I actually chose my education major so that I would be able to homeschool if and when the time came. It turns out I don't have children, nor do I plan to have any; but that does not change the reason I went into teaching. I have been a student in public school, private school, Christian school and home-schooled, although I've only taught formally in a public school. (I occasionally volunteer at a Christian school founded by family members.) My mother had only a high school diploma when she home-schooled me in eigth grade and my brother in fourth; however, she did a FANTASTIC job. On the other hand, I have seen some parents (In one case BOTH with college degrees--one certified to teach in GA.) do a HORRIBLE job home-schooling! It really depends upon the parents, not necessarily their level of education or lack of teaching credentials.
I acted as a liason for students entering the public school system from Christian & home-schooling situations where I taught in GA. In that area neither were doing a very good job; however, that is not true throughout GA or the country. I wish there were a better way of evaluating the home schooling situations without everyone getting upset.
GA required home-schooled students to take the final exams given in the local schools to receive credit for the year. This worked in some cases IF the student followed the public school curriculum OR the teacher(s) tested skills as opposed to content. (EX: Home-schooled students for religious reasons generally do not read/study Greek/Roman mythology; therefore, if that content was on the final exam, the kids didn't have a prayer of passing.) The End of Course Tests now being given in many of the core courses are much more fair to the home-schooled students since they are totally skill based--with the exception of the American Lit/Comp 11 EOCT.
JMHO
It's great reading the varied opinions about home-schooling. When we did it, we were practically ostracized!
Hmm. . . .Back in 1984!!!