In your book, you mention that you started homeschooling "underground" in the 1980's and had to keep a "low profile" from the authorities in Ohio. How do you see the homeschooling movement these days and how it has changed from those dark ages?

The Dark Ages

In the "dark ages" the only people homeschooling were those of us who were almost fanatically committed to the idea. Now homeschooling is almost mainstream, which means parents have not necessarily done much agonizing when they decided to do it. I'd love to be starting today.

I suppose there were a few advantages to the agonizing process, in that you made more conscious choices. Today you have to be careful not to get too caught up with too many field trips, too many meetings, too much running around in the car. Also, there are so many cool materials and books available, that you can spend a disproportionate amount of time choosing (and second-guessing yourself). But life is always about balance, isn't it?

Homeschooling is safer now, from a legal standpoint.
However, homeschoolers, please don't get complacent about the safety of your homeschool freedoms. Don't distance yourself from legal concerns. Besides, what better way for kids to learn about government than by seeing it in action on an issue that directly affects them?

It's too late for an outright ban homeschooling, but not for more controls and regulations. Authorities could take away the effectiveness and the innovations of homeschooling by forcing parents to use a standardized curriculum or methods. This has already happened, to some extent, in states that have strict testing requirements, because parents wind up having to teach to the tests, just as schoolteachers do. I understand the desire of families to take advantage of sports and other school-based activities,and the appeal (and justice) of vouchers. However, I fear that they will lead to more regulation. So those concerns have diminished from the 1980's, but they haven't gone away.

Influential Authors

Joe:
When you first began homeschooling, what authors influenced you the most and what books (beyond your own), would you also recommend for people to read in order to create a cost-effective, yet educationally sound program?

I was greatly influenced by Nancy Wallace's book, "Better Than School," John Holt's "Teach Your Own," and Raymond and Dorothy Moore's various books, which later led to "The Successful Homeschool Family Handbook" (originally titled "Homeschool Burnout"). For parents of teens I'd recommend books by Cafi Cohen and Grace Llewelyn. There are over 100 homeschool books in print, which is pretty exciting, but can be overwhelming.

If you find a homeschool newsletter that "clicks" with your way of thinking, you'll have an ongoing, trusted source of recommendations and information in bite-size chunks. Of course, the Homeschool Zone is a great source of information which filters through new books and posts information on the ones that they believe will be the most helpful to you. Also,  "Growing Without Schooling Magazine" (GWS) has been my source of wisdom, strength, and practical tips over the years. Also, we've visited homeschool families in 15 states from the GWS host directory. They were more informative than any book! Some families prefer "Home Education Magazine," or one of the Bible-based publications, such as "The Teaching Home," "Practical Homeschooling," "The Relaxed Homeschooler."

Aside from reading, I was inspired by workshops and conferences on learning disabilities, right and left brain dominance, and learning styles. These sessions generally emphasize hands-on learning, which is not only more effective, it's cheaper. Though not geared toward homeschoolers, the workshops I've learned most from have been presented by caring, innovative school teachers who have years of experience under their belts.

Joe:
Your book focuses on frugality, but I noticed an emphasis on ADD and learning disabilities, which are also of interest to our audience. How did you come to focus on this aspect of homeschooling?
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