After more than 20 years as a homeschooling mother, I finally made the decision to turn my children’s education over to the professionals. I felt I had gone as far as I could go and after being able to count a paramedic and top community volunteer as a success, I knew I had been at least marginally successful.
While the transition was not all smooth, the children have adjusted amazingly well to the change in their lives and schedules. However, I have more misgivings with every day that passes. I remember having hours of homework when I reached the middle school years. As I progressed through the higher grades, the workload only increased. On top of the regular homework, there were papers and other assignments that teachers routinely expected.
In addition to the schoolwork, I had a part-time job and was expected to help with the housework and cooking chores at home. My point being, as the children get deeper into the school year, they are coming home with less and less homework and it appears lower expectations. Along with the reduced homework load, there seems to be many chances to re-take tests when they have scored lower than other classmates. I understand allowing a make-up test in some circumstances, but where does the personal responsibility part come into play?
One daughter reported that her teachers have expressed concern that children may not have time for their own activities if there are too many demands on their time. This is coming from a high school student. At what point now do children get the opportunity to learn how to manage time and prioritize responsibilities and tasks? Furthermore, studies use to demonstrate that children who were given home work were better able to assimilate and take ownership of the lesson beyond the confines of the classroom.
When has the attitude toward homework and writing assignments changed? Has the advent of technology negated the need for children to be well equipped for life and changed the need for a well-rounded education? I have perused the assignments they have been given to date and even the content of these classes seems to have been watered down to the point that children do not have to put in much effort to achieve a passing grade.
Additionally, though the school year is less than a quarter over, students have already missed several class periods for undefined testing. Students do not even seem to know what these tests are for and there is no preparation done ahead of time.
In the high school classes, it seems that very little instruction is taking place. One class has consisted of short film presentations and then the instructor walks the students through the answers on the follow-up quiz. How is spoon-feeding answers preparing our children for a future where they may have to problem–solve and think for themselves?
Thus far, the public school experience has me wondering how well prepared today’s students will be for tomorrow’s workforce and leadership?
Writer Bio: Angela Mose
I am a mom of 7 who has successfully homeschooled for 20 years. I was married for more than 25 years and have recently started my life over. I have a passion for writing and music and when the two can be combined, it is utopia. A Maryland native, I am planning to relocate north in the near future and will continue to strive to learn and experience new things on a regular basis. I am fortunate enough to be able to work from home while exploring new ways to increase my knowledge and skills and help improve the lives of those around me.
