Home school graduation ceremony Save Email Print
Posted: 10:15 PM May 9, 2008
 Last Updated: 10:38 PM May 9, 2008
 Reporter: Mystic Matthews
Email Address: mystic.matthews@kxii.com
57 comments
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SHERMAN, TX- They may not attend a traditional high school, but they were able to have a traditional graduation ceremony Friday night.

Many home school students finished high school then graduated at Fairview Baptist Church in Sherman.

Almost 20 graduates were presented their diplomas by their teachers...who are also their parents.

The ceremony was followed by a reception.
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Posted by: Home School Dad Location: Sherman on May 17, 2008 at 05:14 AM
To "teacher Location: sherman on May 14, 2008 at 09:20 AM": Many factors contribute to the disaster that is public education--including poor teachers. There are some wonderful teachers out there, but many others are simply not competent to do the job. Teachers often come from the least capable ranks of college students, and remain at that level of capability as they move forward with their teaching careers. For example, so many employed teachers have failed tests in the very subjects they teach that the NEA (the national teachers' union) now opposes giving the tests at all. (The NEA is also dead set against merit-based bonuses for our good teachers--what's that about?). And consider GRE scores. For public school teachers seeking a Masters degree, the average GRE score is 1068, far below the minimum acceptable for most graduate programs. Unfortunately, substandard teachers produce substandard students, and on the cycle goes. No wonder homeschooling is growing so rapidly.
Posted by: Home School Dad Location: Sherman on May 17, 2008 at 04:49 AM
To "JMO on May 15, 2008 at 10:50 AM": Regarding the issue of "socialization," you might find this bit of research interesting: "4.2% of homeschooled adults view politics as too complicated to get involved, compared to 35% of public educated adults. 71% of homeschooled adults participate in community service, compared to 37% of public educated adults. 76% of homeschooled adults (age 18-24) voted within the last 5 years, compared to 29% of public educated adults in the same age group. The older homeschooled groups vote in percentages not falling below 95%, while public educated adults reach a high of 53%."
Posted by: Home School Dad Location: Sherman on May 17, 2008 at 04:36 AM
To "Anonymous on May 14, 2008 at 12:04 PM": I know you don't like to encumber your opinions with facts and data, but considering your "75% of homeschool parents are also religious fanatics" nonsense, I did want to pass this along from the US Department of Education. In a recent study, they found that "though once the domain of fundamentalist Christians anxious to protect family values from secular manipulation, the most common reason for homeschooling today is to provide the 'child with a better education' (48.9 percent), as compared with 'religious reasons' (38.4 percent)."
Posted by: Home School Dad Location: Sherman on May 17, 2008 at 01:52 AM
For those interested, National Center for Education Statistics on SAT scores: Home school - average READING score (white) - 87 percentile; Public school - average READING score (white) - 61 percentile. Home school - average READING score (minority) - 87 percentile; Public school - average READING score (minority) -49 percent. Home school - average MATH score (white) - 82 percentile; Public school - average MATH score (white) - 60 percentile. Home school - average MATH score (minority) - 77 percentile; Public school - average MATH score (minority) - 50 percentile.
Posted by: Home School Dad Location: Sherman on May 16, 2008 at 09:18 PM
To "Mom Location: TX on May 15, 2008 at 02:01 PM" and to "former homeschooled student on May 15, 2008 at 12:12 PM": Well said!
Posted by: Home School Dad Location: Sherman on May 16, 2008 at 09:11 PM
To "Anonymous on May 16, 2008 at 06:19 PM": Indeed, both sides do have pros and cons, but discussion of those is a good thing. It dispels some of the silly myths people perpetuate about homeschooling, it highlights the superior achievements of homeschooled students, and it reveals some of the irrational prejudice that exists against the homeschool experience. What you are reading in this thread is an animated exchange of ideas; it's not "fighting," and it certainly isn't "ridiculous." If you can't make a helpful contribution, or at least learn quietly from what you're reading, then--to borrow your phrase--"just deal with it."
