne, Russo, and Cattaro). Conversely, public schools receive sufficient funding from federal and state governments that allows them to acquire various learning resources that enhance instructional delivery and facilitate better comprehension.

Homeschooling confines children to the home environment, depriving them of the classroom life and school schedules. This can pose a challenge in adjusting to high school and college life (Graham 56). Moreover, homeschooled children do not learn essential skills such as obeying rules and meeting deadlines, which are required in public schools. The absence of deadlines and stress in homeschooling fails to teach students how to work under pressure.

Transitioning to high school can pose challenges for homeschooled students who may experience confusion and disorientation in the new school environment during the initial weeks. Conversely, public school students are already acquainted with this setting, allowing them to adapt and navigate high school and college life more

efficiently compared to their homeschooled counterparts. This ease of adjustment plays a crucial role in ensuring a successful early start in the learning process and a seamless progression into higher education. Although homeschooling has its limitations, it does offer specific advantages for students.

Homeschooled children benefit from personalized education that is tailored to meet their individual needs, unlike public school students who must compete for the teacher's attention among numerous classmates. Consequently, homeschooling offers the flexibility to adapt teaching styles according to each student's learning style, resulting in enhanced comprehension. This makes it an ideal choice for students with special requirements such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Moreover, studying at home fosters a less disruptive environment compared to traditional schools, enabling improved focus. However, it should be noted that if not managed appropriately, mobile televisions and gadgets can serve as distractions and hinder effective learning.

Despite the distractions, homeschooling provides valuable opportunities for self-discipline, family bonding, and instilling desired values in children, unlike public schooling. It allows parents and children to learn and appreciate each other, strengthening family bonds. During homeschooling, parents can devote time to reinforcing important values such as religion. Furthermore, homeschooling offers greater flexibility compared to public schooling, which follows strict schedules (Houston and Eugenia).

While homeschooling offers flexibility, it mainly benefits the parent and can lead to wasted time. Conversely, students who attend public schools can still have quality family time outside of school. In general, both homeschooling and public schooling have advantages and disadvantages. Although they provide a solid education, their distinctions can either hinder or promote learning and development.

Homeschooling, with its learner-centered approach to education and emphasis on flexibility and family

bonds, provides several advantages. It proves especially beneficial for easily distracted children who struggle in a traditional classroom setting. However, despite these benefits, public education still remains the better alternative due to its efficiency, effectiveness, and ability to teach problem-solving skills. Public schools also promote social interaction with diverse individuals and achieve better academic outcomes through improved curriculums.

Public schooling provides several benefits such as fostering social skills, offering access to superior learning resources, and promoting independent problem-solving. Furthermore, students attending public schools are better equipped for college and high school compared to homeschoolers. Therefore, public schooling is the optimal approach for preparing students for higher education, employment opportunities, and social integration.

Works Cited

• Cattaro, Gerald Michael, Charles J. Russo, and Allan G. Osborne Jr. “Alternative Schooling and School Choice.” Thousand Oaks, Calif: SAGE Publications, 2012. Web.
• Graham, Patricia Albjerg. “Schooling America: How the Public Schools Meet the Nation's Changing Needs.” New York: Oxford University Press, 2005.

Print.

Houston, Robert G., and Eugenia F. Toma. "Home Schooling: An Alternative School Choice." Southern economic journal 69.4 (2003): 920-35. Web.