The other day on ABC’s “The View”, the women were talking about President Elect Barack Obama and his daughters. During the discussion about the girls’ education, Joy Behar (a former public school teacher) called homeschooled children “demented.” As someone who has been homeschooled my whole life, I cannot believe just how wrong she is.
I’m a 4.0 student with goals and ambitions. Any time I’m on a plane and talking to an adult, the total stranger never fails to tell me that I sound like an intelligent young lady and I’ve given him/her hope for my generation (yay me!).
Another thing Behar said is that “They’re afraid of children. They learn to be scared of other children.” Excuse me, but I’m not scared of other kids. Ask anyone and they will tell you that I am one of the most social people alive.
My family is a part of a Catholic home school group. We’ve lived in a few different places, so I have seen multiple homeschooling communities. We get together about once a month as a group for a retreat or party. For example, we had an All Saint’s Day party at the end of October and we just had a retreat this past Thursday. The teenagers are involved with a local youth group (where we are around the non-demented people…hope our dementia doesn’t rub off) and we also find other times to get together. The younger kids meet once a month and have a little co-op where they learn about countries (right now they’re learning about Spain, in case anyone cares). My brother is involved with Boy Scouts. Mom’s looking into 4-H for the younger ones.
I know QUITE a few homeschoolers throughout the country and we are not demented and we are not social rejects (and if we are, it’s not because we cannot articulate well enough…it’s because we do not give in to the whole alcohol/dugs/sex scene). In fact, homeschooling gives me the ability to speak with people of various ages on a regular basis. In the school system, a child only interacts with other children of the same age. In homeschooling, a child spends a lot of time with adults, older children, and younger children. We get together with other families and the children plays with children of the same age. Thus, homeschooling prepares a child more than the school system for a social environment.
If homeschoolers are “demented,” then why is the typical stereotype of a homeschooler a nerd? Why is it that in my youth group, it is the homeschoolers educating the public/private schoolers, not only on the faith, but on matters of regular education? Check he facts before you make such a statement, Joy Behar.
P.S. I dare her to call another minority group “demented.” Can you imagine the reaction if she said “African Americans are demented” or “homosexuals are demented” or “Muslims are demented”?
Guess I better stick this sign on my forehead so people can watch out:
those of us who've encountered you here on Progressiveu already knew you were demented (just kidding)
I hadn't heard these comments. I'm going to go look for them in context, perhaps the lady from The View would be less offensive in context.
"How can we win where fools can be kings" Muse
Why does everyone keep saying that? : P The admissions director to my school commented on my Facebook status saying "Well, I could have told you that...sheesh." : P You guys are just rotten. ROFL
I doubt it. You can check out the video on the link, if you want.
RESPECT LIFE
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"It is poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish."
~Mother Teresa
...is that the materials with which they are educated are often not very well rounded, and in fact may be downright false, due to the desire of some people to insulate their children from information which contradicts their religious beliefs. Does that sound like anyone you know?
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Yes, I think you will find children learning from a religious perspective in a religiously based curriculum. However, in the secular schools, you will find the same things (evolution, for example, being taught whereas any mention of creation is condemned because a God is involved).
Secondly, it is important for children to learn the truth about important matters, such as the faith. In a secular and even private institution, the child is not able to learn as much about their faith. As a Catholic and with the knowledge that there are so many deceptions in the world, some parents choose to home school their children and thus follow Pope John Paul II in his teaching that learning begins in the home and that parents are the primary educators of the faith.
The faith is probably the most important thing the parents can teach their children. Many Catholic homeschoolers go on to achieving great things, including high SAT scores, full rides to college, higher education, great jobs, etc. Most importantly, however, they retain the faith of their childhood. They know why they believe in Catholicism and they know how to discuss a belief (such as why Catholics obey the Pope or why we honor Mary) with others.
Naturally, not all people are the same and some are better than others. Like mvenus stated, some of it depends upon your desire to learn. For example, I love learning and I read a lot. However a sister of mine can't stand school. My mom makes her finish the work and does not pass her on to the next grade until she has completed her work. The school system sometimes passes children who should not be passed. One former school teacher wrote of witnessing the school principle of changing grades in order to pass students. This is another reason some people choose to home school.
