Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Monday, December 28, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Friday, December 18, 2009
World Nut Daily's Nuttiness
I started reading Homeschooling and socialism by Dr. Samuel L. Blumenfeld and was overcome by the sheer nuttiness of the post.
In a socialist system, the state owns the children. Parents are merely breeders, and since homeschoolers tend to like large families, the population-control socialists will no doubt try to abolish homeschooling.
News flash not all homeschoolers have or want large families. The majority of homeschooling families I know have one or two kids, just like their public school counterparts.
And now in America, we have a socialist president in the White House and a Congress controlled by the Marxist left wing of the Democratic party. These socialists already have a government-controlled education system which is turning out young Americans who don’t know the difference between socialism and capitalism, or a democracy and a constitutional republic. They have been so totally dumbed down that they are willing to accept the chains of socialist control over their lives as inevitable. And since it promises economic security – the security of enslavement – why fight it?
Gosh President Obama has managed to dumb down America's school children in less then a year. One would have thought some of the lessons American Public School Students learned during the EIGHT YEARS President George W. Bush was in office would have had some sort of impact.
The reason why the socialists in power are determined to saddle the nation with a universal, national health-care system is because it will give them complete control over the lives of everyone, including homeschoolers who will be forced to accept government-imposed health insurance. All of this is patently unconstitutional. But socialists have always considered the United States Constitution to be an obstacle to their goal of total power.
Geez, it couldn't have anything to do with the unaffordablity of insurance for many Working Americans. Or the fact that the uninsured are a drain on our economy. Nope it is all a plot by those socialists to enslave us how silly of us to think it is to help NORMAL WORKING AMERICANS AFFORD MEDICAL INSURANCE. Amusingly enough the majority of these NUTS don't have a problem with GOVERNMENT FLOOD INSURANCE or MEDICARE.
And judging from the speed with which they want to transform America before the public has a chance to read their 2,000-page legislation, it is obvious that they are serious in their intent to destroy our free way of life.
Now why the nuts can't go online and read the legislation is beyond me. I guess it is easier to whine that the public hasn't had a chance to read it then to actually read it and give intelligent reasons why you oppose it.
H.R.3962 - Affordable Health Care for America Act
This is the House health care bill that was approved by the House of Representatives on Nov. 7, 2009. Broadly, it seeks to expand health care coverage to the approximately 40 million Americans who are currently uninsured by lowering the cost of health care and making the system more efficient. To that end, it includes a new government-run insurance plan (a.k.a. a public option) to compete with the private companies, a requirement that all Americans have health insurance, a ban on denying coverage because of a pre-existing condition and, to pay for it all, a surtax on individuals with incomes above $500,000.
You can read the Senate version here.
In a socialist system, the state owns the children. Parents are merely breeders, and since homeschoolers tend to like large families, the population-control socialists will no doubt try to abolish homeschooling.
News flash not all homeschoolers have or want large families. The majority of homeschooling families I know have one or two kids, just like their public school counterparts.
And now in America, we have a socialist president in the White House and a Congress controlled by the Marxist left wing of the Democratic party. These socialists already have a government-controlled education system which is turning out young Americans who don’t know the difference between socialism and capitalism, or a democracy and a constitutional republic. They have been so totally dumbed down that they are willing to accept the chains of socialist control over their lives as inevitable. And since it promises economic security – the security of enslavement – why fight it?
Gosh President Obama has managed to dumb down America's school children in less then a year. One would have thought some of the lessons American Public School Students learned during the EIGHT YEARS President George W. Bush was in office would have had some sort of impact.
The reason why the socialists in power are determined to saddle the nation with a universal, national health-care system is because it will give them complete control over the lives of everyone, including homeschoolers who will be forced to accept government-imposed health insurance. All of this is patently unconstitutional. But socialists have always considered the United States Constitution to be an obstacle to their goal of total power.
Geez, it couldn't have anything to do with the unaffordablity of insurance for many Working Americans. Or the fact that the uninsured are a drain on our economy. Nope it is all a plot by those socialists to enslave us how silly of us to think it is to help NORMAL WORKING AMERICANS AFFORD MEDICAL INSURANCE. Amusingly enough the majority of these NUTS don't have a problem with GOVERNMENT FLOOD INSURANCE or MEDICARE.
And judging from the speed with which they want to transform America before the public has a chance to read their 2,000-page legislation, it is obvious that they are serious in their intent to destroy our free way of life.
Now why the nuts can't go online and read the legislation is beyond me. I guess it is easier to whine that the public hasn't had a chance to read it then to actually read it and give intelligent reasons why you oppose it.
H.R.3962 - Affordable Health Care for America Act
This is the House health care bill that was approved by the House of Representatives on Nov. 7, 2009. Broadly, it seeks to expand health care coverage to the approximately 40 million Americans who are currently uninsured by lowering the cost of health care and making the system more efficient. To that end, it includes a new government-run insurance plan (a.k.a. a public option) to compete with the private companies, a requirement that all Americans have health insurance, a ban on denying coverage because of a pre-existing condition and, to pay for it all, a surtax on individuals with incomes above $500,000.
You can read the Senate version here.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
CALISTA WAS A VICTIM OF LAZY OR INEPT CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES.
Ron French is totally WRONG in his post Lax home-school laws put kids at risk , nothing could be further from the truth. And I have a question for Mr. French WHERE WAS CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES? ????
By his own admission several complaints had been filed with CPS.
Several complaints were lodged against the Springers to Children's Protective Services. It's not known publicly whether Centreville school officials were the source of those complaints, because complainants are kept confidential.
Did CPS ignore the complaints? Did they investigate at all? Homeschooling would in NO WAY prevent Child Protective Services from investigating complaints. This is a clear case where CPS FAILED TO DO THEIR JOB.
And then there is this
Calista Springer lay tethered to her bed by a dog collar while her siblings went off to school each morning.
Why didn't the siblings who were in public school get help for their sister? Why didn't they tell a teacher or school counselor?
*Note a commenter took issue with my statement that the siblings could have told a teacher or a school counselor and pointed out that victims of abuse seldom ask for help. I am no way blaming Calista's siblings for her death. But homeschool critics often state that Public School Students can tell teachers/guidance counselor of abuse and ask for help and that this option is not open to homeschoolers. I am merely pointing out that Calista's siblings were in PUBLIC SCHOOL and could have told a teacher/guidance counselor and didn't.
"Home school played a role in Calista's death," said prosecutor McDonough. "They basically eliminated any person who could have reported abuse, and the justification was the home school law."
NO IT DIDN'T!!!!! The fact that the parents claimed to be homeschooling Calista in no way prevented CPS from doing their job. CALISTA WAS A VICTIM OF LAZY OR INEPT CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES.
By his own admission several complaints had been filed with CPS.
Several complaints were lodged against the Springers to Children's Protective Services. It's not known publicly whether Centreville school officials were the source of those complaints, because complainants are kept confidential.
Did CPS ignore the complaints? Did they investigate at all? Homeschooling would in NO WAY prevent Child Protective Services from investigating complaints. This is a clear case where CPS FAILED TO DO THEIR JOB.
And then there is this
Calista Springer lay tethered to her bed by a dog collar while her siblings went off to school each morning.
Why didn't the siblings who were in public school get help for their sister? Why didn't they tell a teacher or school counselor?
*Note a commenter took issue with my statement that the siblings could have told a teacher or a school counselor and pointed out that victims of abuse seldom ask for help. I am no way blaming Calista's siblings for her death. But homeschool critics often state that Public School Students can tell teachers/guidance counselor of abuse and ask for help and that this option is not open to homeschoolers. I am merely pointing out that Calista's siblings were in PUBLIC SCHOOL and could have told a teacher/guidance counselor and didn't.
"Home school played a role in Calista's death," said prosecutor McDonough. "They basically eliminated any person who could have reported abuse, and the justification was the home school law."
NO IT DIDN'T!!!!! The fact that the parents claimed to be homeschooling Calista in no way prevented CPS from doing their job. CALISTA WAS A VICTIM OF LAZY OR INEPT CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
The Common Room: Homeschooling Blog Carnival
I just had a chance to glance at The Common Room: Homeschooling Blog Carnival, but what I saw was so funny. Drop by and see for yourself.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Are you looking for Academic Help?
Search no further, check out Clickademics for help with Math, Science, English, History and Study Skills. For more information contact Bradley Peterson.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Spare Me From The Religious Right & The Loony Left
I really have to wonder about people. First there was the person who contacted me about advertising their homeschooling product on my blog. Obviously the man hadn't bothered to read my blog or he would have know that there was no way I would advertise his product, and that while I may be a fellow homeschooler I certainly don't share his Fundamentalist Christian beliefs.
Then along came this conspiracy theory loon, who believes all homeschoolers are Fundamentalist Christians bent on world domination and establishing an American Theocracy.
He shares such gems as:
millions of vulnerable children (estimates are suspect because of poor reporting requirements) became virtual prisoners in their own homes, pawns in a scheme to overthrow the United States Government and replace it with a theocracy
The majority of Homeschooled children are not prisoners and they certainly aren't part of some scheme to overthrow the government.
Lead by radicals, this movement is creating a virtual fifth column of ignorant children raised to hate democracy and to revile and distrust their government institutions.
Homeschoolers certainly aren't ignorant.
Kansas City area homeschoolers win BEST robotics competition
Local Homeschooler, Anthony Hengst, named Florida Geographic Bee Semi-Finalist
Homeschooled 6th-grader wins Pilot spelling bee
Homeschooled boy wins national science contest
With sequestered children constantly supervised by zealous despotic parents, the indoctrination of a backward debauched religion can take place 24 hours a day seven days a week.
