Homeschooling has grown into a large and highly diverse segment of American education. However, empirical studies of homeschooling have remained methodologically underdeveloped. The purpose of this article is to chart an agenda for a new generation of research on homeschooling. A narrative review of quantitative research published since 2000 is…

Dual enrollment programs offer a wide range of students many advantages, and many families would say cost savings is at the top of the list. There is a huge cost savings to students and families, students have the opportunity to experience college in high school, and it shortens their path to their degree. Students, particularly those who are…

Homeschooling--that is, parent-led home-based education--is an age-old traditional educational practice that a decade ago appeared to be cutting-edge and "alternative" but is now bordering on "mainstream" in the United States. It may be the fastest-growing form of education in the United States. This article describes the…

This report summarizes the state of competition in American K-12 education. It pays particular attention to the prevalence and market penetration of charter schools, private school vouchers, and tax-credit scholarships as market reforms. The effect of added institutional competition from charters, vouchers, and tax-credit scholarships on the…

A concise record of the growth of home-schools and a discussion of associated problems are presented. Results of a current regional study of academic achievement by 94 home-school students are related, as well as a summary of results from three other recent studies. (IAH)

A study examined costs, achievement, and enrollment trends of public, private, and home schools in Utah. Using a business approach to determine cost-per-pupil revealed an average cost of $4,801, rather than the $3,787 calculated using the usual formula. In educational achievement Utah students appear to perform slightly better than those in other…

The number of families who home school their children is growing between five and 15% per year and it is believed that home schoolers outperform their public-educated peers, though critics believe that home schooling is a form of religious fanaticism and a means of avoiding diversity. A professor explains how he and his wife, home school their…

Discusses reasons for home schooling and suggests ways that libraries can respond to home schoolers. Concerns about academic performance and socialization of home-schooled children are also discussed, and library services are suggested. Such services include community outreach programs, tours, sponsoring workshops, and collection development…

Summarizes four formal studies that measured the academic achievement of home-schooled students. Concludes that the home-schooled student is not necessarily academically disadvantaged. Asserts that public school administrators should assist home-schooling parents with curricular materials, library usage, testing, and extracurricular involvements.…

Profiles the current trend of parents' choosing to educate their children at home. Provides data on the numbers and motivations of such parents and examines the surrounding legal issues. Challenges the premise of compulsory schooling on the basis of achievement data that document the superior performance of home-schooled children. (KH)

Maintains that the past two decades have seen a remarkable growth in alternative education options, particularly home schooling. Asserts that the parents' religious and moral beliefs are primary reasons for the home schooling movement. Reviews research on home schooling and calls for more relevant lines of inquiry. (CFR)