our school is making me furious.

[imthatgirl]

I hate to chime in and be negative, but there is really nothing more annoying than having a mom brag about her kids' reading levels. Take it from me, as a mom of a high schooler, it means NOTHING. All the kids learn to read, they all catch up eventually, and once the brilliant children get to high school, you'll find that there is always someone smarter than your child. I'll be the annoying person now and say my 14-year-old has an IQ of 146. In 4th grade, he went to a "special school" for highly gifted kids. Now he is in 9th grade and is just like any other student. There's always a better paper written or a better test score. Him reading at a fourth grade level in first grade matters not one iota now. So, parents, just relax! Let your child read at home whatever he/she wants, at whatever level is appropriate for them (remember, higher reading levels equal some inappropriate subject matter). There is more to school than reading at the highest level or making the best math calculations.

word for word..i totally agree!! but, this is no longer about reading. the post is of course now PS vs HS. which is a pointless arguement, no one can win. there is no best, there is no better. its all the same.

 

[SLK1]

word for word..i totally agree!! but, this is no longer about reading. the post is of course now PS vs HS. which is a pointless arguement, no one can win. there is no best, there is no better. its all the same.

I didn't read all the posts so wasn't quite sure what topic the thread was on, but still, if you're ready to yank your kid out of public school for that sole reason, think twice. I'm not a fan of home-schooling, but I also live where the public schools are very good. I wouldn't deny my kids the value of an education where there is diversity, extra programs (for gifted and special ed), qualified teachers (so you hope anyway), and even an ability to learn conflict management.

 

[DawnM]

Of course not. That actually wasn't my point. I was responding to another's post about how most hs moms she knows don't have even a BA, that is all.

Ed.D's actually study methodology and curriculum, not every subject under the sun (I was accepted to an Ed.D program but didn't go because I got pregnant and decided I just couldn't do it justice, I got 2 MAs instead.)

There are a variety of ways to get high school subjects. I don't think we will be hsing in hs, but it remains to be seen.

Dawn

In what though? A masters in one disclipline doesn't make you an expert in all. There are a variety of classes with a variety of teachers in schools, all with expertise in teaching their various subjects. If the parent has a Ed.D you might have an argument but I suspect that is not the majority.

This is just my opinion, of course.

 

[LadyShea]

Due to the fact you were responding to posts regarding the ability to teach advanced math and science classes without the benefit of an advanced degree.

You seemed to be suggesting that many people have audidactic ability in response to Princessmoms concern that it was a small percentage of the population.

It seemed to me you felt this was a valid method of teaching. Apparently not

Sorry if I was unclear.

I felt she was making very broad generalizations, pretty strong assertions, and even being insulting, based only on anecdotal evidence, and a very small sampling at that.

I was simply pointing out that not all people need a specially trained teacher to learn a subject, and that we are all autodidactic learners to some degree or another, to demonstrate there are exceptions so such generalizations aren't really useful.

I must add, I do think it's a valid method of learning for those with demonstrated high autodidactic abilities and a good grasp of any prerequisite concepts. It's certainly not a recommendation for all or most however.

 

[imthatgirl]

I didn't read all the posts so wasn't quite sure what topic the thread was on, but still, if you're ready to yank your kid out of public school for that sole reason, think twice. I'm not a fan of home-schooling, but I also live where the public schools are very good. I wouldn't deny my kids the value of an education where there is diversity, extra programs (for gifted and special ed), qualified teachers (so you hope anyway), and even an ability to learn conflict management.

oh, no im not taking my kids out of public. i live my daughters school and so does she. thats not to say there arent things once in a while that make me , but thats life, isnt it? i couldnt imagine taking this experience from her. but we all choose our own paths, and i guess those of our young children.

i would be curious though...to the OP, is the child ok with being homeschooled?

