Home schooling

[aquaknight]

I wasn't limiting experience to just drugs, I really think the socializing thing is a bit underrated. Not just for attraction of the opposite s ex, but job skills, interviews, etc. I wouldn't say I'm encouraging drug experiences, just that it's something that comes along and I (again, this is just me) feel it should be talked about so they can prepared for if it happens. I wouldn't keep them from going to any and all parties just based on the drug use ratios of public school kids. Not all of us are bad

 

[eaglephot]

A lot of what has been said is true a ton of what has been said is NOT true. I was homeschooled from 1st grade to 12th grade. I didn't read all of the posts because I don't have the time nor do I care to read them. But from what I have read, most posts that are not true are coming from people who don't know what the heck they are talking about. Although I would not homeschool my kids, I do not appose it. There are good and bad things about homeschooling. The fact that kids are not social or cannot be social or have no friends or are to attached to their parents is BEYOND false. I had many friends and met many people. Some of whom I am still great friends with. You can NOT always point out a homeschooler in the crowd. Yes, there are times when the boys are dressed up in ties and the girls in jumpers just to go to McDonalds. That is not always the case. You would never guess that I or any homeschooler I know was a homeschooler. I had no problems when I started College. If anything, homeschooling prepared me better than public schooling does. It also depends on the kid. For my brothers who are at a private high school, homeschooling didn't work for them. So, they started going to school. Now I am just blabbing and probably not making to much sense as I am not tying my thoughts together. Sorry about that! All this being said, homeschooling is not what people here or in the world think it is. Kids that are homeschooled miss out on just as much as kids who are not homeschooled. There are so many programs and schools who work with homeschoolers and give them their education. For example, I got my high school diploma from a school in Maine but live in Illinois. They have programs for high school homeschoolers. Anyway, I am probably not making much sense anymore and you have probably stopped reading by now. My only point is, home schooling is not what you may think it is. I'll stop blabbing now!

 

[bdhutier]

First off, let me say that my post in no way was a dig at either of you, Journey and AquaKnight. I sensed in your replies that I may have come across that way, and it certainly wasn't intended as such.
I *may* have some benefit of hindsight in my schooling experiences, I have been home schooled, as well as attended both private and public schools long term. A mix of the three, I guess.
1. I would personally classify my private school experience as the most balanced of the three. I obviously interacted and experienced the social dynamic, but in a guarded Catholic school where social boundaries were maintained and not allowed to get out of hand.
2. My home schooling experience was academically very good, but probably more stereotypically "socially devoid." I did experience plenty of time with friends etc, but there were no opportunities for experiencing new social situations (where we lived, there just weren't any at the time).
3. Public school was by far the worst of the three... I entered PS a year before high school, and my interest in education plummeted. Why? Simply because there were so many other things to do! I was too busy "socializing" to learn much of anything. There was an immense amount of time wasted on classroom changes, teachers having to discipline, selling blow-pops for track, pep-rallies, writing notes to girlfriends, talking about how hot so-and-so was, etc. Honestly, I wonder today if I would have made it through high school if I hadn't already learned all of the material while home schooled!
Believe me, I'm not a PS "hater," I loved the PS on base here in San Antonio, and my kids did too. It's not lost on me, however, the PS on base was its own ISD. If there were problems at the school, the parents' chain of command would often be involved. So, it's a different animal.
I agree with journey, I personally believe the only way to fix the current school system is to institute a voucher program. By affecting an indirect system of competition into the overarching education component of society/government, those schools with solid management and educators will succeed. Those schools who are ineffective (public or private) will either fail, or adjust accordingly.

