Homeschooling and Kelly Clarkson: Difference between pages

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'''Homeschooling''' (or '''home schooling'''; also called '''home education''') is the [[education]] of children at home and in the community, in contrast to education in an [[institutionalization|institution]] such as a [[Public education|public]] or [[parochial school]]. It is also in contrast to those who are [[Autodidacticism|self-taught]].

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[[Image:Kelly Clarkson 01.jpg|thumb|200px|Kelly Clarkson]]

In the [[United States]], homeschooling is the focus of a substantial movement among parents who wish to provide their children with a custom or more complete education, which they feel is unattainable in most private schools or the government's public schools. While millions of families in the U.S. are educating their children at home, tens of millions of families still prefer an institutional setting for their children.

'''Kelly Brianne Clarkson''' (born [[April 24]] [[1982]]) is an [[United States|American]] singer who won the first season of ''[[American Idol]]'' and has since gone on to have a successful recording career. She has had six Top-10 United States [[Single (music)|singles]], including three number-one radio hits from the same album (''Breakaway''), and both of her [[Album (music)|albums]] have entered the top five on the [[Billboard Top 200]] chart.

==Overview==

As an alternative means of primary and secondary education, homeschooling has proven increasingly popular in the United States. Despite its popularity, or perhaps because of it, some people have concerns about the recent [[renaissance]] of this traditional method of educating children. The general historic foundations of homeschooling originate with the informal education systems that existed in the United States before the rise of [[public school]]s in the late [[19th century|19th]] and early [[20th century|20th]] centuries. For example, famous figures such as [[Thomas Jefferson]], [[Jane Austen]], [[Abraham Lincoln]], [[Geronimo]] and [[Louisa May Alcott]] might be considered to have been homeschooled as they were self-educated or had [[mentor]]s or [[tutor]]s growing up, but received little formal schooling.

==Biography and music career==

In the United States, the "[[curriculum]] in a box" (or [[#All-in-one curricula|All-in-one curriculum]]) form of homeschooling dates back to [[1906]], when the [[Calvert Day School]] of [[Baltimore, Maryland]] made such materials available through a downtown Baltimore bookstore and a ''[[National Geographic]]'' advertisement. Within five years, nearly 300 children were making use of materials from Calvert's Home Instruction Department. In less than a century the materials had become the basis for lessons for more than 350,000 children annually in more than 90 countries.

=== Early life ===

Clarkson was born in [[Fort Worth, Texas|Fort Worth]], [[Texas]] to Stephen Michael Clarkson and Jeanne Ann Rose. Her parents divorced when she was six years old, after which her brother went to live with their father, her sister with their aunt, and Clarkson with her mother. She eventually moved to [[Burleson, Texas]] after fourth grade. In middle school, she was overheard singing in a school corridor by a teacher, who invited her to join the school [[choir]]. Her participation in choral and musical activities spurred her interest in a recording [[career]] and, following her high school graduation, she relocated to [[Los Angeles, California]].

Clarkson worked as an extra on [[television]] (one such appearance was on ''[[Sabrina the Teenage Witch]]'') and worked briefly with songwriter [[Gerry Goffin]]. After her Los Angeles [[apartment]] burned down, however, she moved back to Texas, discouraged but still intent on a career in show business. She still managed some odd jobs such as cocktail waitress, [[Red Bull]] promo girl, and [[Telemarketing|telemarketer]].

Although estimates vary, roughly one to two million children are homeschooled in the United States, about 90,000 in the [[United Kingdom|UK]][http://www.home-education.org.uk/], and about 26,000 in [[Australia]]/[[New Zealand]][http://www.hea.asn.au/hea/resources/disp_res.asp?type=4&id=60]. Individual motivations to homeschool, homeschooling methods, and results of homeschooling (both social and academic) are varied, and are the source of vibrant debate.