 

[laceemouse]

I'm sorry your school is giving you such a hard time. My children sound similar to yours. Our school has been great about having the children read at their level. In fact they are required to pick 1 book in there level to read at reading time, and they may also choose 1 book from any level for fun. My oldest was in 1st grade last year, and at the beginning of the year he was reading at a 4th grade level. By the end of the year he was at 6th grade reading level. We ended up having him skip 2nd grade and now he is doing great in 3rd grade. He loves it. He is still at the top of his class. Our school was very supportive. They don't have much for a gifted program so they were eager to make me happy with this solution. I also "enrich" my childrens education at home. We do online math program, and spanish lessons. Also many, many science experiments. As PP stated it is very hard to find appropriate reading material for a 7 year old who is reading at a 6th grade level. He read all the harry potter books last year when he was 6 and I was answering a lot of questions.

If I ever have any problems with the school I would pull my children out to homeschool. I figure I'm halfway there already with all the things we do at home anyway. For now the kids like school, and I'm happy with it. If I were you, I would talk to the teacher to try to find a solution. If he/she wasn't helpful, I would pull my kids out. You have to do what is best for your kids. BTW, I have friends who homeschool, and their children are very social. The families do so much with other homeschool families. They aren't isolated at home with no social contacts. Their kids fit right in with mine when we get together. Maybe some homeschool kids are behind in math and science, but so are some public school kids.

Homeschooled kids, on average, are above the average public school kid on test scores across the board. Of course it varies from kid to kid, but I am talking about averages.

 

[princessmom29]

There are factions of homeschoolers who choose to teach some of the sciences differently than PS's do, due to religious beliefs. Here in AL, this may large percentage of homeschoolers. Princessmom's sampling therefore might not be representative of all or most homeschoolers or areas.

I still think you are extrapolating from way too small a sample, princessmom, but I can understand where your observations may have come from in that regard.

Also autodidactism is an ability we all have to some degree or another, you can't place a hard percentage on it. Anyone who has ever researched or studied a subject on their own, without a teacher, and learned something has displayed autodidactic abilities. Some have greater abilities to self teach than others is all.

I am speaking to totally auto didatic learners. There are not many individuals who need absolutely no instruction to learn everything!

Thank you for responding with facts. If I'm understaing correctly, there are 5 AP science classes with a maximum total of 45 students. Which leads to the question, how many other grade 11 students in your school did not take an AP science class and why not? Maybe they are not math/science minded and are not willing to try the AP material (and subsequently score a 2 or less on the exam). Isn't it possible that the homeschooled students are the same (ie. not math/science minded) but instead of avoiding the AP class they decided to give it a try and challenge themselves anyway? Are they the same ones that did well in the history and English AP exams?

Most homeschooled students I know are college bound and almost every university requires a variety of subjects, including math and science, to graduate. Given the fact that formerly homeschooled students do graduate successfully from college, at some point in time they must be able to complete college level math and science. Also, in our state any student over the age of 16 is allowed to take classes at the community college level, which many homeschoolers do, thereby skipping the AP step (in fact, my dd rec'd credit for her comm. college writing class at her 4 year university while all others, including those scoring a 4 and 5 on the AP, did not). Perhaps the best and the brightest math and science homeschooled students in your area are not bothering to enroll in high school for 11th grade AP classes, but instead are skipping straight on to college work (ether on-line or in the community college setting). It's something to think about and would be interesting to measure.

We have two populations in our school a regular population and a magnet population. The homeschoolers who take Ap are identified through enterence tesing as part of the magnet population which requires a certian SAT score to qualify. All of the magnet population must take at least 1 AP science as a junior or senior. There are about 90 kids per class in that program so that works out about right based on your calculations. As I keep saying i can only speak to the homeschool students I have interacted with.

Sucess in homeschooling depends on the teacher, who, in the case of homeschooling, is also the parent!

I decided to pull my son from public school and homeschool for a variety of reasons. We tried for years to work with the school system with little positive results. I withdrew my child for a variety of unique, personal reasons.

