Leigh & Robert Bortins - Why Parents Are Ditching Public Schools for Homeschooling | SRS #188

SUMMARY

Leigh and Robert Bortins, leaders of Classical Conversations, explore the increasing trend of homeschooling as parents seek alternatives to public education. They discuss the benefits of classical education, community dynamics, and the necessity of equipping children with critical thinking skills and strong moral foundations.

MAIN POINTS

• Introduction to Horace Mann's influence on public education and its ideological origins. [0:00]
• The rise of homeschooling during and post-COVID, with a focus on its appeal to parents disenchanted with public schools. [4:20]
• Concerns about modern public schools, including curriculum agendas and declining educational outcomes. [14:32]
• Overview of Classical Conversations' homeschooling model, emphasizing parent-led education and community support. [25:39]
• Historical context of U.S. public education and the shift to compulsory schooling in the 1920s. [41:02]
• Discussion of the ideological underpinnings of public education and its long-term impact on individualism and capitalism. [50:07]
• Time commitment and practical advice for parents considering homeschooling. [1:12:34]
• Details on the Classical Conversations curriculum, including its structure and focus on memorization, critical thinking, and rhetoric. [1:29:58]
• Addressing concerns about socialization in homeschooling and examples of homeschoolers engaging in community and extracurricular activities. [1:57:22]
• The six challenges of Classical Conversations: ownership, discipline, freedom, choices, consequences, and leadership. [2:20:16]
• Capstone projects in high school, including the senior thesis and presentation before a panel of judges. [2:42:43]
• The Master's program for parents offered through Classical Conversations, enabling them to earn credentials while teaching their children. [2:53:01]
• Future goals for Classical Conversations, including expanding influence in higher education and building a strong alumni network. [2:56:09]

DETAILED ANALYSIS

Leigh and Robert Bortins, leaders of the global homeschooling organization Classical Conversations, provided a detailed discussion on the state of education in America and the growing shift toward homeschooling. Classical Conversations, rooted in the classical and Christian tradition, has seen a significant rise in interest, particularly following the disruptions of COVID-19. The Bortins highlighted how their organization equips parents to take control of their children's education, offering a structured yet flexible curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, memorization, and rhetoric.

The conversation began with an exploration of the historical context of public education in the United States, tracing its origins to Horace Mann's vision of a state-controlled system. The Bortins argued that the public school system, shaped by socialist ideals, has strayed far from its initial purpose, leading to widespread dissatisfaction among parents. They noted that modern public schools often prioritize ideological agendas over foundational skills, leaving many students ill-prepared for adulthood.

This dissatisfaction has contributed to a surge in homeschooling, with millions of families now opting to educate their children at home.

Classical Conversations offers a unique model of homeschooling that focuses on community and collaboration. Parents and children gather weekly in local communities to engage with a curriculum designed to foster lifelong learning and moral development. The program is divided into three stages: Foundations (kindergarten through sixth grade), Essentials (fourth through sixth grade), and Challenge (middle and high school).

Each stage builds on the previous one, guiding students from basic memorization to advanced critical thinking and leadership skills.

One of the key components of the Classical Conversations curriculum is its emphasis on memorization. Students learn a wide range of facts in subjects such as math, science, history, and Latin, which serve as a foundation for deeper understanding. This approach, rooted in the classical trivium of grammar, dialectic, and rhetoric, equips students to analyze and articulate complex ideas effectively.

The program also includes capstone projects, such as mock trials, policy debates, and senior theses, which provide students with opportunities to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts.

The Bortins addressed common concerns about homeschooling, including socialization and time commitment. They emphasized that homeschoolers often have richer social experiences than their peers in traditional schools, participating in sports, community service, and other extracurricular activities. They also noted that homeschooling requires less formal instruction time than public schooling, allowing families to spend more quality time together.

A significant aspect of the Classical Conversations model is its focus on parent education. The organization offers extensive training and resources to help parents become effective educators. Additionally, it has partnered with Southeastern University to create a Master's program in classical studies, enabling parents to earn advanced degrees while teaching their children.

Looking ahead, the Bortins aim to expand the influence of Classical Conversations in higher education and build a robust alumni network. They believe that their model of education, which emphasizes faith, family, and freedom, provides a strong foundation for students to succeed in any field.

In summary, Leigh and Robert Bortins made a compelling case for homeschooling as a viable and enriching alternative to public education. Through Classical Conversations, they are empowering parents to take an active role in their children's education, fostering a new generation of critical thinkers and leaders.

LINKS

• Official website of Classical Conversations
• Leigh Bortins' personal website
• Resource for classical homeschooling
• Shawn Ryan Show's newsletter for updates and insights

KEYWORDS