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What Librarians Want to Know about Homeschooling
Is homeschooling legal?
Homeschooling is legal in all states but specific laws vary from state to state. It is important that librarians are aware of the basic legal facts regarding homeschooling in their area so that they do not inadvertently pass on incomplete or inaccurate legal information. Because the public school district offices usually do not have accurate or up-to-date homeschooling information, it is not a good idea to refer people directly to their local school district for legal information.
NHEN provides a brief overview of the legal requirements in each state as well as information about where to get more in-depth legal information.
Who are homeschoolers?
They are everybody! They are your neighbors and the neighbors of your family members and your friends. They live in the cities, in small towns, in the suburbs, and in the most remote rural areas. Read more...
Why do families choose to homeschool?
Families choose to homeschool for a wide variety of reasons: academic and learning purposes, values-based or religious reasons, social issues, health issues, safety concerns, and flexibility of family schedules or lifestyles. Find out more …
What instructional methods do homeschoolers use?
There are as many different ways to homeschool as there are homeschooling children. Librarians should not assume that one homeschooler uses methods anything like another one uses. Find out more...
Where do homeschoolers get their learning resources?
Although some homeschoolers use traditional textbooks, most use a wide variety of other resources. Many learning materials are designed specifically for home education. Find out about the kinds of resources homeschoolers use and where they get them by following the links to resource providers gathered by NHEN.
What about reading?
Homeschooling children learn to read through a variety of methods including formal phonics, sight reading, and whole language. Librarians should be aware that ages and grade levels are not necessarily accurate indicators of a homeschooled child's reading level. Many homeschoolers delay reading instruction and very bright children may not read "at grade level." On the other hand, some young children may read at a very advanced level. And homeschooled children may need to be directed to advanced-level materials to satisfy in-depth interests. For more information on homeschooling and literacy...
What services do homeschoolers want from their libraries?
Homeschoolers are usually intensive library users. What they want most is what all library users want: a large quantity of high quality materials. However, libraries could also satisfy a number of additional needs of the homeschooling community. NHEN has put together a list of things that homeschoolers say they'd like their libraries to provide. The article, Library Sweet Library, describes, in detail, the successful relationship between one public library and its homeschooling clientele.
What are some of the challenges faced by librarians when working with homeschoolers?
Homeschoolers can sometimes be demanding library clients and librarians may sometimes find it difficult to meet their expectations. We don't have all the answers, but librarians may be better able to find solutions if they are aware of what challenges to expect.
What further information about homeschooling is available to librarians?
One outstanding resource is David Brostrom's book, A Guide to Homeschooling for Librarians (Highsmith Press, 1995; ISBN 0-917846-46-X. This book helps library staff understand the variety of reasons why people choose homeschooling, explains homeschooling educational styles, and the various library needs of homeschoolers. It also offers advice about developing services, programs, and policies that relate to homeschooers. The author makes specific recommendations for public librarians who are motivated to improve services and collections that benefit people in their homeschooling communities.
In addition to Brostrom's book, a number of articles about homeschooling have appeared in professional library journals. These and additional resources are listed in our "References for Further Reading."
A networking list for homeschoolers, librarians, and anyone interested in libraries and homeschooling is offered by the American Homeschool Association. To subscribe, send a blank email to AHA-LibraryList-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.
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