Posted by: Anonymous on May 16, 2008 at 06:19 PM
i think these 'parents' need to grow up & stop fighting. its ridiculous both sides have pros and cons. just deal with it. geez
Posted by: Mom Location: TX on May 15, 2008 at 02:01 PM
Many people are under the misconception that homeschoolers do not socialize. Everyone seems to think that we hide in our homes and never leave. The homeschool community is large, active, and very social. We spend a great deal of time together on academic, enrichment, and social activities. We also participate in many activities in the community, such as community theater, local politics, team sports, community outreach, etc. Our children are very well socialized with people of all ages and groups. I'm sure there are people homeschooling who keep their children from having meaningful contact with others, but that is a problem with the individual, not a problem with homeschooling. The beauty of homeschooling is that we can find the right resources to teach our children in a way that best fits their learning style. That means finding curriculum to use at home, it means finding group classes, tutors, coaches, or anyone else that can best help our children reach their full potential
Posted by: Home School Dad Location: Sherman on May 15, 2008 at 12:26 PM
To "Anonymous on May 15, 2008 at 10:06 AM": I've asked you for at least a semblance of cogent argument, supported by some bare modicum of research and logic, and the best you can do is "HAHAHHAHAA" and say I'm a snake handler? You accuse me of hiding behind my computer when I've already offered to sit down over coffee and talk with you? Wierd--like you skipped your medication or something. I confess that I'm a bit embarrassed for you, but I believe in giving people another chance. So, could you just relax and thoughtfully lay out your concerns about homeschooling as others have done--or is that truly asking too much?
Posted by: former homeschooled student on May 15, 2008 at 12:12 PM
You all realize that "You aren't socialized" is the one thing every homeschooled child, whatever age, knows to expect when they say they're homeschooled, right? It never fails. On the subject of church - you say we're religious fanatics if we do go and then point out a lack of socialization if we don't. And "Anonymous", when you talk about "Homeschool Dad" hiding behind his computer - what exactly are you doing? He has told us plenty about who he is and why he thinks what he does. You are the one talking people down. Your whole last comment was insulting him - rather than adding anything about the subject at hand.
Posted by: JMO on May 15, 2008 at 10:50 AM
Homes Schooling may have higher academic achievements but you are not taking everything into effect. You might have an overly intelligent and booksmart individual who cannot function in society. A person needs to have life skills and not just book smarts. It is smart to introduce your children into society even if it is in private schools and then you can supplement their learning with "home school".
Posted by: Anonymous on May 15, 2008 at 10:06 AM
HAHAHHAHAA..Homeschool Dad...With all of your "data" and "credentials", surely you can see how you come off as an arrogant, pompous, holier-than-thou type, typical homeschool parent ? You, my friend, hide behind your computer and talk down to us from your pulpit on high. And contrary to what you will have us believe, I just have a hunch that you are a fanatical, snake hadling, rolling in the aisles kinda guy.
Posted by: JMO on May 15, 2008 at 09:42 AM
Home Schooling and failure to relate with others socially can be dangerous. A reclusive life (no public school or church) and the subsequent sheltered existence that children in this situation receive can often times result in socially disfunctional people who cannot handle the world. It is not far removed from the cult living in the ground near San Angelo that just got busted. Living a public life is not all roses but the answer is playing a productive part in society, not hiding from it.
Posted by: revolutiongirl Location: home on May 15, 2008 at 12:40 AM
Wow. Look how the communication of Home School Dad differs from that of teacher in Sherman. Just from reading the comments, one can visualize that he is an intelligent man. If I sent my child to public school, I would hope to get a teacher like him instead of the other. He is reading the comments, forming his opinion and sending out his comments, and teacher is calling out that "it takes one to call one" lol. I have not heard that since grade school. It makes me wonder. And laugh.
Posted by: Home School Dad Location: Sherman on May 14, 2008 at 10:29 PM
To "teacher Location: sherman on May 14, 2008 at 07:58 PM": Oops--seems I inadvertently touched a nerve regarding your "mental state." Given the nature and general level of your response, and your inability to spell the word "schizophrenic" correctly, it's pretty obvious that you're a government school product. Still, perhaps you could give it another try. How do you, a "professional educator," explain the superior achievements of homeschooling?
Posted by: Seriously Location: everywhere on May 14, 2008 at 09:57 PM
The truth is both public schools and homeschool kids can produce highly educated good citizens. Home school gets a bad wrap because a vast majority of its "graduates" are socially inept. Truth is, so are a vast majority of public school grads - they just had enough socialization to find their niche before they left home. I know that you meet once a week for "enrichment classes" but that is not the same socialization that kids get at school. But that is the point isn't it - don't most of you not want your kids in the school social circles. You get upset that your kids are told that they lack social skills, yet that was the point in the first place - to "protect" them from the public schools. **Homeschool Dad, If your story is true, believe me -You are the exception!**
Posted by: Mork Location: Ork on May 14, 2008 at 09:55 PM
If a student is home schooled, will that mean they will receive a certificate for perfect attendance?
