Homeschooling in the United States: Revelations or Revolution? Research Paper Example

My topic is on whether or not homeschooling should be changed.  There are various reasons as to why homeschooling should be changed.  Parents decided to homeschool their children for various reasons.  Some wish to monitor their children’s educations for ideological or religious reasons, while others want to be able to push their children more than they believe the schools are capable.  However, the way in which homeschooling should be changed, as it not only lacks a democratic fiber, but it also lacks the social needs of the children involved.

First of all, the issue of homeschooling lies in the obligations that citizens have to maintain a certain level of education.  Many scholars argue that it is important for children to attend public school, as it prepares them for life in a civil society.  Furthermore, homeschooling can socially isolate children who are educated in the home.  The social aspects of public school have been argued to be important for the growth of children’s social skills.

One of the major characteristics of this topic is the decision-making power of the government and public schools.  The question of whether or not the public sector should be able to encroach on the rights of parents to educate their children is important.  The official position of the government is important as well.  While more conservative politicians would view this as an infringement of rights, those who are more liberal would be inclined to believe that an education should be provided to as many individuals as possible.  Finally, a third major characteristic of this discussion is the current view of the public on the topic.  In this way, the will of the public to maintain educational standards will play a big role in whether homeschooling should be changed.

The scope of the paper involves not only the political aspects, but the social aspects as well.  In this way, the paper will focus on two major sections.  These include, first, the political and legal aspects of changing homeschooling.  This would include the legality of changing through political means as well as those who are either for or against the changes.  Next, the paper will focus on the social aspects of the debate.  This section will discuss the need for children to attend public school for socialization and becoming accustomed to civil life and duties.

References

Howell, Jessica S. (2008). Homeschooling in the United States: Revelations or Revolution?

California State University. JEL Classification: I21, J22.  1-32.

Moran, Courtenay E. (2011). How to Regulate Homeschooling: Why History Supports the Theory of Parental Choice. University of Illinois Law Review. Vol. 2011. 1061-1094.

Moreau, Kathi. (2012). Specific Differences in the Educational Outcomes of Those Students Who Are Homeschooled Vs. Students in a Traditional School Setting. Northern Michigan University. 134.

Reich, Rob. (2005). Why Homeschooling Should Be Regulated. Department of Political Science. Stanford University. 1-17.

Waddell, Timothy Brandon. (2010) Bringing It All Back Home: Establishing a Coherent Constitutional Framework for the Re-regulation of Homeschooling. Vanderbilt Law Review. Vol. 63:2:54. 541-598.