Cynicism, Trust, and Internal-External Locus of Control Among Home Educated Students

Abstract

Home education, also known colloquially as home schooling, has been on the rise for the past twodecades. Estimates of the number home educated students range from 1.7% to 3% of thestudent population (Blok, 2003). It has gained legitimacy as noted by its evolution from beingprohibited in 30 states in 1980 to now being legal in all fifty states (Blok, 2003). Probably thegreatest sign of this new legitimacy is its general acceptance and positive coverage in the mediawhere home education is presented as a viable alternative to traditional schooling. Often storiespresent some exceptional and phenomenal successes, which are portrayed against a backdrop ofpublic school failings (Medlin, 2000).