Homeschooling in America: The Changing Regulation, Motivation, and Population

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

About 6% of the K-12 population are homeschooled, while 7% attend charters and 9% attend private schools. Yet research on the homeschool population is limited, and stereotypes fill voids in understanding. This panel-style symposium considers regulation, motivation, and population changes to this population. The first study leverages longitudinal data from the Federal Department of Education documenting homeschooling regulatory changes over the last 2 decades. The second paper uses conjoint analysis to examine the motivation for educational choices. The third paper considers parental motivations regarding school safety. The fourth paper considers different motivations for homeschooling by race and region for a socio-historical
context. The final paper presents the most recent evidence on homeschooling demographics.
Discussion and questions will follow.

Sub Unit

• SIG-Charters & School Choice

Chair

• Angela R. Watson, Johns Hopkins University

Papers

• Longitudinal Trends in Homeschool Regulation - Angela R. Watson, Johns Hopkins University

• Taking the Pulse on U.S. Education: A Cross-Sector Comparison - Genevieve Smith, Johns Hopkins University; Alanna V. Bjorklund-Young, Johns Hopkins University

• Are Hybrid Schoolers Reluctant to Participate in Private School Choice Programs? Experimental Evidence - Matthew H. Lee, Association of Christian Schools International; Eric Wearne, Kennesaw State University; John Thompson, Kennesaw State University

• “That Percentage of Safer”: A Mixed-Methods Analysis of Homeschool Parents’ Perspectives of School Safety - Christy Batts, North Carolina State University; John Kristoff, EdChoice; Kelsie Taylor Yohe, North Carolina State University

• Socio-historical Context of Black Home Education within the Black Belt of the American South - Timberly L. Baker, Arkansas State University

Discussant

• Robert A. Maranto, University of Arkansas