- April 20, 2024
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Dear Editor:
Nearly two years after COVID upended in-person learning, students continue to suffer the consequences.
Recent statewide standardized testing data reported Florida’s public school students fell 10 points in math, from a passing 61% in 2019 to 51% in 2021, and language arts scores fell to 52%. Volusia and Flagler public schools have dropped over the past two years–with half of Volusia students failing the reading and math assessments.
Parents I know worry the “COVID slide” will have a lasting impact on their child. They know early academic proficiency in core fundamental skills such as reading and simple math are markers for future success in college and careers. According to a study by the National Center for Analysis of Longitudinal Data in Education Research, standardized test scores in early education are a strong predictor of a child’s future success. Parents know their children are behind and need academic support so they can succeed.
One solution? Families can take control by choosing to homeschool.
Coupled with persistent concerns about the health and mental wellbeing of their children, learning loss worries have propelled many parents to opt for homeschooling. In Florida, public school enrollment is down for the first time in 10 years, while homeschool enrollment grew more than 35%.
Our team fields daily calls from parents looking for a school choice option that will mitigate learning loss caused by two years of school closures, hybrid and virtual learning debacles, and a drastic teacher shortage.
After switching to homeschooling, families often find it not only curbs learning loss by enabling them to customize their learning path, it also rekindles their child’s excitement for learning. Without public school’s rigid structure and eight-hour days, parents can accelerate through concepts where their child excels, focus on areas of deficiency, or embed enrichment activities their child enjoys. Families have even reported improved mental well being in their children, thanks to the freedom and flexibility of homeschooling, decreased anxiety over COVID exposure, and improved sleep schedule.
It's no wonder 95% of our “accidental homeschoolers” recently reported they have no plans to return to in-person learning this year.
Parents, you have the choice to ensure your children receive the education they need to move forward and thrive. If you’re worried about learning loss, I encourage you to consider homeschooling and seek out resources to learn more about it. I have yet to hear a parent regret the decision to homeschool. It may not always be easy, but they all say it was worthwhile.
John Edelson
Time4Learning, Founder and President
