..not to mention that this is itself an issue caused by poor education. there is nothing quite like 'on the job' learning and evaluation to weed out competence,

..not to mention that this is itself an issue caused by poor education. there is nothing quite like 'on the job' learning and evaluation to weed out competence, caring, and understanding from mere intelligence. looking back, there was no single defining feature of bad teachers I had, but every one of my good teachers were over the age of 40, had previous careers/jobs, and not a single one had a degree (in teaching).. edit: I think the issue with home schooling is a societal one, we want to set a minimum standard and encourage a minimum level of interaction. I agree that a couple of good teachers make up for a whole lot of mediocre ones. The strictures of institutional schooling in mandating same-age classes, teaching to test score metrics, and preventing interaction between schools (public/private/home) unfortunately also have the effect of turning this minimum standard into a maximum standard.