Comments on: Homeschooled

By: Geoff J

Geoff J — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I think the answer to your question is yes. These type of stories almost invariably say the teen couple met in high school or something like that and often name the high school. In this case the home school thing stands out because it is unusual.

By: Susan M

Susan M — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

What if the family had known him through a church youth group, do you think that would’ve gotten mention? Or through a soccer team the kids were on? Or boy scouts?

By: Kim Siever

Kim Siever — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

" What if the family had known him through a church youth group"

If it was a Mormon church youth group, probably.

By: Mary Siever

Mary Siever — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Well, actually homeschooling isn’t as unusual as you think. It is becoming much more common and well known. However, people do have a tendency to view homeschoolers as lacking in social skills (though this is an erroneous assumption that has no basis in reality).

By: rick

rick — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I think homeschooling is great...

...for the other kids in the class.

Since the really needy kid decided to go the homeschooling route, the other kids in class are receiving much better attention and have significantly less interruptions in the classroom.

Too bad homeschooling can't be requested by the school itself...

...or other parents.

By: Chad Too

Chad Too — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Kim, I understand the sensitivity, but in this case it really is germane to the story. You’re right that some will draw unfair implications but the background into what brought them all together is pertinent to the story.

By: Kim Siever

Kim Siever — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

How is it pertinent?

By: Mary Siever

Mary Siever — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Not all children homeschool becuase they are special needs. Many choose that route because they feel it is a superior education option for their children. That's why we chose it. Not because we are anti-school, but because we feel it will best meet the needs of our family. Our daughter is in grade 2 and is fairly advanced intellectually. She would have done well in public or private school. She has no behavioural problems, works well with other children, etc etc, but we decided to homeschool for a number of reasons, the main one being we want her (and our other children) to get more individualised attention. If she were to be in public school right now she would be somewhat ahead of most other children (and yes she has been "assessed" for this).

Homeschooling isn't a last resport for most homeschoolers. It's the first choice.

By: Mark

Mark — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I used to get upset about all this, especially as it applies to mormons (the news always seems to mention even apostate mormons when they flip out). Now, I just realize that when reporters are doing the news, they look for interesting angles and unique twists to the story, even if it seems to be irrelevant. The story of a homeschooler flipping out is a little more unique than anyone else, so it gets reported that way.

MRKH

By: rick

rick — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Mary, I didn't mean to paint with a wide brush and say that *all* homeschool kids are trouble...

In this specific case, I think it was best for all involved...except maybe the mother who now has to deal with this child all day.

As far as the article goes: The media are whores to the masses. Anything that makes a story even remotely more titillating will be included. Journalistic integrity went out of vogue years ago.