MSNBC yesterday ran an article highlighting a major problem with homeschool science textbooks. Most, if not all, textbooks created specifically for the homeschool market shun evolution and many go so far as to attack it. In order to do this, evangelical textbook publishers misrepresent the scientific facts of evolution.
Atheist, secular, and religious homeschoolers who have no argument with evolution, struggle to find homeschooling books that accurately present science. Unfortunately, they often have trouble finding textbooks in all subjects that aren't saturated with Christian doctrine.
The major homeschool textbook publishers are steeped in Christianity: Bob Jones, Apologia, Alpha Omega, and A Beka. Secular homeschoolers must find their own way and put together their own curricula.
While the MSNBC article paints a bleak picture for secular homeschoolers, the reality is not without some success.
Says Carolyn Perrine of Melbourne, Florida: "While I do sometimes get frustrated with curriculum that takes a fairy-tale world-view, I have never found a lack of intelligent, reasoned curriculum with which to teach. If I were not a homeschooler, I might read the MSNBC article with an alarmist eye and assume all homeschoolers are being bred as right-wing creationist ostriches. There are plenty of relevant materials out there."
The Homeschool Supercenter, for example, has a large assortment of both Christian and secular textbooks to choose from. While secular textbooks can be pricey, they are helpful with succinct information and section and chapter questions. However, the secular texts available are public school textbooks, not specifically geared toward the homeschooling household. For many, this is a problem.
"I have not been able to find homeschool friendly, non-religious science texts. I ended up purchasing a text for the public school which cost a lot of money and is not set up to be used by one teacher for one kid at home. I wanted a teacher text that had unit tests and answers. It costs hundreds of dollars for the tests," says Kimberlee Scannell of Brevard County.
The library, on the other hand, is free, and there are numerous books secular homeschoolers can find on evolution, from Our Family Tree: An Evolution Story by Peters, for the younger set, to The Evolution Book by Sara Stein for older kids. Test questions and experiments, however, have to be created by the parent.
The number of secular and atheist homeschoolers is growing and most are ready to share their secrets for creating scientifically based curricula. Homeschool Atheists is an email list where atheist homeschoolers share tips about homeschooling free of religion. Several websites assist atheist homeschoolers as well, such as Atheist Homeschool, Homeschooling Freethinkers, and Secular Homeschool at Atheist View.
There is clearly a market for homeschool specific, science based curricula that is accurate and free of religious dogma. Despite the poor science education evangelicals offer to religious homeschoolers, secular and atheist homeschoolers do manage to teach their children the real wonders of science.
Comments
Very interesting. I didn't realize there even was a secular homeschool market.
If I remember correctly, that MSNBC article was syndicated from the AP. It was a poorly written article because it misleads the reader into concluding that there are no evolution-based biology textbooks for homeschoolers to buy. This is completely untrue. Evolution-based science textbooks are ubiquitous. In fact they make up the majority of biology textbooks.
There are many secular homeschoolers, Hugh. We just aren't quite as vocal about it as the religious right. Perhaps we should be....
@Architect: I think the whole point is not the number of text books available that include evolution but the number that are geared toward homeschooling. I would assume a book written for teachers responsible for a 20+classroom would be different from one aimed at a parent and child.
@Derrick,
Most secular homeschoolers know that they don't have to limit themselves to science books written exclusively for homeschoolers. Most evolution-based science books are perfectly suited for homeschoolers as well. Only very rarely have I found a textbook that instructs the teacher to lead some activity that cannot be replicated at home. Most often, a teacher instruction manual that accompanies a textbook will instruct the teacher to write something on the chalkboard for the whole class to see. The homeschool parent will simply adapt those instructions to their “classroom” of one or two students. It is not difficult whatsoever.
Another homeschooling Mom suggested an elementary science text called the Lab of Mr. Q by Scott McQuerry. My kids love it and they've learned a lot. In the meantime I've bought books on Darwin and we also are working our way through every last David Attenborough documentary known to man. I think it's simple and lacks imagination when a parent complains that there isn't an "all in one" text book. If you buy from a Christian publisher, you get what you pay for, you'd have to have rocks in your head not to know that anything you buy from a faith based curriculum will be suspiciously lacking text on Natural Selection and the like.
There are many secular homeschoolers out there; I should know, as I am parent who has chosen to homeschool for non-sectarian reasons. There is even a magazine - Secular Homeschooling Magazine - produced by an Atheist homeschooler and dedicated to support our endeavors as home-educating parents. We have no problem finding non-religious science (or history) materials. It's called our local public library. :)
There is a new kid's book about evolution by Daniel Loxton. Search that name on Amazon (commenting does not allow links).
A complete secular homeschool curriculum: Calvert. Google it, and you may be pleased.
Just wanted to thank the author and the commenters for the resources. I am considering homeschooling and I am an atheist.
"I didn't realize there even was a secular homeschool market."
LMAO. There is a HUGE secular homeschooling market. Home education is NOT what the media has made it out to be, and frankly I resent that the religious extremists have commandeered this lifestyle. Yes, they are outspoken and have become the majority of homeschooling families. But there are MANY reasons to choose home education, and religious belief is only one of them.
I recently got into a discussion regarding this issue. a woman on an email list i belong to posted about " Creationist Science" I made a comment that I would never post something pushing evolution on an open list and she stated " the majority of homeschoolers are christian believers" I was offended by this because i feel, as Atheists, we are taught to keep our opinions to ourselves so as not to offend others while it appears others have no such qualms. I was happy to find that I am not alone in this and look forward to learning more about my homeschool atheist community!
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!