=== ''American Idol'' competition ===

As educational choices become abundant through a vast array of educational products and services available, computers, and the internet, the idea of homeschooling is expanding in popularity and acceptance. Some state governments (e.g. Alaska, California, Pennsylvania, Utah and Kansas) sponsor home education "virtual" [[charter school]]s and/or reimburse parents who purchase curricula approved by the state. [http://www.k12.com/virtual_academy/districts.html] [http://www.k12.com/virtual_academy/participating_schools.html]

[[Image:Kelly Clarkson.jpg|150px|thumb|right|Clarkson performing on ''Idol'']]

Clarkson auditioned for ''American Idol '' along with ten thousand other people in [[2002]]. Impressed by her performance, the panel of judges put her through to the next round. Upon landing a final thirty spot, Clarkson was praised by the judges for her rendition of [[Aretha Franklin]]'s "[[Respect (Aretha Franklin song)|Respect]]". She moved on to the final ten, receiving a number two spot in her group. Once in the top ten, Clarkson gradually moved into the position of competition favorite, performing songs such as [[Carole King]]'s "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" and [[Bette Midler]]'s "Stuff Like That There".

On [[September 4]] [[2002]], Clarkson won the competition, earning 58% of the audience vote over [[Justin Guarini]], who had previously been leading. As the newly crowned "American Idol", Clarkson performed the ballad "[[A Moment Like This]]". Clarkson, [[Clay Aiken]] of season two and [[Carrie Underwood]] of season four were the only contestants in ''American Idol'' history who succeeded in staying out of the bottom three places in weekly voting results. Clarkson and Underwood both went on to win the competition.

== Homeschooling motivations ==

Proponents of home education invoke parental responsibility and the classical liberal arguments for personal freedom from government intrusion. Few proponents advocate that homeschooling should be the dominant educational policy.

Most homeschooling advocates are wary of the established educational institutions for various reasons. Some are religious conservatives who see non-religious education as contrary to their moral or religious systems. Others feel that they can more effectively tailor a curriculum to suit an individual student’s academic strengths and weaknesses, especially those with [[learning disabilities]]. Still others feel that the negative social pressures of schools (such as bullying, drugs, crime, and other school-related problems) are detrimental to a child’s proper development.

=== ''Idol'' recording career ===

In the [[United States]], reasons for homeschooling vary; religious concerns are an important, though not overwhelming, factor. According to a [[United States Census|U.S. Census]] survey, the parents of 33% of home-schoolers cited religion as a factor in their choice, 30% felt the regular school had a poor learning environment, 14% objected to what the school teaches, 11% felt their children weren't being challenged at school, and 9% cited "morality." [http://www.census.gov/population/www/documentation/twps0053.html]

[[Image:Kelly Clarkson Thankful.jpg|left|thumb|200px|''Thankful'' — [[April 15]] [[2003]]]]

Options which make homeschooling attractive to some families also include:

*Allowing a longer exploratory play-oriented childhood, encouraging the development of rich imagination and pre-academic skills which can foster later academic success

*Allowing the child to learn faster

*The flexibility of the education schedule allows each student to work at his own pace, enjoy family vacations, and integrate outside activities or current events with subjects they are studying.

*Religion, ethics, and character topics not included in public school curriculums can be freely taught.

*Non-traditional curriculums (see "Methods" below) and unusual subjects such as [[Latin]] and [[Greek language|Greek]] can be taught.

*[[Geography]], [[art]] and [[music]] curriculum can be enhanced

*Money management and [[business]] topics may be taught and integrated with a family business.

On [[October 5]] [[2002]], Clarkson's first single, "A Moment Like This", broke the record for biggest jump on the charts when it jumped from number fifty-two to number one on the [[Billboard Hot 100]] chart. This broke the long-standing record set by [[The Beatles]] in [[1964]], when "[[Can't Buy Me Love]]" moved from number twenty-seven to number one. "A Moment Like This" was eventually certified gold, selling upwards of 500,000 copies.

Homeschooling may have a financial impact on families. In addition to having to purchase school supplies and curriculum materials, a homeschooler’s parent(s) often cut back or refrain from employment outside the home in order to supervise the child’s education. This may have long-term career consequences as well. However, many homeschooling parents say that one unique benefit is the additional time they get to spend with their children.

