2017
Ray, Brian D. (2001, Spring). Homeschooling in Canada. Education Canada, 41(1), 28-31. (Provides brief general update on home education movement in Canada then gives details from a survey study of homeschooling in Canada including topics such as family demographics, children’s academic achievement, and inferences about why the home educated perform about average in terms of achievement. “Perhaps it should be no surprise that homeschooled children and youth do well. There are elements of the home-based education environment which may well contribute to high academic achievement and healthy personal development into adulthood. Most teachers, administrators, and researchers know from experience and research that certain educational features help students learn and schools to be more effective in their mission — these features which are, by nature, a part of the essence of homeschooling. In other words, home-based education may systemically and organically present a recipe for academic success. What classroom teacher would not like to: — have only 2 to 5 students and basically tutor each one?– be able to individualize the curriculum for each student, according to his or her particular strengths, weaknesses, interests, and dreams? — spend more time on teaching/learning and less on classroom management? — stop more often for the teachable moment?– share core values and beliefs with her students? — be able to integrate more ages in a smaller class? — spend plenty of time making sure students master the basics of reading, writing, and arithmetic? and — be able to say she has a deep, long-lasting, and sacrificial love for each of her pupils? Research suggests that these are common features of parent-led, home-based education. [new paragraph] Regardless of whether researchers will ever be able to determine that homeschooling does — or does not — “cause” high academic achievement and healthy social and psychological development, it has become a vibrant part of educational life in Canada, and its resurgence is increasing around the world” [p. 31]. Presents children’s and graduates’ social and other activities; e.g., 60% of the children were involved in group sports, 88% went on field trips, etc..) (Descriptors: home education, Canada, academic achievement, demographics)
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