Semester

Spring

Date of Graduation

2001

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Type

EdD

College

College of Education and Human Services

Department

Curriculum & Instruction/Literacy Studies

Committee Chair

Van Dempsey

Committee Co-Chair

Phyllis Durden

Abstract

This study investigated the issues embedded in the transition of home schooled students entering or reentering public school in West Virginia. The research was primarily qualitative, however; quantitative research was also employed. Two rounds of interviews, for a total of 46 interviews, were conducted over an eight month period. The interviews included three families and their children who had been home schooled and were returning to public school. The public school teachers who had the returning students placed in their classrooms were also interviewed. The following questions guided the research: (1) What were the factors that influenced the home schooling family's decision to enter their children in public school? (2) What do home schooling families believe public schools currently do and/or should do to support their children in their transition from home to school? (3) What is the experience that home schooling students have upon entering public schools and what could the public schools do to participate in that experience? and (4) What are the critical issues embedded in the transition from home schooling to public schools for parents, children and educators? Major findings from the study included: (1) A key factor the in home schooling family's decision to enroll their children in public schools was to establish positive social interactions with peers and teachers; (2) Support received by the returning home schooled student from public schools, i.e., classroom teachers, is haphazard and is more apt to be academic rather than emotional support; (3) Public schools need to take an active role in the transition of returning home schooled students; (4) Conferences should be held among public school educators, home schooling parents and students before the child enters public school; (5) The development of positive social relationships by the returning student is key to the successful transition back to public school and (6) Dual enrollment in public school and home school should be considered as an option for students.

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