Irish Teacher: Does the school system shame neurodivergent children?

I have learned so much from writing this column about how different children learn and I am a far better teacher for it. I have moved from a devotion to my subject towards a devotion to my students.

Jennifer Horgan: "On Fridays, when we read together, I tell them to sit anywhere they want. One child builds a small fort at the end of the classroom and squeezes beneath it." Pic: Larry Cummins

Certain responses to my article against the Burkes’ home-schooling were predictable. One irate reader accused me of being anti-religious. I’m not, but I am anti-indoctrination. What’s the difference? Well, teach a child to see the world one way without any critical thought and you indoctrinate them. This is why multicultural, multi-denominational education can’t ever be accused of indoctrination. At its core is an effort to listen to the beliefs of others, to understand, be kind, inclusive.

To avoid indoctrination, home-schooling should become more regulated.