Personally, I think that homeschoolers have an even greater potential to be well-rounded because they are one-on-one, so the curriculum can be made to fit their interests. I personally use a curriculum, however, some homeschoolers I know do a mix and match. If one of them decided they wanted to write a report on Buddhist philosophy, they could and get credit for it. In fact, I know a girl who graduated from my Catholic curriculum and is now pursuing a degree in Eastern studies because that is what interested her.
Thus, just because I'm homeschooled and just because I'm Catholic does not prevent me from being well-rounded. Secondly, being secured in the truth keeps me from having to rely on science and media for my information. This is useful because, although the Truth never changes, science and the media have changed opinions and decisions multiple times.
RESPECT LIFE
http://progressiveu.org/blog/respectlife
"It is poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish."
~Mother Teresa
Yes, I think you will find children learning from a religious perspective in a religiously based curriculum. However, in the secular schools, you will find the same things (evolution, for example, being taught whereas any mention of creation is condemned because a God is involved).
Thanks for giving us a perfect example of what is wrong with a LOT of the homeschooling that goes on in our country, today. The reasons that we don't mention "creation" when discussing the Theory of Evolution in science classes are complex, but the most obvious reason is that creationism isn't a scientific theory. It doesn't make any more sense to teach about creationism in science class than it does to teach about verbs in math class. It simply isn't germaine to the subject matter. Parents who homeschool their kids in order to avoid having to expose them to a leading scientific theory are not providing their kids with a well-rounded education. In fact, I would suggest that they are disadvantaging their children. I have had many conversations with religoiusly "educated" folks who have a lot of bad things to say about the Theory of Evolution, but I've yet to meet even ONE who could actually discuss the subject matter in an intelligent, well-informed manner.
Secondly, it is important for children to learn the truth about important matters, such as the faith....The faith is probably the most important thing the parents can teach their children.
Whether or not matters of "faith" are "the truth" or not is a matter of opinion, only. I cannot, however, see how anyone with an intelligent belief-system would need to have their religous beliefs discussed in order to educate them in non-religous subjects. Your opinion is a good warning for those who wonder why our Founding Fathers felt the need to erect a "wall of separation between Church & State." I would also suggest that sacrificing a child's educational opportunities to study a robust science cirriculum in order to protect an intellectually flawed system of religious beliefs is paramount to child abuse. Parents who make this choice are intentionally keeping their kids ignorant, and are perpetuating nothing so much as a primitive understanding of the world.
Personally, I think that homeschoolers have an even greater potential to be well-rounded because they are one-on-one, so the curriculum can be made to fit their interests...Thus, just because I'm homeschooled and just because I'm Catholic does not prevent me from being well-rounded.
That really doesn't make any sense. While it is great to have a one-to-one ratio of teacher to student (allowing for the unlikely assumtion, of corse, that that "one" teacher is actually qualified to teach ALL of the necessary subjects), I would suggest that facing the same "one" teacher to the same "one" student, every day, is NOT a good way to expose a child to a well-rounded sampling of opinions, especially since there are subjects in the homeschool environment which are not honestly presented in light of their prevalence and thus relevance to such an education (your comments on creationism vs. evolution serving as a perfect example, once again). Being in a catholic homeschool environement may not prevent you from obtaining a well-rounded education, but I think your many blogs here at ProU server as a damning example of the obstacles that such an environment places between a young person and a good education.
Secondly, being secured in the truth keeps me from having to rely on science and media for my information. This is useful because, although the Truth never changes, science and the media have changed opinions and decisions multiple times.
I could hardly ask for a better closing statement to drive home my point...LOL.
TTFN,
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Well, I think if you're talking about the major theories about how the earth came about, creationism should be discussed. Also, I think evolution is taught more as a fact than as a theory, and that would probably be my biggest problem with it. I took Earth Science my freshman year and it was a religious book, but it did discuss the theory of evolution.
Well, I'm definitely not going to be your "ONE." Personally, I can't stand science (the subject). Biology was my least favorite high school course and I have virtually no interest with science (part of why I can't understand your obsession with it).
No, I disagree. After all, there's nothing to disprove religion in the first place. Secondly, religion is a part of everyone. Anyone and everyone identifies themselves with a religion, whether it be Christian, atheist, Buddhist, agnostic, etc. Each is a set of beliefs. However, science is not as a set part of people. IDK if I'm explaining it correctly, but my point is that religion is important. Also, we're not sheltered from scientific beliefs. Again, I have little to no interest in science, so I myself have not pursued information in science. However, if I was interested, I could easily research on the internet and go to the library and get books and my mom wouldn't have a problem with it.