Posted by: teacher Location: sherman on May 14, 2008 at 07:58 PM
Home School Dad. Don't you dare call me or any of my fellow teachers "schizophrienic." You know nothing about any of us. Keep your judgemental opinion of me and my mental state to yourself! I think it takes one to call one and YOU called first!
Posted by: Home School Dad Location: Sherman on May 14, 2008 at 05:34 PM
To Charles Evans Teacher: Your comments represent a non-sequitur. You slander homeschoolers' diplomas, but then correctly explain a key reason for homeschoolers' superior educational performance--"one on one instruction without problem kids interrupting," the result of which is that, in your words, "the child does better." It is a schizophrenia I often see in public school teachers--a recognition that homeshooling is superior, but an annoyance regarding that superiority (born of a heartfelt frustration with the public school teaching enviornment).
Posted by: Home School Dad Location: Sherman on May 14, 2008 at 05:14 PM
Regarding "Anonymous on May 14, 2008 at 12:04 PM": Would I agree "that 75% of homeschool parents are also religious fanatics?" Well, I would have to see your data first, if you had any. Do I consider myself "to be highly devout in your [my] religious beliefs?" I don't go to church, if that's what you mean. "Homeschool mom" can answer for herself. The reality is that homeschooled students typically outperform public school kids. In all the objective measures, from standardized tests to National Merit Scholarships, even spelling bees, etc., homeschoolers are disproportionately represented in the highest ranks. If that's related to their parents being religious, perhaps your government schools could use some more religion...
Posted by: Home School Dad Location: Sherman on May 14, 2008 at 04:44 PM
To Redneck Woman: That you even ask the tired old "can your kids socialize" question indicates a genuine lack of knowledge about modern homeschooling. I would encourage you to visit the weekly gatherings of homeschoolers in Sherman, and/or come along on their various group-based outings, regional competitions, and projects throughout the year, and see for yourself. Regarding my supposedly being a "first rate snob," nothing could be further from the truth. If you met me, "snob" (first rate or otherwise) would be the last thought in your mind.
Posted by: Charles Evans Teacher Location: Ardmore on May 14, 2008 at 04:27 PM
A home school diploma is basically the same thing as a GED. A "Good Enough Diploma." The environment for homeschooling is more pleasant and without interuption from problem students hampering other students' education. If the child is in a smaller class size and recieves one on one instruction without problem kids interupting others, then yes the child does better.
Posted by: Redneck Woman Location: Sherman on May 14, 2008 at 01:16 PM
To homeschool dad, so maybe you are the exception! Wow. But, can your kids socialize appropriately with others kids their age? Did they grow up with your avoidance issues? You sound like a first rate snob, and I bet your kiddoes are too. The problems in public school are most appropriately blamed on the parents.
Posted by: revolutiongirl Location: ardmore on May 14, 2008 at 12:57 PM
I sent my daughter to Will Rogers in Ardmore for her k5 and T1 years. She had a wonderful teacher, Miss Burge. We chose to advance her a bit into T1 instead of going directly into 1st. This I believe has helped her tremendously. I then homeschooled her for 2nd grade. Then have had the blessing of a private Christian school. She has had the same caring wonderful teacher for the past 2 years and small class size. She scored higher than 97 percent of fourth grade students nationally on ITBS testing. She scored 11th grade on some subjects. There are some awesome teachers out there. May God bless them all this summer with a refreshing break. Quit putting the teachers and parents down. If you haven't tried homeschooling, then hush, you should not be able to report on something you know nothing about. Except maybe a bad gossip story you have heard so that when the topic is mentioned you can have something to say to cover your area of inexperience.
Posted by: Home School Dad Location: Sherman on May 14, 2008 at 12:50 PM
Regarding comments by "Anonymous on May 14, 2008 at 10:52 AM": If you like, we can meet for coffee and I'll bring along our resumes for you to check out. But then, since you emphatically state that "you will absolutely never convince me (no matter your educational background)...," I do have to wonder what would be the point. (By the way, congratulations on that public school trained open mind of yours.) I would ask you to bring to the meeting your own "credentials" and the, uh, "research" into the public schools upon which your opinions are based, but I sense that would only embarrass you further, and I don't want to be unkind.