However, I must say I'm appalled at what passes for homeschooling with many of the situations I've seen. I'm invloved in a variety of homeschooling groups, and I feel, for the most part, its a group of mothers who didn't want to lose their identities as moms by letting their kiddos go off to school. Their idea of homeschooling is one "field trip" after another, while they sit and chat and let the kids run around. Most of them don't even have a degree themselves, many haven't even a GED. Some don't even know the difference between "principle" and "principal"--yet they see themselves fit to be responsible for their childrens' education.

Like I said, my reasons for pulling my son were somewhat unique. I'm NOT homsechooling for religious reasons. Its a challenge to find homeschool materials that are not religioius-based. I've spent about half a year pulling together an academic-based cirriculum, along with a variety of social activities, and my goal is to enroll my son in a private school either this Spring or next Fall, he's currently on a waiting list.

Homeschooling might be ok for the younger years, I definitely wish I had homeschooled in lieu of kindergarten, he just wasn't ready for it and that started a lot of problems, but I don't think homeschooling "works" for the high school years. My husband and I are both highly educated---I have 2 bachelor's, an MBA and MLIS, my husband has 3 engineering degrees and an MBA and we don't think we could provide the scope and breadth of education our child needs to succeed in the world.

I'm not really a "homeschooler" but rather someone who decided homeschooling is an effective bridge from one set of circumstances to another and a short-term solution.

Well said this sort of sums up how I feel about it. It might work for little kids if it done correctly but not in high school.

Sorry if I was unclear.

I felt she was making very broad generalizations, pretty strong assertions, and even being insulting, based only on anecdotal evidence, and a very small sampling at that.

I was simply pointing out that not all people need a specially trained teacher to learn a subject, and that we are all autodidactic learners to some degree or another, to demonstrate there are exceptions so such generalizations aren't really useful.

I must add, I do think it's a valid method of learning for those with demonstrated high autodidactic abilities and a good grasp of any prerequisite concepts. It's certainly not a recommendation for all or most however.

I am not trying to insult anyone. I am simply making an observation based on MY experiences no one else's.

 

[nicki.momof3]

You are misinformed. Schools do not get extra $$$ for holding kids at grade level. The only time a schools get extra $$$ for a student is if they qualify for special education - which is clearly not what you are saying. Maybe you have a teacher that does not want to deal with all the work of different reading groups but I am sure the entire school is not that way - that seems like a really broad generalization.

Homeschooling may have academic benefits but the socially it can be harmful to your children - they have gone this far in public school and I am sure they have many friends and school connections socially. School is not only about reading and writing it is about learning to work with others and other very important social skills. A main reason people lose there jobs today is not because they are not smart enough it is because they can not work with other people.

 

[princessmom29]

You are misinformed. Schools do not get extra $$$ for holding kids at grade level. The only time a schools get extra $$$ for a student is if they qualify for special education - which is clearly not what you are saying. Maybe you have a teacher that does not want to deal with all the work of different reading groups but I am sure the entire school is not that way - that seems like a really broad generalization.

Homeschooling may have academic benefits but the socially it can be harmful to your children - they have gone this far in public school and I am sure they have many friends and school connections socially. School is not only about reading and writing it is about learning to work with others and other very important social skills. A main reason people lose there jobs today is not because they are not smart enough it is because they can not work with other people.

In our system schools also get extra money when they and in what is called "school improvment" status. This results from not meeting NCLB standards for 2 consectuive years. I can't see this being something any school would want because it basically results in the state coming in and taking over your school.

 

[nilseks]

Him reading at a fourth grade level in first grade matters not one iota now. So, parents, just relax!