Well, if you're teaching math, then who needs a particular opinion? Also, in my curriculum, we have counselors whom we can call on to get detailed explanations about things. Our history counselor, for example, is a walking encyclopedia. He was in Vietnam and he loves history. I've called before to ask if I needed to answer 10 or 11 problems on a test and I've gotten a 15 minute lecture on a random thing on history. It's awesome. : ) Secondly, although not every one person is qualified to teach everything, again, my curriculum has counselors whom we can call on for problems. Secondly, our homeschool group has a former high school English teacher, another former high school teacher (I think English, but I can't remember), and a current high school Physics teacher. The English and Physics teachers both tutor. My dad has pursued two doctorates and I think he's probably smarter than a good many people. His grammar is impeccable and he's an awesome math teacher (came in handy when I took Geometry). My mom is a history buff, so that helps. Therefore, I feel like I get a well-rounded opinion of subjects.
No, I think my blogs on ProU simply indicate that I'm scientifically illiterate, which is a problem since you seem to respect science only. Ask me a question on English, Catholicism, some history (but don't expect dates : P), etc and I could answer no problem. Like I said, I'm sometimes educating the public schoolers on stuff.
RESPECT LIFE
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"It is poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish."
~Mother Teresa
Well, I think if you're talking about the major theories about how the earth came about, creationism should be discussed.
Creationism isn't a "major" scientific theory. In fact, it isn't a scientific theory at all (heck, its not even a well-formed hypothesis), so why should it be a topic of discussion in a science classroom? And the Theory of Evolution doesn't say anything about "how the earth came about." Rather, it describes a very specific set of phenomena relating to the way that already existing life-forms change over time. Thaks for making my point for me, again.
Also, I think evolution is taught more as a fact than as a theory, and that would probably be my biggest problem with it.
I would suggest that this "problem" is a fallacy perpetuated by the same ideological fears that prompt many religous families to homeschool their kids.
I took Earth Science my freshman year and it was a religious book, but it did discuss the theory of evolution.
Based on your few comments, thus far, I am not inclined to accept that the book that you used provided you with an adequate, much less honest exposure to evolutionary theory.
Well, I'm definitely not going to be your "ONE." Personally, I can't stand science (the subject). Biology was my least favorite high school course and I have virtually no interest with science (part of why I can't understand your obsession with it).
To be frank, after having numerous discussions with you about abortion, homosexuality and now evolution, I would suggest that your lack of interest in scientific education really shows. As for why I deem it important, look down in front of you. The computer that we are using to converse is a product of science. Look around you. The lights in your home...science. The hot water in your shower...science. The food kept fresh in your refrigerator...science. Your car...science. The mass-produced clothing you're wearing...science. The printing in the bible at your bedside...science. If you don't see the importance in understanding something so fundamental to virtually every aspect of your life, then that seems like a good reason to me to question the values being taught to you in your homeschool experience.
No, I disagree. After all, there's nothing to disprove religion in the first place.
This is another strike against your homeschooled education. The logical burden of proof lies with the claimant. If you were better educated into the fundamentals of rational arugmentation, then you would know that demanding negative proof is a logical fallacy.
Secondly, religion is a part of everyone. Anyone and everyone identifies themselves with a religion, whether it be Christian, atheist, Buddhist, agnostic, etc. Each is a set of beliefs.
Factually incorrect, and another strike against your pro-homeschooling argument.. Religion is a taught ideology. Very young children have no innate sense of religion, and do not develop one until their parents (or some other influential figure in their development) teaches them what to think about the subject. The is clearly demonstrable in the way that the religous beliefs of children overwhelmingly copy what was taught to them by their parental figures. Also, atheism is not a religion. Atheism is, by defintion, a lack of belief. It shares no meaningful defining qualities with religious belief.
However, science is not as a set part of people.
I never said that it was. Science is a method used to objectively examine and understand the real world. And, I would suggest that it is better way of understanding the world than throwing sticks at the sky to chase away the storm gods.
IDK if I'm explaining it correctly, but my point is that religion is important.
That's a matter of opinion, only. I think the world would be a much better place if people worried less about their religions and more about the real world.
Also, we're not sheltered from scientific beliefs.
Your comments thus far do not support that assertion.
Again, I have little to no interest in science, so I myself have not pursued information in science. However, if I was interested, I could easily research on the internet and go to the library and get books and my mom wouldn't have a problem with it.