Posted by: former homeschooled student on May 14, 2008 at 12:45 PM
You are all entitled to your opinions, but basically you who disapprove of homeschooling are telling people like me that we don't deserve what we worked twelve years to get - a high school diploma. How would you like to be told that since public schools have problems, your diploma means nothing? If a student gets the grades to meet requirements, that student has earned their diploma, however they were taught.
Posted by: teacher Location: Sherman on May 14, 2008 at 12:37 PM
Anonymous: Blame your state officials for the "lack" of education in the public schools. Not the teachers! It is really hard to teach with your hands tied, and parents wanting to blame the teachers for their children's bad behavior. Change the people in Austin, and maybe we can actually teach. Thank you "me" I appreciate your support
Posted by: Anonymous on May 14, 2008 at 12:04 PM
Let me ask you this...Would you agree that 75% of homeschool parents are also religious fanatics? No ? Tell me homeschool mom...homeschool dad...Do you consider yourself to be highly devout in your religious beliefs ? I'm just asking and hoping for an honest answer.
Posted by: Anonymous on May 14, 2008 at 11:42 AM
You mean that a homeschool education is nowhere near the POOR quality of a public school education? :) There are a lot of kids graduating from our public schools that cannot write proper sentences or do basic math equations or formulas!
Posted by: me Location: here on May 14, 2008 at 10:57 AM
i'm with you teacher. you and your public school work mates have my support and respect.
Posted by: Anonymous on May 14, 2008 at 10:52 AM
You will absolutely never convince me(no matter your eductaional background)that a homeschool education is anywhere near the quality of a public/private school education. And speaking of your "impressive" credentials...Ya know,that is a great thing about the internet..You can just say anything without any proof whatsoever...
Posted by: Homeschool Mom Location: Not the one from Sherman on May 14, 2008 at 10:46 AM
No "me", I'm just tired of people looking down on homeschoolers and pointing out all the problems with them, while ignoring all the glaringly obvious problem with the public school system (why don't they focus more on fixing what's wrong with public schools, rather than spending all this time criticizing people who are taking their responsibility for their childrens' educations into their own hands). It's *MY* right to educate *MY* children the best way I see fit. "Teacher" says no one should judge her until they've walked in her shoes, and the same goes for homeschooling parents! DON'T judge them when you know nothing about them, and don't judge all homeschoolers based on the odd failed case you see here & there!
Posted by: teacher Location: sherman on May 14, 2008 at 09:20 AM
Until you have walked in my shoes, don't you dare call me or any other public school teacher incompetent. Yes, we do deal with gangs and thugs (and that is just our State officials), so what, the world is full of them. Learn to deal with them. The problem is not just the kids, it is especially the parents. They teach the kids how to act. And, as far as education, I will match mine against any of yours!!!!! If you want to homeschool you kids, fine. Just leave the rest of us alone!
Posted by: me Location: here on May 14, 2008 at 08:26 AM
home school dad, your case is a fluk. home school mom not from sherman, maybe you should teach our public school kids so they can be better since you are so perfect.
Posted by: Anonymous on May 14, 2008 at 12:05 AM
The requirements for a homeschool diploma are the same as for any high school student in the state of Texas. Simply Google Texas High School requirements to see what the homeschool graduates had to complete. Many homeschool graduates are making smooth transitions into college and are excelling in their classes. Don't judge the whole homeschool thing by one or two stories.
Posted by: Homeschool Mom Location: Not the one from Sherman on May 13, 2008 at 06:52 PM
Oh yeah, I'm sure public schools are all absolutely perfect and that they have never produced a student that had any problems whatsoever...
Posted by: Home School Dad Location: Sherman on May 13, 2008 at 06:08 PM
My wife was a public school teacher, then went on to study in Europe, and earned a Masters degree from the elite George Peabody College for Teachers. I hold a Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University, taught as a university professor for years, and have published numerous scholarly books and articles. Few public school teachers could begin to match those educational credentials. But the key is the students--how well are they prepared for college? Our daughter is a typical example. She took the SAT and, competing against public school students as well as those from fancy prep schools back East, scored in the top 4% in the nation. Sham? No. Garbage? Hardly. Our public schools, on the other hand, are a scandal and a joke. If you doubt that, do some serious research on public schools in this country. What you find will frighten and disgust you--unless of course you are a product of the public schools, in which case you may well have difficulty doing the research at all.
