Should Australia follow the German Homeschool Ban?

An editorial in The Australian seems at least open to the idea of an outright ban on homeschooling. The reason? Socialization.

According to state officials in Baden-Wurttemberg, the rationale of the policy is to foster social integration and prevent the creation of parallel societies.

This is a legitimate concern. For all of its conceivable advantages, home schooling has one fundamental drawback: it has the effect of preventing children from socialising with others, including those from different backgrounds and traditions.

If we believe that a good education should equip children with the ability to deliberate with others and live alongside those with whom they disagree, this counts as a serious failing.

Does this mean we must follow the Germans in banning home schooling? Not necessarily. Read more…