Mr. Joseph J. Rothengast
(919)
January 12, 2005
Point of View Editor;
As the school districts, the states and most of the country look for ways to improving education by throwing money at it there may be a better way. Not only do they want additional funds for teachers, administration, buildings, labs and of course transportation but they want students to get up earlier and stay later. And if parents object the first thing that is eliminated are sports and other activities that the students enjoy. While some businesses are pushing more employees home to save space, costs and improve productivity and colleges are expanding into distant education why haven’t other schools investigated home schooling? Rather than home schools being the rarity incentives could make it a serious contender to current school systems.
With broadband Internet access being available in most locations students could attend classes without transportation. Courses could be available 24/7, taped, translated into other languages and created with the best teachers. Thus one teacher and one taped course could reach out to millions over several years. Students and families wouldn’t have to wake up early but after getting the appropriate needed sleep for the student’s needs. Students would have a better selection of classes even advanced classes.
School districts would need fewer teachers, buildings, administrators and other supporting courses that keep taxes spiraling upward. Rather, given the right incentives and lower taxes a parent could again justify staying home and acting as a tutor.
One broadband link would be able to handle multiple family
members. Many computer companies are now
designing low cost Internet terminals that would allow most low-income families access to the Internet while communities and cities
like Philadelphia are looking into wireless networks that are free to their
residents.
Home schooling on a mass scale would help not only those who choose home schools but also those who continue to attend traditional schools since classes could be smaller. Students would be able to attend classes in buildings rather than in trailers. Not only could businesses participate in creating classes but vocational courses could also be made available. People would be able to download and store classes on hard-drives, VHS tapes or even Tivo. Audio presentations could be in mp3 formats and listen to almost anywhere.
There are many reasons why parents may not want their children to attend the public schools. Reasons from educational quality, teacher problems, schedules, crime, peers to name just a few.
Social activities could be accomplished by the community schools, communities, religious affiliations or others.
Thus, parents would grow closer with their kids, help contribute to lower taxes, and kids would have an opportunity for selecting classes that they really want and would help them towards a college degree. Even grandparents and neighbors could be used as resources. This low cost alternative would also provide the country with a great basis for life-long education.