Her first [[Album (music)|album ]] ''[[Thankful]]'' was released by [[RCA Records]] on [[April 15]] [[2003]]. In May 2003 it was certified [[platinum record|double platinum]] by the [[Recording Industry Association of America|RIAA]]. ''Thankful'' also received good reviews, though critics said that much of her success could be credited to the commerciality of the music. Clarkson co-wrote four of the twelve songs on the album.

==Public opinion of homeschooling==

Gallup polls of American voters have shown a significant change in attitude in the last twenty years, from 73% opposed in 1985 to 54% opposed in 2001 [http://eric.uoregon.edu/trends_issues/choice/home_schooling.html].

Songs from the album released as singles include "[[Low (song)|Low]]", which peaked at number fifty-eight in the US, and "[[The Trouble with Love Is]]", which was featured on the [[soundtrack]] of the 2004 film ''[[Love Actually]]''.

Clarkson starred with fellow ''American Idol'' contestant Justin Guarini in ''[[From Justin to Kelly]]'' which was released in the summer of [[2003 in film|2003]]. The film received weak reviews and was a [[box office bomb|box office disaster]]. Some critics named it one of the [[List of movies that have been cited as being among the worst ever made|worst movies ever made]]. The two stars revealed that their work in the film was stipulated in their ''Idol'' contracts.

Opposition to homeschooling comes from varied sources, including organizations of teachers and school districts. Opponents' stated concerns fall into several broad categories, including: academic quality and completeness; reduced government money for the public schools; socialization of children with peers; lack of political correctness; and fear of religious or social extremism. However, recent studies tend to dispute this claim. [http://www.hslda.org/docs/study/comp2001/default.asp][http://www.hslda.org/research/ray2003/] Opponents view homeschooling parents as sheltering their children and denying them opportunities that are their children's right, lowering the amount of government money public schools would receive if more children were attending the publicly-funded school, and providing an unfair advantage to homeschooled children over students whose parents lack the time or money for homeschooling.

In September 2003, Clarkson appeared [[NBC]]'s ''[[American Dreams]]'' as [[Brenda Lee]], performing "Sweet Nothings".

== Legality of homeschooling ==

In the U.S., homeschooling is generally legal, although in some states homeschool parents are occasionally threatened with prosecution under [[truancy]] laws. The U.S. Supreme Court has never ruled on homeschooling specifically, but in ''[[Wisconsin v. Yoder]]'', 406 U.S. 205 (1972)[http://www.oyez.org/oyez/resource/case/449/] it supported the rights of [[Amish]] parents to keep their children out of public schools for religious reasons.

I think you are wrong

Registration practices vary from state to state; for example, in California homeschoolers must register as [[private school]]s (a category which has no minimum-enrollment requirement), and are required to have attendance records and lesson plans available for state inspection, although this is rarely performed. In 2002, [[California Secretary of Public Instruction]] [[Delaine Eastin]] announced that such registration was illegal for homeschoolers, but this has not been tested in court. Other states require submission of [[curriculum]] plans or require [[standardized testing]].

In December 2003, Clarkson participated in the ''[[World Idol]]'' competition. She placed second to Norwegian Idol winner [[Kurt Nilsen]].

Currently, schools and districts in at least five states are offering a home-school curriculum through virtual schools, charter schools, or other education programs. [http://www.k12.com/pdf/program_list.pdf]

In [[Grammy Awards of 2004|2004]], Clarkson received a nomination for the [[Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance|Best Female Pop Vocal Performance]] [[Grammy Awards|Grammy]] for her edgy top-ten hit single "[[Miss Independent]]". It was co-written by [[Christina Aguilera]] and Clarkson.

A few school districts have extension programs which allow homeschooled students to use district resources, such as school libraries or computer labs, or meet with a teacher periodically for curriculum review and suggestions.

Later in 2004, Clarkson embarked on the thirty-city "Independent Tour" with fellow ''Idol'' contestant [[Clay Aiken]].

