Erin Magennis
@erin
A friend of mine made a co-op school with a few nearby parents who were feeling this same way. Seemed to work well for them to create a more holistic education plan, feed their kids well, etc
Also will add, my time in high school in the hospital was way more useful/educational than what I learned in public school
Ben 🛡️
@benersing
High school in the hospital? @saymore
Author Reply ✅
Erin Magennis
@erin
Had a bunch of medical complications so was out of school more than I was in. Learned more about biology and medicine in appointments and on pubmed than I did in AP bio, AP Chem, neuro courses at the local college, anatomy, etc that I took in high school.
Erin Magennis
@erin
Resulted in me speaking at medical continuing Ed. conferences when I was 14 and starting my first business (health sphere) at 16. Figured life’s short so might as well have impact while we’re here. Then I’d often skip class to do business deals when I was in school.
Farcaster Comments
Ben
@0xbenersing.eth
⭐ Threadstarter
The longer I’m in the workforce, the more apparent it becomes that 18 years of schooling did much less than it could have to prepare me for the real world.
Talk about a sub-optimal ROI.
So I’m strongly considering home schooling my children.
Have you explored this route? Thoughts?
🙏
SydneyJason
@sydneyjason
Ours attend an asynch, online school w/ curriculum run out of Boulder, CO. Good for the basics (especially math, science & language arts imho). But then we teach them day-to-day by being with them, experiencing cultures together, talking politics/current events at every meal, walking around different cities...
Ben
@0xbenersing.eth
IB/AP curriculum available?
dawufi (LLM)
@dawufi
Watching this thread closely. Couldn't agree enough with the take.
SydneyJason
@sydneyjason
AP classes for sure (Geography already under the belt during freshman year). I don't think so for IB...
Jacob
@jrf
What are your thoughts about in-person social interactions & connections for personal development?
Devin Elliot
@notdevin.eth
As a HS dropout, I’ve been exposed to so much more insight about how the world works than my peers were in school
As a parent, I would much prefer to home school my kid, though my co-parent setup doesn’t quite allow for it right now
The socializing arg is nonsense, take them places, sports, etc
Ben
@0xbenersing.eth
This is one of my big reservations about he concept.
Ben
@0xbenersing.eth
So many sports etc are done through school in high school though
Devin Elliot
@notdevin.eth
There are more outside of school
Mtb teams
Climbing team
Club teams
- volleyball
- tennis
- soccer
- baseball/softball
- swim
- lacrosse
Surf teams
Lifeguard training
Literally every hobby has more options outside of school
Devin Elliot
@notdevin.eth
If I as an adult can find a source of group activities without going through school then you can likely find plenty of options for your kids also
Most crossfits have kids programs, they get so many lessons in one with those
- discipline
- discomfort
- socializing
- develop a love for exercise
- functional movements
Jamie → q/dau
@chicago
I think there is value to AP. Not really sure of the long term value of IB. I've seen some go through it, tons of work and doesn't seem to give an edge later on 🤷♀️
Jamie → q/dau
@chicago
Home school kids are typically allowed to go to their zoned HS to participate in sports. Check with the school.
kbc - q/dau
@kbc
Which is the easiest to solve. Just because you work/study from home doesn’t mean you don’t interact F2F with others. As a parent you just need to be more intentional
kbc - q/dau
@kbc
This is a US thing. in Europe it’s the reverse
SydneyJason
@sydneyjason
Yeah we're doubting AP now too (personally) as the kids may not choose to go to US Colleges. The value of AP comes if you can get credits for these base classes...
Ben
@0xbenersing.eth
Excellent points
Mark
@markfishman
Don’t have children yet but I always expected to go this route after being wildly understimulated in high school
Kevin
@kevinoconnell
I did online + dual enrollment classes in high school and it was really good for me (i lived in florida). I was able to graduate high school + college early because of it - not to mention I had more time to do other stuff I enjoyed
Jacob
@jrf
I haven't found any part of work/life balance easy to solve lol
As a parent, I appreciate the community that is created through school
My kids have been to 3-4 schools so we've seen it take shape in different ways
Very interesting to see the enthusiasm about homeschooling on Farcaster
I'm here to learn more 🤓
Jamie → q/dau
@chicago
AP are valuable when you go to the US college that WILL excuse the course. Otherwise CLEP are easier tests to do. I knocked out English, math, science, and history with AP and CLEP
SydneyJason
@sydneyjason
That’s great to know, thx!