 

[1journeyman]

Originally Posted by bdhutier
http:///forum/post/2491439
First off, let me say that my post in no way was a dig at either of you, Journey and AquaKnight. I sensed in your replies that I may have come across that way, and it certainly wasn't intended as such.
I *may* have some benefit of hindsight in my schooling experiences, I have been home schooled, as well as attended both private and public schools long term. A mix of the three, I guess.
1. I would personally classify my private school experience as the most balanced of the three. I obviously interacted and experienced the social dynamic, but in a guarded Catholic school where social boundaries were maintained and not allowed to get out of hand.
2. My home schooling experience was academically very good, but probably more stereotypically "socially devoid." I did experience plenty of time with friends etc, but there were no opportunities for experiencing new social situations (where we lived, there just weren't any at the time).
3. Public school was by far the worst of the three... I entered PS a year before high school, and my interest in education plummeted. Why? Simply because there were so many other things to do! I was too busy "socializing" to learn much of anything. There was an immense amount of time wasted on classroom changes, teachers having to discipline, selling blow-pops for track, pep-rallies, writing notes to girlfriends, talking about how hot so-and-so was, etc. Honestly, I wonder today if I would have made it through high school if I hadn't already learned all of the material while home schooled!
Believe me, I'm not a PS "hater," I loved the PS on base here in San Antonio, and my kids did too. It's not lost on me, however, the PS on base was its own ISD. If there were problems at the school, the parents' chain of command would often be involved. So, it's a different animal.
I agree with journey, I personally believe the only way to fix the current school system is to institute a voucher program. By affecting an indirect system of competition into the overarching education component of society/government, those schools with solid management and educators will succeed. Those schools who are ineffective (public or private) will either fail, or adjust accordingly.
You came across fine friend. Heck, you've seen me take much worse on some of the more heated topics at hand

You post made me go back and better clarify my position, which is always a good thing.
My cousin, his wife, and my other cousin's wife are all teachers in the San Antonio public school system. I feel your pain... One already quit, and the two other's are looking for other jobs.

 

[1journeyman]

Originally Posted by Eaglephot
http:///forum/post/2491437
... I was homeschooled from 1st grade to 12th grade. I didn't read all of the posts because I don't have the time nor do I care to read them. ...
Hehe, some of that "social skills" stuff I was referring too.

It's not really fair or polite to jump into the end of a conversation, say "nor do I care to read" the opinions expressed by others, then proceed to give your own opinion. This thread isn't that long and both sides have made good and valid points.
It's a shame you didn't take the time to better read the thread.

 

[eaglephot]

Originally Posted by AquaKnight
http:///forum/post/2491260
I wasn't limiting experience to just drugs, I really think the socializing thing is a bit underrated. Not just for attraction of the opposite s ex, but job skills, interviews, etc. I wouldn't say I'm encouraging drug experiences, just that it's something that comes along and I (again, this is just me) feel it should be talked about so they can prepared for if it happens. I wouldn't keep them from going to any and all parties just based on the drug use ratios of public school kids. Not all of us are bad

If I understood your post correctly, that is very untrue. Homeschoolers do not have problems getting a jobs and do not have poor job skills or interview skills. As for the drug thing... something that comes along? Along with what? Public school? It usually only comes if you are undereducated and just plain stupid. That is not part of the "experience" of school. That having been said, I may have misunderstood what you were saying.

 

[1journeyman]

Originally Posted by Eaglephot
http:///forum/post/2491474
If I understood your post correctly, that is very untrue. Homeschoolers do not have problems getting a jobs and do not have poor job skills or interview skills. As for the drug thing... something that comes along? Along with what? Public school? It usually only comes if you are undereducated and just plain stupid. That is not part of the "experience" of school. That having been said, I may have misunderstood what you were saying.
Seriously, read the whole thread.
I think you came away from this thread thinking people were bashing Home Schooled people. Not at all...
We're just talking about the Pros and Cons.
I'll be the first to say that, if the parent is qualified, Homeschooling provides an exceptional academic experience.