Honestly this is so ludicrous I am at a loss for words. Obviously Richard Collins INTOLERANCE for those whose religious beliefs are different from his is showing. He goes on to mention anti-homeschooler Rob Reich.
Continue reading here.
Secular Homeschool Support Groups by State
Then along came this conspiracy theory loon, who believes all homeschoolers are Fundamentalist Christians bent on world domination and establishing an American Theocracy.
He shares such gems as:
millions of vulnerable children (estimates are suspect because of poor reporting requirements) became virtual prisoners in their own homes, pawns in a scheme to overthrow the United States Government and replace it with a theocracy
The majority of Homeschooled children are not prisoners and they certainly aren't part of some scheme to overthrow the government.
Lead by radicals, this movement is creating a virtual fifth column of ignorant children raised to hate democracy and to revile and distrust their government institutions.
Homeschoolers certainly aren't ignorant.
Kansas City area homeschoolers win BEST robotics competition
Local Homeschooler, Anthony Hengst, named Florida Geographic Bee Semi-Finalist
Homeschooled 6th-grader wins Pilot spelling bee
Homeschooled boy wins national science contest
With sequestered children constantly supervised by zealous despotic parents, the indoctrination of a backward debauched religion can take place 24 hours a day seven days a week.
Honestly this is so ludicrous I am at a loss for words. Obviously Richard Collins INTOLERANCE for those whose religious beliefs are different from his is showing. He goes on to mention anti-homeschooler Rob Reich.
Continue reading here.
Secular Homeschool Support Groups by State
Saturday, December 12, 2009
What a crackpot
Posted by Richard Collins Homeschool regulation must be a top priority for the Obama administration.
Just when I thought the right wing had wackiness corned the liberals produce their very own nutcase.
Just when I thought the right wing had wackiness corned the liberals produce their very own nutcase.
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
Thursday, December 03, 2009
Time to Vote For The Best Homeschool Blog
It is now time to vote for The Best Homeschool Blog. Blogs are listed in the sidebar. Voting will end December 24th and the winners will be announced after Christmas.
Good luck to all the nominees.
Good luck to all the nominees.
The 205th Carnival of Homeschooling, Those crazy homeschoolers
Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy The 205th Carnival of Homeschooling, Those crazy homeschoolers
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
The 204th Carnival of Homeschooling
Drop by Examiner.com to read The 204th Carnival of Homeschooling hosted by Sherene Silverberg. I particularly enjoyed the post by Kris from Weird, Unsocialized, Homeschoolers. My cousins' daughter is a huge fan of The Twilight series.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Large number of Mississippi schools at risk of failure
About 30 percent of Mississippi’s 152 school districts are at-risk of failing based on the state Department of Education’s new accountability system.
Large number of Mississippi schools at risk of failure - Local - SunHerald.com
Large number of Mississippi schools at risk of failure - Local - SunHerald.com
Friday, November 20, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Updated Nominees for Best Homeschool Blog 2009 & Reminder
- A Small Corner of Nowhere
- Mind Games
- Life, Homesteading, and Everything
- The Thinking Mother
- Blogging 'bout Boys
- Home Spun Juggling
- Spiraling
- Janice Campbell Taking Time For Things That Matter
- Jimmie's Collage
- Let's Play Math
- Little Blue School.
- Homeschool Musings
Youth Blogs
Remember nominations are open until the day after Thanksgiving. To nominate a blog just leave the name of the blog and the blogs url in the comments and state what category it falls in; adult, group or youth. I will update this post as nominations are received. You can also email me please put Homeschool Blog Awards 2009 in the subject line if you choose to email.
Can you believe it is almost Thanksgiving. This year is flying by.
Carnival of Homeschooling
A Pondering Heart is hosting this weeks CoH. She is promoting those other awards. Don't forget to nominate your favorite Adult, Group or Youth Blog for Alasandra's Homeschool Blog Awards. Nominations will be closed after Thanksgiving and voting will commence shortly thereafter.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Carnival of Homeschooling ~ The NaNoWriMo Edition
Stop by Janice Campbell's blog Taking Time For Things That Matter and check out the CoH ~ The NaNoWriMo Edition
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
201st Carnival of Homeschooling Saving Time
As soon as I get the time I plan to check out The 201st Carnival of Homeschooling Saving Time.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Carnival of Homeschooling ~ The Postcard Edition
Speaking of postcards check out the Pet Postcard Project a fun way to feed shelter pets. Now without further ado here is the Carnival of Homeschooling.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Carnival of Homeschooling
Drop by the Nerd Family to read the latest edition of the Carnival of Homeschooling. I thought I submitted a post this week, but I guess I didn't as it's not included.
Monday, October 05, 2009
Thursday, October 01, 2009
Songs About Presidents
A lot of conservatives are up in arms about school children singing a song about President Obama. Some of those in an uproar are conservative homeschoolers, so it was ironic that I stumbled on this site geared toward Christian homeschoolers when researching this post.
More songs about Presidents found at Songs for Teaching.
School children have been singing songs about Presidents for years. So why the outrage over a song about President Obama?
Some people claim it's because he is a sitting President. Apparetly they wouldn't have a problem with these songs if Obama were out of office. One commenter said
But in 2006 school children did sing a song praising President George W. Bush, Congress and FEMA at the Annual White House Easter Egg Hunt.
Others insist it's the fact that the song is sung to a religious tune But song writers have been borrowing catchy musical tunes for their lyrics for ages.
"Greensleeves" is an old English ballad by an unknown composer. Legend has it that King Henry VIII wrote the song about Anne Boleyn, but this is unlikely because of the style of the music. The song is written in an Italinate style which did not appear in England until after Henry VIII's death.
Around 1865, William Chatterton Dix (1837-1889) wrote What Child Is This to John Stainer's (1840-1901) arrangement of Greensleeves.
So what exactly is the problem with school children singing a song about President Obama our FIRST African-American President to celebrate Black History Month & Presidents Day?
Songs of The US Presidents by Sue Dickson will help your child learn all about the presidents from Washington to Clinton. Includes a lyrics sheet and an Interactive Presidential Portraits chart.
More songs about Presidents found at Songs for Teaching.
Hooray for Mister Lincoln.
Hooray for Mr. Washington.
They helped to make our country great.
Hooray for Mr. Washington.
They helped to make our country great.
Hooray for Mister Lincoln.
Hooray for Mr. Washington.
Now is the time to celebrate.
I’m proud to be an American,
proud of the red, white and blue, oo
Hooray for Mr. Washington.
Now is the time to celebrate.
I’m proud to be an American,
proud of the red, white and blue, oo
Hooray for Mister Lincoln.
Hooray for Mr. Washington.
Happy birthday to you.
Hooray for Mr. Washington.
Happy birthday to you.
(Verse 1)
President John F. Kennedy,
came to office in 1960.
He said that all should be
treated right
in public facilities,
no matter if your black or white.
He said this too:
(Chorus 1)
"Ask not what your country, can do for you.
Ask what you can do for your country."
"Mankind must put an end
to war or war will put
an end to mankind."
(Verse 1 again)
President John F. Kennedy
came to office in 1960.
He said that all should be treated right
in public facilities,
no matter if your black or white.
(Ending)
President John F. Kennedy,
said, "ask what you can do for your country."
President John F. Kennedy,
came to office in 1960.
He said that all should be
treated right
in public facilities,
no matter if your black or white.
He said this too:
(Chorus 1)
"Ask not what your country, can do for you.
Ask what you can do for your country."
"Mankind must put an end
to war or war will put
an end to mankind."
(Verse 1 again)
President John F. Kennedy
came to office in 1960.
He said that all should be treated right
in public facilities,
no matter if your black or white.
(Ending)
President John F. Kennedy,
said, "ask what you can do for your country."
School children have been singing songs about Presidents for years. So why the outrage over a song about President Obama?
Some people claim it's because he is a sitting President. Apparetly they wouldn't have a problem with these songs if Obama were out of office. One commenter said
Like it or not Obama is our sitting president, and NO child as apart of public school function, or during public school hours should be singing the praises of our sitting president. I would say the same if McCain, Bush, or any other Republican was in office. I would say the same if any other democrat was in office as well.
But in 2006 school children did sing a song praising President George W. Bush, Congress and FEMA at the Annual White House Easter Egg Hunt.
Our country’s stood beside us
People have sent us aid.
Katrina could not stop us, our hopes will never fade.
Congress, Bush and FEMA
People across our land
Together have come to rebuild us and we join them hand-in-hand!
People have sent us aid.
Katrina could not stop us, our hopes will never fade.
Congress, Bush and FEMA
People across our land
Together have come to rebuild us and we join them hand-in-hand!
Others insist it's the fact that the song is sung to a religious tune But song writers have been borrowing catchy musical tunes for their lyrics for ages.
"Greensleeves" is an old English ballad by an unknown composer. Legend has it that King Henry VIII wrote the song about Anne Boleyn, but this is unlikely because of the style of the music. The song is written in an Italinate style which did not appear in England until after Henry VIII's death.
Around 1865, William Chatterton Dix (1837-1889) wrote What Child Is This to John Stainer's (1840-1901) arrangement of Greensleeves.
Perhaps the greatest case in point is the New Seekers' "I'd Like to Buy the World a Coke", from 1971, the most memorable of Coke jingles, at least for anyone in my generation, to whom the song became a childhood hymn.
The jingle was so popular that the ad was hastily rewritten into an actual pop hit, "I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing," with lyrics celebrating Coke replaced by Madison Avenue's idea of hippie-isms.
