Hands Off My School: Exploring State Regulation of Homeschooling

• In Event: Critical Perspectives on State Policies

Abstract

Homeschooling has grown exponentially over the last few decades. As a result, many states have been moving forward to enact regulations in response to this growth. The degree to which regulation of homeschooling varied across the states, however, was uncertain. This study employs Frattaroli and Vernick’s close reading method, finding not all states to be equally regulative. Given homeschoolers' ascribed status as non-criminal societal deviants, an application of conflict theory is applied through Hunter's Culture Wars thesis in order to ascertain which variables might influence state homeschooling regulation levels. As a result, an examination for predictors for these regulation levels is also conducted. Using poisson regression modeling, data from the 50 states and District of Columbia are evaluated for state level indicators for increased regulation of homeschoolers. Results from these analyses indicate that increased presence of evangelical Christians, large urbanicity, and large numbers of children in the public schools are indicators for low regulation levels. In contrast, increased presence of blacks serves as a predictor of high regulation levels. The study concludes by signifying areas for further study.

Author

• Isaiah Fink Avraham Cohen, Louisiana State University and A&M College