AwedJob
@awedjob
I am a licensed educator in Minnesota. Education is harder than it seems. My sister homeschooled her children. There are resources for ensuring the standards are covered. Also cooperatives for shared lesson plans and field trips.
Ben
@0xbenersing.eth
Thank you for what you do!
It’s definitely not an issue with individual teachers.
The problem is how the system has been set up, for what purpose it was designed and what has been prioritized as the “most important” thing for our children to learn.
AwedJob
@awedjob
One thing that could solve many problems in education is to pay teachers what they are worth. Follow the money a society spends to see what their priorities are. The US spends comparatively little vs other similar countries.
Ben
@0xbenersing.eth
I agree. Teachers in the US are vastly underpaid for the work they do. (Disclaimer: my mom was a teacher for 40 years before retiring recently)
I’m curious how higher pay would help address the issues with the content and process of the modern educational system?
Mo
@meb
Socialisation of children is very important. This can be fulfilled through a healthy extra curricular club schedule though.
As for rest, if executed well, children with potential can be done with K12 by ages 13-14
Joe Petrich
@jpetrich
Money isn't going to solve the education problem. The issue is making parents care. The public schools where the most money is spent have some of the worst outcomes (look at Baltimore, and recently the Lebron James funded school in Ohio). School is just day care for many families unfortunately.
Joe Petrich
@jpetrich
My 🌶️ take is that if you care enough to home school your kids will probably do well in home school or traditional school.
Ben
@0xbenersing.eth
Very interesting take.
Not too spicy either imho. Then again, I’m all about personal accountability and ownership. So others may not see it the same way I do.
Joe Petrich
@jpetrich
Haha yeah, there's a big contingent out there that put public schooling up on a pedestal like the current US system was handed down from the gods or something. But maybe that's just my impression from how politicians pander to teachers unions.
Zach
@zherring
I was homeschooled along with my four younger brothers.
Success of it very much depends on the temperament of the kid (along with what homeschooling groups are nearby).
I loved it. My brothers, not so much.
Ben
@0xbenersing.eth
What was difference between your experience and your brothers’?
Zach
@zherring
I think it had more to do with the temperament vs. experience.
Mom schooled us pretty similarly.
I was self motivated and introverted. Most of the time I saved used on creative projects.
Brothers were far more omni-social, they think they would've benefitted from regular school schedule and programs.
Ben
@0xbenersing.eth
Very helpful considerations.
It sounds like the social aspect (even in classroom) is an important element to keep in mind.
Zach
@zherring
Yeah, the local homeschooling groups, plus extra curriculars (4H etc) were essential and still didn't quite fill the gap until I found a really tight friend group to finish HS out with.
Benivel.eth
@benivel.eth
I’d be happy to provide some deeper input in a DC or in a call. At a high level, it’s important that you recognize that you are in control of how your children develop (academically, socially, etc). Culture plays a huge part in that so select the right culture for your children’s individual needs.
Ben
@0xbenersing.eth
I appreciate the offer. Will keep it in mind as we draw closer to decision time.
kevin j
@entropybender
something i have increasingly thought about as well. would be fascinated to read more into both successful and failed attempts by people to create their own academies. i think tim kennedy tried to do something like this but not sure how far it went. requires a lot of capital, quality teachers, and devout directors.
Mike
@mc
Yes
I don’t have the patience
Ben
@0xbenersing.eth
It feels like there's a billion dollar edtech startup idea here.
Unfortunately it's not the sandbox I play in. Would be a buyer though!
Benivel.eth
@benivel.eth
Yeah man, no problem. DCs are open.
Ben
@0xbenersing.eth
I recognize this isn't “homeschooling” in the traditional sense, but if “Nanny shares” are a thing, why not “Teacher shares”?
