The Fuzzy Focus of Modern Education: It’s Time for Parents to Take the Reins

Hello, fellow parents and education warriors! Marguerite Gaspar here, the Director of the Talega Preparatory Academy, where I've spent over 20 years helping families navigate the wild world of homeschooling.

If you've been following my blog, you know I focus on empowering parents to craft an education that truly fits each of their children—no cookie-cutter nonsense. Today, I want to dive into the ongoing plight of our public education system. Recently, I read Joanne Jacobs' eye-opening piece on the "Portrait of a Graduate" trend sweeping public schools. Yes, yet another “trend” likely to improve outcomes just as little as all the rest. Like many stories describing the ongoing decay of our public school systems, this article is another wake-up call to parents alerting them to what exactly our schools are teaching—or, more alarmingly, what they're not!

The "Portrait of a Graduate" framework that has popped up in at least 20 states and countless districts, paints an unsurprising picture of the public school system’s ideal high school grad: adaptable, creative, resilient, curious, and brimming with global empathy. While those traits may be commendable, here's the kicker—this framework is shockingly light on the basics like reading, writing, math, science, history, and English. Critics like Daniel Buck point out that the “Portrait of a Graduate” framework prioritizes vague feel-good standards over solid academics and skills. Buck describes this emphasis on feel-good attributes over academics as a ‘permission structure’ that allows schools to deprioritize measurable basic skills—resulting in graduates who may be empathetic but remain functionally illiterate. In California graduate profiles reviewed by WestEd, content knowledge appeared in only about 5% of cases.

As Jacobs puts it, many schools are churning out grads who can feel for the world but can't read about it.

This isn't just a quirky trend; it's a symptom of deeper issues in public education. Schools have shifted toward social-emotional learning and tech-prep at the expense of foundational skills. Are our kids mastering multiplication, or are they mostly journaling about their feelings? Is history a balanced look at facts, or a filtered narrative? Without vigilance, we hand over our children's minds to systems that prioritize buzzwords over brains. I've seen many families pull their children out of such schools after their investigation of standards displays curricula and lessons that don't align with their family’s academic achievement standards and goals. 

Homeschooling shines as a game-changer. When parents lead the way, education becomes personalized, flexible, and effective. Imagine tailoring lessons to your child's pace—no more rushing through algebra if they're not ready, or dragging out topics they've already mastered. When parents refocus education on the content and skills needed for proficiency across multiple subjects and high academic standards, children become truly empowered to succeed.

Homeschoolers often outperform peers on standardized tests, benefitting from the one-on-one attention, freedom from distractions, bullying, or ideological biases while also strengthening family bonds. Real-world experiences, from travel to hands-on projects, the flexibility homeschooling provides can allow for extended breaks or deep dives into passions. In my experience, homeschooling cultivates lifelong learners who enter college or careers confident and capable, not functionally illiterate.

Today, homeschooling doesn't mean going it alone. Talega Prep’s and A1A’s PSP model offers homeschool support, guidance, and acts as your administrative lifeline, providing programs and options that allow each family to choose the path that works best for their children. From fully independent homeschooling to online curriculum and teacher support, parents may select the package that perfectly aligns with their families’ goals, learning styles, and budgets. PSPs like ours handle enrollment, records, transcripts, and even diplomas, while you choose the curriculum and teaching methods that work for your family. We furnish as little or as much assistance as you desire, always focussing on serving your family’s homeschool needs and never imposing unwanted structure or demanding unnecessary paperwork. No state filings or rigid guidelines for you—just freedom to create what works for your family. We take care of the rest.

Community resources like learning centers and academies provide additional opportunities for customization and social interactions. Because the programs are not registered as schools, they can offer tailored and flexible learning activities without the red tape—offering further variety to help your family find its homeschool niche. These programs operate as flexible vendors offering à la carte classes, workshops, or hybrid options (for example 2-3 days in-person, the rest at home). Parents pay per course or semester, often $100-500 each, making them more financially accessible and flexible for families seeking just the right blend. And many of these vendors specialize in a single subject or theme.

For example, arts academies might offer fine art, music, or drama classes—think studios providing painting or orchestra sessions that spark creativity. Math and science academies dive into project-based STEM, like labs or coding workshops. Athletic Training Academies focus on specialized sports training or outdoor skills, integrating physical education, practices and competitions with academics. From science spots for STEAM project-based learning to musical arts centers for band and choral programs can seamlessly enrich your homeschool. Hybrids like these provide socialization and expertise without sacrificing your control.

Talega Prep’s Athletes 1st Academy partners with families and local sports academies to provide student-athletes with the combination of a WASC accredited academic program and athletic training onsite at the sports academy. This blend allows students to focus on their athletic passion and talents, training, practices, and competitions within the school day and offers students a welcome relief from crowding their days and nights with school, homework, and training limitations. Student-athletes are encouraged and acknowledged for their athletic performance which further incentivizes their academic motivation. 

We are honored to offer such programs to our students and families.

At the end of the day, the "Portrait of a Graduate" debate reminds us that education isn't one-size-fits-all. Public schools may mean well, but if they're prioritizing global empathy over literacy, it's on us to intervene. Homeschooling, bolstered by PSPs and academies, puts you in the driver's seat for an education that's rigorous, relevant, and rewarding. If you're feeling the pull, reach out—let's chat about making it happen for your family.

Resources and Citations

- Joanne Jacobs' article: "Portrait of a Graduate is Lite on Academics: They Can't Read, but They Have Global Empathy" (joannejacobs.com)

- Daniel Buck, “Mis-Portraits of a Graduate,” American Enterprise Institute (aei.org)

- Digital Promise 2024 Report on Portrait of a Graduate (digitalpromise.org)

- National Home Education Research Institute (nheri.org) for homeschooling outcomes and benefits

- HSLDA (hslda.org) for state-specific PSP and homeschool laws

Search for "homeschool academies near me" to find your niche.