Home education support groups and associations are increasingly becoming hubs for home learning communities to share resources and knowledge. This literature review examined (a) motivations for joining homeschool groups; (b) values and beliefs that led to the formation of homeschool groups; and (c) how the culture of homeschool groups aids in…

A notable increase in the number of U.S. families choosing to homeschool their children in recent years has underscored the need to develop more systematic knowledge about this approach to education. Drawing on a theoretical model of parental involvement as well as research on families' social networks, this study longitudinally examines home- and…

The topic for this article is parents' participation and willingness to participate in formalized home-school cooperation. The analyses are based on a nationwide survey among parents in lower secondary schools in Norway. A main finding is that parental involvement practices differ according to parents' level of education in the sense that parents…

This study examined influencing factors on the reading achievement of three first grade students from the Colorado Virtual Academy who were taught to read in a homeschool setting. The overarching research question asked, "How well do students perform when taught to read by parents given the tools that nationally accepted research has deemed…

Noting that the single best way to improve elementary education is to strengthen parents' role in it, this book describes aspects of parent-school interaction that could be used to improve the quality of children's education and academic success. The first chapter defines the ineffective ways in which most parents respond to public education and…

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.…

The author examines four common myths that still influence individuals regarding their perspective and understanding of the role homeschooling plays in the education of American children. Myth 1 is that homeschooling produces social misfits, stemming from the belief that homeschooled students lack the socialization skills necessary for normal…

In the last 20 years, the incidence of home schooling in the United States has increased dramatically. This review examines the history of home schooling, the demographic characteristics of students schooled at home, and the reasons parents select this type of education. Findings suggest that parents who home school their children tend to have 2…

This paper presents the results of a survey of 127 seniors in a diverse suburban high school to determine the impact of the subjects' perceptions of parent involvement on their levels of achievement as measured by the standardized national ACT test. Independent-samples t tests were then used to assess whether there were any differences in…

Public school educators often fail to appreciate the various reasons home schooling is an increasingly attractive option for families of nearly every class, race, religion, and political perspective. Parents preferring to home school their children generally reveal one of two motivations for their decision. 'Idealogues' aim to promote specific…

Reviews the following historical phases of the recent home school movement: (1) parents' contentions about public schools; (2) home school parents' confrontations with schools and the courts; (3) cooperation between public schools and home schools; and (4) consolidation of home schools. Introduces the other articles in this issue. (BJV)

To assist parents, educators, and law-makers, this guide presents each state's Compulsory Education Law for Home Schooling situations. Compilation of facts and laws derives from materials collected from the chief state school officer or designated authority. Because many states are updating laws and requirements, the manual is intended as a…

Home school families in Washington were surveyed, and achievement test scores were analyzed to determine the following: (1) characteristics of home school families; (2) previous schooling and reasons for home schooling; and (3) effects of selected variables on student outcomes. (BJV)