An Introduction to Homeschooling for Muslim Parents
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AN INTRODUCTION TO HOMESCHOOLING FOR MUSLIM PARENTS Aneela Saghir B.S., California State University, Sacramento, 2008 THESIS Submitted in partial satisfaction of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF ARTS in EDUCATION (Multicultural Education) at CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, SACRAMENTO SPRING 2011 AN INTRODUCTION TO HOMESCHOOLING FOR MUSLIM PARENTS A Thesis by Aneela Saghir Approved by: ____________________________________, Committee Chair Maria Mejorado, Ph. D. _____________________________________, Second Reader Forrest Davis, Ph. D. __________________________________ Date ii Student: Aneela Saghir I certify that this student has met the requirements for format contained in the University format manual, and that this thesis is suitable for shelving in the Library and credit is to be awarded for the thesis. ____________________________, Department Chair __________________ Albert Lozano, Ph. D. Date Department of Bilingual and Multicultural Education iii Abstract of AN INTRODUCTION TO HOMESCHOOLING FOR MUSLIM PARENTS by Aneela Saghir Statement of the Problem This study examines factors that Muslim parents use in choosing to homeschool their children and determines if homeschooling offers a competitive option compared to public or private schooling. Additionally, it explores the effects of home-schooling in the area of academia, social values, and moral and religious world views. Sources of Data The study utilizes interview data from ten Muslim homeschooling mothers and from two Muslim homeschooling organizations. Conclusions Reached The interview results validated much of the existing research on the reasons why parents choose to homeschool their children. The interview results also identified four major reasons for homeschooling: lack of academic rigor, lack of individualized attention, negative social environment and lack of religious teaching in public and private schools. _____________________________________________, Committee Chair Maria Mejorado, Ph. D. ______________________________ Date iv DEDICATION For all those who homeschool their children and for the prospective homeschoolers. To my family, especially my brothers, who encouraged me to further my academic career. To my husband, who encouraged my interest in this thesis topic. v ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Glory be to God with whose help I was able to complete this task. I would like to thank my husband for all the support, help, and patience, I could not have done it without you. Much Gratitude to my dearest family who encouraged and motivated me throughout this experience. Special acknowledgement to my loving parents-in-law and sisters-in-law who provided much support, prayers, and love throughout this process. Thanks to my thesis advisors, Dr. Maria Mejorado and Dr. Forrest Davis for their guidance and the continuous help during this project. Thanks to Dr. Albert Lozano and to my entire BMED cohort. Recognition and thanks to my friends and to all those who willingly participated in my survey. vi TABLE OF CONTENTS Dedication ........................................................................................................................................ v Acknowledgement .......................................................................................................................... vi List of Tables .................................................................................................................................. ix List of Figures .................................................................................................................................. x Chapter 1. INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................... 1 Background ......................................................................................................................... 1 Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 2 Islam & Muslims ................................................................................................................ 3 Purpose ............................................................................................................................... 7 Methodology ....................................................................................................................... 9 Positionality of the Researcher ........................................................................................... 9 Definitions of Terms ......................................................................................................... 12 Delimitations ..................................................................................................................... 14 Organization of Remainder of Study ................................................................................ 14 2. LITERATURE REVIEW .......................................................................................................... 16 History of Home Schooling .............................................................................................. 16 Re-emergence of Homeschooling ..................................................................................... 16 Profile of Home School Students & Family Characteristics ............................................. 22 Reasons Parents Choose Home Schooling ....................................................................... 26 Different Methods to Homeschool .................................................................................... 48 Multicultural Education & Homeschooling ...................................................................... 57 Parental Qualifications to Homeschool ............................................................................ 68 Father and Mother’s Role ................................................................................................. 73 Conclusion ........................................................................................................................ 76 3. METHODOLOGY .................................................................................................................... 78 Research Design ............................................................................................................... 78 Participants........................................................................................................................ 79 Instrumentation ................................................................................................................. 79 Data collection .................................................................................................................. 79 vii Protection of Human Subjects .......................................................................................... 80 Data Analysis Plan ............................................................................................................ 81 Summary ........................................................................................................................... 81 4. ANALYSIS OF THE DATA ..................................................................................................... 82 Demographics ................................................................................................................... 82 Implications of the findings .............................................................................................. 85 5. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS ..................................................................... 105 Conclusion ...................................................................................................................... 105 Recommendations ........................................................................................................... 108 Appendix A. Questions for Muslim Homeschooling Parents ...................................................... 110 Appendix B. Questions for Muslim Homeschooling Organizations ........................................... 112 Appendix C. Consent for Interviewing ........................................................................................ 113 Appendix D. Human Subjects Consent to Interview Organizations ............................................ 114 Appendix E. A Review of Two Muslim Homeschooling Organizations ..................................... 115 References .................................................................................................................................... 119 viii LIST OF TABLES Table 1 Number of Children of the Participants .............................................................. 82 Table 2 Parents Homeschooled ........................................................................................ 86 Table 3 Benefits of Homeschooling ................................................................................ 94 Table 4 Duration of Homeschooling ................................................................................ 96 Table 5 Extra Curricular Activities .................................................................................. 97 Table 6 Resources Helpful to Parents ............................................................................ 104 ix LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1 Number of Years Children are Homeschooled ................................................. 84 Figure 2 Mother's Level of Education ............................................................................