> SOUTHERN INDIANA —
Now that Indiana’s government has passed the school voucher law, proponents are excited about increased choice in education.
But let’s be clear, the increased choice they’re talking about still falls inside a coercive system of funding, which means we will see all the associated problems and flaws that always come with force.
All we’ve really seemed to accomplish here is to add one more special interest group — private schools — into the mix of those who will continue to fight to gain access to the pot of government-controlled funds designated for education.
Vouchers just make those fights more complicated because now more fists will fly as they all wrestle in the mud for some of the money.
Meanwhile, individual student needs and interests are still pretty much ignored. For example, vouchers continue to promote the idea that we must choose a single institution, whether government-run or privately-run, for education. Vouchers continue to promote the idea that a curriculum controlled and manipulated by standardized testing can meet individual learning needs.
Is this kind of choice good enough for your child? If so, fine. If not, you can get your family out completely.
If you are tired of all of the constant government manipulation and control you can leave. If your child’s needs are not being met inside government-approved educational institutions of any sort you do have another choice. It is possible to free your family, to become independent and take control if you want.
How? By going independent and choosing home education.
When home educating your family, you have the freedom to focus completely and totally on your child’s individual needs, interests and learning style. There are many ways to help a child learn and by being independent you can choose from a wide array of ideas and find what works for your child.
You can benefit from having immediate flexibility to change any aspect of your child’s education if you decide a specific choice is not working.
You don’t have to worry as much about the effect politicians, school boards, administrators, teacher unions and other special interest groups will have on your child’s education from one school year to the next or from one legislative session to the next. You can let your child’s needs and interests take the lead when you go independent.
Now, you may have concerns and that’s understandable. But if you are interested in this idea, please don’t let anyone try to tell you that you can’t do it. If you want to be independent and take control, you can.
Lots and lots of families have done it already, including mine. And we are glad to help you find the way that works for your family in your individual situation.
For every obstacle you think may be standing in your way, there are others who have overcome the same obstacles. Some have wondered if they had the funds, or the education, or the time and found ways around these obstacles. So if you want to do it, you can do it.
If you are interested, now is the perfect time to investigate the idea further because your family will be taking a summer break from your current schooling option anyway.
So are you interested? Do you want to learn more about home education? Contact me and I’ll be happy to discuss how you can take charge, how you can be independent and still have access to many resources as well as plenty of support and assistance.
You can do it if you want to do it and I’m here to help you. All you need to do is ask.
Sellersburg resident Debbie Harbeson is willing to wrestle in mud if it could help even one family gain educational independence. But she’d prefer chocolate pudding. Write to debbie@debbieharbeson.com
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Local Columnist Debbie Harbeson
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HARBESON: You can choose your child’s education
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