Comments for sursumcorda.salemsattic.com/post/therefore-keep-watch

Comment #1829

2008-03-22T19:11:28Z

No I think it's equally about state obedience too. One huge difference between government schools and private schools for example is that in government schools you are treated like a criminal. You are presumed guilty. This acclaimates children to being forced / required to justify everything to representatives of the state, even going potty. In private school, so long as you're getting your work done, you're free to use your time however you'd like.

Comment #1828

2008-03-21T19:03:43Z

Welcome, Phillip! I, too, am a fan of John Taylor Gatto, and think his Underground History of American Education should be read by all parents before they send their children to school. That way they'll at least be alert to the systemic problems even when their particular experiences are positive.

I do think that school is less about teaching state obedience and more about teaching conformity, compliance and passivity. What is your experience?

Thank you for your comment.

Comment #1827

2008-03-21T17:02:34Z

It's interesting that you reference Germany regarding states' homeschooling laws.

Try this if you haven't already: http://www.johntaylorgatto.com/

The fact is, the court was right about one thing. Government schools are all about teaching state obedience, not rearing an independent, moral individual.

Keeping children out of government schools is IMO, the most important political issue parents have an interest in. If there's one issue to not compromise on, this is it.

In addition to demanding the freedom to homeschool, the state has no business even asking you for lesson plans etc. any more than it has the right to ask for documentation of your religious beliefs. What schooling is ought to be defined by parents without any state involvment, period.

Comment #1826

2008-03-18T23:01:27Z

That's what it's here for, Liz!

Comment #1825

2008-03-18T22:25:36Z

that's what i was wondering - when to actually do all the "stuff" - the registering, or keeping of notebooks. i would have no idea what to do now except record every time rowan reads to me, or sawyer sounds out letters. then nature walking and learning in the kitchen. i'd like to eventually talk to your friends, heather!

(sorry for the taking over of your blog, linda!)

~liz

Comment #1824

2008-03-18T19:45:53Z

PA does have more regulations than other states, but they are workable even to those of us tending towards the unschooling direction. We have some friends who are quite familiar with the PA laws (because there are some evaluators around here who ask for more than the law asks for and this family wanted to know their rights) so they would probably be good to talk to. We just talked to our closest friends who are homeschooling, but so far they have not had to do much. Their oldest will be turning eight this summer, which is the PA compulsory age, so they will now have to register and do all the "stuff."

Comment #1823

2008-03-18T17:21:00Z

thanks for posting about this. i've been following it since the sotry broke (and since the majority of blogs i read are homeschoolers, or even california homeschoolers).

i had no idea our state was one of the most strict when it came to homeschooling rules. i guess i just never realized other states had less rules or regulations for hoemschoolers

~liz