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Homeschooling in US Evolves: Diverse Families Challenge Outdated Policies

Homeschooling is no longer just for white, religious families. A new study shows a diverse reality, with up to 40% of homeschooled children being Black, Indigenous, or people of color. The COVID-19 pandemic also played a significant role in this evolution.

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In this picture we can see the view of the classroom. In the front there are some girls, wearing a...
In this picture we can see the view of the classroom. In the front there are some girls, wearing a white t-shirt and holding the books in the hand. In the front bottom side there is a man and woman sitting on the chair and discussing something. In the background there is a yellow wall and glass window.

Homeschooling in US Evolves: Diverse Families Challenge Outdated Policies

Homeschooling in the United States is evolving, with outdated policies struggling to keep up with the diverse reality of modern homeschooling families. Angela R. Watson, director of the Homeschool Research Lab at Johns Hopkins University, has been studying this shift since 2019, revealing a landscape far removed from the stereotypical image of predominantly white, religious families.

Watson's research has uncovered that up to 40% of homeschooled children are Black, Indigenous, or people of color, challenging the traditional perception. Additionally, about 40% of these children have special learning needs, often with siblings remaining in traditional schools. The dynamic nature of homeschooling is evident, with over a third of families having children in both homeschool and conventional schools.

The COVID-19 pandemic played a significant role in this evolution. Lockdowns in early 2020 led to a surge in homeschooling, with the percentage of families doing so doubling from 2.8% to 5.4%. This increase, coupled with Watson's findings, paints a picture of homeschooling families that is more racially, geographically, and socioeconomically diverse than previously thought.

Watson's work, the first comprehensive study of its kind, has highlighted the urgent need to update state policies regarding homeschooling. With the most common reason for homeschooling being safety concerns, including racism, gun violence, and bullying, understanding and supporting the diverse needs of these families is crucial.

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