Posted by: me Location: here on May 13, 2008 at 03:39 PM
homeschool mom, yes i do know home schooled kids. things did not go good for them. yours must be PERFECT. congrats to you. i'm for the public school.
Posted by: bubba redneck Location: sherman on May 13, 2008 at 01:08 PM
i have 3 family memebers that were home schooled..they all had trouble adjusting to college..being that they weren't the center of attension they had trouble making the grade one has flunked out and the other two are having serious problems as well..not saying that home schooling is wrong but i have noticed its very hard for home schooled kids to adjust to college life..
Posted by: Homeschool Mom Location: Sherman on May 13, 2008 at 10:57 AM
For those of you that think homeschooling is garbage - do you know anyone that has been homeschooled - I mean really taught at home? The students that graduated Friday night are all going to college - Grayson County, Collin County, Austin Community, Austin College, Texas A&M, Wheaton, Belmont and Texas Tech, to name a few. You can't get into these schools if your diploma is a sham!
Posted by: me Location: here on May 13, 2008 at 10:21 AM
i agree, home school is garbage.
Posted by: kelly on May 12, 2008 at 07:06 PM
bet homeschooling beats worrying about some idiot coming to school and opening fire on the place,,or some stupid cop coming to the school and tasering kids
Posted by: Anonymous on May 12, 2008 at 04:56 PM
My husband teaches at GCC and they get some real idiots taking those classes that can't even do basic math... and they don't like homeschoolers? Sheesh.
Posted by: Anonymous on May 12, 2008 at 04:49 PM
How can you say they graduated ? Graduated from what ? Every kid has a different curriculum in homeschool. So is it just up to the parent to say one day..."Ok, Im done. You graduate." I think it is a sham.
Posted by: Lynn Location: Sherman on May 12, 2008 at 04:30 PM
I think it's great that these homeschoolers get to walk across the stage just like their peers graduating from public schools. Thank goodness we have the right to school our children as we feel is best. I'm an educator in public school but believe it's a parent's right to do what's best for their children.
Posted by: Jacob on May 12, 2008 at 01:41 PM
Homeschooling is complete garbage!!!! Come on your basically handing these kids a diploma!!!
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Sherman on May 12, 2008 at 12:53 PM
I was also homeschooled for 2 years in high school. The diploma didn't count in the real world, and GCC laughed at me. So good luck.
Posted by: Anonymous on May 12, 2008 at 11:58 AM
How is getting a job at 17 any worse than getting a job at 18?
Posted by: Mom of graduate Location: Sherman on May 12, 2008 at 08:53 AM
Thanks, KXII, for covering our story!
Posted by: me Location: here on May 12, 2008 at 08:52 AM
i had a friend who homeschooled her kids, they were out at 16, 17. got jobs. started haning around adults 10-15 years older, nothing but trouble. thats to young to have full time jobs, & to be out in the real world.
Posted by: Anna Dodd Location: Sherman on May 12, 2008 at 08:47 AM
For more information on Homeshooling you may contact me at 903-436-2101. We meet every Friday for enrichment classes. Some of the HS classes are for credit. We have classes for every age group from nusery to HS. I was so proud of our kids Friday. To see graduates and parents with tears in their eyes, embracing.. it was wonderful. When I read the program, all graduates had outstanding accomplishments. Most of them had many college credits already. To the parents of the graduates...You did a wonderful job!!!
Posted by: Anonymous on May 12, 2008 at 08:01 AM
Would like to see the requirements put forth by the state for homeschooling...are there any ? I highly doubt it.
Posted by: Republican in Ardmore Location: Ardmore on May 12, 2008 at 12:58 AM
At least they don't have to put up with all the gangs, thugs, and incompetent teachers and administrators that come with public schooling!
Posted by: Rita Location: Denison, Tx on May 10, 2008 at 09:27 AM
Would like information on homeschooling.
Posted by: Homeschool Mom on May 10, 2008 at 06:09 AM
Congrats! I plan on having my own kids graduate at 16, then they can take some basic college classes at GCC...
Posted by: HR Location: SHERMAN on May 9, 2008 at 10:49 PM
THATS SO GREAT TO SEE THEM BE ABLE TO DO THAT..
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