How Much Should Government Regulate Home Schooling?

Description

How Much Should Government Regulate Home Schooling?

Proposals by the English government to increase regulation of home schooling have been met by opposition. Governments in Europe and the U.S. have had difficulty finding the right balance that gives parents the freedom to educate their children as they see fit, but also protects children from abuse or neglect.

Home schooling advocates in England are prepared to challenge proposed regulations that require homeschooled children to be registered with local officials . The government is also considering regulations that would dictate what subjects parents must teach their children, and require an inspection of home schools.

The regulations are based on a government report released in June 2009 that found that England has the most liberal laws regarding home schooling among highly developed countries.

Government officials feel more regulation is necessary because they are unable to track the number of home-schooled children , and they fear that many are being neglected or mistreated. Children who are home-schooled are roughly twice as likely to be abused by their parents, according to Graham Badman, author of the government report.

Leslie Barson, the leader ...

Original URL

http://www.findingdulcinea.com/news/education/2009/september/How-Much-Should-Government-Regulate-Homeschooling.html

http://www.findingdulcinea.com/news/education/2009/september/How-Much-Should-Government-Regulate-Homeschooling.html