Revving Up

So this week I'm adding a subject to Lil B's schoolwork. I'm going to start teaching him math every day. I figure I'll introduce subjects slowly, like introducing foods to an infant, always giving him enough time to expend his energy.

I was talking to someone who pointed out what he saw as an "us vs. them" mentality among homeschoolers when dealing with the public school system. My first thought was, "Yeah, duh..." But I took a moment to explain, not justifying, but simply explaining why. I think the 'why' justifies itself.

Most homeschooling families start out trusting the public school system and have to get 'burned' before they start taking the precautions that more experienced families do. Over and over I see the case briefs, and so many of them start the same way. "Mrs. S. sent in her notice to homeschool her son in the interest of cooperation. Unfortunately, the school board decided to report her for truancy although her notice followed all state guidelines..." Variations on a theme, some involving police pounding down the front door, some merely involving months of paperwork caught up in red tape, most of them requiring the involvement of an attorney to get the school to back down.

On "ERIC", the Education Resources Information Center online, I looked up 'homeschool'. One of the results, a published study, caught my attention. Rather, the language in the abstract caught my attention.

While the recent growth of homeschooling in America may not be an overall threat to public education in America today, some school districts are reporting that they are experiencing declines in their enrollments, which ultimately means a revenue loss in their school districts (Hetzner, 2000; Vater, 2001). (emphasis mine)

That really sums up the "us vs. them" attitude. The Department of Education and it's various public school systems see homeschoolers as a threat. Their revenue is based on enrollment, though it is paid through the taxes that homeschooling parents pay. Public school districts have little or no influence over private school, but in many states they are presented with a 'letter of intent' for homeschoolers, which gives them a chance to show their displeasure.

I'm not saying all districts are like this. Ours is pretty good about not harassing homeschoolers. Unfortunately, any homeschooling family in our area looking to use any public school resources at all, even offering to pay for these tax-supported services, are finding the door slammed decidedly shut.

Personally, I'm not even going to try. I may turn to the local Catholic school, which cheerfully and readily agreed to administer my SAT's when I was the homeschool student several years ago. I'm going to put in my intent notice with the minimal required information. I don't need to personally be burned to know that "they" are not inclined to be friendly towards "us". And anyone who is actually going to review any portfolio or ask any further questions... well... I will begin by giving them the benefit of the doubt and see if they are decent people personally before deciding if they are part of "Them" or simply good people doing their job.