There were an estimated 1.9 to 2.5 million children homeschooled from 2008- 2009 and research shows that number is only growing from 5- 12% each year. More and more Black families are also part of this trend. Why? More African American parents want to escape a failing school system which often harms our children at an even higher rate than it does others, and often teaches ideals that contradict traditional black values.
In addition, black homeschooling parents are able to teach African-American history and culture, an area often neglected by traditional schools until Black History Month.
Many Black parents choose to homeschool to have more control of what their children are learning and provide a healthier psychological and emotional learning environment. The added family bonding time is also a plus. And since school time mirrors the schedule of public school hours many homeschooled students still participate in extracurricular activities with their friends.
Homeschooling was once considered “fringe” behavior with serious doubts about the social skills and academic success of homeschooled students. But consider these statistics on homeschooled kids:
Homeschooled students typically score 15 to 30 points above public-school students on standardized academic achievement tests.
Homeschooled students score above average on achievement tests regardless of their parents’ level of formal education or their family’s household income.
Home-educated students typically score above average on the SAT and ACT tests that colleges consider for admissions.
Homeschooled students are increasingly being actively recruited by colleges.
To successfully homeschool your children; make sure you:
1.Join a network or community of homeschoolers to get some insight on how homeschooling really is and to stay abreast of current curriculums and tips. Check out African American Unschooling (http://scwalton0.tripod.com/) or National Black Home Educators Resource Assocation (http://www.nbhe.net/) which work to promote homeschooling. Or check out the Black Homeschoolers Club.
2.Pick a curriculum that suits your child’s learning style.
3.Be creative, incorporate museums, zoos and social activities into curriculum.
4.Make time for extracurricular activities.