The jingle was so popular that the ad was hastily rewritten into an actual pop hit, "I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing," with lyrics celebrating Coke replaced by Madison Avenue's idea of hippie-isms.
So what exactly is the problem with school children singing a song about President Obama our FIRST African-American President to celebrate Black History Month & Presidents Day?
Banned Books Week
I can't believe I almost missed Banned Books Week. You can read all about it at the American Library Association's Website.
I challenge you to read a Banned Book.
I challenge you to read a Banned Book.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Parent Finds the Conterversay Over Obama Song Laughable
From CNN
The songs
Song 1: (The one in the video)
Mm, mmm, mm!
Barack Hussein Obama
He said that all must lend a hand
To make this country strong again
Mmm, mmm, mm!
Barack Hussein Obama
He said we must be fair today
Equal work means equal pay
Mmm, mmm, mm!
Barack Hussein Obama
He said that we must take a stand
To make sure everyone gets a chance
Mmm, mmm, mm!
Barack Hussein Obama
He said red, yellow, black or white
All are equal in his sight
Mmm, mmm, mm!
Barack Hussein Obama
Yes!
Mmm, mmm, mm
Barack Hussein Obama
Song 2:
Hello, Mr. President we honor you today!
For all your great accomplishments, we all doth say "hooray!"
Hooray, Mr. President! You're number one!
The first black American to lead this great nation!
Hooray, Mr. President we honor your great plans
To make this country's economy number one again!
Hooray Mr. President, we're really proud of you!
And we stand for all Americans under the great Red, White, and Blue!
So continue ---- Mr. President we know you'll do the trick
So here's a hearty hip-hooray ----
Hip, hip hooray!
Hip, hip hooray!
Hip, hip hooray!
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Much Ado About Nothing
Editor: No parents objected to Obama song lyrics
The right is at it again with their Obama bashing, and yet again their outrage is misguided.Mitchell told On the Record with Greta Van Susteren that parents were sent the lyrics of the song in advance, as is standard procedure with performances of this sort, and that no one voiced any concerns about it. He noted the performance took place in February, shortly after the inauguration of the 44th president, when Obama's popularity ratings were riding high.
The video of schoolchildren singing "Barack Hussein Obama/He said that all must lend a hand/To make this country strong again" went viral after being posted to YouTube, where it drew the attention of right-wing radio talk show hosts and Fox News.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Book Review
The Third Jesus by Deepak Chopra ~ Great Book!!!!!! " A religion of love has moved alarmingly in the direction of hatred, although outright hatred may not be preached from the pulpit. What is preached is self-righteous intolerance."
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Ex-Flowood teacher faces sex charges
What is it with these public school teachers? Ex-Flowood teacher faces sex charges.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Carnival of Homeschooling - Learning About the Autumnal Equinox
Appollos Academy is hosting this weeks Carnival of Homeschooling - Learning About the Autumnal Equinox
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Homeschool Blog Awards - Nominations now open
Please nominate your favorite blog for Alasandra's Homeschool Blog Awards. The 2008 Winners Get In Hang On - Adult Blog, The Homeschool Classroom - Group Blog, and Just My Cup of Coffee - Youth Blog are not eligible this year.
Please nominate your favorite adult, group and youth blog. To nominate a blog just leave it's name and url in the comments. Nominations will close the day after Thanksgiving. If you are nominated please put the badge at the top of this post on your blog.
Please nominate your favorite adult, group and youth blog. To nominate a blog just leave it's name and url in the comments. Nominations will close the day after Thanksgiving. If you are nominated please put the badge at the top of this post on your blog.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Dewey's Treehouse: Carnival of Homeschooling #194: Creatures and Critters
I am fixing to sit down with a cup of coffee and enjoy Dewey's Treehouse: Carnival of Homeschooling #194: Creatures and Critters, I hope you will join me.
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
Oh the Stupidity
Several Presidents have given speeches to school children. This was in the Soundoffs for September 7th, 2009 Sun Herald
So why all the controversy over President Obama addressing today's students?
Spunky brings up the fact that the Democrats called for special hearings when President George H.W. Bush addressed school children but doesn't mention that there were no outraged parents screaming that their kids were being brainwashed. So again WHY all the outraged parents claiming that the President wants to brainwash their children?
President Obama is not the first President to address school children in fact "President Reagan delivered a back-to-school speech to students in 1988. The first President Bush did one in 1991", and hopefully he will not be the last. His message that education is important is one our school children need to hear.
The Right of course without bothering to read the Federal Statue for themselves are clamoring that President Obama and the DOE broke the law by creating LESSON PLANS. Never mind that the DOE has created LESSON PLANS for numerous other things without The RIGHT being outraged.
What is the purpose of the DOE
Sec. 3402. Congressional declaration of purpose
-STATUTE-
The Congress declares that the establishment of a Department of Education is in the public interest, will promote the general welfare of the United States, will help ensure that education issues receive proper treatment at the Federal level, and will enable the Federal Government to coordinate its education activities more effectively. Therefore, the purposes of this chapter are -
(1) to strengthen the Federal commitment to ensuring access to equal educational opportunity for every individual;
(2) to supplement and complement the efforts of States, the local school systems and other instrumentalities of the States, the private sector, public and private educational institutions, public and private nonprofit educational research institutions, community-based organizations, parents, and students to improve the quality of education;
(3) to encourage the increased involvement of the public, parents, and students in Federal education programs;
(4) to promote improvements in the quality and usefulness of education through federally supported research, evaluation, and sharing of information;
(5) to improve the coordination of Federal education programs;
(6) to improve the management and efficiency of Federal education activities, especially with respect to the process, procedures, and administrative structures for the dispersal of Federal funds, as well as the reduction of unnecessary and duplicative burdens and constraints, including unnecessary paperwork, on the recipients of Federal funds; and
(7) to increase the accountability of Federal education programs to the President, the Congress, and the public.
Certainly sounds as if creating Lesson Plans falls within the DOE's stated purpose. Two websites you may want to check out if you are homeschoolers.
Links to NASA Education
Free Federal (Teaching) Resources for Educational Excellence
The Statue they use to support their argument is Sec. 3403. Relationship with States and it merely states that the FEDERAL Government (DOE) can not force the states to USE their LESSON PLANS or a specific CURRICULUM. They didn't, thus no laws were broken.
I am very trouble about the disrespect many in our nation are showing Our President. Refusing to address him correctly, insisting on using his middle name, or even worse using racial slurs when referring to President Obama is uncalled for. Even if you do not agree with his politics he is your President, the majority of your fellow Americans voted for him and he was duly elected. Those of you who claim to be Christians should spend less time making false accusations against President Obama and his supporters and more time praying for him and his Presidency.
Remember Ike?
When I was a teenager, I was with a group when President Eisenhower spoke to us. I do not remember a word, but I do remember the President spoke to me.
So why all the controversy over President Obama addressing today's students?
Spunky brings up the fact that the Democrats called for special hearings when President George H.W. Bush addressed school children but doesn't mention that there were no outraged parents screaming that their kids were being brainwashed. So again WHY all the outraged parents claiming that the President wants to brainwash their children?
President Obama is not the first President to address school children in fact "President Reagan delivered a back-to-school speech to students in 1988. The first President Bush did one in 1991", and hopefully he will not be the last. His message that education is important is one our school children need to hear.
The Right of course without bothering to read the Federal Statue for themselves are clamoring that President Obama and the DOE broke the law by creating LESSON PLANS. Never mind that the DOE has created LESSON PLANS for numerous other things without The RIGHT being outraged.
What is the purpose of the DOE
Sec. 3402. Congressional declaration of purpose
-STATUTE-
The Congress declares that the establishment of a Department of Education is in the public interest, will promote the general welfare of the United States, will help ensure that education issues receive proper treatment at the Federal level, and will enable the Federal Government to coordinate its education activities more effectively. Therefore, the purposes of this chapter are -
(1) to strengthen the Federal commitment to ensuring access to equal educational opportunity for every individual;
(2) to supplement and complement the efforts of States, the local school systems and other instrumentalities of the States, the private sector, public and private educational institutions, public and private nonprofit educational research institutions, community-based organizations, parents, and students to improve the quality of education;
(3) to encourage the increased involvement of the public, parents, and students in Federal education programs;
(4) to promote improvements in the quality and usefulness of education through federally supported research, evaluation, and sharing of information;
(5) to improve the coordination of Federal education programs;
(6) to improve the management and efficiency of Federal education activities, especially with respect to the process, procedures, and administrative structures for the dispersal of Federal funds, as well as the reduction of unnecessary and duplicative burdens and constraints, including unnecessary paperwork, on the recipients of Federal funds; and
(7) to increase the accountability of Federal education programs to the President, the Congress, and the public.
Certainly sounds as if creating Lesson Plans falls within the DOE's stated purpose. Two websites you may want to check out if you are homeschoolers.
Links to NASA Education
Free Federal (Teaching) Resources for Educational Excellence
The Statue they use to support their argument is Sec. 3403. Relationship with States and it merely states that the FEDERAL Government (DOE) can not force the states to USE their LESSON PLANS or a specific CURRICULUM. They didn't, thus no laws were broken.
I am very trouble about the disrespect many in our nation are showing Our President. Refusing to address him correctly, insisting on using his middle name, or even worse using racial slurs when referring to President Obama is uncalled for. Even if you do not agree with his politics he is your President, the majority of your fellow Americans voted for him and he was duly elected. Those of you who claim to be Christians should spend less time making false accusations against President Obama and his supporters and more time praying for him and his Presidency.
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Football player wrests gun from girl on bus
And they wonder why people homeschool. Luckily thanks to quick action by another student (the football player) no one was injured.
