This paper examines the American tradition of educational freedom, following its ebb and flow at various points in history. America's ethos of educational freedom has always been strong, tied to its values of pluralism, tolerance, and free inquiry. However, its legacy of freedom has suffered repeated assaults by individuals and groups who wish to…

Home schooling is one form of school choice that is on the increase. During the 1993-94 school year, Connecticut school officials estimated that there were 1,113 home-instructed students in the state, an increase of 305 students from the previous year and a 1,384 percent increase since 1983. This paper presents findings of a case study that…

An overview of parental choice options and issues in Maine is presented in this paper. Methodology involved: (1) interviews with 10 state Department of Education officials; (2) analysis of State Department of Education data; (3) interviews with other educators and one state legislator; (4) analysis of newspaper and journal articles; and (5) a…

The hostilities that many home school parents hold are deeper than the present circumstances and relations with schools suggest. Nevertheless, involvement of home school parents in public school and educational decision making can occur at all levels of administration. Adaptations for the state, district, and school level are suggested. (BJV)

The pendulum has swung from strong parent involvement in the home- and community-based schools of the agrarian 17th century to the bureaucratic factory-model schools of the industrial revolution. Today's parents are making inroads. The tension between professional educators and parents is being expressed in open forums such as…

Defines and discusses alternatives to traditional public schooling, including private and home schools, contract schools, charter schools, and school-based finance systems. Implications for principals are reflected in a drive for more rigorous state tests and standards and the growing use of technology, which stresses independent study. Charter…

A Nebraska district surveyed parents' reasons for sending their children to private or Catholic schools. Reasons could be grouped in categories: concerns and issues (such as religion) that public schools cannot address; and concerns (such as discipline, values, curriculum, and academic rigor) public schools could address by changing their programs…

Based on the alleged growth in the number of families seeking unapproved alternative schooling arrangements, this paper reviews related state legislation and court litigation. Both home schooling and small, unapproved private schools are discussed. According to the paper, in virtually every state, enforcement of minimum standards for private…

This two-page fact sheet is introduced by Department of Education Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings, who states that she recognizes the contribution that nonpublic schools make towards the educational excellence and strength of our society, and that the Department is committed to ensuring that private school students and teachers…

These five issues provide news and support to parents who home school their children. Each issue contains news items and a substantial resource section which provides book evaluations, directory additions, resource lists, resource persons in the fields of law, psychology, and school districts, pen-pals, and advertisements. The February/March 1996…

This book describes how and why educational choice movements will affect public education. It uses a public-choice approach to argue that both the supporters and opponents of private and school choice have failed to address several critical issues. Following an introductory chapter, chapter 2 is devoted to the rationale for contracting out…

Step-by-step advice for Spanish-speaking parents on how to choose among available schools for their children is offered in this guidebook. Factors to consider in making the choice are discussed, as well as information on alternatives to the available choices, which include home schooling and working to create new options. After an introductory…

This book offers step-by-step advice for parents on how to choose among available schools for their children. It identifies factors to consider in making the choice, and it offers information on options for parents who do not like any of the available schools, including teaching children at home and working to create new options. After an…

Meetings of home schoolers were observed to determine parents' attitudes toward traditional education. Many parents, over time, grew to question the validity of their previous assumptions but remained firm in their belief that schools are not neutral and meritocratic dispensers of knowledge. (BJV)

Discusses the various definitions of home education and how the term can give rise to misinterpretations. Covers recent changes to legislation and policy relating to home education in some European countries, such as France and Ireland. Argues that governments should conduct well reasoned, objective research before considering measures to limit…