The figures are extraordinary, and the ramifications are massive. Never have so many kids been away from school at the same time, impeding learning and upsetting lives, particularly those who are disadvantaged and vulnerable. As the COVID-19 pandemic spreads over the globe, the majority of nations have imposed temporary school closures, affecting over 91% of students globally- approximately 1.6 billion children and young adults.
Local schools are struggling to offer efficient online learning programs, making students unable to make academic progress. Unsatisfied with digital public schooling, some parents resort to charter and private schools, creating family pods, and trying homeschooling. The rise in homeschooling is somewhat unsurprising, given that many parents are staying at home following being laid off or told to work at home throughout the pandemic.
It is probable that shortly after schools reopen, the homeschooling pattern may reverse. On the other hand, parents’ discontent with the public schooling system and a newer inclination for working remotely may result in a permanent boost in homeschooling’s prominence. Numerous academics who research homeschooling believe the pandemic’s stimulus to the homeschooling trend will be long-lasting.
For starters, most parents have realized the numerous benefits that homeschooling provides. These include, but are not limited to, academic flexibility, effective learning, self-discipline, parent’s option for approach and pace, a supportive family environment, and creativity that assists learners to excel at college. Furthermore, it is a plus for parents and their children alike as they get to abide by the COVID-19 regulations of lockdown and social distancing.
However, the growth of homeschoolers is horrible news for school systems, which are funded on a per-pupil basis. Homeschooling opponents are particularly concerned about the possibility of child neglect and abuse, as well as the assortment of state testing and registration standards, which renders monitoring homeschoolers challenging.