I tend to agree on most of your post--most kids do even out in time--but I *do* think there is something to be said about a young child who reads far above their grade level. My son reads very far ahead of his grade level (as previously stated). Do I think that test scores mean he's a genius? No. Particularly when my son was tested 4 times last year, and the 3rd time his scores dropped dramatically b/c he said he was bored and didn't bother reading the test. Which brings me to...reading level at an early age is important because as a parent of an 'advanced' learner, I want him to be engaged in school. I don't want him to be forced to bring home 'Dick and Jane' because it will bore him to tears. He is already starting to chant "school is boring" because everything is too easy for him. There's no challenge there, and he's a kid who likes/needs to be challenged. So yes, I think it is important to stay in touch with his skill level. Do I think it means he's going to be valedictorian of his class? No. I also don't think he's going to be a major league baseball star just because he's a really good pitcher. But I'd like to think we can keep him engaged enough during these early years of school, so that he won't be bored and come to hate it.

 

[Aristomommy]

I hate to chime in and be negative, but there is really nothing more annoying than having a mom brag about her kids' reading levels. Take it from me, as a mom of a high schooler, it means NOTHING. All the kids learn to read, they all catch up eventually, and once the brilliant children get to high school, you'll find that there is always someone smarter than your child. I'll be the annoying person now and say my 14-year-old has an IQ of 146. In 4th grade, he went to a "special school" for highly gifted kids. Now he is in 9th grade and is just like any other student. There's always a better paper written or a better test score. Him reading at a fourth grade level in first grade matters not one iota now. So, parents, just relax! Let your child read at home whatever he/she wants, at whatever level is appropriate for them (remember, higher reading levels equal some inappropriate subject matter). There is more to school than reading at the highest level or making the best math calculations.

Well, as one of those "annoying" moms with one of those "soon to be average kid", I think you missed the OPs issue. This is a child who wants to read a book at a higher than grade level, but the library refuses to lend the book to the child. The child's IQ has no significance other than the child can read and comprehend the material, yet the school ignores the fact and only assigns books at the appropriate grade level. This is a policy at our school as well and doesn't sound logical. Kids can earn AR credit as long as the book is at their grade level, not lower or higher. This doesn't promote reading for pleasure and having a larger pool to choose from. DD wants to earn AR credit and also read books that intrigue her. Is this the desired intent? I hope not.

 

[princessmom29]

Well, as one of those "annoying" moms with one of those "soon to be average kid", I think you missed the OPs issue. This is a child who wants to read a book at a higher than grade level, but the library refuses to lend the book to the child. The child's IQ has no significance other than the child can read and comprehend the material, yet the school ignores the fact and only assigns books at the appropriate grade level. This is a policy at our school as well and doesn't sound logical. Kids can earn AR credit as long as the book is at their grade level, not lower or higher. This doesn't promote reading for pleasure and having a larger pool to choose from. DD wants to earn AR credit and also read books that intrigue her. Is this the desired intent? I hope not.

Our school system gives bonus points for above level books. That is just a ridicluous system.

 

[fortheluvofpooh]

I hate to chime in and be negative, but there is really nothing more annoying than having a mom brag about her kids' reading levels. Take it from me, as a mom of a high schooler, it means NOTHING. All the kids learn to read, they all catch up eventually, and once the brilliant children get to high school, you'll find that there is always someone smarter than your child. I'll be the annoying person now and say my 14-year-old has an IQ of 146. In 4th grade, he went to a "special school" for highly gifted kids. Now he is in 9th grade and is just like any other student. There's always a better paper written or a better test score. Him reading at a fourth grade level in first grade matters not one iota now. So, parents, just relax! Let your child read at home whatever he/she wants, at whatever level is appropriate for them (remember, higher reading levels equal some inappropriate subject matter). There is more to school than reading at the highest level or making the best math calculations.