Somehow, I doubt that. I have seen how upset you get when confronted with facts that contradict your pre-conceived beliefs. You must of learned that behavior, somewhere.
Well, if you're teaching math, then who needs a particular opinion? Also, in my curriculum, we have counselors whom we can call on to get detailed explanations about things. Our history counselor, for example, is a walking encyclopedia. He was in Vietnam and he loves history. I've called before to ask if I needed to answer 10 or 11 problems on a test and I've gotten a 15 minute lecture on a random thing on history. It's awesome. : ) Secondly, although not every one person is qualified to teach everything, again, my curriculum has counselors whom we can call on for problems. Secondly, our homeschool group has a former high school English teacher, another former high school teacher (I think English, but I can't remember), and a current high school Physics teacher. The English and Physics teachers both tutor. My dad has pursued two doctorates and I think he's probably smarter than a good many people. His grammar is impeccable and he's an awesome math teacher (came in handy when I took Geometry). My mom is a history buff, so that helps. Therefore, I feel like I get a well-rounded opinion of subjects.
Again, your comments thus far would not seem to support your assertion regarding a "well-rounded" education, and I can't help but question the qualifications (or at least the motivations) of your teachers, if the opinions you spout are the results of their teachings. And, I noticed that you didn't have any biology teachers on that list (which is, of course, where most of the modern religion vs. science conflicts seem to arise). I wonder if that is a coincidence.
No, I think my blogs on ProU simply indicate that I'm scientifically illiterate, which is a problem since you seem to respect science only. Ask me a question on English, Catholicism, some history (but don't expect dates : P), etc and I could answer no problem. Like I said, I'm sometimes educating the public schoolers on stuff.
I would suggest that I respect well-reasoned and objectively supported opinions over idological regurgitations that are based on nothing but pure speculation but presented as if they were "the truth." I would also question the wisdom of an education that seems to have allowed you to avoid a very important subject simply because you aren't particularly interested in it. If you had been educated in a public or even relatively normal private school, you would have been required to become at least minimally conversant in basic scientific concepts, rather than left to wallow in your self-proclaimed illiteracy. Such an oversight is anything but well-rounded.
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K, let me rephrase that...creationism is a widely spread belief on how the earth began.
Oh, BTW...now might be a good time to mention WHY my parents began homeschooling. I have two older half siblings (8 and 10 years older than I am) from a previous marriage of my mom's. When I was 4, I was DEMANDING that my mother teach me how to read. When I was 5, my mom had me involved in a twice a week Mother's Day Out program. I got in trouble one time because I was getting all hyper over the fact that I knew all the numbers the teacher was having us figure out and I was raising my hand at every one. My mom decided that for my educational benefit, she would homeschool me, because if she taught me how to read and whatnot at that age, she didn't feel that she could put me in the school system, especially after seeing how my older siblings were turning out in the school system. My grandmother (Mom's mom) was a gifted students teacher in the public school system. Not only does she support my mom in her homeschooling, but she ENCOURAGES my mom. Even when my mom is complaining about the kids and what a difficult time she has getting them to do stuff, my grandmother tells her that she should stick with it. Thus, our reasons are highly educational. Only in recent years have they become religiously based, as well.
Well, I have no clue because I don't remember hardly anything I read. Like I said, I'm not a big science buff.
I'm not saying that science isn't important. Thank God for it. However, it's not the only thing.
Sorry, you're right. "Nothing" was an extreme statement.
Lack of belief is still a belief : P
Not all behavior comes from parents. Also, I don't get upset...I just get annoyed, moreso with the method of debate than the material.
Like I said, I'm not a science person. I'd rather eat paste than to do biology over again. And whereas I didn't have a biology tutor, I did have a biology counselor, just like I have a counselor for every other subject.
I did do a minumum...I took Earth Science and I took Biology. That's all that was required for my school (which is accredited, BTW), so I haven't taken any more. I've taken three maths (Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II) and I'm taking Logic this coming year.
RESPECT LIFE
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"It is poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish."
~Mother Teresa
K, let me rephrase that...creationism is a widely spread belief on how the earth began.
An appeal to popularity is also a logical fallacy. The religious popularity of a belief does not make it a valid scientific theory. A science classroom is not the place to be teaching about religious beliefs. I find your resistance to the idea of evolutionary theory even more strange, however, due to the fact that the catholic church has accepted the validity of the theory. In the words of the current Pope Benedict XVI...
