Homeschool Statistics: How Do Homeschoolers Measure Up?
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As convinced as homeschooling families are that their education choice is the best, it begs the question: How do homeschool students measure up against their public school peers? In 2009, Dr. Brian D. Ray of the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI) in Salem, Oregon, answered that question.
In 2008 Dr. Ray studied over 11,000 participants from all 50 states as well as Guam and Puerto Rico. The purpose of the study, which was commissioned by the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA), was to “develop a current picture of homeschool students and their families.”
Over the next several weeks, I’m going to publish many of Dr. Ray’s findings. As homeschooling parents and interested parties, you’re sure to find these statistics encouraging. Enjoy!
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#2 written by Gena 1 year ago
I’ll leave it to each individual to decided whether or not these stats are true, but if you do question their validity, be sure to check out the NHERI website and read about the methodology used. Many of the students included in the study didn’t know their scores were going to be included. So it wasn’t a case of the best and brightest joining in while the average and low performers sat on the sidelines.
I would also suggest that you read my posts on Why Homeschooling Works (http://www.homeschoolpassion.com/2010/02/why-homeschooling-works-pt-1-tutorial-relationship/?preview=true&preview_id=10&preview_nonce=010d2b9844). It isn’t that homeschooled students are any more gifted than others, it’s that they are in an environment that encourages them to thrive… at least they should be if homeschooling is working the way it should. Let me just say, there is no sitting in the back of the class to avoid the teacher in homeschooling. Your teachers (aka your parents) know who you are.
After meeting several homeschool graduates, these statistics don’t surprise me. Yes, I’ve met a few who had bad homeschool experiences, but most are very bright. They love to learn and continue to learn even after the school books have been put away. And many of been approached by their college professors and asked where they went to school because their study habits are so strong.
I know that the idea of going against the grain in the way you learn may seem strange and frightening. But homeschooling can be a very liberating and fun experience. It can be a chance for you, the student, to have a voice in your education. It can be a chance for you to explore the things that interest you, things that you are good at. If you love dolphins, then why not study marine biology. If you love fashion, how about learning about the history of fashion design or studying how fashion was impacted by history? If you love reading… well, you’re in luck because homeschoolers love to read… everything. There are so many opportunities and choices, and you can be part of the discussion.
Regardless of what your family chooses, I pray that you will have a great education, one that you will treasure. Blessings & thanks for posting!
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Wow that’s just a lie. Public school teaches waaaaaay better than homeschool. If this is trying to convince us to be homeschooled, well it isn’t fooling anyone into homeschool.