 

[stdreb27]

I don't feel like I missed out at all as a home schooler. On the contrary I did alot more than the average kid. I got to travel, we got to be boys outside, sports and outdoors ect. Nerf wars!!!! I've probably been to every "historic festival" in texas from san jac, washington on the brazos to the Alamo. I still talk to many of my childhood friends from my friends when I was 10. What is funny, I don't talk to ANY of my friends from High school at the school I went too. and they are 7 or 8 years removed.

 

[eaglephot]

Originally Posted by 1journeyman
http:///forum/post/2491467
Hehe, some of that "social skills" stuff I was referring too.

It's not really fair or polite to jump into the end of a conversation, say "nor do I care to read" the opinions expressed by others, then proceed to give your own opinion. This thread isn't that long and both sides have made good and valid points.
It's a shame you didn't take the time to better read the thread.
First of all, that isn't a "missed" social skill due to homeschooling. Anyone could make that "mistake". I say "nor do I care to read" because I had read enough of what people had said they think homeschooling is. I wanted to respond and jumped the gun a little too soon. I appologize for that. Again, that is not a missed social skill.

 

[eaglephot]

Originally Posted by 1journeyman
http:///forum/post/2491482
Seriously, read the whole thread.
I think you came away from this thread thinking people were bashing Home Schooled people. Not at all...
We're just talking about the Pros and Cons.
I'll be the first to say that, if the parent is qualified, Homeschooling provides an exceptional academic experience.
Exactly what I was thinking and I can see now from reading further that I was wrong. Again, I apologize.

 

[1journeyman]

Originally Posted by Eaglephot
http:///forum/post/2491491
First of all, that isn't a "missed" social skill due to homeschooling. Anyone could make that "mistake". I say "nor do I care to read" because I had read enough of what people had said they think homeschooling is. I wanted to respond and jumped the gun a little too soon. I appologize for that. Again, that is not a missed social skill.
It was just a friendly joke neighbor.

That's why I next posted for you to read the entire thread. I didn't want you to get the wrong impression of what I, or others, believe about home schooled students.
My first post on this thread was to advocate vouchers to give parents more control over where to send their kids. While it sounds like you had the benefit of parents that were well educated could afford to yake the time off to teach you, many households do not have this opportunity.
No need to apologize either. Just glad we're now on the same page.

 

[bdhutier]

Originally Posted by AquaKnight
http:///forum/post/2491116
I guess there are just two trains of thought on this. It's my opinion that you just can't beat experience. What I see from your post is that you build the child up, teaching entirely what you, the parent know and feel is correct, then leave the child to 'fend for him/herself.' I fully understand you till to instill as much morally as you can and preach and preach, but they will eventually go to that first party and meet that first girl/guy. I'm 22 and the 'real world' started when I was old enough to 'do the dirty', have a job of my own, and then be legally held responsible for my actions. ...
AK, Where I was going with the roommate scenario is this: you can train and develop you children as much as you can, and many parents do. BUT, there comes a time where the "child" must make their own decisions. This scenario would be one of them.
While reading this thread, I think back to my first few years in the Army, when the Balkan deployments popped up. We trained and trained and trained, we went on countless exercises, we maintained equipment, we learned our CSTT's frontwards and backwards... and then... *gasp*... we were put on alert to deploy to Bosnia. Well, most of us said, "Ok, we're ready, let's go." A few, however, said, "I don't want to go, I just signed up for the college money!!" My point? Training is crucial to making your decisions, but ultimately there comes a point where the choice has to be made by YOU.
Many people believe they live in the "real world," but they don't. High school age kids are probably the most guilty of this. IMO, the real world truly begins not only when one can have s ex (that would be around 11yo or so), when you can have a job (14 in many states), or are legally responsible for yourself (18). The real world begins when you are completely, and solely responsible for yourself. When your choice is to starve to death, or deal with the fact that your boss doesn't give a crap about your feelings... you're in the real world. When you either pay your rent/

[hr]
or freeze to death... you're in the real world. When life just isn't working out the way it's supposed to, but you suck it up and drive on because you know everyone else is too busy making their own lives work to truly care about yours... you're in the real world.
Honestly, much like parenthood, I'm not sure there's ANYTHING out there that can truly prepare someone for that.

