Johns Hopkins School of Education’s upcoming launch of a “Homeschool Hub” has stirred apprehensions among homeschooling advocates, particularly those with a Christian viewpoint favoring homeschooling over public schools.
Financed by supporters of taxpayer-funded private and home education, the new initiative has been seen as a move toward greater government oversight of homeschooling. The United Nations has urged governments to use tax money to support “non-state education providers” to enforce “equity” goals and national testing.
The Newman Report highlighted leaders’ concerns about this development, describing it as a “clear and present danger” to homeschooling.
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As reported by Alex Newman with Harbingers Daily, “The reason why leaders of the homeschooling movement have been largely united on the issue is simple. They believe control and regulation by government will be the inevitable result of taxpayer money—especially since this is what the historical record shows. Concerns about dependency and expanding the size and scope of government exist, too.”
Dr. Angela Watson, the hub’s creator, stated, “We need a better understanding… My hope is that the Homeschool Hub will help fill these needs.” This comes despite existing resources like the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) and the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI), which oppose government involvement in homeschooling.
The hub aims to “remove barriers to rigorous research, increase transparency and encourage evidence-driven policy.” Critics caution that “transparency” often means more surveillance and control.
The website also raises concerns about “unregulated” homeschooling, mentioning risks of “indoctrination” and conservative Christian parents possibly “isolating” their children.
On Apr. 25, the Homeschool Hub will host an event titled “Beyond the Traditional Classroom: The Rise of Homeschooling and Its Impact on Education in America.” Panelists include university officials, a World Bank adviser, a Washington Post education reporter and a senior U.S. Department of Education official, none of whom are participants in the homeschooling sector.
Johns Hopkins’ partnership with EdChoice, a group advocating for “school choice” and tax funding for homeschooling, adds to the concerns.
As homeschooling gains momentum amid a failing and hostile public school system, debates over government funding and regulation will likely persist, keeping homeschooling advocates on alert.
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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.
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