Oh, BTW...now might be a good time to mention WHY my parents began homeschooling.
I can't see the relevance, sorry. For whatever reason your parents decided to do this, they obviously failed to provide you with a well-rounded education. Being taught to read at a young age is awesome (and something for which I thank my own mother), but if you aren't subsequently provided with an honest selection of books to read, what's the point?
Not all behavior comes from parents.
True, but religious beliefs certainly are. There is a huge statistical tendency for children to adopt the religion of the parents and grandparents. If a child is raised in a christian household, the most likely outcome is that as an adult, that child will consider himself at least nominally christian. Children raised in muslim households tend to be muslims as adults. Budhist parents tend to have budhist children. Pagan parents tend to have pagan children. Take an infant child from his or her chistian parents and raise him or her in a household that follows a different religious faith and guess what...that child will most likely follow the religion of his new family. Religion is a cultural affectation mostly prominently taught to children though parental interraction.
Like I said, I'm not a science person. I'd rather eat paste than to do biology over again. And whereas I didn't have a biology tutor, I did have a biology counselor, just like I have a counselor for every other subject.
You know...you keep saying that. But, I can't help but notice that you spend a lot of time in blogs discussing the topics of abortion and homosexuality, both of which are arguments that in many ways center around questions of human biology. You won't ever sound like a reasonably well-informed commentator on either of these subjects as long as you refuse to engage the scientific aspects of those debates.
I did do a minumum...I took Earth Science and I took Biology.
Well...no offense, but that doesn't shine through in your comments.
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1) That wasn't written by Pope Benedict. It was submitted by the International Theological Commission. 2) He only approved it and that is when he was a Cardinal (which can make a difference). 3) The next paragraph quotes JPII: “new knowledge leads to the recognition of the theory of evolution as more than a hypothesis. It is indeed remarkable that this theory has been progressively accepted by researchers following a series of discoveries in various fields of knowledge”(“Message to the Pontifical Academy of Sciences on Evolution”1996).
They did not fail to provide me with a well-rounded education. Also, I would ask what your idea of a well-rounded education is and do you think that even the public schools are suceeding in that definition?
Religious beliefs, yes. However, you were pointing out a behavioral issue.
Well, I don't choose to turn them into scientific debates. Then I do my best against someone who is 3x my age and relentless.
Well, I took them. *shrug*
RESPECT LIFE
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"It is poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish."
~Mother Teresa
1) That wasn't written by Pope Benedict. It was submitted by the International Theological Commission. 2) He only approved it and that is when he was a Cardinal (which can make a difference). 3) The next paragraph quotes JPII: “new knowledge leads to the recognition of the theory of evolution as more than a hypothesis. It is indeed remarkable that this theory has been progressively accepted by researchers following a series of discoveries in various fields of knowledge”(“Message to the Pontifical Academy of Sciences on Evolution”1996).
Unless I am mistaken, Cardinal Ratzinger and Pope Benedict are the same person. Putting aside the catholic version of new popes being affected by mulitple personality disorder, has your Pope said anything that contradicts the endorsement he issued while sitting at the head of the The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (also known as The Inquisition)? Is it not true that The The International Theological Commission exists specifically to advise Perfect of the The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith?
Well, I don't choose to turn them into scientific debates. Then I do my best against someone who is 3x my age and relentless.
Ignoring the scientific aspects of these issues only makes you sound uneducated. And if you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen. Or even better, take the opportunity to listen to your elders and learn something.
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While I think a lot of people display a misunderstanding of home schooling, I think that there is also a deep misunderstanding, which you displayed partially, of people who are in public schools.
We are not isolated by age. We do tend to be in classes with people close to our age, but we are not socially isolated.
Also, the drugs, sex, booze thing is a major stereotype. It's an image that is not really accurate and the reason it is probably more absent, image-wise, from your group is probably based more on religion than the fact that you are homeschooled.
"Don't blame me. I voted for Kodos."
Homer Simpson
Oh, I totally agree with that. I was shocked when I started hanging out with "public schoolers" because they were a lot nicer than I thought they were going to be. ROFL
I didn't say you were socially isolated. What I was indicating was that homeschoolers are just as socially successful as "schoolers", if not more, because we socialize with people of various ages.
I know quite a few "schoolers" who aren't into the whole drugs/sex/alcohol scene, so I don't believe that all do that (although I do know some people who totally write off all "schoolers" as drug/alcohol/sex addicts).