My children love to read. What is annoying about being a proud parent? My son reads 700 page books for fun. He loves books like Eragon, Harry Potter, LOTR, The Hobbit, Bridge to Terabithia ,The Chronicles of Narnia and many more. Theese books are all on the banned list. I have read them. He read some of theese in 6th grade and was able to use them in AR. Now suddenly he is not. I want my children to read AND comprehend to the best of their ability and it furiates me that the school will not allow them to. That is what my issue is. Not all higher reading level books contain inappropriate subject matter. We all survived with books like Adventures of Huck Finn (banned), To Kill a Mockingbird (banned),Lord of the Flies also banned. Parents need to be involved in what children read. Teachers can not do it all, I understand this but why have the books available in the school if you will not allow the children who can read and comprehend them read them. My 2nd grader likes to read also, she reads chapter books, more so about puppies and princesses, Nims Island, Junie B Jones and such. BUT just 2 weeks ago she came home with a book that had 3-5 words on each page, because the teacher told her it was okay to take a lower level book. How is that right? She should be reading on her level and staying on or improving on her level. She took a book from a level that another child needs to read at. I sent a note to the teacher asking her to please keep her on her level of reading, so far no problems. So SHAME on me for wanting my kids to strive to do their best. It is not like I am asking that they be allowed to read Jackie Collins books, or books on school violence.

 

[fortheluvofpooh]

I didn't read all the posts so wasn't quite sure what topic the thread was on, but still, if you're ready to yank your kid out of public school for that sole reason, think twice. I'm not a fan of home-schooling, but I also live where the public schools are very good. I wouldn't deny my kids the value of an education where there is diversity, extra programs (for gifted and special ed), qualified teachers (so you hope anyway), and even an ability to learn conflict management.

I wish our school offered a gifted program. They do not. As I stated they have a great IU program, help galore for children who struggle. But they do not handle higher achievers well at all.

 

[princessmom29]

My children love to read. What is annoying about being a proud parent? My son reads 700 page books for fun. He loves books like Eragon, Harry Potter, LOTR, The Hobbit, Bridge to Terabithia ,The Chronicles of Narnia and many more. Theese books are all on the banned list. I have read them. He read some of theese in 6th grade and was able to use them in AR. Now suddenly he is not. I want my children to read AND comprehend to the best of their ability and it furiates me that the school will not allow them to. That is what my issue is. Not all higher reading level books contain inappropriate subject matter. We all survived with books like Adventures of Huck Finn (banned), To Kill a Mockingbird (banned),Lord of the Flies also banned. Parents need to be involved in what children read. Teachers can not do it all, I understand this but why have the books available in the school if you will not allow the children who can read and comprehend them read them. My 2nd grader likes to read also, she reads chapter books, more so about puppies and princesses, Nims Island, Junie B Jones and such. BUT just 2 weeks ago she came home with a book that had 3-5 words on each page, because the teacher told her it was okay to take a lower level book. How is that right? She should be reading on her level and staying on or improving on her level. She took a book from a level that another child needs to read at. I sent a note to the teacher asking her to please keep her on her level of reading, so far no problems. So SHAME on me for wanted my kids to strive to do their best. It is not like I am asking that they be allowed to read Jackie Collins books, or books on school violence.

That is just not a great approach. Our school system teaches To Kill a Mockingbird in 6th grade, and Lord of the Flies in 8th. Huck Finn is a 7th grade summer reading option. Our kids can choose anything at or above grade level for AR points.

 

[SLK1]

Well, as one of those "annoying" moms with one of those "soon to be average kid", I think you missed the OPs issue. This is a child who wants to read a book at a higher than grade level, but the library refuses to lend the book to the child. The child's IQ has no significance other than the child can read and comprehend the material, yet the school ignores the fact and only assigns books at the appropriate grade level. This is a policy at our school as well and doesn't sound logical. Kids can earn AR credit as long as the book is at their grade level, not lower or higher. This doesn't promote reading for pleasure and having a larger pool to choose from. DD wants to earn AR credit and also read books that intrigue her. Is this the desired intent? I hope not.

