ERIC Number: EJ1363975
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2022
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: EISSN-1554-5210
American Families' Attitudes to Unschooling: A National Survey
Vesneski, William; Breen, Alan; Hansen, Ulcca; Reisman, Fredrika; Anselm, Holly
International Journal of Progressive Education, v18 n5 p193-208 2022
A national survey of American families was conducted to ascertain the extent of interest in self-directed education (SDE) in the United States. Our research took place in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic--a moment when we required a much better understanding of what parents need from the US education system. Data were gathered using an online survey aimed at parents or caregivers of young people aged 4-18. A total of 1009 adults completed the caregiver survey. Resulting data were analyzed using SPSS. Results suggest a high degree of openness to SDE. The data also elucidate several questions and concerns that parents and caregivers have about the approach. Data also highlighted differing perceptions of and attitudes towards SDE as a function of race. As the first nationwide survey about SDE, this study has made an important contribution to the existing literature on the subject. Directions for further research are discussed.
Descriptors: Family Attitudes, National Surveys, Independent Study, Parent Attitudes, Nontraditional Education, Home Schooling, Racial Differences, Parent Aspiration, Barriers
International Association of Educators. Available from: PEN Academic Publishing. e-mail: secretary@inased.org; e-mail: info@penpublishing.net; Web site: https://inased.org/ijpepi/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A