I'm happy with how they are performing. I feel like they are getting a quality education. Her son, Chris, placed first in the regional science and engineering fair this year with a project on steam power. Chris will represent the Coast at the state competition next week in Greenville. Today more resources are available to those home schooled, thanks to computer and telecommunication technology.
Students can receive instruction through the Internet and videotapes.
Nationally, 1.3 to 1.7 million students are being taught in the home, according to the National Home Education Research Institute and that number is growing at a yearly rate of seven to 15 percent. Also, a 1998 study by the Home School Legal Defense Association shows seven times as many families are home schooling their children. The number of home-schooled students is growing in Mississippi, too. The state Department of Education shows there were 7,176 students in September 1998, compared to 7,745 in September 1999. On May 12 and 13, thousands of these home educators are coming together for the Mississippi Home Educators Association's 15th annual spring conference at Mississippi College in Clinton.