Podcast: AP fails to link religion dots in latest surge in homeschooling studies — GetReligion

There was just one extremely-brief reference to a religion factor — in the homeschooling previous — in a major block of summary product in this newsy AP report. Here is that byte of details, in context:

As soon as a relatively exceptional follow decided on most generally for reasons associated to instruction on faith, homeschooling grew promptly in recognition following the turn of the century just before leveled off at around 3.3%, or about 2 million pupils, in the several years ahead of the pandemic, in accordance to the Census. Surveys have indicated factors which include dissatisfaction with neighborhood schools, considerations about school surroundings and the attraction of customizing an education.

In the absence of federal recommendations, there is small uniformity in reporting prerequisites. Some states, together with Connecticut and Nevada, require small or no details from moms and dads, when New York, Massachusetts and some other individuals have to have moms and dads to submit instruction options and comply with evaluation procedures.

The new surge in homeschooling figures has led state legislatures all around the country to take into consideration actions both to relieve restrictions on homeschool households or impose new kinds — debates have absent on for many years. Proponents of extra oversight stage to the probable for undetected conditions of baby abuse and neglect when other folks argue for less in the title of parental rights.

There are some phrases in there worthy of exploration, these types of as “concerns about university environment” and some school critics arguing for fewer govt homeschooling rules “in the identify of parental rights.”

Let’s see, where by there any faith angles in the parental-legal rights wars during these Virginia elections that rocked the Democratic Get together establishment? Do a Google search for “Virginia”, “Glenn Youngkin”, “parents” and “anger” and then seem for substance about faith, morality and lifestyle.

Or how about Florida? Is there something newsworthy going on suitable now in the Sunshine State connected to morality, parental rights and education? Have have there been — in recent several hours, times, months, months and decades — any arguments about faith that may well send out a number of mother and father heading to the exit doors at their area schools?

Just asking.

This AP tale included one more critical news improvement that, for me, raises some concerns about a massive market of religious believers. Verify this out and glance for 1 eyebrow elevating stat:

Black families make up lots of of the homeschool converts. The proportion of Black family members homeschooling their youngsters greater by five instances, from 3.3% to 16.1%, from spring 2020 to the drop, although the proportion about doubled throughout other groups, according to U.S. Census surveys.

Alright, I’ll ask. Was this spectacular surge in Black homeschooling observed, to some substantial degree, amid families that repeated church pews? A get in touch with to a few Black megachurches might generate data. I would also contact and see if the National Residence University Affiliation has found a rise in phone calls from Black churches and even denominations this kind of as the Church of God in Christ.

In summary, practically anytime People in america start out arguing about warm-button topics like sexuality, parental legal rights, race and college security (with “safety” broadly defined) you will practically certainly run into spiritual difficulties and religious believers.

Possibly this AP story essential much more than 5 or 6 words and phrases of information about faith, if the purpose was to look at the motivations and steps of mom and dad turning to homeschooling.

Delight in the podcast and, be sure to, move it alongside to other folks.

To start with Picture: “Connecting the dots” graphic at the enterprise web-site Comptia.org.