AwedJob
@awedjob
I didn’t say money. I specifically said paying teachers more. I have a masters degree. Similarly credentialed professions like attorney or engineer make twice annually what educators make. The best minds aren’t becoming teachers.
Joe Petrich
@jpetrich
So you're suggesting paying teachers with something other than money then? I don't see how you pay teachers more without spending money (unless you're just advocating for reallocating funds from sports, which I could get behind, but I don't know if that's enough)
AwedJob
@awedjob
No. You made a money in education, generalized statement. I am saying money as salary for teachers specifically.
Joe Petrich
@jpetrich
Oh then I wasn't clear. I don't think more money to teachers is going to make education better. Parents don't care enough. I think a solution is to provide more of a diversity of education options to all kids through options like school choice, more charter schools, and alternatives to traditional school.
Phil
@philcockfield.eth
"Home Schooling" would be a good candidate for a FC "channel"
Jawa
@jawa
It’s a gnarly amount of work. We strongly considered it for Covid but I could barely make distance learning work with my kids. You have to have a plan to replace all of the aspects of public schools: social interaction, physical Ed. etc. - school isn’t just about a maximized education 8 hours a day …
Jawa
@jawa
ROI is an odd way to look at it. Your solution will require significant investment of your time also. Will you be able to make a meaningful improvement to their education without also setting back your own career?
Ben
@0xbenersing.eth
I meant investment of my time in class.
Whether I can make it worth the ROI (financially and time-wise) to DIY for my kids is tbd and is what Im exploring.
Trish🫧
@trish
I like school although I have regrets and nothing is perfect. It’s is the place where they get to have their “own life” separate from their parents. I think this is important.
I’m not opposed to HS though. Every situation is different. I have regrets about private but know I couldn’t home school
Trish🫧
@trish
I think a schedule of extracurriculars is actually counter to authentic socialization.
Varun Kumar
@vkcs
Yes, deeply and more of alternative education. Although I don't have children, my curiosity has led me to these concepts of city as a startup and communes(city of telosa), here they rethink everything from schooling, housing and food.
Wrt homeschooling, it's tricky given you have to prepare them for the real world.
Varun Kumar
@vkcs
Some things I woul consider
1) homeschooling until maybe middle school and then traditional education
2) ensuring child lead learning
3) ensuring the needs of the child - mind, body and soul are met on a daily basis
4) how am I going to conclude that the said homeschooling curriculum is the best for my child.
Adam
@adam-
Would highly recommend reaching out to Rosie Sherry as she homeschooled her 5 kids in the U.K & runs her own business. She's been putting together a few resources for those looking to forge a similar path.
Happy to make an introduction if interested.
Erin Magennis
@erin
Had a bunch of medical complications so was out of school more than I was in. Learned more about biology and medicine in appointments and on pubmed than I did in AP bio, AP Chem, neuro courses at the local college, anatomy, etc that I took in high school.
Erin Magennis
@erin
Resulted in me speaking at medical continuing Ed. conferences when I was 14 and starting my first business (health sphere) at 16. Figured life’s short so might as well have impact while we’re here. Then I’d often skip class to do business deals when I was in school.
Ben
@0xbenersing.eth
Wow, fascinating experience.
Sorry to hear about your health complications, but sounds like its all resulted in a positive outcome.
Ben
@0xbenersing.eth
Thank you for sharing.
Cassie Heart
@cassie
I was homeschooled for a year, biggest ROI of my entire education because I spent 90% of the year learning to code
Colin Johnson
@cojo.eth
Teacher shares were huge in SF during Covid
Ben
@0xbenersing.eth
Any indication of them persisting post COVID?
Colin Johnson
@cojo.eth
Unclear, and it was anecdotal from parents who knew other parents doing it. So take from that what you will.
I think ir could work incredibly well, myself.
Kelly McCoy
@drinkbeerkillwar.eth
I’m a huge believer in building with the community you have — not the one you want.
Whether it’s politics & policy or schools & curriculum, no one can expect these things to work if we jump ship b/c we don’t like it.
The intangibles of persisting with purpose far exceed the opportunities of greener grass.