 

[bdhutier]

Originally Posted by 1journeyman
http:///forum/post/2491457
You came across fine friend.
Hehe, thx guy!!

 

[bdhutier]

Originally Posted by bdhutier
http:///forum/post/2491512
When you either pay your rent/

[hr]
or freeze to death...
HAHAHAHAHA!!!! The boards edited out the dreaded curse-word of "mort-gage!!" How funny!!!!

 

[1journeyman]

Originally Posted by bdhutier
http:///forum/post/2491525
HAHAHAHAHA!!!! The boards edited out the dreaded curse-word of "mort-gage!!" How funny!!!!

If only you knew how many spam posts contained that word back in the pre-Cool New Forum Upgrade Days....

 

[nyyankeees]

Originally Posted by bdhutier
http:///forum/post/2491082
This is the precise reason we home school our kids. A little background... we HS'ed in North Dakota because the schools were so awful, Barney videos taught them more. When we moved here, they were in PS on base, which worked fine. Finally, we moved off base to our current home, and they went to PS. The schools were supposedly soooo good.

Our daughter's math textbook (for the entire year) ended up being the study guide book for the TAKS test. One strike. My kids really weren't happy, because the other students were constantly misbehaving and disrupting class. The teacher spent the majority of their time yelling and trying to discipline instead of teaching. Strike two. Finally, my oldest daughter (4th grade @ the time) came home and announced that during recess, it was decided she was the "hottest" girl in class. Strikes were irrelevant at this point. They've never been back.
So, I'm not interested in the "social education" my children are receiving at a PS. I think my kids are more socially functional than most PS kids, because they are respectful of others, don't pick fights and arguments, and aren't violent towards others. I suspect the main reason the HS kids seem socially awkward to journey (just a guess), is the HS kids spend most of the time uncomfortably watching the PS kids behave like a bunch of idiots, and have no interest in joining them.
The issues of the "first boyfriend/GF" are not a concern to me, since I'm trying to instill a foundation of virtue and chastity in my children... We go on far more education trips than any PS I know of... All I remember about the four proms I went to was everyone taking pictures for "parental proof" they went, then everyone running off to various hotel rooms full of kegs, bottles, and condoms... Honestly, I'm very doubtful there is much of anyone I'd like to mentor or provide a role-model for my children. I have too much of an interest in my kids' well-being and proper development to allow that. You don't dump police recruits in the middle of the projects to help them learn how to deal with street gangs

.
In the case of my children, I would argue that by college, the actions of the kid will be a personal, semi-adult choice. They will have to make that decision, and hopefully I will have developed enough of a moral foundation so they will not join in. But like I said, they will have to make that decision by that age. I will say, that at least HS kids probably (there are some wacked-out parents out there) won't have already smoked pot at that point. A large percentage of their PS counterparts will have. Besides... I'm not sure how old you are, AquaKnight, but since when has high school or college been "the real world?"
Well, not ALL public schools are like that. I went to public school my entire childhood as did my siblings. We were and are all well educated, well rounded individuals. We have never had a drug problem, have never been in trouble with the law, never had a drinking problem and weren't teenage parents and certainly did not act like idiots.

There are GOOD public schools out there and GOOD kids who attend them whether you choice to believe that or not.

