News and Tribune

Opinions

May 12, 2011

HARBESON: You can choose your child’s education

> 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

Text Only | Photo Reprints
Opinions
  • Beam, Amanda.jpg BEAM: Dealing with disaster

    Yet the survivors of Daisy Hill have also witnessed deceit. They say greedy people not affected by the storms have claimed gift cards and even cars meant for those in need with bogus addresses and other lies.

    May 29, 2012 1 Photo

  • cummins CUMMINS: Are machines becoming more humane?

    I can see it now. Load gobs of financial data into the massive bi-partisan federal computer, powerful enough to digest the national debt. Whatever it spits out, Congress could not filibuster, nor could the president veto it.

    May 29, 2012 1 Photo

  • Dodd DODD: An unexpected Angel

    May 26, 2012 1 Photo

  • CHEERS AND JEERS — For May 26-27

    May 26, 2012

  • Stawar, Terry web.jpg STAWAR: The souvenir state of America

    Recently, my wife Diane and I spent the day aboard the Belle of Cincinnati with our daughter’s family. We all had a good time, even though the diesel-powered Cincinnati attraction isn’t a real steamboat, like our own Belle of Louisville, and despite the fact that it poured down rain the whole time.

    May 25, 2012 1 Photo

  • Nash, Matt.web.jpg NASH: Making a Memorial vacation

    Memorial Day weekend is upon us which brings us to the start of the summer travel season. With the mild winter we had around here most schools didn’t have much in terms of snow make-up days so many kids have already finished up their semesters and are ready to get on with their holiday. Not to worry parents it will only be a couple of weeks before the back-to-school sales kick in and in no time at all it will be time for those youngsters to go back.

    May 25, 2012 1 Photo

  • Harbeson, Debbie.jpg HARBESON: A handy little idea

    After having worked hard the past few months, I now have something new to add to my resume — “I was Lead Project Manager for a major construction venture, supervising every aspect in the creation of a privately funded community building.”

    May 24, 2012 1 Photo

  • Morris, Chris.jpg MORRIS: Nancy Hogan was more than just an employee

    Pulling into The Tribune parking lot each morning was pretty uneventful in the old days. Nothing good happens between 5:30 and 6 a.m. Nothing at all.

    May 24, 2012 1 Photo

  • Hamilton, Lee.jpg HAMILTON: Is this really the best we can do?

    As you know if you pay attention to national affairs, the United States faces a perfect fiscal storm at the end of this year. A confluence of deadlines and policy triggers unlike anything I can remember in a half-century of public life will produce massive budget cuts and serious tax increases amounting to a 3.5 percent hit on the nation’s Gross Domestic Product.

    May 22, 2012 1 Photo

  • LETTERS: May 23, 2012

    Tea Party leader responds to bridges column

    Bridges need a new approach

    Wives of JPD officers say thanks for service

    May 22, 2012

LOCAL MAGAZINES
LOCAL STATISTICS GUIDE
Twitter Updates
Follow us on twitter
Follow me on Twitter
READERS' COMMENTS