Mississippi Education Update

This article on homeschooling in Mississippi is chalk full of whoppers. Check this out:

MERIDIAN, Miss. - A state education official says she's concerned about the growing popularity of homeschooling in Mississippi.

Peggy Peterson, director of compulsory school attendance enforcement with the Mississippi Department of Education, said she fears that some children may not be receiving top quality education instruction from their parents.

A few thoughts:
1. There is such a thing as a "director of compulsory school attendance enforcement"? Does every state have this? Do you go to jail if you don't send your child to school?
2. This woman "fears that some children may not be receiving top quality education instruction from their parents." Here's a news flash, but many parents fear that their children may not be receiving top quality education instruction from their public schools (especially in Mississippi!).
3. How does Ms. Peterson explain this:

Sarah Nicholas, a spokeswoman for the state College Board, said homeschool students often score higher than public school students on the American College Test and the Scholastic Aptitude Test - two national, standardized tests used for college admissions.

"I don't know why they score so high," Nicholas said. "But historically, students who are homeschooled usually have exceptionally high scores on those tests."

I'll tell you why, because parents (I should caveat this by saying "good" parents) care more about their children and their education - and are willing to sacrifice for it - than professional educators do. Parenting is based on love; educating is a job.