From: “Debbie”
To: learn-usa.com
Subject: Home school choices
Date: Mon, 16 Jun 2003 11:59:57 -0400
Ms. Stuter:
I recently read a post on a Yahoo!
message board with information regarding charter, cyber, and traditional home
schoolers. I've also read some of
the correspondence between board members and you, and I have to say I'm a
little disappointed in the intonation of what they've written. I think people can agree to disagree
without becoming derogatory.
I home schooled my children “traditionally”
for 2 years before I enrolled them in the ... Virtual Academy this past
year. I am a teacher by profession
and used a critical eye when contemplating making this choice. I made my decision fulling
understanding that my children would now fall under the public school
domain. A few of my staunch
traditional home school friends literally gasped when they learned about my
decision. Although they don't feel
it would be right for their families, they haven't criticized me in making this
decision. It has been a good fit
for our family this past year, and, until we “outgrow” it or find
that it has become too invasive, we will probably continue on this route.
I fully support having educational
choices. I know some would argue
that once enrolled in a charter/cyber school, I relinquish that choice. To a point, I agree with that. However, I did fully research K12's
curriculum and made comparisons to other home school publishers. At the time, I felt that K12 was a very
strong front runner. So, I did make
my choice. Once enrolled, I
realized that I agreed to follow the lead and choices made by others. However, because I am the adult doling
out and explaining the new concepts to my children, I feel I can temper the
content, if needed, with our own personal beliefs. Thanks to so many home schooling
advocates, I also feel that I can make that switch back to traditionally home
schooling should the need arise.
I appreciate hearing the “flip
side” to our experience here, which has been good. I know there are many instances where
families get a lot of outside pressure from agencies with any inkling of
educational control. I was
wondering what definite movements you've seen nationwide that are aimed specifically
at rescinding home schooling laws.
Do you see any way in which the two camps, traditional home schoolers
and charter “home schoolers” can work together to ensure that
educational choice is maintained?
Thank you for your time and
insight. I do look forward to
hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Debbie
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