The majority of home school students and families with whom I've had the pleasure of working here (in Maine and New Hampshire) have been healthy, responsible, and productively involved in their communities. As an educator, tutor, librarian, and story hour presenter, I have observed a real dedication to and effective use of both state mandated and family generated materials.

When a family is equipped to handle the challenges involved in meeting State standards while focusing on the needs and interests of teach child, the quality, integration, and depth of learning is meaningful and life long. Such students are fortunate to have such a wealth of learning opportunities, and according to the North American studies I've seen, are more likely to do well in tech schools, college, work, and in social interactions when compared to conventionally educated students.

In my opinion and based on my experience, the best education results when schools and homeschooling families work together to ensure an excellent education for every child; something that is currently lacking in most communities I have known. Homeschooling, like other educational options, in not the best choice for every child (or every adult).

When I see how poorly-conceived testing has taken the place of excellent teaching and learning in so many schools here and in the UK, my personal choice would be to keep my children as far from most schools as possible. Your mileage may vary.

maeve