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
LOLCATS
The Carnival of Homeschooling is being hosted at HomeschoolBuzz go by and check out the LOLCATS Edition.
*Graphic Courtesy of Zoolatry
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Homeschoolings advantages far outweigh any preconceived shortcomings
My response to Homeschooling is a bad idea by Sylvia Biu. It's really annoying when these ignorant self opinionated people make all these idiotic statements about a subject they obviously know nothing about.
Biu says
Actually I am not aware of any drawbacks to homeschooling. I found homeschooling to be a very positive experience for both my children and myself. And don't you just love people like Sylvia who state their opinions as FACT.
Well I did graduate with honors, but the majority of public school teachers were just average students who didn't graduate with honors and very few public school teachers are geniuses. Are we suppose to believe their students aren't receiving a quality education due to this? If not why would it be a drawback for homeschoolers?
Really?????? Exactly who is frowning upon homeschooling? Don't you just love it when homeschool critics like Sylvia Biu start making stuff up.
1.1 Million Homeschooled Students in the United States in 2003 - July 2004, U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences, NCES study - From 1999 to 2003, the number of homeschooled students in the United States increased, as did the homeschooling rate. The increase in the homeschooling rate (from 1.7 percent to 2.2 percent) represents about 0.5 percent of the 2002–03 school-age population and a 29 percent relative increase over the 4-year period.
All the current data indicates that homeschooling is on the rise.
OMG, another idiot that thinks homeschoolers sit home all day. News flash homeschoolers interact with the people in their community on a regular basis.
Home Schooling:From the Extreme to the Mainstream - by Patrick Basham, Cato Institute, Public Policy Sources. This paper has established that home schooling is a thriving educational movement both in Canada and the United States. It has also empirically demonstrated that the academic and socialization outcomes for the average home schooled child are superior to those experienced by the average public school student.
There are already laws that protect children from abuse and neglect. The same laws and agencies that protect preschoolers are also there for homeschooled children.
Homeschooling's advantages far outweigh any preconceived shortcomings by Sylvia Biu and other homeschool critics.
My thanks to Consent Of The Governed for the links, more links and information can be found at her blog so be sure to read the post Homeschooling Statistical Studies.
Biu says
There are notable drawbacks to homeschooling children.
Actually I am not aware of any drawbacks to homeschooling. I found homeschooling to be a very positive experience for both my children and myself. And don't you just love people like Sylvia who state their opinions as FACT.
First, unless a parent is himself a previous honor student or a genius who mastered more than just the three R’s, a child may not receive quality home education.
Well I did graduate with honors, but the majority of public school teachers were just average students who didn't graduate with honors and very few public school teachers are geniuses. Are we suppose to believe their students aren't receiving a quality education due to this? If not why would it be a drawback for homeschoolers?
Now, it (homeschooling) is mostly frowned upon for all but severely disabled children or those otherwise unable to attend school for whatever reason.
Really?????? Exactly who is frowning upon homeschooling? Don't you just love it when homeschool critics like Sylvia Biu start making stuff up.
1.1 Million Homeschooled Students in the United States in 2003 - July 2004, U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences, NCES study - From 1999 to 2003, the number of homeschooled students in the United States increased, as did the homeschooling rate. The increase in the homeschooling rate (from 1.7 percent to 2.2 percent) represents about 0.5 percent of the 2002–03 school-age population and a 29 percent relative increase over the 4-year period.
All the current data indicates that homeschooling is on the rise.
Besides the issue of academics, there is another glaring downside for children: the socialization factor. Socialization per se is training of sorts. Children must learn to interact and get along with others beyond their immediate family members, preferably outside the home. In certain respects, homeschooling is tantamount to retarding a child by isolating him from the outside world. Social alienation may be as important a basis for opposing homeschooling as its other limits. Phobias and disorders in social settings are often salient results of homeschooling, and become most evident once a homeschooled person attempts to interact in the broader society.
OMG, another idiot that thinks homeschoolers sit home all day. News flash homeschoolers interact with the people in their community on a regular basis.
Home Schooling:From the Extreme to the Mainstream - by Patrick Basham, Cato Institute, Public Policy Sources. This paper has established that home schooling is a thriving educational movement both in Canada and the United States. It has also empirically demonstrated that the academic and socialization outcomes for the average home schooled child are superior to those experienced by the average public school student.
In addition, schools can be excellent monitors and whistleblowers for abused and neglected children. In most if not all schools in the United States, attendance records that are maintained draw attention to truants, children whose poor attendance can indicate their predicament. No such oversight occurs for homeschooled children in peril.
There are already laws that protect children from abuse and neglect. The same laws and agencies that protect preschoolers are also there for homeschooled children.
First and foremost, homeschooling and child abuse are separate issues. Attempts to link the two lack any basis in fact. While there may be homeschooling parents who abuse their children, children are not abused because they are homeschooled. There is no de facto connection between child abuse and homeschooling.
Any regulation specifically focusing on preventing child abuse among homeschoolers would ignore the fact that child abuse occurs in the general population, not just in the homeschooling population. Parents of school children and preschoolers are not singled out for special observation. Background checks, home visits, and other invasions of privacy have been suggested as forms of regulation. Singling out a subset of parents for special observation on the basis of suspicion of abuse would be discriminatory. Mere suspicion does not constitute justification for increasing regulation across the board.
From Homeschooling and Child Abuse: A Response to Recent Media Reports
Homeschooling's advantages far outweigh any preconceived shortcomings by Sylvia Biu and other homeschool critics.
My thanks to Consent Of The Governed for the links, more links and information can be found at her blog so be sure to read the post Homeschooling Statistical Studies.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Not the worst reasons to homeschool
My response to Heather's post Worst reasons to homeschool.
I appreciate that she isn't trying to bash homeschooling but really why are we debating homeschooling? Do we debate public schooling? private schooling?
Heather does admit that there are good reasons to homeschool, she then goes on to state two reasons she considers the worst reasons to homeschool.
First teasing (aka bullying), according to Heather violence is the answer
I also think that one of the problems with the public schools is their refusal to take bullying seriously. All to often they excuse bullying as "just kids being kids" and the abuse is ignored by teachers as well as the victims fellow classmates. See 4 teens charged as adults in locker room sexual assault case. In the real world if someone is verbally threatening you or physically assaulting you, you can go to the police and get a restraining order to keep your attacker away from you. In school if you go to the teachers or principal you are labeled a tattletale, told to get over it and ignored until the situation gets so out of hand the police are involved.
The next reason she cites is religion. While I don't think religion should be ones main reason for homeschooling I do think wanting your children to learn your values is a valid reason for homeschooling. It's funny she cites religion as one of the worst reasons to homeschool when there are numerous religious private schools that no one finds fault with. Here on the coast where I live there are numerous Catholic Schools, and no one feels the need to question the parents right to send their children to these religious schools, so why should religion be consider one of the worst reasons to homeschool?
I appreciate that she isn't trying to bash homeschooling but really why are we debating homeschooling? Do we debate public schooling? private schooling?
Heather does admit that there are good reasons to homeschool, she then goes on to state two reasons she considers the worst reasons to homeschool.
First teasing (aka bullying), according to Heather violence is the answer
When my own four-eyed and very sensitive second grade son came to me with playground woes, I told him the most politically incorrect thing you can tell a child. I said, "I can't make other kids respect you, and your teacher can't make other kids respect you; only you can." That's right, I said, "go for the nose!" Problem solved.I can't believe a public school teacher is advocating violence, and I can't help wonder what school district she lives in because in my school district the "go for the nose"advice would get you expelled. The few parents I know who choose to homeschool because of bullying tried other options first. They talked with the teacher, the principal and the school board. When no help was forthcoming they removed the child from school for their physical safety. And if the teacher is "THE BULLY" (St. Lucie teacher has students vote on whether 5-year-old can stay in class) there is no way for the child to successfully deal with the bully.
I also think that one of the problems with the public schools is their refusal to take bullying seriously. All to often they excuse bullying as "just kids being kids" and the abuse is ignored by teachers as well as the victims fellow classmates. See 4 teens charged as adults in locker room sexual assault case. In the real world if someone is verbally threatening you or physically assaulting you, you can go to the police and get a restraining order to keep your attacker away from you. In school if you go to the teachers or principal you are labeled a tattletale, told to get over it and ignored until the situation gets so out of hand the police are involved.
The next reason she cites is religion. While I don't think religion should be ones main reason for homeschooling I do think wanting your children to learn your values is a valid reason for homeschooling. It's funny she cites religion as one of the worst reasons to homeschool when there are numerous religious private schools that no one finds fault with. Here on the coast where I live there are numerous Catholic Schools, and no one feels the need to question the parents right to send their children to these religious schools, so why should religion be consider one of the worst reasons to homeschool?
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Public School Teacher Entices Girl to Send Sexy Photos
A former (public) school teacher is accused of enticing a 14-year-old girl to send him sexually explicit pictures of herself, police said.
Long Beach police arrested Joseph Eugene Council, 32, on multiple charges from a complaint of alleged misconduct in June with a girl who had been one of his students, said Assistant Police Chief Don Bass.
Council was the band and choir director at Pass Christian High and Pass Christian Middle schools.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Tragedy at Holocaust Museum used to take a potshot at homeschoolers.
Apparently some people have to take a potshot at homeschooling no matter what the subject is.
One of the many reasons parents use as a reason for homeschooling is that it protects their children from the violence in public schools. In this particular situation, homeschooling would not have protected these children. This could have been a home school group instead of a group of people with common ties to a local public middle school.