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"It is poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish."
~Mother Teresa
I was referring to the age thing when I was talking about social isolation. It wasn't the best phrase to use.
"Don't blame me. I voted for Kodos."
Homer Simpson
Oh, ok. I'm not totally ignorant as to say that those in the school system do not associate with people outside of those their own age. But during a regular school day, I have a lot more interaction with people of various ages as a homeschooler than someone in the school system. And my only point with that statement is to say that therefore, we're not socially inept.
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"It is poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish."
~Mother Teresa
In the school system, a child only interacts with other children of the same age.
Nope, not so much. I was almost always among the youngest in my class. When I was in 8th grade, I had a math class where most of my classmates were juniors or seniors in high school. Throughout high school, we had people in our marching band ranging from 8th grade up through people who came back from college to help out. This was all on a regular basis. My sisters have plenty of social interaction with children their age, younger, and older. If you only do these retreats or interactions once a week, my little sisters have more social interaction than you do.
Why is it that in my youth group, it is the homeschoolers educating the public/private schoolers, not only on the faith, but on matters of regular education?
Why do I educate most people I meet about things like the medical field, or even from my rudimentary view of Judaism? Because I'm interested in those things. If people aren't interested in something, they're not going to care much about it, and thus they aren't going to want to learn about it. It's about your personality, not whether you were homeschooled, so don't go flipping the coin saying that homeschooled children are better than those taught in public or private schools. They're not; they're just taught differently.
~C
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Well, I do dancing on Sundays, youth group on Tuesdays, and another activity on a day most weeks. However, I'm home every day, where I interact with both of my parents and all four of my younger siblings.
I'm not saying they're taught better (however, I honestly do believe that homeschooled kids are given a better opportunity to learn more because they are taught on a one-on-one basis), however we do teach the "schoolers" about things. If we were demented, then I don't think we'd be capable of even understanding anything, much less teaching the people with normal brains.
RESPECT LIFE
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"It is poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish."
~Mother Teresa
If we were demented, then I don't think we'd be capable of even understanding anything, much less teaching the people with normal brains.
Oh, I don't know. Children and those with mental disorders often have some very interesting insights into the world as a whole. You can ask Fallon all about the children aspect of that one...
~C
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Good point. Gosh, everyone keeps entertaining the possibility that I'm actually demented : P This is getting kinda frightening.
RESPECT LIFE
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"It is poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish."
~Mother Teresa
for you to assume that all homeschoolers are better educated than public schoolers as it is for this woman to claim that you are "demented"
"How can we win where fools can be kings" Muse
I don't assume nor do I think that all homeschoolers are better educated than "schoolers." I said I believe that homeschoolers are given more potential to learn because of the method of teaching. I know some public schoolers who are way smarter than some homeschoolers I know and vice versa, so you can't generalize these things.
RESPECT LIFE
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"It is poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish."
~Mother Teresa
of a skit on Saturday night live with a homeschool kid doing a trivia game against a public school kid. The host asks "what was the last war fought on American soil"
the home school kid announces that it was "the dinosaur neanderthal war"
the public school kid contradicts him:
"I believe it was the dinosaur neanderthal war!"
"How can we win where fools can be be kings"Muse
Haha, basically.
RESPECT LIFE
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"It is poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish."
~Mother Teresa
Right now ( my senior year) i am being homeschooled for the first time and i love it. however, i do think it is necessary for everyone to experience both sides of homeschool life and public school life. there are benefits to both sides.
i know that you will be entering the college scene soon and the experience may give you a slight shock. but overall i don't think there is too many problems with homeschooled children.
i found most of them very willing to socialize and interact with anyone ( perhaps that is a product of social deprivation)
Well, the college I'm going to has 50% homeschoolers and it's a small Catholic college, so I don't think I'll have too many problems. : ) I think the thing I'll have the hardest time with is tests in class, because I'm used to taking my own sweet time for things.
RESPECT LIFE
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"It is poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish."
~Mother Teresa
What's the name of this school?
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Just curious, why do you want to know?
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"It is poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish."
~Mother Teresa
...and its accreditations. There are actually some really high quality catholic schools out there...and some not so great ones. I'm wondering which kind you will be attending.
TTFN,
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: ) Well, thank you for your concern. In that case, it's Christendom College.
