Ray, Brian D. (1995). Home education science learning in the context of family, neighborhood, and society, 41 pp. A paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association, April 18-22, 1995, San Francisco, California. (Available from the National Home Education Research Institute, P.O. Box 13939, Salem OR 97309.) (Provides basic knowledge and insight about science learning and teaching in the home education environment while keeping in mind the social context of family, neighborhood [or community], and their larger society. Examines the science academic achievement of the home educated and selected social (and other) factors that may contribute to their science academic achievement. Home educated scored, on average, at the 85th percentile in science achievement. “… parents engage the students in science learning for at least as much time as do conventional schools” (p. 25). “… they [home education families] utilize many community resources in science teaching and learning C field trips to museums and science learning centers, courses outside of the home, science camps or academies, 4-H, science fairs, libraries, and volunteer and paid jobs” (p. 26). “All indications are that the home educated, as a group, are developing their scientific literacy at least as well as are students in conventional schools” (p. 27).) (Descriptors: home education, research, science academic achievement, social capital, social environment)