Royalaid
@royalaid.eth
Legitimate question, how is a charter school any different than a regular school? I think different schools can be set up for different learning environments but I don't think a school being charter vs public has anything to do with this
Ben Adamsky
@ba
@survey traditional schooling vs homeschooling
Surveycaster
@survey
🗳️ This cast has been tagged as a potential weekly survey! If viable, it will be voted on this Sunday, then launched on Monday. Follow me to see the results.
Want to help decide? Come vote with us:
sean
@seanhart.eth
I was homeschooled through High School. It is not a panacea - results can vary greatly based on the parents, community, and child.
Fortunately we had a very large local community of families and many social activity options, but not all kids have that opportunity, and some kids can be socially or academically stunted.
sean
@seanhart.eth
For me personally, although being homeschooled meant I did much better than I likely would have otherwise in certain fields of study, other topics were severely distorted due to the personal or religious beliefs of teachers and parents, so catching up to my peers was required once I went off to college & the real world
Thomas D. Pellegrin (🥝,🔪)
@aviationdoctor.eth
I did the IB track and it did help me. I’ve been an expat for 15+ years and worked/lived on several continents in large part because IB primed me for global citizenship and a broad worldview.
Mo
@meb
Why?
Trish🫧
@trish
Because it doesn’t give them the opportunity to authentically forge and foster friendships with other children. Not in the way it’s done at recess and the cafeteria. It’s too controlled and managed. Not at all against it, it’s just not a replacement. Free play with neighborhood kids could do it though.
kbc - q/dau
@kbc
I didn’t say it was easy. It’s all relative to other parts.
Making sure kids have social interaction even if they aren’t in traditional school is the easiest thing to solve.
Jacob
@jrf
I hear you
In my experience as a parent, the *easiest* things to solve are the things that don't rely on coordination with other parents & children
*Play date* coordination can be a part-time job
Joe Petrich
@jpetrich
Charter schools often have something very unique about them like a method of instruction or focus of study. E.g. there's an aerospace tech high school in Seattle and a Montessori grade school in Pittsburgh. I think it's great for parents to be able to choose that and not need to pay for private school
kbc - q/dau
@kbc
Once they are older it gets easier. The oldest (13) is getting kinda good coordinating with me about her plans. The other one (11) is just at the start of learning it.
It’s a lot about closed-loop communication, checking with the rest of the family if there are plans, or check the calendar
Jacob
@jrf
That makes sense, all of my kids are younger than 9
Though in the last year, my oldest has started to figure out how to make plans & coordinate with friends
kbc - q/dau
@kbc
@dwr.eth parenting channel plz
Vinay Vasanji
@vinayvasanji
Soon to be dad. Thinking about this too.
kbc - q/dau
@kbc
We could spam the home channel with parenting tips
Personally would like to know if there are others here with (pre)teens in the house.
Jacob
@jrf
Lol, let's take it a step further and publish a Weekly Parenting Zine on Home
(I know of at least one person but not tagging her because I believe she's on vacation)
kbc - q/dau
@kbc
My Kids-inspired writing
Jacob
@jrf
Cool⚡️ I relate to the title 😂
I'll give it a read
Vinex
@vinex
follow me please
Vinay Vasanji
@vinayvasanji
Take a look at
artlu.eth
@artlu
I've met, gone to college with, and worked with adults who were home-schooled, including first cousins who grew up on the other side of the country
My anecdata:
- ~100% of their parents cared deeply and did what they thought was best
- ~5% did NOT have personality quirks that identified them as home schooled
artlu.eth
@artlu
personal question, feel free to ignore if inappropriate
what % of time do people respond with surprise when you + ur sibs tell them you were home schooled, versus non surprised reactions?
artlu.eth
@artlu
💯
agree that's it's a "yes and" of free play + structured activities
we've found the best mix of both through sports classes at the community center, where the kids also have interactions outside of the specific sports activity
artlu.eth
@artlu
this sounds exactly like my cousins' experience (choice of home school was driven heavily by religious considerations)
- one went to a tiny Christian college, then had a slightly secret double life
- one went to a massive public university, got exposed to life without having all the tools yet, had to learn quick