Christendom College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097: Telephone number 404-679-4501) to award the Associate of Arts and Bachelor of Arts degrees, and the Master of Arts degree in Theological Studies. The College functions in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia and is licensed by the Virginia State Council on Higher Education to grant the Associate of Arts, Bachelor of Arts, and Master of Arts degrees.
It's been ranked:
[A] fine Catholic institution of higher learning - Pope Benedict XVI
Top 50 All-American Colleges - Intercollegiate Studies Institute
Top College for American Values - Newsmax.com
Top Conservative College -Young America’s Foundation
Excellent American College - Free Congress Foundation
“Joyfully Catholic” - Cardinal Newman Society
Barron’s Best Buys in College Education
Peterson’s Competitive Colleges
Peterson’s 440 Colleges for Top Students
“Embodies [Pope] Benedict’s vision for education”- US News & World Report
RESPECT LIFE
http://progressiveu.org/blog/respectlife
"It is poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish."
~Mother Teresa
...and at least they are SACS accredited, so good luck.
TTFN,
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Is that your way of saying you approve? If so, then that does mean a lot to me, and I'm not being sarcastic.
RESPECT LIFE
http://progressiveu.org/blog/respectlife
"It is poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish."
~Mother Teresa
...of a college that fines students $5 for holding hands on campus (the Student Handbook prohibits all "romantic displays of affection"), but it has the basic accreditations to be considered adequate, academically. Hopefully, they will give you a more honest treatment of basic subjects that your homeschool teachers did.
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OMGosh! I DIDN'T KNOW THE HANDBOOK WAS ON THE INTERNET! *squeal* (Yes, BTW, I am that obsessed with the college : P) OMGosh, that's the most incredible thing EVER!!! Thank you!!! : D
BTW, ROFL you would find something like that : P BTW, I just asked the Admissions Director and he said the kids don't normally do it anyway. : P
Oh, and BTW, I hope that's not your basis for approving or disapproving of colleges : P
Mhm : )
RESPECT LIFE
http://progressiveu.org/blog/respectlife
"It is poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish."
~Mother Teresa
Its amazing the kind of things you can dig up with a creative google-search.
:what:
As for the hand-holding thing, it just seems a little draconian.
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Yeah, well, you're my new favorite because of it : P I've always wondered what the Student Handbook said : P
Well, in context...I think the philosophy is that they don't want the kids to be hanging all over each other. Besides, those who go there obviously don't mind it, otherwise they wouldn't be there. : ) Also, college isn't all about finding a boyfriend/girlfriend...it's about the education. : )
RESPECT LIFE
http://progressiveu.org/blog/respectlife
"It is poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish."
~Mother Teresa
Social repression does not, IMHO, provide an atmosphere that is condusive to to a well-rounded learning experience. I can understand a rule that students shouldn't be "hanging all over one another," but holding hands? It seems a bit extreme to me, bordering on the nerotic.
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If physical affection was a part of the purpose of college, then I'd agree with you. However, my purpose of going to college is to get an education and ultimately, a degree, not to get an MRS. ; ) I think many, if not all students at Christendom feel similarly, so whereas holding hands could be considered extreme, we don't really mind it. But FYI, kids do date, so they're not evil people who are trying to de-sexualize everyone, if that's what you're worried about. In fact, a couple of this past year's graduates are getting married in May. : )
RESPECT LIFE
http://progressiveu.org/blog/respectlife
"It is poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish."
~Mother Teresa
...that bothers me, so much as the idea that a school should threaten students with fines over something that is frankly so trivial. A repressive social environment can reflect a repressive educational philosophy, in which control is more important than learning. Going to college isn't just about obtaining a book-based education. Part of the college experience is supposed (and I may just be projecting the values of the many educators in my family) to expand the mind, not just academically but socially as well. I think that one would be hard pressed to provide evidence that letting students hold hands outside of class interferes in their classwork, and barring such evidence would lead me to question the real motivation of such a policy is social control, and not promoting a positive educational environment.
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It's not threatening. I don't view it that way. Like I previously stated, the kids who go there don't find it repressive. I think it might be a bit much, but I don't think it's repressive. The type that goes there isn't big on PDA in the first place, so holding hands isn't a big deal. Also, many secular sources find their education excellent, so I think that should speak for itself. ; ) Finally, no one is forcing the kids to go to Christendom and even those who have gone because their parents pushed them to find themselves loving the college.
RESPECT LIFE
http://progressiveu.org/blog/respectlife
"It is poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish."