In the [[United Kingdom]], section 7 of the Education Act, 1996, states[[#Footnote|*]]:

=== Solo career established ===

:''The parent of every child of compulsory school age shall cause him to receive efficient full-time education suitable:''

[[Image:Breakaway.jpg|thumb|right|200px|''Breakaway'' — [[November 30]] [[2004]]]]

::''a. to his age, ability and aptitude, and''

::''b. to any special educational needs he may have,''

:''either by regular attendance at school or otherwise.''

On [[November 30]] [[2004]], RCA Records released Clarkson's second album ''[[Breakaway (album)|Breakaway]]''. Entering the Billboard album chart at number three, ''Breakaway'' received praise from critics, who noted its harder, more [[rock and roll|rock]]-flavored edge, one that invited comparisons to [[Avril Lavigne]]. The album has also been characterized by Clarkson herself as being in the [[pop rock]] genre.

== Homeschooling methods ==

There is a wide variety of homeschooling methods and materials. Many homeschoolers base their work on a particular educational philosophy such as:

*[[Classical education]] (including [[Trivium]], [[Quadrivium]])

*[[Waldorf Education]]

*[[Charlotte Mason]] education

*[[Theory of multiple intelligences]]

*[[Montessori method]]

Others use a broad combination of ideas or allow the child to develop his or her own motivation, through what is known as [[#Unschooling|Unschooling]].

Clarkson took a more hands-on approach to creating ''Breakaway'', co-writing six of the eleven tracks in the process. Producers and fellow artists also helped Clarkson craft the album, some of which include [[Max Martin]] ("Since U Been Gone", "Behind These Hazel Eyes"), Avril Lavigne ("Breakaway"), and former [[Evanescence]] band members Ben Moody and David Hodges ("Because of You", "Addicted").

Because homeschool laws vary widely according to state statutes, official curriculum requirements vary.

''Breakaway's'' first four singles, "[[Breakaway (song)|Breakaway]]", "[[Since U Been Gone]]", "[[Behind These Hazel Eyes]]" and "[[Because of You (Kelly Clarkson song)|Because of You]]", have all received widespread airplay in several different radio formats and reached the [[Billboard Hot 100]] top-ten, peaking at number six, number two, number six and number seven, respectively. "Because of You" became ''Breakaway'''s third number one mainstream radio hit in the U.S. following "Breakaway" and "Since U Been Gone". The song is also currently ranked at number six in Canada and number 8 in the U.S..

=== Unit studies ===

Unit studies teach most subjects in the context of a central theme. For example, a unit study of [[Native Americans (Americas)|Native Americans]] would combine age-appropriate lessons in [[social studies]] (how different tribes lived), [[art]] (making Native American clothing), [[history]] (the history of [[Native Americans in the U.S.]]), [[Reading (activity)|Reading]] (usually by a reading list), [[science]] (plants used by Native Americans). The following month, the unit-study subject could change to "Construction," or some other broad topic of study.

Supporters say unit studies make excellent use of student time by combining several fields into one study time, and permit students to follow personal interests. Unit studies also permit children of different ages to study together. For example, in a Native American unit, a 10th-grade student might make a deer-skin coat for an art project, while a 1st-grade student might make construction-paper tipis.

Homeschoolers often purchase unit-study guides that suggest materials, projects and shopping lists, and supplement them with specialized curricula for math, and sometimes reading and writing.

On October 22, 2005, she became the first pop artist in five years to have four top 10 hits off one album.

=== Special materials ===

Special materials focus on skill-building. Individual subject materials usually consist of workbooks, sometimes with textbooks and a teachers' guide. Many specialized subjects are only available in this form. Special materials are frequently used for math and [[Primary education|primary reading]].

Critics say that some parents over-focus on skills while excluding [[social studies]], [[Science]], [[Art]], [[History]] and other fields that help children learn their place in the world.

