This year I have two students who were "homeschooled" through fifth grade (I teach sixth grade). I sometimes wonder if homeschooling all too often means getting up late, reading a lot, and making an occasional trip to a museum. Both of my students are far behind their peers in writing, math, and organizational skills. One boy has the social skills of a first grader, and consequently he is constantly getting into trouble at recess and in the cafeteria.

Homeschooling can be successful if the parent is thoroughly skilled in all subjects, has the requisite materials, and is single-minded in their dedication. Absent any of these, it can be a disaster that their child may never recover from. I have a M.Ed and would be hard-pressed to teach high school mathematics and science.

My closest friend is a principal in Vermont. His wife homeschooled their two children owing to terrible experiences that she had in high school. She dropped out and eventually received her GED. The kids, now 16 and 19, are terrific musicians, articulate, and well read. However, I sense that their math skills are nowhere near where they should be, and I would bet that their writing is similarly lagging. Both kids are ill-prepared for college, and consequently are determined to avoid it. They hope to make a career in music. I don't talk about the matter with my friend because I sense that he realizes that a dreadful mistake was made.

Peter T.