How to be a social person: Don’t homeschool

Education in Alberta is at a remarkably uncertain time, but that doesn’t mean homeschooling is the answer. With the COVID-19 pandemic, teachers’ strike, and lack of funding to public schools, Alberta’s education system is in shambles. This has led some parents to choose homeschooling over public education. But, going to school is much more than gaining an education; it’s about learning to socialize. 

For those homeschooled in Alberta, families can receive $901 CAD for each child. At the height of the pandemic, former Premier Jason Kenney‘s administration introduced this. More concerning, though, is that parents could choose to homeschool without any check-ins. If parents choose this option, they lose the provincial funding. But what kinds of effects does homeschooling have on kids? Stefan Merrill Block can tell you all about it. 

In Homeschooled, Block recounts his experience with homeschooling and the consequences that followed. He wanted to be taken out of school because of “pointless rules and mean teachers.” Left to his own devices, Block had nearly full control of what he wanted to do. Later, when he re-entered high school, he was significantly behind. Block, despite setbacks, has had a fulfilling life. But, this isn’t everyone’s story — many kids who never return to in-person schooling find it hard to socialize with others.

On the surface, many kids while being homeschooled seem to be turning out just fine. Usually, though, when they enter the workforce or college/university, problems begin to arise. This is because many homeschooled kids only interact with other homeschooled kids. The lack of diversity ends up being jarring once environments and people change. But this doesn’t mean homeschooling is inherently bad; it just means there needs to be changes. That change is the removal of unsupervised homeschooling options.

Parents want the best for their children, but this doesn’t mean they’re the only one who wants that. Teachers are trained to teach. Alongside that, they’re there to set kids up for success. This means showing them different perspectives and ways of life so the student can eventually decide what’s best for them after school. Schools are not trying to indoctrinate students. They are trying to set them up for the rest of their lives. When checked up on by teachers, homeschooling can do much of the same. Because, in some scenarios, homeschooling makes the most sense for a family.

Alberta is topographically very diverse, meaning many families live in places where taking the public education route is simply not possible. But that shouldn’t mean they don’t receive help from teachers. Letting teachers help where needed is important during homeschooling. But given the chance, I will always advertise for public education, even if it’s not perfect.

The debate over homeschooling and public education is very nuanced. There are no two situations that are exactly alike, and they don’t always portray one or the other in a good light. But I will always argue for public education when I can. It allows students to grow in environments with a more diverse set of peers, which ultimately can bring a greater education.