Parents' rationale for homeschooling : a qualitative study /

Abstract

Following an introduction of the historical background of homeschooling, including categories of homeschoolers and issues related to homeschooling, this qualitative study focused on reasons parents chose to homeschool. Rationale for homeschooling varied widely, but frequent responses among homeschooling parents that emerged pertained to such categories as: family related issues--with family togetherness as the most frequently mentioned reason to homeschool; parental rights--including religious reasons; traditional school environment which cited school violence as a major concern; curricula, varied child-led learning experiences with an emphasis on child-centered learning, and socialization of the child. The methodology chosen to conduct this study was a one-page, self-administered survey instrument. Questionnaires were distributed through three mediums: on-line e-mail, support group meetings, and as an addendum to a mailed newsletter. Responses to a group of survey questions established current demographic profiles of homeschoolers, while replies to open-ended questions provided information related to homeschooling rationale. Consistent with previous research on homeschoolers, the themes that emerged were love and concern for the well-being of the homeschooled child. This study revealed that homeschooling parents were committed to the education of their children and viewed schooling as a priority of parenting. A major contribution to this study was the use of computer technology as a means of data collection. On-line e-mail capabilities offered the possibility of world-wide participation, rapidity of data collection, and convenience while maintaining minimal expense to the researcher. In addition, communication was established with a segment of the homeschooling community which would have otherwise been out of the realm of this study.