Child Education Rights versus Parental Preferences: A Paradox between United Nations Conventions and Alternative Schooling Methods

SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: [email protected]; Web site: https://sagepub.com

Y

24

Childrens Rights; Access to Information; Student Rights; Parent Attitudes; Preferences; Parent Child Relationship; Nontraditional Education; Academic Standards; Children; International Law; Foreign Countries; Treaties; Home Schooling; Religious Education; Adolescents; Common Core State Standards; Elementary Secondary Education

10.1177/08959048231198821

0895-9048
1552-3896

Alternative schooling has been staunchly advocated for by groups disillusioned by government-sponsored public schooling that want to take personal control of their children's education. There are concerns, however, about nontraditional schooling options that do not meet standards that apply to public schools. The "United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child" ("CRC") specifies children's fundamental educational rights. In the United States, this includes mastering basic English literacy and numerical abilities, as well as exposure to some scientific and historical knowledge needed to negotiate mainstream society. This paper focuses on how certain homeschooling and religious schooling practices run the risk of denying adolescents the right to the education necessary to work in the modern economy and achieve their potential. We argue that the United States should allow alternative schooling options but ensure that they conform to specific standards set by the state in order to meet the CRC goals.

As Provided

2024

EJ1427589