'Kindergarten Cop Out' reaction

My reaction to this article:
'Kindergarten Cop Out' by Sierra Black

I am all for parents making well informed decisions and choosing either public/private school or homeschool based on that evaluation. But this article really urked me, and borderline infuriated me. I believe this mom is well meaning and honestly wants the best for her child, but she has yet again become a victim of bullying! To put it simply, a child doesn't always know best. 


Really? You are letting a four year old make one of the biggest decisions in her life right now? Would you trust your child to choose her own doctor? To choose which house you should buy? We are the parents, and for whatever reason someone wants to homeschool their child, they shouldn't be persuaded by a four year old that doesn't have the experience and knowledge to make the best decision.


I think so often in our culture we give our children too much authority over themselves and us. Apparently we don't value wisdom if we are letting our four year olds make final decisions that will completely redefine their childhood. This four year old made her decision based on a classroom pet and curiosity. Going on those instincts can get us all in a lot of trouble. There's that phrase... curiosity killed the cat!


I don't think the mom was right in wanting to homeschool out of fear, but that wasn't the whole story. Her child is obviously very gifted and I believe she would get the most from homeschooling.  I'm convinced that this mom is seeking what is in the best interest of her child; too bad she let her child bully her out of a very well informed decision.

The stats

I tend to be on the analytical side, I wanted to find statistics on academic performance that backed what my heart was telling me to do. This is by no means comprehensive or the most up to date, but it's what's out there...

This study is facinating and conclusive: Home School Legal Defense Association Study

According to this report, homeschoolers outscore their peers on standardized tests. Even more interesting, this achievement is not dependent upon:

• their parent's of level education,
• teacher certification,
• the amount of money spent,
• the level of government oversight,
• gender, or
• race.

Other stats found at http://home-school.lovetoknow.com/Statistics_on_Homeschooling_in_the_United_States:

• Children who have been homeschooled all of their lives outperformed those in a traditional school environment
• Eighth grade students who have been homeschooled for at least one year scored in the 59th percentile
• Eighth grade students who have been homeschooled for two years or more scored between the 86th and 92nd percentile

The following information was published by SAT and the ACT High School Profile Reports:

• In a 1991 test, scores reported by the Stanford Achievement Test, showed that homeschooler's composite scores were 18 to 28 points above their public school counterparts. 
• In 1998, graduating homeschoolers had an average score of 22.8 out of a possible 36 on the ACT. The national average was 21.0.

Did you know that academic rates are higher in families with three or more children in two parent households with only one parent in the labor force?

My official coming out

So, this is my official coming out. I am... going to homeschool my kids. I have been reluctant to commit, mostly because it is so counterculture and I really don’t want to face all the outside skepticism that comes along with the decision. This reluctance to commit stems from my own weakness, and I understand that if I venture to do this solely on my own, I will fail. I believe that with God’s help, this experience will be successful and fulfilling for both of us.

The intention of this blog is to post our hopefully weekly activities related to homeschooling. The creation of this blog is not to prove myself to anyone nor to brag (I’m going to assume we are going to have some achievements!), but to have a yearbook or portfolio for us to look at and celebrate. It also serves the purpose to keep friends and family in the loop so they can enjoy the experience too. Hopefully our triumphs and mistakes will challenge other homeschoolers as well.

To answer the question everyone asks or wants to ask, but doesn’t... WHY HOMESCHOOL? We (when I say “we” I mean this is 100% a joint decision between me and Dave to homeschool) created this list to bring clarity to our decision. These points can answer your questions as well as serve as a reminder to myself “why” during the trials. After a years worth of research and prayer (I have a library full of “reasons to homeschool” books) we have come to the conclusion to homeschool because:

- We want to be the main influencing source in our child’s life and that requires the majority of his time spent with us. We want our children to be positively socialized. This is a continuation of our beliefs that has led to me being a stay-at-home mom.

- We want to give him a tailored education that suits his specific needs and desires in order to instill a love of learning for a lifetime.

- We believe that God calls us to be responsible for the education of our children, and we feel that this is how we can best fulfill that call.

- We want to give him an education that integrates learning about God, and his purpose on earth. The goal is to raise him into a Godly man of integrity.

- We appreciate homeschooling's flexible schedule which is conducive to Dave’s changing work schedule.

- And lastly because we have the freedom to do so.

There is a particular verse that has inspired us in this endeavor:
Romans 12:2 (New American Standard Bible)

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.