Contact:           Mary Morgenstern

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HOME SCHOOLERS: A Growing Influence

By Mary Morgenstern

One profound difference between traditional educational processes and the home school experience lies in the impact of parental influence.  While many leaders in education blame the parents for lack of involvement in their children’s growth; many politicians are flailing about throwing money at school systems with complete disregard as to how it is spent; many school officials are blaming the government for impeding the procedure by dictating impractical policies, among other things.  It appears there is plenty of blame to be thrust upon one another for the current turmoil in America’s educational system.

In the meantime parents in record numbers are withdrawing their youngsters from established school systems to devote their energies to teaching at home.

Ian Slatter, Director of Media Relations for the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) estimates that over 2,000,000 children (grades K-12) are being home schooled in the United States.  The HSLDA quotes Dr. Brian Ray, president of the National Home Education Research Institute as estimating the growth rate of home schools at 7% to 15% annually.

Home schoolers’ motivations may be diverse and styles may vary but they unite in their specific purpose: to provide a solid foundation for their children’s future ability to cope in a changing world.

Parents are asserting their rights to direct their progeny’s educational atmosphere.  While some are particularly concerned about safety measures in the public school systems, others are concerned about the curriculum.  Still others are care deeply about the perceived problems with socialization of the home schooled students. 

The ability to participate in organized sports competitions is one target where some home school critics are more than willing to throw darts.  But we should not be surprised at the resourcefulness and dedication of parents who are willing to overcome any obstacle to provide a balanced life’s experience for their children. 

Leagues and teams have been formed across the country.   These teams play throughout the home school network and are as competitive as any major high school event.  Games are played according to National High School Federation rules and competitions are enthusiastically supported by family and friends.  The coaches, players and cheerleaders all adhere to basic guidelines for proper behavior on the court.  Mascots are acceptable but must not interfere with the game.

For instance, Lewis F. Owens, PhD, one of America’s concerned parents, has created the Indiana Christian Basketball Alliance (ICBA) as an organization of home school and church schools that participate in organized basketball competition for girls and boys.  Each year they sponsor local, regional and state basketball championships.  The ICBA also administers an all star game for boys and girls, which in the past has been played at the Conseco Fieldhouse, home of the Indiana Pacers.

Bill James, a prominent Seminole County Commissioner in Central Florida, in conjunction with Donald A. Ruedlinger, President of Youth Basketball of America (YBOA), a non-profit organization, currently are organizing the 1^st Home School Sports Festival.  This grass roots inaugural event will be held in Central Florida in the spring of 2007 with all the enthusiasm of the Final Four. 

Primarily focusing on basketball in the first event, Ruedlinger says, “We must walk before we run.”  However, home school parents are already requesting that additional sports be included in the festival, such as track & field, volleyball, soccer and soft ball.   Bill James added that “Seminole County has the sports facilities, the hotel accommodations and the enthusiasm to develop this festival into a dynamic annual competition.  We are very excited about hosting this wonderful event.”

Lew Owens said, “Home schoolers are great!  I don’t think the colleges realize they are cranking out graduates who will be working for home schoolers in the future.  The sky is the limit!”

According to the HSLDA, a non-profit organization boasting 80,000 members, home school student activities and community involvement reveal that, on average these children are engaged in 5.2 activities outside the home, with 98% involved in two or more.  Even back in 1997 a Georgia Southern University survey determined that home schooled children are academically, emotionally and socially prepared to succeed in college.     

Home schooled children are both academic and athletic achievers.  Not only have home schooled students excelled in the national spelling bee, they have popped up on the radar screens of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). 

The NCAA has developed guidelines to help standardize eligibility for home schooled athletes.  According to Lisa Mills, Associate Director of Membership Services at the NCAA, “The NCAA evaluates all athletic applicants equally no matter what category they fall under, whether they are home schooled or traditional college bound students.  Their performance must meet the same standards.” 

Some colleges are recruiting home schoolers by attending state home school conventions and making specialized presentations.   Some are joining home school radio network broadcasts and conducting workshops for students and their parents to help them plan for college admissions.  Special scholarships and grants are being offered to lure home schoolers into college programs throughout the nation.

With all of these elements in mind, it appears safe to assume that home schoolers will continue to grow and become a significant influence in our society and our future.   

Central Florida looks forward to the Home School Sports Festival with great anticipation.  

Stay tuned!

MATTHEW OWENS GUARD FOR THE LIVING WATER MARLINS, FILLMORE, INDIANA.    INDIANA CHRISTIAN BASKETBALL ALLIANCE FREE THROW AND 3 POINT SHOOTING CHAMPION 2006.

HE WILL BE AT THE HOME SCHOOL GAMES -- HOW ABOUT YOU AND YOUR TEAM.