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
Monday, June 08, 2009
What you can learn in a homeschool
Frog Guts, Jell-o and Character by Laura Snyder is her attempt to explain what lessons she thinks your kids will not learn if they are homeschooled and why her kids are still enrolled in public schools that she finds lacking.
I’ve found that the public school system can provide certain benefits that homeschooling could not. These are not necessarily academic benefits, but they are things that all children should know.
For example, my 7th grader dissected a frog in school recently. This is something that I couldn’t do at home. Maybe some parents could, but my stomach is not equipped for gore. My son, however, had no problem describing it in detail at the dinner table. He even told me that one child was sent to the principal’s office because he was playing with his frog and making it dance. A disemboweled dancing frog was apparently too much for the teacher.
Well first off there is nothing gory about dissecting a frog. We not only dissected a frog we dissected a starfish, crayfish, fish, clam and an earthworm (dissection kit). And while no one made the frog dance, we did learn a lot. The son who would have probably happily made the frog as well as the earthworm dance was allergic to the preservative. We worked around his allergy by allowing him to watch through the glass on the garage door.
My daughter was grossed out because frog guts reminded her of the spaghetti that was served in the cafeteria for lunch that day.
Also, she said, the roll was hard, the lettuce was limp, the tomato was rotten, the chocolate milk was warm and her straw had a hole in it, which is why she had a chocolate stain on her new shirt.
Not eating her lunch was probably the reason she ate all of her dinner before my son got to his frog story. Another benefit to public school: Nothing builds character like cafeteria food.
One of the benefits of homeschooling is being able to serve healthy nutritious meals to your children. You can also teach them how to prepare healthy nutritious meals for themselves, create a shopping list and select the best priced item at the grocery store. Real life skills they will need when they are on their own.
“Sucking Jell-o through a straw is okay, but your teacher gets mad if you blow it out!”
Well, that is something I never knew. He certainly wouldn’t have learned that while homeschooling, that’s for sure.
Well my kids managed to learn that while being homeschooled, although it was Mom who got mad when they blew it out. They also learned about mixing a lot of beverages together to make unique drinks and other "kid things".
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Those Safe Public Schools?
Hillsborough County prosecutors allege the four boys raped the 13-year-old victim multiple times over two months with a broomstick and hockey stick.
The prosecutor said the victim's screams could be heard outside the boys' locker room at Walker Middle School, in southern Tampa, where the allegedly assaults took place.
Multiple people witnessed the attacks, but no one reported the incidents, including the victim, Hindman said.
HT: HERP&ES
The prosecutor said the victim's screams could be heard outside the boys' locker room at Walker Middle School, in southern Tampa, where the allegedly assaults took place.
Multiple people witnessed the attacks, but no one reported the incidents, including the victim, Hindman said.
HT: HERP&ES
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Great Homeschooling Post
Drop by 52 Churches and read
208: It’s True. I Only Homeschool to Piss Off Other People, Part I
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
Who does the brainwashing parents or public school teachers?
JESSE SCACCIA seems to think homeschool parents brainwash their children, these are what he feels are the risk of homeschooling and my rebuttal.
Apparently it's OK for Jesse Scaccia to criticize homeschooling, homeschool parents and homeschool students but how dare we turn the tables and criticize the public schools and public school students. Apparently it never dawns on Scaccia that he is guilty of the very thing he is accusing homeschoolers of, intolerance. That said the majority of kids who attend public schools are nice kids, unfortunately it is the the trouble makers that make the headlines. Just as homeschoolers are stereotyped at geeky public school students have been stereotyped as troublemakers, sex crazed and drug users. Stereotypes that are not fair to either homeschoolers or public school students.
Homeschooling isn't about control and our information sources are not limited. Just like public school students homeschoolers use the Internet, they watch TV, listen to the radio, download MP3's and chat with friends. We do not live in a vacuum.
Apparently it's impossible for Scaccia as he appears to be incapable of accepting homeschoolers, even though he is a product of the enlightened and tolerant public schools. As hard as it for Scaccia to grasp we do get out of the house. We meet people in our neighborhoods, in our community, at the grocery and at various other places.
The goal of education should be to teach one to think for themselves. Not as Scaccia believes to ram beliefs down a student's throat. Scaccia's real problem with homeschooling seems to be that he will miss the opportunity to "brainwash" some students who are lucky enough not to wind up in his classroom because they were homeschooled.
1. The “Othering” of Public School Students
Apparently it's OK for Jesse Scaccia to criticize homeschooling, homeschool parents and homeschool students but how dare we turn the tables and criticize the public schools and public school students. Apparently it never dawns on Scaccia that he is guilty of the very thing he is accusing homeschoolers of, intolerance. That said the majority of kids who attend public schools are nice kids, unfortunately it is the the trouble makers that make the headlines. Just as homeschoolers are stereotyped at geeky public school students have been stereotyped as troublemakers, sex crazed and drug users. Stereotypes that are not fair to either homeschoolers or public school students.
2. Too Much Control From One (Or Highly Limited) Information Sources
The problem with homeschooling is that the parents construct the learning environment. By so doing, they hand choose what elements of society their child is exposed to. If you don’t think this is dangerous, I don’t know what to say to you. A child taught by parents– even a group of parents– is being made privy to a paucity of the viewpoints and perspectives out there. Given that the homeschooler is likely to choose like-minded suplementary teachers (morally, ethically), this leaves the child, basically, in a position of being brainwashed.
Homeschooling isn't about control and our information sources are not limited. Just like public school students homeschoolers use the Internet, they watch TV, listen to the radio, download MP3's and chat with friends. We do not live in a vacuum.
3. It Takes A Myriad of Worldviews To Build A True Educational Environment
Even more importantly, we all agree that accepting others with different viewpoints is paramount to being a good, well-rounded person. Well, how can a child learn to accept and appreciate others if they aren’t around them?
Apparently it's impossible for Scaccia as he appears to be incapable of accepting homeschoolers, even though he is a product of the enlightened and tolerant public schools. As hard as it for Scaccia to grasp we do get out of the house. We meet people in our neighborhoods, in our community, at the grocery and at various other places.
The goal of education should be to teach one to think for themselves. Not as Scaccia believes to ram beliefs down a student's throat. Scaccia's real problem with homeschooling seems to be that he will miss the opportunity to "brainwash" some students who are lucky enough not to wind up in his classroom because they were homeschooled.
The Case for Homeschooling
Public school teachers must be really worried about their job security if they have to stoop to writing post criticizing homeschooling The case against homeschooling By JESSE SCACCIA. HT: Principled Discovery Do homeschoolers care too much?
This reeks of desperation. I mean ADULTS are suppose to make educational choices for their children based on insults college kids use. Am I to infer that Jesse Scaccia would advocate removing children from public schools if college kids were to start using the phrase "You were totally public schooled" as an insult. And while Jesse Scaccia may view homeschoolers as "outsiders" others do not.
I like to think the world is our classroom.
As a parent I am responsible for making sure MY CHLDREN get the best education possible. No one has a problem with wealthy parents sending their children to the best colleges or the best private schools, so why are homeschoolers accused of being selfish for providing their children with the best education available to them. Jesse Scaccia argument smacks of socialism. I suppose Scaccia thinks we should all live in public housing because not everyone can afford a nice house.
Well personally I could care less how God feels about homeschooling, apparently Jesse Scaccia is one of those people who believe those stupid homeschool stereotypes. Memo: ALL HOMESCHOOLERS ARE NOT CHRISTIAN FUNDEMENTALIST. In fact there are agnostic homeschoolers.
And we all know ALL public school teachers are as well educated as Jesse Scaccia (LOL). The beauty of homeschooling is PARENTS DO NOT HAVE TO DO EVERYTHING THEMSELVES. We join homeschool co-ops where parents teach classes that they are proficient in, we hire tutors, we enroll our children in college classes for dual credit, we take advantage of classes offered by museums for homeschool students. The list of resources available to homeschoolers is endless.
As a homeschooler Jesse Scaccia attitude toward homeschooling pisses me off. # 5 is a poor reason on Jesse Scaccia's part, apparently Scaccia was grasping at straws to find a #5. I know many public school teachers who are supportive of homeschooling. In fact I know some public school teachers who have "retired" in order to homeschool their own children.
Jesse Scaccia displays a remarkable lack of tolerance for homeschoolers. Could it be because he is a product of PUBLIC SCHOOLS????? This criticism is so OUTDATED. Scaccia please keep up with the times, homeschoolers are a diverse bunch (more on homeschool diversity here) and there are INCLUSIVE Homeschool Groups.
Really that explains why the "Soccer Mom" didn't realize there were four homeschooled kids on her sons soccer team, see my post But They Are So Normal.
I don't think homeschooling is gambling with your child's future. It was very rewarding for us. My eldest son started college at 16. This is his senior year and he will graduate with a BS Degree in Computer Science. My youngest son starts college this fall.
Nice if you can't come up with a good reason insult them. I attended public school there were "geeky kids" , "weird kids" and other "social misfits" in my public school classrooms. Even though they had attended public school their whole life they never really fit in. If you attend public school be honest; you know some too.
Here are my (JESSE SCACCIA) top ten reasons why homeschooling parents are doing the wrong thing:
10. “You were totally home schooled” is an insult college kids use when mocking the geeky kid in the dorm (whether or not the offender was home schooled or not). And… say what you will… but it doesn’t feel nice to be considered an outsider, a natural outcropping of being homeschooled.
This reeks of desperation. I mean ADULTS are suppose to make educational choices for their children based on insults college kids use. Am I to infer that Jesse Scaccia would advocate removing children from public schools if college kids were to start using the phrase "You were totally public schooled" as an insult. And while Jesse Scaccia may view homeschoolers as "outsiders" others do not.
