California worrying
So how much email have you received about this California case?
I would say that at least half of my inbox lately has had something to do with the case. Either well-meaning friends asking if I had heard about it, or messages on my support forums discussing the worries that people have over it. Everybody seems so concerned that if it could happen in California, it could happen where we all live.
But I don’t think so.
You know, I used to worry about folks wanting to hear justification for my son being “out” of school whenever we went places during typical school hours - or even when he was out in the yard. But nowadays I find so much more acceptance from everyone: museum guides, store clerks, and especially the elderly (who used to be so skeptical).
Most of them tell me wonderful experiences that they’ve had with homeschoolers. And talk about how much they admire the dedication it takes for parents who decide to homeschool.
Even my parents and in-laws have come around……. Shocking!
So, I’m thinking that there is no way that this California case is going to have the impact that people worry about. I think homeschooling has become such an accepted form of education that state and local governments will really try to provide MORE for homeschoolers, not less.
And here comes the cynic in me: I only worry that by signing these petitions, we are creating a Nationwide master list of homeschooling families. Not that I want to be secretive about my homeschooling adventure. Because, obviously my blog is an open window into our lives. But I also would hate for this list to come back and bite us in the butt. What do you all think?
I think that the CA case is causing undo panic. Homeschooling has become much more accepted, and yet there’s still that niggling fear in most people that they are “breaking the rules”, so it’s easy to think that they’re going to be caught, which leads to concern, and then panic. Of course, that’s a generalization!
It’s funny. The CA teacher’s association wants home education banned, but do they realize what would happen if all those students showed up for class one day? Where would they squeeze these kids into the already overcrowded classrooms?
I think this hoopla in CA will pass as others have. I *don’t* think, however, that the gov’t will be providing MORE for homeschoolers any time in the near future!
Comment by
paradisefound — March 14, 2008 @ 12:03 pm
Yes, I’ve been getting quite a few emails about this. Am I worried? Not really, but I am praying for the situation.
I feel in Texas we are stronger than many states. But, this is a good time to be thankful for those who have come before us and paved the way. I think homeschooling is becoming more and more accepted and homeschoolers are sure making their mark in competitions, etc.
Comment by Dana — March 17, 2008 @ 10:02 pm