Defining Hybrid Homeschools in America: Little Platoons

(Paperback)

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Defining Hybrid Homeschools in America: Little Platoons explores the idea of hybrid homeschools, where students attend a formal school setting for part of the week and are homeschooled the rest of the week. Eric Wearne observes that school choice in America typically comes in two forms: programs set up for disadvantaged students, and the more common form of choice that wealthy parents can exercisepaying private tuition or moving to a more desirable school district. While disadvantaged families in many places and wealthy families everywhere can exercise choice when it comes to schooling, a sizeable group typically gets left out of those optionsthe large number of families who are too wealthy to access state or local programs, but not wealthy enough to pay for private schooling or moving expenses. Wearne argues that this is a long-term weakness for school choice in America; the middle class is generally a well-off demographic, but is almost completely unserved when it comes to this large aspect of their childrens lives. However, one low-cost option has arisen to address this niche: hybrid home schools. Wearne cites existing research to argue for this models efficacy for the middle class as a strong example of a healthy civil society and examines how policy definitions are breaking down and evolving in education as we challenge the existing definitions of schooling.

Reviews

The next big thing is getting small and Eric Wearne's book Defining Hybrid Homeschools in America provides invaluable context for understanding the evolution of home schooling, home school co-ops and then now to hybrid homeschools and micro-schools. As policy wonks struggle to define terms, Americans continue to open more of these small tight-knit education communities. If you want to understand what has happened and the issues that will have to be confronted next, Wearne's book is a great place to start.

-- Matthew Ladner, executive editor of redefinED

Powerfully written and well-researched, this book does what other tomes about homeschooling have not: Merges smart innovation, historical analysis, and parental choice in action in a manner that invites scholars and the general public to reimagine how Wearne's model fits into a twenty-first century learning paradigm. This is a must read for policymakers, educators, and philanthropists who want a glimpse into the future of learning orchestrated by a segment of society from which we can all learn from today and tomorrow.

-- Gerard Robinson, Vice President for Education, Advanced Studies in Culture Foundation

A great read for educators, policymakers, researchers, and parents. Wearne's book offers the first analysis of the most interesting and most under-studied sector in K-12 education.

-- Ben Scafidi, Ben Scafidi Professor of Economics, Kennesaw State University

Dr. Wearne's book highlights the value of the talents, tenacity, and temperament of students by challenging the notion that 'one-size-fits' all in educating youth is a misnomer. His writings and research of hybrid home schools support the belief that parents are not only confident in their decision-making skills about educational choice, but are equally committed to the true essence of community. Eric's work comes at a time when families, districts, schools will be rethinking educational strategies, post COVID-19, that are customized, lean, and JIT (just-in-time). Hybrid homeschooling may very well be the tie the binds multiple generations under a single roof in support of what matters above and beyond academic excellence -- family, character, values, and life-long learning.

-- Kathaleena Edward Monds, professor, Management Information Systems, Founding Director, Center for Educational Opportunity

An extremely important global phenomenon is low-cost private education. Dr Wearnes contribution is the first to look at how this development is also emerging in America. Combining original academic research and practical policy experience, this book is particularly timely as families look for bespoke alternatives to the monochrome public education sector.

-- James Tooley, The University of Buckingham

Homeschoolers everywhere are creating hybrid schools that combine learning at home with learning in community. Eric Wearnes thoughtful insights and practical guidance on the vision and practice of hybrid homeschooling will become an essential resource to help your hybrid homeschool flourish.

-- White, Managing Editor of FORMA Journal

Dr. Wearne has established himself as a leading researcher in alternative educational models. The accessibly of this work will enlighten and educate its readers and expose a whole new audience to the empirical and scientific evidence that hybrid homeschooling is a rapidly growing and successful education option for parents seeking an excellent education and familial balance.

-- David L. Herndon, Headmaster, St. Augustine School

Author Bio

Eric Wearne is associate professor with the Education Economics Center at Kennesaw State University.