TA: Intro to Home Schooling

Since the time I can remember, my parents have stressed the importance of getting a good education. Working hard, getting good grades, doing homework, it all was for my ultimate success and happiness. As I grew I learned that the much of their value for education was instilled in them by their parents. It was often the case that their parents received little instruction but instead were forced to work long hours to support a family. Seeing education as one of the greatest opportunities, this vision was distilled from my grandparents to me. Similarly, most Americans see the great importance of getting an education to survive and prosper in today’s difficult times. However, education is also one of the hottest debates that there is as it involves America’s most precious assets—it’s children. The growing problems in public schools, as well as dissatisfaction with current programs and standardized testing, has led many to seek different methods to train up their children. Many have gone to private schools or various other institutions. Many others, and the numbers are increasing, have chosen to home school their children to secure for their kids valuable education and a safe environment to grow in. It is not the intent of this paper to portray home schooling as the only right education—there are again many options for education. However, it is my purpose to show that home schooling is a viable method for educating children and helping them to reach their best potential. While home schooling is not for everyone, it can be a valuable tool for many, instilling in their children a love of learning and the foundations for a successful adult life.