Summary of the article Revisiting the

Common Myths about Homeschooling

In the article Revisiting the Common Myths about Homeschooling,
Michael H. Romanowski states that although American public is
aware of homeschooled students achievements, still, there are
some misconceptions about this method of education. In this article
author counts 2 usual myths related to homeschooling. Firstly he
mentions social isolation issue and refutes this misunderstanding,
calling it an outdated stereotype. Romanowski claims that
homeschooled children are involved in different activities sometimes
even more than traditional schools students. Second myth is
represented by question posed in Time journal in 2011, which asks if
homeschooled children are as good citizens, as students they are.
As a response, author gives the results of survey, according to which
majority of homeschooled students turn to be excellent citizens, and
are more involved in politics compared to other school graduates.
Third myth that Romanowski dispels in his article is about difficulties
that homeschoolers face entering college or university. Facts show
that on standardized tests their scores sometimes surpass average
results. Moreover, the colleges that these students attend are in
number of those, where most parents dream their children to study.
Forth and last myth mentioned in the article says that people
homeschool their children for religious reasons. Here, the writer
states that different things may motivate people choose this method
of education. Moreover he describes Van Galens division of
homeschoolers into two types: ideologues and pedagogues, in order
to support his statement. In conclusion Romanowski supports
parents that have decided to educate their children by themselves.
He emphasizes that public schools cannot meet each students
needs, and that educators should listen to parents concern in order
to improve learning system.

1st Response:
I agree with Michael H. Romanowski that these 4 notions about
homeschooling are not valid. Author clearly supports his opinion
with facts, showing that children schooled at home are provided
with wide variety of activities and have all opportunities to acquire
communication skills. Moreover, given statistics advocate
homeschoolers involvement in political process as well as having

high scores. I think that all four myths mentioned in this article are
just stereotypes based on misunderstanding of homeschooling
system.

2nd Response:
However, I completely disagree with authors statement about
public schools. In his conclusion Romanowski claims Public schools
do not, cannot, and probably should not be expected to meet the
needs of every child From my point of view, this state is not
based on anything and cannot be because meeting of students
needs can be possible in some public schools. As we know, public
schools are divided in several categories; and teachers approach to
each student is depends on type of the school.