[[Image:Behind These Hazel Eyes.jpg|154px|thumb|left|"Behind These Hazel Eyes" CD single cover]]

=== All-in-one curricula === <!-- if section is renamed/removed, change reference above -->

Industry experts noted that Clarkson had avoided the "sophomore slump", and that the artistic and commercial success of the album and its singles cemented Clarkson's place in the pop music industry, separate from the ''American Idol'' machine. ''Breakaway'' has proved to have staying power. Eleven months after its release, it has not left the top-twenty.

All-in-one curricula are comprehensive packages covering many subjects, usually an entire year's worth. Some call them "school in a box." They contain all needed books and materials, including pencils and writing paper. Most such curricula were developed for isolated families who lack access to public schools, libraries and shops, or are overseas.

These materials typically recreate the school environment in the home, and are typically based on the same subject-area expectations as public schools, allowing an easy re-transition into school if desired. They are among the most expensive options for homeschoolers, but are easy to use and require minimal preparation. The teacher's guides are usually extensive, with step-by-step instructions. These programs may include nationally-normed tests, and remote examinations to yield an accredited private-school diploma.

In [[2005]] Clarkson was a musical guest on ''[[Saturday Night Live]]'' and acted in two sketches. Clarkson was also named by [[People (magazine)|Teen People Magazine]] as one of the "Hottest 25 Stars Under 25".

===Community resources===

Homeschoolers take advantage of educational programs at museums, community centers, athletic clubs, after-school programs, churches, science preserves, parks, and other community resources. High-school level students often take classes at [[community college]]s, which typically have open admission policies.

By July 2005 Clarkson is the top-selling ''American Idol'' contestant and the only one having released two mainstream CDs. ''Breakaway'' has so far sold 3.9 million copies domestically (certified 4 times-platinum by the [[Recording Industry Association of America|RIAA]] on [[November]] [[2005]]).

=== Eclectic curricula ===

The majority of today's homeschoolers use an eclectic mix of materials. For instance, they might use a pre-designed program for language arts or math, and fill in history with reading and field trips, art with classes at a community center, science through a homeschool science club, PE with membership in local sports teams, and so on.

In August, Clarkson won several [[Teen Choice Award|Teen Choice Awards]] and [[Video Music Awards|MTV Video Music Awards]].

=== Unschooling === <!-- if section is renamed/removed, change reference above -->

[[Unschooling]] is an area within homeschooling in which students are not directly instructed but encouraged to learn through exploring their interests. Also known as interest-led or child-led learning, unschooling attempts to provide opportunities with games and real life problems where a child will learn without coercion. An unschooled child may choose to use texts or classroom instruction, but it is never considered central to education.

Advocates for unschooling claim that children learn best by learning from doing. A child may learn reading and math skills from playing card games, better spelling and other writing skills because he's inspired to write a science fiction story for publication, or local history by following a zoning or historical-status dispute.

Despite having bronchitis, Clarkson appeared on ''ReAct Now: Music & Relief'', a live performance broadcast on [[Viacom]]'s networks MTV, VH1 and CMT on [[September 10]] [[2005]]. The program raised funds for the [[American Red Cross]] and the victims of [[Hurricane Katrina]]. Clarkson performed a cover of [[Ray LaMontagne]]'s "Shelter".

== Homeschooling results ==

=== AcademicPersonal resultslife and persona ===

The academic effectiveness of homeschooling is largely a settled issue. Numerous studies have confirmed the academic integrity of home education programs, demonstrating that average homeschoolers outperform their public school peers by 30 to 37 percentile points across all subjects. Moreover, the performance gaps between minorities and gender that plague public schools are virtually non-existent amongst homeschooled students.[http://www.hslda.org/docs/study/comp2001/default.asp]

Clarkson has a well-known conservative reputation, which is considered unusual by typical "Hollywood" standards. Clarkson's personal relationships are rarely outspoken, although some past love interests have sparked curiosity among fans and media outlets everywhere. While giving her acceptance speech for Best Female Video at the MTV Video Music Awards on [[August 28]], [[2005]], Clarkson briefly thanked her beau in the crowd, essentially confirming a rumor that she was in a new relationship. It's revealed later that her new beau is [[Graham Colton]], the lead singer of the Texas-based [[Graham Colton Band]], the opening band for her 2005 summer tour.

