The U.S. Census Bureau has released data from what it calls an “experimental” Household Pulse Survey on the impact of COVID-19 on homeschooling rates. The survey shows a “substantial increase” from spring of 2020 to the start of the current school year. The survey-makers made sure their questioning was clear and that “households were reporting true homeschooling rather than virtual learning through a public or private school.” A link to the report is available below; first, a few items of interest:

– During April 23-May 5 of 2020, toward the end of last school year, “about 5.4% of U.S. households with school-aged children reported homeschooling”

– By the start of the current school year (Sept. 30-Oct. 12), “11.1% of households with school-age children reported homeschooling” — double

– In Black/African-American households, the proportion homeschooling increased from 3.3% last spring to 16.1% in the fall

– The homeschooling rate in Massachusetts jumped from 1.5% to 12.1% between last spring and fall

Time will tell if, after school systems return to business as usual, homeschooling sees a permanent boost. But with 11% of young families having experienced it, perhaps the practice will gain further acceptability.

The link:  https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2021/03/homeschooling-on-the-rise-during-covid-19-pandemic.html