~Mother Teresa
But the fact is that the school fines students who don't conform to the college's moral code. That's a threat, and not even a very subtle one. As for not "forcing" kids to attend, I have a question. How many (and which) non-catholic/christian schools did your parents encourage you to apply for?
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Well, other colleges fine students for other inappropriate conducts of behavior (not that I think holding hands is inappropriate). Also, the student attends the college with the knowledge of the rules and with the ability to leave at any time. Thus, I do not logically feel threatened.
My parents told me that they'd like me to attend a Catholic school, but that since I'll be paying for it myself, I could choose whatever. I could have gone to the local community college if I wanted to. However, I (as in me, myself, and I) chose Christendom all by myself. I chose it because of its academic excellence and moral principles. In fact, if you want, I could PM my "why I want to go to Christendom" essay to you that I had to write for my application.
Finally, I don't think you'll ever find a perfect college and there's always going to be something wrong with everything. However, Christendom as a whole is widely recognized in both Christian and secular communities as an excellent college with academic excellence, so this isn't just personal bias.
RESPECT LIFE
http://progressiveu.org/blog/respectlife
"It is poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish."
~Mother Teresa
what is with the long skinny posts ????
i prefer the fat ones:)
So my response can be found, below.
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And they don't let women wear jeans. jeans dammit JEANS!!! I wouldn't make it. I wear jeans every day of the year.
That's just for the professional dress code.
RESPECT LIFE
http://progressiveu.org/blog/respectlife
"It is poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish."
~Mother Teresa
rules many colleges have. One school I'm applying to has a rule against "unwanted nicknames." In theory, a student could be expelled for calling a girl named "Kathrine" "Kat!"
other school have banned "facial expressions," "rude gestures," or even inquiring about a date. Note, I am including secular schools in this.
and, of course, these aren't the worse policy found on a campus. Bob Jones University only recently lifted its ban on inter-racial relationships.
"what kind of world would it be if we settled for being human"
Fred Friendly
i guess I picked a pretty good college. It's Catholic, but the only "catholic" rule I can think of is that no contraceptives are sold on campus.
Right, because I'm a robot who can't think for myself.
I cannot say that I disagree with this statement.
Well, other colleges fine students for other inappropriate conducts of behavior (not that I think holding hands is inappropriate). Also, the student attends the college with the knowledge of the rules and with the ability to leave at any time. Thus, I do not logically feel threatened.
When I was in college at good old Georgia Southern, there were lots of things that could get you in trouble if you did them during a class, but when we were "off the clock" so to speak and just enjoying student life around the campus, the only rules that applied to us were more or less the normal civil laws.
My parents told me that they'd like me to attend a Catholic school, but that since I'll be paying for it myself, I could choose whatever.
And yet it is interesting that you chose exactly the kind of school that your parents wanted.
TTFN,
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Well, I'm flesh and blood, I have emotions, and I have a brain, so that rules out that theory.
Yay you...so is your problem with Christendom that it's not YOUR ideal college experience?
Convenient...however, the fact that I wanted to go to Christendom was actually hidden from my parents for a while before I decided to tell them. Also, there's no way on earth that I'd spend $25K a year on something my PARENTS wanted me to do. This is something I want totally and completely.
RESPECT LIFE
http://progressiveu.org/blog/respectlife
"It is poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish."
~Mother Teresa
...I hope you do well in your school of choice.
TTFN,
Blackout
-------------------------
Check out Progressive PRIDE, a Gay-Straight Alliance for the Progressive U community.
Thanks. : ) I'm really looking forward to it...just 6 more months of high school *sighs blissfully* : P
RESPECT LIFE
http://progressiveu.org/blog/respectlife
"It is poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish."
~Mother Teresa
she probably did not encounter many homeschooled kids and those that she did might have formed her opinion one way or the other, regardless it was misguided and wrong for her to call homeschooled kids demented but...people do say things that they regret once they think them over.
"The heart's memory eliminates the bad and magnifies the good."
- Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Love in the Time of Cholera
http://www.progressiveu.org/012450-old-and-gold-times-change-my-immigran...
Yes, people do say things that they later regret. However, as a former public school teacher (which then gives people an idea that she's an authority on the subject) and on an extremely popular show, I think she should have been a great deal more careful about her choice of words, especially considering how misguided and wrong they were. ; )
RESPECT LIFE
http://progressiveu.org/blog/respectlife
"It is poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish."
~Mother Teresa