Mystery Shopper: Pottery Barn Kids Project Essay Example
Mystery Shopper: Pottery Barn Kids Project Essay Example

Mystery Shopper: Pottery Barn Kids Project Essay Example

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  • Pages: 4 (1087 words)
  • Published: September 21, 2018
  • Type: Case Study
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Over the past few decades, there has been a notable rise in American parents opting to homeschool their children instead of enrolling them in public schools. In the 1960s, only 10,000 students were homeschooled; however, this number surged to one million by 2001 (Lines, 2001). Despite some controversy surrounding homeschooling over time, it is gradually gaining more acceptance and changing public opinion. A Gallup poll shows that 73% of respondents who previously viewed homeschooling as negative now have a positive outlook.

By 2001, there was a decrease in disapproval towards homeschooling to 57%, which can be attributed to studies proving the academic achievements of homeschooled children and the belief that public schools in America are not meeting expectations. The rise of homeschooling households has resulted in the emergence of new businesses catering specifically to their requirements.

There has been a rise in State

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and local attempts to regulate homeschooling, with approximately 50% of states implementing rules for assessing student performance and certifying home educators. When deciding whether to homeschool their children, parents should take into account the benefits and drawbacks, as well as how it may impact their household. One advantage is that parents have more authority over their children's upbringing compared to public school parents, allowing them to counter or prevent negative influences that their children may encounter.

Compared to their peers in public schools, home-schooled students face less peer pressure and have the freedom to learn at their own pace without being constrained by a classroom schedule. Moreover, monitoring the progress of a single student is easier for one teacher than overseeing thirty.

Various research studies, including one conducted with Iowa students, suggest that home-schooled students typically

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excel in achievement exams. Moreover, approximately 25% of them take classes beyond their age group. Despite common assumptions, these pupils devote less time to watching TV compared to their counterparts in public schools. This is significant because heightened TV consumption has been associated with reduced academic achievements. Nevertheless, home-schooled learners tend to use computers more often for educational reasons than those attending public schools.

Home schooling offers several advantages, such as allowing parents to closely monitor their children's internet activities and prevent exposure to harmful online content. It also enables the provision of faith-based or character-oriented education, which is not feasible in public schools due to legal limitations on religious instruction. Character education often incorporates religious values that cannot be imparted in a public school environment. Additionally, home-schooled students are safeguarded from negative peer influences and undesirable behaviors.

According to Rudner (1999), home schooling parents are highly engaged in their child's education, which can be advantageous regardless of the learning environment. However, some parents may not have the necessary commitment and self-discipline needed for homeschooling success. One major disadvantage of homeschooling is limited opportunities for socializing with peers.

Although home-schooled students do participate in peer activities, they typically interact more with adults than their peers. However, this type of socialization cannot entirely substitute the benefits provided by public schools. Public schools offer an environment where children spend a whole day developing relationships and gaining teamwork skills with diverse cultures, beliefs, and religions - which is essential in our multicultural society. Additionally, home-schooled students miss out on the unique bonding experiences that come from experiencing school collectively as a group.

Home school students may face limitations in extracurricular options, particularly

in sports and music. Participation in public school activities is not common, although some schools allow it. Private music lessons or joining youth sports leagues are alternative options, but can come with added expenses such as travel costs. Replicating the unique experiences provided by public school-sponsored extracurricular activities can be challenging for these students. Such activities often serve as a significant motivator for academic performance.

Rudner (1999) suggests that the effectiveness of home schooling may be influenced by financial factors such as spending on materials, tutoring and related services. However, this can create a burden for parents who already pay taxes for public schools. The cost of expensive materials and tutoring services, along with the loss of income when a parent chooses to teach at home instead of working, means that most home schooled students come from middle to high income two-parent families. Despite the financial sacrifice, home schooling theoretically eliminates many time-wasting activities commonly found in public schools.

Despite the presence of numerous distractions at home, such as televisions, computers, video games, and cell phones, public schools offer a structured schedule that minimizes possible distractions like attendance taking, transitioning between classes, and busy work. As a result, the time dedicated to learning is generally optimized in comparison to homeschooling. Nevertheless, ensuring that a homeschooled student remains focused necessitates exceptional commitment from their parents.

Home schooling can elicit different responses from parents. While some find it enjoyable, others may perceive it as stressful. Those who enjoy it might develop excessive familiarity with their children, leading to educational disorganization. Additionally, society still scrutinizes home schooling and does not always consider it a conventional approach.

The impact of home schooling on

college admissions and employment prospects is explored in the article. It is unclear if better academic outcomes are a result of home schooling or greater parental involvement. Likely, a combination of both factors affects student success. Nevertheless, it's important to recognize that home schooling may not be appropriate for everyone and should only be regarded as one option rather than an all-encompassing solution.

Although many believe that homeschooling limits socialization, parents should promote their children's interaction with peers. Depending on location, the availability of extracurricular activities may differ; nonetheless, a growing number of support groups and services are accessible to homeschoolers. Moreover, some public schools offer opportunities for homeschooled students to engage in school-sponsored extracurricular activities.

It is essential to take into account different aspects such as the resources available, the teacher's skills, and financial impact when considering homeschooling. However, the most significant factor is regularly evaluating both the student's and teacher's personalities and level of commitment. Homeschooling can be advantageous for motivated students and parents since it allows them to avoid being constrained by a public school's slower pace.

Eliminating various time-wasting elements in public schools can bring about an opportunity for a stronger parent-child relationship, giving parents more influence in their child's life. (Source: Lines, Patricia M. (2001). "Homeschooling".)

The article titled "Educational Resources Information Center Digest. No. 151: Sept." is by Lawrence M. Rudner.The Education Policy Analysis published a report in 1999 titled "Scholastic Achievement and Demographic Characteristics of Students in 1998", which is in volume format.

Volume 7, Issue 8 on March 23.

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