9. Call me old-fashioned, but a students’ classroom shouldn’t also be where they eat Fruit Loops and meat loaf (not at the same time I hope). It also shouldn’t be where the family gathers to watch American Idol or to play Wii. Students–from little ones to teens–deserve a learning-focused place to study. In modern society, we call them schools.
I like to think the world is our classroom.
8. Homeschooling is selfish. According to this article in USA Today, students who get homeschooled are increasingly from wealthy and well-educated families. To take these (I’m assuming) high achieving students out of our schools is a disservice to our less fortunate public school kids. Poorer students with less literate parents are more reliant on peer support and motivation, and they greatly benefit from the focus and commitment of their richer and higher achieving classmates.
As a parent I am responsible for making sure MY CHLDREN get the best education possible. No one has a problem with wealthy parents sending their children to the best colleges or the best private schools, so why are homeschoolers accused of being selfish for providing their children with the best education available to them. Jesse Scaccia argument smacks of socialism. I suppose Scaccia thinks we should all live in public housing because not everyone can afford a nice house.
7. God hates homeschooling. The study, done by the National Center for Education Statistics, notes that the most common reason parents gave as the most important was a desire to provide religious or moral instruction. To the homeschooling Believers out there, didn’t God say “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations”? Didn’t he command, “Ye shall be witnesses unto me”? From my side, to take your faithful children out of schools is to miss an opportunity to spread the grace, power and beauty of the Lord to the common people. (Personally I’m agnostic, but I’m just saying…)
Well personally I could care less how God feels about homeschooling, apparently Jesse Scaccia is one of those people who believe those stupid homeschool stereotypes. Memo: ALL HOMESCHOOLERS ARE NOT CHRISTIAN FUNDEMENTALIST. In fact there are agnostic homeschoolers.
6. Homeschooling parent/teachers are arrogant to the point of lunacy. For real! My qualifications to teach English include a double major in English and education, two master’s degrees (education and journalism), a student teaching semester and multiple internship terms, real world experience as a writer, and years in the classroom dealing with different learning styles. So, first of all, homeschooling parent, you think you can teach English as well as me? Well, maybe you can. I’ll give you that. But there’s no way that you can teach English as well as me, and biology as well as a trained professional, and history… and Spanish… and art… and counsel for college as well as a school’s guidance counselor… and… and…
And we all know ALL public school teachers are as well educated as Jesse Scaccia (LOL). The beauty of homeschooling is PARENTS DO NOT HAVE TO DO EVERYTHING THEMSELVES. We join homeschool co-ops where parents teach classes that they are proficient in, we hire tutors, we enroll our children in college classes for dual credit, we take advantage of classes offered by museums for homeschool students. The list of resources available to homeschoolers is endless.
5. As a teacher, homeschooling kind of pisses me off. (That’s good enough for
#5.)
As a homeschooler Jesse Scaccia attitude toward homeschooling pisses me off. # 5 is a poor reason on Jesse Scaccia's part, apparently Scaccia was grasping at straws to find a #5. I know many public school teachers who are supportive of homeschooling. In fact I know some public school teachers who have "retired" in order to homeschool their own children.
4. Homeschooling could breed intolerance, and maybe even racism. Unless the student is being homeschooled at the MTV Real World house, there’s probably only one race/sexuality/background in the room. How can a young person learn to appreciate other cultures if he or she doesn’t live among them?
Jesse Scaccia displays a remarkable lack of tolerance for homeschoolers. Could it be because he is a product of PUBLIC SCHOOLS????? This criticism is so OUTDATED. Scaccia please keep up with the times, homeschoolers are a diverse bunch (more on homeschool diversity here) and there are INCLUSIVE Homeschool Groups.
3. And don’t give me this “they still participate in activities with public school kids” garbage. Socialization in our grand multi-cultural experiment we call America is a process that takes more than an hour a day, a few times a week. Homeschooling, undoubtedly, leaves the child unprepared socially.
Really that explains why the "Soccer Mom" didn't realize there were four homeschooled kids on her sons soccer team, see my post But They Are So Normal.
2. Homeschooling parents are arrogant, Part 2. According to Henry Cate, who runs the Why Homeschool blog, many highly educated, high-income parents are “probably people who are a little bit more comfortable in taking risks” in choosing a college or line of work. “The attributes that facilitate that might also facilitate them being more comfortable with home-schooling.
”More comfortable taking risks with their child’s education? Gamble on, I don’t know, the Superbowl, not your child’s future.
I don't think homeschooling is gambling with your child's future. It was very rewarding for us. My eldest son started college at 16. This is his senior year and he will graduate with a BS Degree in Computer Science. My youngest son starts college this fall.
1. And finally… have you met someone homeschooled? Not to hate, but
they do tend to be pretty geeky***.
Nice if you can't come up with a good reason insult them. I attended public school there were "geeky kids" , "weird kids" and other "social misfits" in my public school classrooms. Even though they had attended public school their whole life they never really fit in. If you attend public school be honest; you know some too.
Public School Teacher shoots live in companion
A Moss Point High teacher has posted a $25,000 bond and been released in a criminal charge alleging she shot her live-in companion, said Police Sgt. Joycelyn Craig.
The Carnival of Homeschooling - the Baby Bop edition
The Cate's welcome their son into the family with Why Homeschool: The Carnival of Homeschooling - the Baby Bop edition
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Professional Public School Teacher Arrested for Theft From the PTA
A former Pascagoula elementary school teacher has been arrested in Mobile and charged with the theft of $20,000 from a Mobile elementary school PTA before she came to work in Pascagoula.
Jacqueline Johnson-Paige of Mobile is accused of using the Craighead Elementary School PTA debit card to book about a dozen hotel rooms and to rent a storage facility while employed at the Mobile school and acting as the teacher and PTA treasurer from January 2004 to August 2006, according to the Mobile County District Attorney’s office.
Jacqueline Johnson-Paige of Mobile is accused of using the Craighead Elementary School PTA debit card to book about a dozen hotel rooms and to rent a storage facility while employed at the Mobile school and acting as the teacher and PTA treasurer from January 2004 to August 2006, according to the Mobile County District Attorney’s office.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Reflections on Homeschooling Part II ~The Annoyance Factor
Amy Platon's ranting about a Home School Epidemic? on her blog Scribble Ink Cafe and in the Orlando Sentinel My Word: Amy Platon: Home-schoolers, don't quit system is a prime example of those annoying people homeschoolers will have to deal with. ( See Dana Hanley's charming rebuttal Should homeschoolers stick with the system? at Principled Discovery). She's typical of those who know nothing about homeschooling but feel their ill formed opinion about homeschooling is worthy of broadcasting, thus perpetrating those infuriating homeschool stereotypes (more of my post on homeschool stereotypes can be found here).
There in nothing unfair about choosing to homeschool your child. I would never question another parents decision to send their child to public school and find it highly offensive that Ms. Platon chooses to question my decision to homeschool. I am not sure what planet Ms. Platon lives on but the majority of homeschool parents do not stay home alone all day "putting up with their kids". We join homeschool co-ops, homeschool groups, go on field trips and sign our children up for recreational sports leagues, Boy/Girl Scouts and a whole host of other activities.
Some people choose to engage professionals for a host of things that other individuals choose to tackle on their own. I have been blessed with a husband who can do a multitude of task; plumbing, wiring, fixing computers, laying tile, painting, building greenhouses and working on our vehicles that others choose to pay professionals to do. Just because you choose to engage a professional doesn't mean that another family should have too.
Then Ms. Platon brings up the socialization issue (more post on socialization here). Did her son not have friends until he started school? Homeschooled children play with the children in their neighborhood, with other homeschooled children at park days and other homeschool get togethers, and the children who participate in the various other activities they participate in. As they grow older they keep in touch with their friends via cell phones and the Internet. Socialization is so not a issue.
Does she really expect parents to keep their children in an inferior system if there is something better available just because it's what the majority of parents choose to do? Would she really put up with a shoddy job by a professional IF she could do it better? And does she really think parents should put their children in harms way?
Ms. Platon's attitude is indicative of the morass that has lead to the economic woes Americans are currently embroiled in. Our grandparents generation and to some extent our parents generation had a "can do" attitude that is sadly lacking in most of today's generation. Once most people performed most of their own home and automotive maintenance, a man/woman who was handy around the house was admired. Today being able to "hire someone" to do the work is viewed as a mark of success and the handy man is held in disdain by the Ms. Platon's of the world.
Home-schooled children are kept all to themselves, and others like them, unable to influence the kids who really need it. If you are a good parent, then be a good parent and send your child out into the world so he can make a difference. I will speak for my son, we (the future society) need you to be check in with the rest of us. We need to grow together. We need to learn from each other.
Oh please, homeschoolers are a very diverse group (more post on homeschool diversity here), and homeschooled children are NOT kept all to themselves. Why is it that non-homeschoolers believe homeschoolers live in some sort of bubble? Homeschoolers are involved in their communities and are involved in volunteer work, believe me homeschoolers do make a difference and we don't need the sanctimonious public school Mom Amy Platon to tell us the importance of being engaged involved citizens.
Her naivety is amusing I wonder what she is going to do when her child is older and she is no longer welcome in the classroom.
Jeez I wonder if she realizes how contradictory that statement is, she does not think she is qualified to homeschool but works with her child in key areas after school and over the summer.
Well there is an intelligent attitude ignore the news, yep I am sure that if she ignores all the bad things that happen in her child's public school and the rest of the world they will just go away.
