On-line classes still require teachers. In NH, for our high school students to participate in on-line classes, the school also has to ante teachers to lead on-line classes.

Just imagine if the true American spirit had been in play in our education system for the last 50 years or so - instead of allowing teachers' unions to exist as protection rackets for the least competent, and put social engineering ahead of useful (and employable) skills. We could have had schools and affordable colleges that actually provide a real education and set a world standard. When did we get so wimpy? I pray this will be a true "Take Back our Education" revolution.

I am unfamiliar wit how these online schools work, but one argument people use for school is the "proper socialization" of the kids -- having them learn how to interact with others.

To be honest, when I think about my own character traits of which I am not proud, I really believe I learned those from other kids in the school setting; certainly not from my parents. I am not saying that this socialization process is necessarily bad, but its certainly NOT all good.

Socialization or 'the s word' is a pile of junk. We've home educated for 15 years, have seen four children graduate here at home, some on to very successful non-college careers, some on to multiple degrees... My children were/are (we still have some at home) very active in many activities in and outside of the home and in and outside of their peer group. They can interact with seniors as well as young people. They do volunteer activites more than once a week. I don't want anyone from the educational establishment talking to me about socialization.

'Proper socialization' of kids has taken on a whole new meaning in the public schools.

If by socialization they mean they must learn how to act like they are part of a gang member, aspire to be with the mean girl group, or act like deviants in order to be assured of social acceptance, then I am very glad I chose to homeschool my daughter. I know of people who act very smug that their child knows how to deal with bullies, yet, I know for a fact they would never put up with that kind of behavior in the real world or on the job. Why we should expect our children to have to adapt and adopt behaviors that in the real world would land people in jail or in a lawsuit is beyond me. My daughter knows how to conduct herself around her elders and through her volunteer work understands how to behave professionally. She watched a public school girl in the same volunteer job have a melt down and quit because the girl was used to bullying her way around with people and the people at the vet clinic were not putting up with it. My daughter is now being considered for a paid position at the clinic while this public school girl has to go the long route...

Dont tell ME about socialization. I remember enough of what it was like to be in public school to know that nothing I learned there EVER prepared me to be a part of the real world.

I think it's exciting that ur young DO have a way to fight against the current public education system .... much of which fills their minds with leftist idealology, allowing the lessons of history go untaught.
.... As for higher education, our students should be led to those universities and colleges which educate the mind and not those which seek to undermind American values through manipulation and even threats of failing grades.

Who would want their child to miss that all important socialization skill of sextexting?

As an adult I don't think I need a regimented system of education, I'm more interested in specific courses. I also don't feel the pressing need for a degree, I just want to understand my accountant. Online schools flexible schedules are perfect for me and cost effective as well.

I have a solution...ALL Unions should be outlawed, problem solved on many fronts!