Several of the discussion lists and weblogs which I frequently visit have recently focused on the topic of homeschooling and public charter schooling. It’s not a new subject, by any means, but the conversation this time around seems different in a few ways, and some of those ways are very encouraging.
My fellow bloggers here at HEM, Valerie and Mary, have both written good posts about this situation at their HEM News and Commentary and Support Groups weblogs. In another post this morning, Mary continues the conversation with the observation, “I don’t think anyone is quite prepared for the interest and volume of posts that often accompany the subject…
I know I wasn’t prepared for the recent round of discussions, although I certainly should have been, so I’ve been brushing up on the topic this weekend, in anticipation of more good conversation in the weeks ahead. I’ve been checking my files and archives for relevant articles, reading old interviews with people who’ve worked to bring understanding to the table, and double-checking my sources and resources.
One of my favorite online resources is Dictionary.com, a free multi-source dictionary search service which includes The Random House Unabridged Dictionary, The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, and Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, among others. I turn to Dictionary.com whenever I have questions about a word.
When I enter the word ‘homeschool’ at the Dictionary.com site, I receive this entry (edited for space; click the link above for the full content):
1 result for: homeschool
home·school or home-school(‘hom’skoõl’) v. tr.
To instruct (a pupil, for example) in an educational program outside of established schools, especially in the home.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Okay, I’m ready to resume the conversations.
Helen
mark
david
Hi Helen,
Good to see you posting about this topic.
Not to be difficult
, but I sure wish that dictionary did not refer to homeschooling as a “program”. I’d like to consider homeschooling as another educational “option”. Note: Private schools are not considered “programs”.
“Are homeschool advocates ‘Literalists’?”
http://ncsw.homeschooljournal.net/2006/09/20/are-homeschool-advocates-literalists/
PS: Please, check your email I have something to share unrelated.
Annette
I agree with you about the wording, Annette, especially the advisability of referring to homeschooling as an option rather than a program (from your link above). I can live with it only because many homeschooling families do utilize a program of one kind or another, and those who don’t generally understand the difference, but of course it would be preferable to see different language used whenever possible.