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How have homeschooling policies and reforms changed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on traditional schooling?

Bart Towndrow

Hey there!

Homeschooling policies and reforms have definitely gone through quite a few changes in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on traditional schooling. With schools closing and students going remote, homeschooling has become more of an option than ever before.

In the United States, for example, many states have loosened homeschooling regulations to allow for easier access to materials and testing requirements. Texas, for instance, temporarily lifted requirements for annual progress assessments and relaxed attendance laws. California similarly waived attendance and testing requirements, along with other regulations.

On top of that, many states have also seen a surge in families choosing to homeschool their children because of the pandemic. The National Home School Association reported a 500 percent increase in inquiries about homeschooling in just one week in March 2020. With many parents feeling uneasy about sending their children to schools in-person, and many schools being closed for entirely remote learning, homeschooling became a more attractive option.

Even beyond the United States, homeschooling gained popularity in many other countries as well. In the United Kingdom, parents were given the right to homeschool their children with just two weeks' notice as part of emergency pandemic legislation. Similarly, in China, thousands of families turned to online homeschooling options when schools closed in response to the pandemic.

Of course, there have also been significant challenges to actually implementing homeschooling during the pandemic. For one, many families simply don't have the resources or time necessary to do so effectively. Additionally, some parents have reported feeling overwhelmed by the demands of teaching their children at home while also working themselves.

Overall, though, it seems clear that homeschooling policies and reforms have shifted significantly in response to the pandemic. With more families considering homeschooling as an alternative to traditional schooling, it will be interesting to see how these policies continue to evolve in the weeks, months, and years ahead.

Hope that helps answer your question!