You don't have to participate in the public school system to be involved in your community. Unfortunately if some confused parent did read her post all they came away with was erroneous homeschool stereotypes and misinformation.
Written by a former homeschool parent whose children are now in college.
As an involved parent, I have elected the public school route. I could never home school my child because I personally don’t think it’s fair to him. He would have to put up with me all day, and as much as we love each other, that would be too much of a good thing. Also, I don’t think I’m qualified. I pay professionals to do lots of things in my life, and when we are talking about my child’s education, I feel I’m better as a support. Then there is the social factor. I know my boy would never forgive me if I told him he couldn’t go to school. He’s made too many great friends there.
There in nothing unfair about choosing to homeschool your child. I would never question another parents decision to send their child to public school and find it highly offensive that Ms. Platon chooses to question my decision to homeschool. I am not sure what planet Ms. Platon lives on but the majority of homeschool parents do not stay home alone all day "putting up with their kids". We join homeschool co-ops, homeschool groups, go on field trips and sign our children up for recreational sports leagues, Boy/Girl Scouts and a whole host of other activities.
Some people choose to engage professionals for a host of things that other individuals choose to tackle on their own. I have been blessed with a husband who can do a multitude of task; plumbing, wiring, fixing computers, laying tile, painting, building greenhouses and working on our vehicles that others choose to pay professionals to do. Just because you choose to engage a professional doesn't mean that another family should have too.
Then Ms. Platon brings up the socialization issue (more post on socialization here). Did her son not have friends until he started school? Homeschooled children play with the children in their neighborhood, with other homeschooled children at park days and other homeschool get togethers, and the children who participate in the various other activities they participate in. As they grow older they keep in touch with their friends via cell phones and the Internet. Socialization is so not a issue.
The part of this growing home-school trend that worries me, is that we will end up with adults who have learned that if the system is not good enough, then leave it. If the work’s not good enough, do it yourself. If you fear it, quit.
Does she really expect parents to keep their children in an inferior system if there is something better available just because it's what the majority of parents choose to do? Would she really put up with a shoddy job by a professional IF she could do it better? And does she really think parents should put their children in harms way?
Ms. Platon's attitude is indicative of the morass that has lead to the economic woes Americans are currently embroiled in. Our grandparents generation and to some extent our parents generation had a "can do" attitude that is sadly lacking in most of today's generation. Once most people performed most of their own home and automotive maintenance, a man/woman who was handy around the house was admired. Today being able to "hire someone" to do the work is viewed as a mark of success and the handy man is held in disdain by the Ms. Platon's of the world.
Home-schooled children are kept all to themselves, and others like them, unable to influence the kids who really need it. If you are a good parent, then be a good parent and send your child out into the world so he can make a difference. I will speak for my son, we (the future society) need you to be check in with the rest of us. We need to grow together. We need to learn from each other.
Oh please, homeschoolers are a very diverse group (more post on homeschool diversity here), and homeschooled children are NOT kept all to themselves. Why is it that non-homeschoolers believe homeschoolers live in some sort of bubble? Homeschoolers are involved in their communities and are involved in volunteer work, believe me homeschoolers do make a difference and we don't need the sanctimonious public school Mom Amy Platon to tell us the importance of being engaged involved citizens.
So that said, I’ll tell you how I settle my personal fears, with the public school what-ifs. I volunteer in my child’s class. I help the teacher where she needs it, and I get to know the other kids in the class. I encourage play dates with his classmates, so I can get to know other parents. I go to all the birthday parties we are invited to.
Her naivety is amusing I wonder what she is going to do when her child is older and she is no longer welcome in the classroom.
I help my child with areas where he needs improvement at home. I help him excel in key areas at home and over the summer.
Jeez I wonder if she realizes how contradictory that statement is, she does not think she is qualified to homeschool but works with her child in key areas after school and over the summer.
And finally, I've turned off the news! I Avoid it at all costs!
Well there is an intelligent attitude ignore the news, yep I am sure that if she ignores all the bad things that happen in her child's public school and the rest of the world they will just go away.
If this post reaches even one parent confused about this issue, I hope I have inspired you to stay involved in your community by participating in the public school system.
You don't have to participate in the public school system to be involved in your community. Unfortunately if some confused parent did read her post all they came away with was erroneous homeschool stereotypes and misinformation.
Written by a former homeschool parent whose children are now in college.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Reflections on Homeschooling Part 1 ~ Getting Started
We never intended to be a homeschooling family. When our eldest reached school age we happily sent him off to Kindergarten. When my youngest started school I became a substitute teacher at their schools. Then some snobby woman with connections to the school board decided that her taste in clothing should be inflicted on all the students who were unfortunate enough to attend the same school as her child and the mandatory public school uniform policy was born. A policy we opposed, click here and here to see why.
After we lost the court case ( Brody v. The Jackson County School Board) we examined our options. The only private schools in our area are religious and mostly Catholic. We didn't feel comfortable sending our children to a school that had religious beliefs different then our own. So we researched homeschooling on the Internet. The most difficult part of getting started was finding secular textbooks. After we finally found textbooks we were happy with we started looking for Homeschooling Support Groups. At that time the only groups in our area were Christian Groups who required a statement of faith to join. Now thankfully there is an INCLUSIVE group called PEAK that we belong to.
So with our secular textbooks and our inclusive group we were ready to get started on our homeschooling journey.............
Part II
After we lost the court case ( Brody v. The Jackson County School Board) we examined our options. The only private schools in our area are religious and mostly Catholic. We didn't feel comfortable sending our children to a school that had religious beliefs different then our own. So we researched homeschooling on the Internet. The most difficult part of getting started was finding secular textbooks. After we finally found textbooks we were happy with we started looking for Homeschooling Support Groups. At that time the only groups in our area were Christian Groups who required a statement of faith to join. Now thankfully there is an INCLUSIVE group called PEAK that we belong to.
So with our secular textbooks and our inclusive group we were ready to get started on our homeschooling journey.............
Part II
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Monday, May 18, 2009
Homeschool Injustice, Homeschool Discrimination or Just Angry Women Getting A Divorce?
I am probably going to make a lot of enemies with this post, but I am very trouble by the way some bloggers are attempting to manipulate homeschoolers. We have the blogs Homeschool Injustice and Homeschool Discrimination, which given their names one would think dealt with homeschooling issues. But they don't they are both blogs about women who are in the midst of messy divorces. Both women are angry that the courts have ordered their children into public or private schools. Both feel that their parental rights are being violated and both feel the Father shouldn't have any rights, and in both instances the Father has requested that his children be sent to public or private school. I think it's a moot point that in the past the Father was OK with homeschooling, people including Father's are allowed to change their minds about what is in the best interest of their children.
Neither case is a homeschooling issue and as we are not privy to the personal details that may lead a judge to rule in favor of the Father's request to send the children to public school we should stay out of it.
Judges are ruling in favour of homeschooling in divorce cases, we do not need to march, protest, or rally the troops in those instances when judges decide public school is in the children's best interest.
From Court Monitor
Staub V Staub
This decision thereby recognized that home schooling is equivalent in merit to public schooling. While the Court left the ultimate power in the hands of family court to decide the educational fate of children after divorce, this ruling sets an important precedent by placing home schooling on footing equal to public schooling.
Staub v. Staub, 2008 PA Super 251 (Pa. Super. Ct. 2008). http://www.superior.court.state.pa.us/opinions/A13018_08.PDF.
The key to the judges ruling in Staub v. Staub seems to be the Mother's attitude toward the Father and his ability to participate in the homeschooling if he choose.
If homeschooling is on an equal footing with public schooling then homeschoolers aren't being discriminated against and there is no injustice involved. As they should the courts will look at the cases on an individual basis and make the decision they feel is best for the children. The children may not be thrilled with the decision (especially if the parent who loses bleats on and on about how awful the decision is), the parent who loses won't be happy but there is no injustice or discrimination involved.
Neither case is a homeschooling issue and as we are not privy to the personal details that may lead a judge to rule in favor of the Father's request to send the children to public school we should stay out of it.
Judges are ruling in favour of homeschooling in divorce cases, we do not need to march, protest, or rally the troops in those instances when judges decide public school is in the children's best interest.
From Court Monitor
Staub V Staub
This decision thereby recognized that home schooling is equivalent in merit to public schooling. While the Court left the ultimate power in the hands of family court to decide the educational fate of children after divorce, this ruling sets an important precedent by placing home schooling on footing equal to public schooling.
Staub v. Staub, 2008 PA Super 251 (Pa. Super. Ct. 2008). http://www.superior.court.state.pa.us/opinions/A13018_08.PDF.
The key to the judges ruling in Staub v. Staub seems to be the Mother's attitude toward the Father and his ability to participate in the homeschooling if he choose.
If homeschooling is on an equal footing with public schooling then homeschoolers aren't being discriminated against and there is no injustice involved. As they should the courts will look at the cases on an individual basis and make the decision they feel is best for the children. The children may not be thrilled with the decision (especially if the parent who loses bleats on and on about how awful the decision is), the parent who loses won't be happy but there is no injustice or discrimination involved.
Friday, May 15, 2009
It's official
85% of the voters want Alasandra's Homeschool Blog Awards to continue. I'll need a nifty badge/button for 2009. So feel free to put on your thinking caps and submit one. Badges/Buttons can be submitted anytime before August 1st. During August the badges/buttons will be voted on and one will be chosen. In September I'll ask for nominees.
Fundamentalist bloggers spreading misinformation again
Courtroom injustices are all the rage on fundamentalist homeschooling blogs and Wing (er I mean World) Net Daily. Of course they never bother to get their facts straight.
