의무 취학제도 하에서 홈스쿨링 합법화의 의미와 전망

An Inquiry into Meaning and Prospect of Legalization of Homeshcooling under the Compulsory Schooling System

미국의 경우 1852년 Massachusettes 주를 시작으로 1918년에는 모든 주가 의무취학법을 통과시키게 된다. 의무학제도는 사회평등, 사회통합, 기초학력을 통한 경제능력 함양 등의 목표를 지니고 도입된 교육정책이다. 그러나 1970년대 이후 의무 취학제도에 대한 반발과 저항으로서의 홈스쿨링 운동이 본격화 되면서 아동교육에 대한 국가의 관심과 부모의 관심이 갈등하게 되고, 결국 홈스쿨링은 합법화되기에 이른다. 이것은 홈스쿨링이의무취학제도의 목표를 달성하는 데 기여하고 있음을 반증하는 것이다. 홈스쿨링은 법적으로 인정되지 않고 있는 우리나라의 경우에도 홈스쿨링 합법화에 대한 사회적 논의는 아직 본격적인 궤도에 오르지 않았다. 공교육제도의 공공성과 사회평등 기능을 중시하고 있는 사회적 분위기 속에서 홈스쿨링의 합법화 과정은 쉽지 않을 것으로 예상된다. 이러한 상황에서 정부가 나서서 홈스쿨링의 합법화를 추진하기보다는 홈스쿨러들로부터 집단적 요구가 더 강하게 제기될 때까지 기다리는 것이 나을 것이다.

Common school reform movement in the United States was successful during the 1830's. overcoming the resistance from localists, diverse religious sects, immigrants from many countries. And the state of Massachusettes passed first the compulsory school attendance law in 1852, followed by every state having compulsory school attendance law by 1918. Compulsory schooling system was rationalized in the name of social equality, social integration, and development of economic ability through basic academic achievement. It diverted the main locus of education for children from family to school, providing the Messianic hope among the people. However, homeschooling movement booming in the 1970's, triggered by families who were against compulsory schooling due to various reasons, made the government's interests in education for children and those of parents in conflict. Homeschooling, which had been illegal under the compulsory schooling, began to be legalized with the efforts of homeschoolers as well as the changing attitudes of the mass and educators toward homeschooling. It reflects that homeschooling might contribute to the realization of compulsory schooing system. In Korea, where homeschooling is not legal yet, social and academic debate about the legalization of homeschooling is not yet vitalized. It might not be easy to leaglize homeschooling due to the social envi개nment prevailed by equality and public function of schooling. In this context, it will be better for the government not to initiate the legalization precess, waiting for the time when the strong voice for the legalization is raised from the homeschoolers.