I understood the OP's original complaint and I agree; it's silly to expect a kid to read a book on GRADE level versus READING level. However, are the only books available to the child at the school? No. There are book stores, public libraries, etc. where they can find books of all levels. They might not get a credit or an AR point or whatever, but they will still be reading, which shoud be the ultimate goal. I have noticed that parents who complain the most are the ones who simply want to talk about how their child is so above what the school is teaching. Sorry, but being a "proud parent" (as one person stated) is totally different from a "bragging parent". There's also nothing at all wrong with being average!!!

 

[npmommie]

homeschool is NOT the answer. I have had so many homeschool children come into high school functioning above grade level in english and reading but failing math and science b/c they have never been to lab, or parents are not teaching algebra correctly ect. It is extremely difficult to homeschool math and science above about 3rd grade if you don't have a math or science degree. Unless you have a large network of other homeschool parents who do lots of group activities children are tipically not equipped to handle social situations. Their parents will tell you otherwise, but untill you have watched a homeschool kid being picked on without ever realizing others or making fun of him you can't fully grasp what they go through when the finally have to cope with their peers.

It is not difficult if the parent is motivated, resourceful, and has the desire to provide this to their child.
and as the the hs child not realizing he is being made fun of........They miss that part of the education process, learning to make fun of others differences.......... thats such a bad thing??.

It is almost impossible to teach them without a working knowledge of the subject. The simple fact of the matter is that I feel that in order to grow up to be well rounded individuals who function well in society kids need the daily peer and teacher interaction of a school setting and the there really is no subistitute. Acedemics are important, but so is social development. There are brilliant people on unemployment because the cannot work with other people.

again, I will say , it is not impossible, hard maybe, impossible , no.
hs kids for the most part have better social development because they are not in an artificial environment where they only interact with kids their same age. They are with all ages, old to young, interacting.
living life, learning.

3 siblings who live at home with mom at 25, 29, and 32. That was an extreme example. I have seen at least 100 homeschool children who have socialization problems in high school versus mabye 5 that did not. Eveyone is biased by their experiences and forms there opinions based on personal evidence. Opinion and scientific fact are two different things. I can seperate them.

Absolutely, supplementing education at home is imperitive..to write off public school because they are required to educate the majority of students and not cater to all individual needs is rather excessive.

Although I'm sure I'll get flamed, I shutter to think how we might be able to compete in the world economy in math and science fields with home-schooling. You need an advanced degree to be able to teach those subjects appropriately. I took advanced statistics, calculus and physics in Public high school I have a graduate degree from an Ivy league school ..Public school is what you make it.

You Shudder to think..........I think if a student is math/science oriented they will do well homeschooled private or public. We learn in life what we need to know. When a child gets to high school, they may have an idea what career path they want to follow........math science is important, but the fact of the matter is advanced statistics, calculus, and physics are not required for every career, and again we learn what we need when we need it.

Oh I agree! I left high school with AP credit in Calculus and went on to WPI to take Stats/Advanced Calc/Linear Algebra/Differential Equations. I graduated with a minor in Mathematics. I was the only female in my high school Calculus class, and was tutoring all of the boys. Public school is definitely what you make it! (The same goes for Private & Home Schooling.) I don't think my math skills would have gone that high if they were taught to me at home though.

But i bet your math skills would have gone that high........you obviously have an interest and ability in mathmatics.........so even if your parents had homeschooled you, my guess is you would still have done well in math science.

 

[Aristomommy]

I understood the OP's original complaint and I agree; it's silly to expect a kid to read a book on GRADE level versus READING level. However, are the only books available to the child at the school? No. There are book stores, public libraries, etc. where they can find books of all levels. They might not get a credit or an AR point or whatever, but they will still be reading, which shoud be the ultimate goal. I have noticed that parents who complain the most are the ones who simply want to talk about how their child is so above what the school is teaching. Sorry, but being a "proud parent" (as one person stated) is totally different from a "bragging parent". There's also nothing at all wrong with being average!!!