This is what really happened courtesy of Right Juris.Com
Not this Woman gets 30 days in jail for texting in court
Perhaps the fundamentalist bloggers should get more savvy and rely on something other the Wing Nut Daily for their information.
This is what really happened courtesy of Right Juris.Com
Now back to the story. There are clear warnings posted at the Courthouse to turn off your cell phones and not to use them in the Courtroom. She is being held for warning her husband about the actions that the opposing party were taking to collect the debt. I am sure this sounds pretty innocent, but think about what would happen if this type of behavior were allowed to go unpunished. Parties would simply have text messages sent out from the Courtroom instructing third parties to hide or dispose of assets if a hearing did not look favorable. It’s the content of the text that really got her into trouble with the Judge. I know I’m going to sound like the crotchety old man here, but people these days have no sense of manners when it comes to text messaging. Text messages in church, class, driving, and other equally inappropriate places is a huge problem. This type of behavior needs to be dealt with.
Mrs. Henwood was released from jail today after talking to the judge and having him explain why he put her in jail.
Not this Woman gets 30 days in jail for texting in court
Perhaps the fundamentalist bloggers should get more savvy and rely on something other the Wing Nut Daily for their information.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Homeschooling in nothing like creationism
I always enjoy the thoughtful post at Principled Discovery, Homeschooling as a protest movement is such a post.
This lead me to read Objections to evolution arise from incorrect interpretation of the facts Posted by Lawrence Kapture. I agree with a lot of his post, but I am infuriated by his assumption that all homeschoolers are anti-evolution idiots. Many homeschoolers BELIVE IN EVOLUTION and teach the theory of evolution to our children.
This lead me to read Objections to evolution arise from incorrect interpretation of the facts Posted by Lawrence Kapture. I agree with a lot of his post, but I am infuriated by his assumption that all homeschoolers are anti-evolution idiots. Many homeschoolers BELIVE IN EVOLUTION and teach the theory of evolution to our children.
Homeschooling is essentially a protest movement. Regardless of motivation, homeschoolers believe public schools are unable to prepare their children to live in the world.There is nothing inherently wrong with protesting. Many important reforms (Civil Rights to name one) have been enacted due to people protesting behavior they believed to be wrong. I proudly admit that my family left the Jackson County Public Schools in PROTEST of the mandatory public school uniform policy and it's socialist overtones. But we choose homeschooling because of the many opportunities and benefits it offered to my family.
Unfortunately, what homeschooling can do is isolate children from the market of ideas, especially when it comes to biological science. There is a large amount of fringe literature published by religious groups that support the claims of creationists while providing no real information about the vast field of evolutionary biology.Homeschooling does not isolate children from "ideas" anymore then the public schools do. In fact many homeschooling parents understand the difference in a scientific theory like evolution and Aunt Betty's theory of who shot JR. We embrace the field of evolutionary biology and make sure our children are well educated in science.
Homeschooling allows families to isolate their children from good information by providing them only with information that is comfortable with their own biases.Homeschoolers have a wealth of information at their fingertips. Homeschooled children are just as capable of navigating the Internet as public school students are. Frankly I am amazed at the ignorant people who assume homeschoolers are isolated from the world.
Like homeschooling is a protest against public schools, creationism is a protest against anything that opposes a literal interpretation of the Bible. When it comes to the origins of life, creationism is not a scientifically educated movement.Homeschooling is nothing like creationism. Creationism is a religious belief. It has nothing to do with science and does not belong in a science classroom. Homeschooling is an educational choice, just like sending your child to public school or private school is an educational choice.
Friday, May 08, 2009
A good reason for homeschoolers to protest
Actually this is a good reason for all Americans to be up in arms not just homeschoolers, that is IF it was TRUE.
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Public School Teacher Accused of Having Sex With Two Students
More charges were levied Wednesday against a former North Gulfport 7th & 8th Grade School teacher accused of having sex with two students.
Read the rest in The Sun Herald.
Read the rest in The Sun Herald.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Carnival of Homeschooling - Peter Rabbit Edition
I loved the Peter Rabbit stories growing up, so it was with great pleasure I sat down to read the Carnival of Homeschooling - Peter Rabbit Edition
Stuck in the past
One means to help preserve the ancient "boundary stones" of Biblical meanings is to use Noah Webster's original 1828 dictionary rather than the new on-line dictionaries that are moving further and further away from Biblical meanings.
Having a common language that is readily understood by all helps prevent confusion. Using an outdated dictionary is sure to put the user at a disadvantage as he/she will not understand how the word is being used TODAY (which happens to be the period in which we live) and the user will also be unaware of new words that have come into vogue like "d'oh!". Look for language scores on the ACT/SAT to go down for homeschoolers who take Wayne's advice.
Having a common language that is readily understood by all helps prevent confusion. Using an outdated dictionary is sure to put the user at a disadvantage as he/she will not understand how the word is being used TODAY (which happens to be the period in which we live) and the user will also be unaware of new words that have come into vogue like "d'oh!". Look for language scores on the ACT/SAT to go down for homeschoolers who take Wayne's advice.
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Derek Shore-KFOX News Reporter Questions Homeschoolers Being Left Alone
If these kids had been enrolled in public school and out for spring break I doubt that would have been mention in the article Fire Has Some Wondering Why Kids Were Alone.
I agree with Principled Discovery, it depends on the situation, read her post Is our culture too overprotective of children?
I agree with Principled Discovery, it depends on the situation, read her post Is our culture too overprotective of children?
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Carnival of Homeschooling
A Pondering Heart is hosting this weeks Carnival of Homeschooling and she encourages you to get your gardens going. I have been doing a lot of gardening these last few weeks. The English Dogwood in the Whiskers Memorial Butterfly Garden is a mass of blooms.
Mississippi Gulf Coast: Gulf Restoration Network (GRN)
Help stop the Richton Salt Dome Project, find out how at Mississippi Gulf Coast: Gulf Restoration Network (GRN)
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Spring Fever
Janice Campbell at Taking Time for Things That Matter is hosting this weeks Carnival of Homeschooling. She has some gorgeous pictures of flowers for you to view along with some great post. I thought I would show you this yellow Swamp Iris that is growing in the Whiskers Memorial Butterfly Garden at my house.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
To defend Venessa Mills right to homeschool in light of this evidence is akin to defending abuse
A good synopsis of the Mill's case, Opinion: Did NC Judge Ned Mangum go too far in home-schooling case? at Digital Journal.
From the comments on another post
Crimson Wife said...
I agree, but the Mills case isn't so cut and dried. Family members and close friends have expressed concerns about the Mother's homeschooling the children.
This is mental abuse and in light of this testimony and other testimony the judge was 100% right to order the children be sent to public school.
It's also interesting to see the DEMANDS Venessa Mills made, keep in mind the children are 10, 11 and 12 years old.
From the comments on another post
Crimson Wife said...
Sometimes defending freedom means defending people with whom one 100% disagrees. I support the right of Christian Dominionists to homeschool just as I support the right of neo-Nazis or the KKK to hold a non-violent march down city streets. We cannot pick & choose whom to grant freedoms to based on popularity.
I agree, but the Mills case isn't so cut and dried. Family members and close friends have expressed concerns about the Mother's homeschooling the children.
Her father and mother described, under oath that she had become controlling and domineering, instilling fear in her children.
A lifelong friend of the woman stated in a sworn affidavit that their friendship withered away since the woman joined the Sound Doctrine Church. She states that the woman has distanced herself from her parents and her sisters, that the woman has an extreme control over her children, that they are more withdrawn than is to be considered normal and that the behaviour of the children when she saw them in June 2008 was alarming. Other people make similar statements.
This is mental abuse and in light of this testimony and other testimony the judge was 100% right to order the children be sent to public school.
It's also interesting to see the DEMANDS Venessa Mills made, keep in mind the children are 10, 11 and 12 years old.
Although the husband has a good job, no criminal record, and no history of substance abuse or domestic violence, the woman has asked for several court orders:
- -Limiting the husband from having any overnights visits with his children.
- -Limiting the husband from seeing his children to a total of 9 hours a week.
- -Removing all decision making authority away from the husband related to education and religion.
- -To not allow the husband any regular visitation on Sundays.
- -Limiting the husband's phone calls to the children to only those that are scheduled beforehand.
- -To order that the husband to not allow the children to have contact with any ex-Sound Doctrine members or anyone hostile to the organization.
Based on all this, Judge Ned Mangum finds that the woman is alienating her children from their maternal grandparents, their aunt, and most importantly their father. He also finds that the affidavits of the woman's parents, sister, and lifelong friends are credible as they have known her for many years.
To defend Venessa Mills right to homeschool in light of this evidence is akin to defending abuse. Homeschoolers MUST NOT support Venessa Mills.
HT: HERP&ES post HS Justice
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Not all homeschoolers are wingnuts with large families
Home school advocate
Sen. Gilbert Baker would never require a child to attend a public school. But he does propose to require public school districts to allow home schoolers to play sports and participate in extracurricular activities in the public school districts in which they live. He also doesn't want to let public school districts join organizations that might set rules against participation by private school or home schooled students.
Unfortunately most of the comments are hateful and prejudiced against homeschoolers. I am so tired of "the prejudiced fools" who assume all homeschoolers are wingnuts with large families.
Sen. Gilbert Baker would never require a child to attend a public school. But he does propose to require public school districts to allow home schoolers to play sports and participate in extracurricular activities in the public school districts in which they live. He also doesn't want to let public school districts join organizations that might set rules against participation by private school or home schooled students.
Unfortunately most of the comments are hateful and prejudiced against homeschoolers. I am so tired of "the prejudiced fools" who assume all homeschoolers are wingnuts with large families.
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