Homeschool History

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In the 90s, there was a surge in parents who homeschooled their kids. Then in the early 2000s, it took off in growth again. However, this past year, homeschooling has multiplied greatly. And when I say homeschooling, I am not talking about public schooling at home through skype or zoom. Homeschooling is when the parent takes the lead in their child's education. They may do all the teaching themselves or they may enlist help from homeschool co-ops, or they may utilize online classrooms and curriculum. But for it to be considered homeschooling, the parents must be the deciding factor in all areas of their child's learning. As a homeschool parent, one thing I have encountered when talking to new homeschoolers or non-homeschoolers, is the fact that they don't understand the history and the legalities of homeschooling. This post will cover the history, a brief history. The homeschool movement was jumpstarted by John Holt around 1976. Mr. Holt was a school teacher in New York City. He was revered and rewarded. But then he realized that public schools were not conducive to true learning. He realized that they were actually detrimental to true learning and healthy childhood development. Holt "began arguing that formal schools’ focus on rote learning created an oppressive classroom environment designed to make children compliant employees. Holt called for parents to liberate their children from formal education and instead follow a method today known as 'unschooling'.” (responsiblehomeschooling.com). Following Holt's lead, his friend and fellow educator (Raymond Moore) joined the homeschool fight. Moore articulated that homeschooling was the only healthy choice for for a firm psychological, educational, and moral foundation. John Taylor Gatto, also a New York City school teacher, has been one of the boldest advocates for homeschooling. He won teacher of the year for 2 or 3 years. John Gatto wrote many books about homeschooling. My favorite and one I recommend, to any that are concerned about education, is entitled DUMBING US DOWN: THE HIDDEN AGENDA OF COMPULSORY EDUCATION. In the 1990s, Dr. James Dobson (psychiatrist and founder of Focus on the Family) began to promote and encourage homeschooling. His ministry helped develop resources and support for parents who were ready to take the plunge into homeschooling but unsure of the details. The 1980s was where we see the first surge in homeschooling. Then in the 1990's, under the guidance of Virginia attorney Michael Farris and his Homeschool Legal Defense Association, homeschooling soared. Parents were becoming educated about the laws and equipped to take charge of their children's education. While the laws vary from state to state, homeschooling is legal in all fifty states. I, of course, am a passionate homeschool advocate. I believe, Christians especially, have the responsibility to remove their kids from pagan government indoctrination. Pastor and apologist, Voddie Baucham said, "We can't continue to send our children to Cesar for their education, and then be surprised when they come home acting like Romans.