Currently DD is reading 3 books for various projects at school. 1st is mandatory class reading, 2nd is AR credit book (part of her grade) and 3rd is for an author study. I will not push her to add a 4th book from the library or book store, if she wants to read more she will. I don't think anyone has been bragging. If a mother states "my DS/DD is in 4th grade but reads at 8th grade level" is a fact backed by testing, just as if someone stated "my DS/DD reads at grade level, but would want to more challenge". Schools test the children, tell the parents their kids are high level readers, and the discourage any reading above the grade level. Reading at 3-4 years above grade level doesn't mean the child should take 8th grade Language Arts. I think you are reading more to this than necessary....

 

[SLK1]

Currently DD is reading 3 books for various projects at school. 1st is mandatory class reading, 2nd is AR credit book (part of her grade) and 3rd is for an author study. I will not push her to add a 4th book from the library or book store, if she wants to read more she will. I don't think anyone has been bragging. If a mother states "my DS/DD is in 4th grade but reads at 8th grade level" is a fact backed by testing, just as if someone stated "my DS/DD reads at grade level, but would want to more challenge". Schools test the children, tell the parents their kids are high level readers, and the discourage any reading above the grade level. Reading at 3-4 years above grade level doesn't mean the child should take 8th grade Language Arts. I think you are reading more to this than necessary....

Quite possibly, I am reading way too much into it. I just wanted to convey the message to parents to relax...I think the only time a problem would occur is when a child is bored and then causes trouble in the class...but that is really a maturity issue. Public schools teach to the middle - when you're below the middle, you typically get extra help because they have their state benchmarks to reach. When you're above the middle, unless you test into the gifted program because of a certain IQ, you're kind of on your own. It's just the nature of public schools. But, certainly parents can enrich their child's education by doing things at home, or asking the teacher for extra work, etc. I've seen so many people up in arms because their child was "so above grade level", but they don't realize that all the kids catch up, for the most part, as they get older.

And, just FYI, if you have boys, it's very hard as they get to middle/high school to find good books for them to read IF they're not into fantasy. Mine wasn't into Eragon and Redwall and all those fantasy books, so ended up reading Agatha Christie for lack of anything more interesting to him.

 

[princessmom29]

It is not difficult if the parent is motivated, resourceful, and has the desire to provide this to their child.
and as the the hs child not realizing he is being made fun of........They miss that part of the education process, learning to make fun of others differences.......... thats such a bad thing??.


again, I will say , it is not impossible, hard maybe, impossible , no.
hs kids for the most part have better social development because they are not in an artificial environment where they only interact with kids their same age. They are with all ages, old to young, interacting.
living life, learning.



You Shudder to think..........I think if a student is math/science oriented they will do well homeschooled private or public. We learn in life what we need to know. When a child gets to high school, they may have an idea what career path they want to follow........math science is important, but the fact of the matter is advanced statistics, calculus, and physics are not required for every career, and again we learn what we need when we need it.



But i bet your math skills would have gone that high........you obviously have an interest and ability in mathmatics.........so even if your parents had homeschooled you, my guess is you would still have done well in math science.

Yes you can do homeschool science correctly if you put the effort into it and find someone qualified to provide instruction if you are not, I am simply pointing out how difficult that can be, and I still hold that you cannot teach advanced sciences without content knowledge. I did not say that students should be able to make fun of others, you twisted that to sut your purpose. What i was trying to convey which I think is clear is that my homeschool kids have a much harder time picking up on social cues from peers and tend to be isolated. I really delt sorry for this kid who was trying so hard to be accepted but couldn't carry on a normal conversation with his peers. He drove the kids crazy so they made fun of him. I am NOT condoning that. I just wish he had more exposure to his peers early on. High school is a really tough place to learn social boundaries and this child had none.


The poster's math skills may have gone that high, but they may not have. College is a completely different environment. a professor cannot provide the amount of one on one instruction recieved in a high school calculus and unless the parent is a mat minor or major odds are very high that they cannot adeuqately teach calculus.