Not to get on my soapbox or anything..........

but I have been doing some major research on homeschooling. All three of my children attend the public school system, but as they get older I am feeling more and more that the public school is not the right place for them. I will not debate the pros and cons of either choice with you, because it's just that. A Choice! One that parents should make for their own children. I would not want to force my choice on someone else's kids any more than I would want your choice forced on me.

However, the things I am seeing in the school system these days deeply disturb me. From the way I hear that the teachers are talking to my children (I have 2 middle schoolers and one in elementary), demeaning and insulting them for making simple mistakes to the teachers that are contributing to an increasing trend of parents using the school system as babysitters. Then there's the issue of the our religious or cultural rights being infringed on. It's become such an issue for Christians in the public schools that Christmas can't be celebrated, but we can celebrate any other religions holiday without problems. I know of an elementary teacher who taught her class about her religion and culture (she was of Asian descent), but talking about Christ or the reason for the season wasn't allowed. One of my daughters was told that she couldn't read her bible as part of her daily required reading, but reading the local newspaper was allowed.

We have had so many issues over the last few years that I can't begin to tell you. I have been doing some research on homeschooling and I came across some interesting things.

First, I hadn't heard about the fight going on in California and the right of parents to educate their children. Check out this site.

http://www.schoolandstate.org/parentrights.htm

Pay special attention to the article on the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Our right to choose for our children is under attack.

Then check out this site. It's a great informational blog topics of education.

http://educationconversation.wordpress.com/

While you're there make sure to check out this comedic video on the topic of education. It actually makes a lot of sense. It's on this page.

http://jacklewis.net/weblog/archives/2008/08/education_comed.php

That's all I am gonna say for today. Just check it out and make the decision for yourself.