Homeschooling has grown over the past several decades. It is estimated that 923,700 to 1,275,098 children will be homeschooled by the 2001-02 school year. Homeschooling families come from all major ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds and all income levels. Homeschooling parents are commonly active in their communities and join community and volunteer associations. Today, homeschooling is legal in all states. State laws generally require homeschooling parents to file basic information with a state or local education agency. More than half of the states require evaluation such as testing, portfolio evaluations, or teacher evaluation. Parents do not need teaching certificates. Mothers commonly play the dominant role in the children's education, though fathers usually pitch in. Local and state support groups offer advice and assistance. There is at least one state-level homeschooling association in every state. Popular resources include libraries, museums, colleges, parks departments, churches, local businesses, and schools. Available test data show that homeschoolers do well. For example, one study of 12,000 homeschooled children showed that they placed in the 62nd to 91st percentile of national norms. Disagreement exists, however, about whether homeschooling helps or hinders a child's social development. Public opinion, though mixed, is generally positive with regards to homeschooling. (Contains 13 references.) (RT)