Homeschooling wtf!?

[jonb]

The English speaking cultures tend to have a different relationship to the state than other European cultures. The English cultures tend to see the state as something imposed on the individual, sometimes necessary, but best avoided if it is possible. Other European cultures tend to see the state as an expression of the individuals within it. This results in English societies tendency to have lots of let out clauses so that we don't have to follow what government prescribes.
The education system in Britain is just weird as it is a mix, for instance, a parent can be fined or even sent to prison if t heir child does not go to school enough, but If the parent says the child is being home schooled there is no check, unless the parent agrees to it and no requirement to teach anything at all.

[Tea Earl Grey Hot]

...

is this only a recent trend?

No, it's not a recent trend. It only seems that way because now fundamentalists are facing the threat of being made irrelevant so they're on the defense and creating a "controversy." Groups are the most vocal about their beliefs when they're on the verge of being at risk for extinction.

[festive1]

Firstly, I believe you are my new favorite person, congrats, or something...

Why is "homeschooling" legal in the United states?

Because Americans want freedom of religion. Being able to teach your kids nonsense is your unalienable right as an American.

Dont you see the potential danger of indoctrination lurcking in that practice?

I certainly do, as do many others. But to the fundamentalists it's the reverse. They view it as "protecting" their kids from the lies and blasphemy of the outside world.

How can one expect to get a job when he or she is tought nonsence from such a young stage?

If the parents just stick to the bible, then your future career prospects are fucked. If your parents still teach you actual knowledge, well then your chances are pretty good. I knew a guy at college who was home-schooled. He was socially very awkward, but a very bright and intelligent guy. In his case, I'm sure he got a decent job somewhere.

Is the notorious bible belt a "parallel-sociaty"?

Yes. Yes it is. Lived there for 12 years, have only been back 2 or 3 times (for obligatory family visits), wouldn't go back.

No offence wtf is wrong with you?

Me, personally?? Lots, but not in relation to our shared views on homeschooling.

Can you justify this practise?

Nope. I cannot and will not justify it, save for a few exceptions... For instance, I know a family that lives in DC (the public schools are crazy... a lot of poor teachers, violent, failing infrastructure, etc.). They didn't want to move out of DC to the suburbs, so they homeschool. The mom stays home and teaches the kids, but she has a law degree (is educated enough to teach her kids well) and isn't religious (kids won't be indoctrinated).

[CapnAwesome]

Well a lot of secular people in the United States home school too, partly because of the abysmal education system here. Most Europeans who come to the United States are blown away at how untrue their stereotypes of the US are. If you are really interested in US culture, come here and don't believe the media.

[jonb]

When talking about education everybody aught to see this-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDZFcDGpL4U