Should the federal government continue to regulate home-schooling programs?

Question

why or why not?

I should add that I was reading a political candidate's issue list when I came up with this question. I figured I would put the question forward to those who knew more than I did about homeschooling.


It is my understanding that *most* of the authority resides with the states but that federal government has gained some authority in education by requiring states to do certain things in order to receive federal funds.

I was also reading somewhere (sorry, no link) that there was legislation put before the gov't by the Home Legal Defence Association which would request federal funds based upon a record of high test scores of home schooled children.

This led to my question. I don't know a lot about homeschooling, but it interests me.

And the least amount of interference from the federal government, the better, to me.

Answer 1

The federal government does not currently regulate homeschooling. That is up to the individual state govt. It should remain this way as the federal govt. does not have the constitutional right to do so, and as they don't fund homeschooling, that further cements the fact that they shouldn't regulate it.

Answer 2

Um, Michelle, is this a hypothetical question? Because the federal government in the US doesn't even regulate the PUBLIC schools - the states do that. And in my state, there is no regulation of home schoolers (and I like it just fine that way!) Some states DO regulate home schools, but even for those, it's often just a matter of passing a test every year or three and filling out paperwork every year (a couple of states have more stringent requirements).

In general, homeschoolers are looking out for the best interests of their children and are MUCH more concerned about the child(ren)'s future than ANY public school teacher. So no, I don't think ANYONE should regulate homeschooling. There may be a few bad apples in homeschooling, but there's a LOT more in the public school system. Fix that before you start messin' with my kids!

Answer 3

The federal government (if you are talking about the United States of America) does not regulate homeschooling. Each state has it's own regulations. Some have very little if no standards or requirements and others require testing etc. I don't feel that homeschooling should be regulated by the feds. The government has a hard enough time keeping public schools running and we can see what kind of job they do there. Most homeschoolers that I know are not religious zealots that are trying to keep their kids from science or literature or whatever but are concerned about their children's education. The government wastes enough taxpayer dollars without now trying to regulate something that isn't broken.

Not to mention the fact that universities are now seeking out hsers because of their abilities and study habits. Why would we want to change what is working?????

Answer 4

The federal government does not regulate homeschool programs now. It would be unconstitutional since the right to raise and educate the child remains with the parent. The Constitution does not permit the federal government to regulate or control private or public education. The 10th Amendment provides that education, where it is an issue of government concern, is left to the states.

Answer 5

Well, there are a lot of people that use online public schools for homeschooling. These people have chosen this type of schooling for their children. Some people homeschool their children with a private online school. I, for instance, use a private online school for homeschooling. Some people use online charter schools that pay for internet and computers. These people may have decided to use this type of homeschooling because they might not be able to afford computers and internet services.

Others have homeschooled the old fashion way and just use plain books and trips to the library. Some parents feel that their children should have a say in what they want to learn, therefore they are unschooled. Homeschooling is about what fits each family individually.

When parents decide to use an online public or private school they may feel that those schools have what their children need to advance.

I think that the government should continue to regulate the programs that they fund because a lot of people use them.

Not everyone can afford a high-price online private school.

Answer 6

Absolutely not.

The governmental regulations is why the public school system is in the academically poor shape it is. The standards get lowered every year to cover up the fact that so many of our students are failing and falling through the cracks and needs are clearly not being met.

The government hasn't a clue about what needs to be taught, offer public school, but if a parent wishes to homeschool then let the parent teach them what they wish. Most parents that are going to take their time and efforts to teach, will teach what needs to be taught and do a pretty good job at it!

Answer 7

The United States Federal Government does not regulate homeschooling. It is up to the states to create laws regarding education. I don't think it is ever the duty of the Federal Government to regulate homeschooling!!!

Answer 8

Not if you are talking about independent homeschoolers who are not enrolled in the Public School system in any way.

Regulation comes along with Government money, I don't receive that money so I don't want the regulation. I feel there is already enough regulation due to the fact that I must have my children tested each year, I certainly don't want to see more regulation.

Another reason to avoid additional regulation is that homeschooling works very well without it. That has been proved again and again through SAT scores, studies on job success, and studies of college graduation rates. You ever hear the saying, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it"?

Additionally, Public Schools are highly regulated and are still not doing very well, so regulation clearly does not equal better educational quality.

Answer 9

NO!!! The education of children is a parents responsibility not the governments. We shouldn't even have public schools. After all they are failing in this country and our children aren't even getting a decent education. Why should a government that can't produce successful schools be regulating successfully parents who are successfully teaching their kids every thing they must know to live better lives than their public schooled counterparts in this world.

Answer 10

Absolutely not, since the right to direct the upbringing, and education of ones children is first, and foremost a parental right.

I do believe that all forms of schooling should be offered, but the parents should have the final say as to where, and how they want their children educated.

As for governmental involvement, or oversight; presently the lack of educational quality in public school system is giving us the best reason as to why we need no regulation.
First home schooling is about higher standards, and individual education, not mass education.
Second home school families receive no federal, or state funding what so ever, and therefore do not have to be accountable to the government unlike schools who do use our tax dollars.