 

[aquaknight]

Originally Posted by Eaglephot
http:///forum/post/2491474
If I understood your post correctly, that is very untrue. Homeschoolers do not have problems getting a jobs and do not have poor job skills or interview skills. As for the drug thing... something that comes along? Along with what? Public school? It usually only comes if you are undereducated and just plain stupid. That is not part of the "experience" of school. That having been said, I may have misunderstood what you were saying.
No, I never meant to the say they had trouble getting jobs. But by being stuck with all sorts of kids, some that you care for and some that you could careless about and are just a drag to work with, you can apply that to the workplace. You won't like everyone at work, but you still have to learn how to deal with them. I have a feeling everyone in your home school circle was pretty close? As far as jobs/interviews, I was able to take a couple business classes in high school and got a couple internships from my high school which I am forever grateful.
For the drug thing, I think I may have been a bit unclear, but yes, just something that will come along. Maybe it's a locational thing, but if you were to hang out, go to parties, etc, eventually you're going to come across being offered some type of drug at some point or get to know somebody that smokes, etc. If you'd like another example, alcohol. Someone's parents at some point will be eventually out of town, and you'll have full access to the liquior cabinet. Just a matter of preparing the child beforehand.
bdhutier, quite the opposite, I was worried about coming off to brash. This is your life and I am just some 22 year old with an opinion

. I think we agree on a lot of things, parents should definitely be involved regardless of PS or HS. I think that's were a lot of the kids go askew is that the parents just dumping their kids off onto the public schools to show the kids everything. I definitely understand your position on the 'real world' and respect that. I think there is more to life then finances, even if I don't pay all the bills, I could vote, join the military or be tried as an adult in court.

 

[itom37]

Originally Posted by 1journeyman
http:///forum/post/2490220
It's not a "stereotype" if I say both "almost" and "many times" as well as posting what I observed.
Again, reread my thread. I was posting on my own personal observations; Not posting stereotypes....
I have personally observed three bike thefts by 12ish year old black kids in my neighborhood. I have never observed anyone outside of this demographic stealing a bike. Therefore, I might say that bikes are almost always stolen by 12 year old black kids. I could then see a black kid on a bike and make the assumption that he has stolen it, of course I don't know whether or not he has. Seems ridiculous, I think.
So you've done similarly. You must know a few homeschooled kids that you've perhaps observed in crowds, and you've stereotyped them as distinguishable in that situation. Then you go and apply that to "almost all" homeschooled kids in crowds. That is a stereotype. Had you said "I know x number of homeschooled kids and most of the time those kids are socially awkward or whatever you meant by "can be picked out of a crowd", then you'd be reporting an observation.
I'm not saying your original statement is wrong, but is a stereotype.

 

[bdhutier]

Originally Posted by NYyankeees
http:///forum/post/2491554
There are GOOD public schools out there and GOOD kids who attend them whether you choice to believe that or not.
I do believe it, and I'm grateful to those administrators, educators, and parents for it. It's great to see adults with a true devotion to the welfare of children. BTW, COD4 ROCKS!!
Originally Posted by AquaKnight
http:///forum/post/2491579
bdhutier, quite the opposite, I was worried about coming off to brash. This is you're life and I am just some 22 year old with an opinion

. I think we agree on a lot of things, parents should definitely be involved regardless of PS or HS. I think that's were a lot of the kids go askew is that the parents just dumping their kids off onto the public schools to show the kids everything. I definitely understand your position on the 'real world' and respect that. I think there is more to life then finances, even if I don't pay all the bills, I could vote, join the military or be tried as an adult in court.
Understood, and respect your position. I'm sure, based on the maturity of your posts and responses, you understand how things are. Sadly, many don't.
I whole-heartedly agree the blame mostly lies with parents in failing school situations. I'm dismayed at the willingness of so many parents to push the child-rearing responsibility onto the school system. These problems are a vicious cycle, no doubt. The less parents "parent," the more time a teacher must spend parenting, the less teachers can teach, the more parents blame and pressure the school, and the less they parent. Where does it end?

 

[matt b]

Ok this is why i dont go to public schools.
My brother wants to go to a obama rally but its in the middle of the day so he was going to take the day of of school to go but he cant cause hes got a project in government due. *** so a project in government over going to a rally for a guy who could be the 1st black president.