Principles, practice and publications : a content analysis of how British Columbia's homeschoolers create their learning environment
Date
2003
Authors
McNamee, Joan Kathleen
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Abstract
This study is a content analysis of three British Columbia publications, circulated within the last two years, that provides an unobtrusive look at the unique nature of the n6me school environment in British Columbia. Homeschooling, as an alternative to public education, has shed its image as a social or educational aberration, and is attracting increased numbers of mainstream parents to the movement. Results of this study indicate that, despite the eclectic nature of the practice of homeschooling, writers who contribute to the newsletters share values about the importance of the intellectual, social, and spiritual development of their children. These parents rely heavily on support networks that include shared projects and resources, innovative educational opportunities, values about family, community, and their legal right to educational choice. In addition, the results of the study suggest the practice of homeschooling provides an axis on which to balance theoretical questions concerning public/private interests in education, personal and societal transformation in the pursuit of education reform, and values about children, family, parenting and community.