Some critics argue that while homeschooled students generally do extremely well on standardized tests[http://www.hslda.org/docs/nche/000010/200410250.asp], such students are a self-selected group whose parents care strongly about their education; such students would also do well in a conventional school environment. Increasingly, colleges are recruiting homeschooled students; many colleges accept a [[GED]] as well as parent statements and portfolios of students' work as admission criteria; others also require [[SAT]]s or other [[standardized test]]s.

Clarkson is known for her bond with her fans, with whom she goes out of her way to meet and talk. Once on her ''Breakaway Tour'', she was sick after a show in [[Chicago]]. Instead of cancelling the meet-and-greet afterward, as many artists would do, she went through with it and even apologized to her fans for not being able to talk much to them.

Some opponents argue that parents with little training in education are less effective in teaching. However, some studies do indicate that parents' income and education level affect home educated students' performance on standardized tests very little.

Clarkson has also had her share of minor controversy, such as allegations that her work doing demos for a record company broke ''American Idol'' rules about not having a contract with a record company. However, she was cleared of all allegations, having only had a contract to do demonstration work. Later as what some saw as poor sportsmanship on her part during the ''World Idol'' competition when she realized she was not going to win; she would instead earn second place.

Homeschooled children's curricula often include many subjects not included in school curricula. Some colleges find this an advantage in creating a more academically diverse student body, and proponents argue this creates a more well-rounded and self-sufficient adult. Opponents argue that homeschoolers' eclectic curricula often exclude critical subjects and isolate them from the rest of society, or present them with ideological worldviews, especially religious ones.

According to a fall 2005 issue of Pop-Star, Clarkson has written a song called "Haunted" based on a real life experience. "But it's not about me," she says. "It's about a friend of mine. We went to high school together and she committed suicide about a year after we graduated. She was a very cool girl. It's always the people you'd never expect. I would have never thought that."

The results of homeschooling with [[gifted]] and [[Learning disability|learning-disabled]] children are not as thoroughly studied.

=== SocialTours development ===

A common concern voiced about homeschooled children is they lack the social interaction with peers that a school environment provides. Many homeschooling families address these concerns by joining numerous organizations, including independent study programs and specialized enrichment groups for PE, Art, Music, and [[NCFCA|Debate]]. Most are also active in community groups. Homeschooled children generally socialize with other children the same way that school children do: outside of school, via personal visits and through sports teams, clubs and religious groups.

'''2002: The ''American Idol'' Tour'''

Some homeschooling proponents have argued that homeschooling actually enhances the student's social development. Arguing that the school years are the only time in a person's life that he or she will be artificially segregated into chronologically-determined groups, these advocates assert that homeschoolers have a more normal interaction with persons across the age spectrum. This, in turn, results in more influence on the child from adults, and less from other children, leading to more mature youngsters. Needless to say, this is a contraversial view. More common is the view that homeschooled children will not learn how to interact normally with other persons.

* 28-City U.S. Tour (October - November 2002)

** Two-month arena tour starring Kelly and the other ''American Idol'' finalists.

'''2004: The Independent Tour, co-headlining with Clay Aiken'''

In 2003, the [[National Home Education Research Institute]] conducted a survey of over 7,300 adults who had been homeschooled (over 5,000 for more than seven years). Here are some of the study's findings:

* 30-City U.S. Tour (February - April 2004)

* The final show in [[St. Paul, Minnesota]] on April 16, 2004, featured the acoustic performance of a new song entitled "Don't", written by Clarkson and her band's lead guitarist Danny Weissfeld during the tour. "Don't" also became a part of the regular set list throughout the ''Breakaway'' tour, and is rumored to appear on Clarkson's third studio album.

'''2005: The ''Breakaway'' Spring Tour'''

:"Homeschool graduates are active and involved in their communities. Seventy-one percent participate in an ongoing community service activity (e.g., coaching a sports team, volunteering at a school, or working with a church or neighborhood association), compared to 37% of U.S. adults of similar ages."

* 35-City U.S. / Canada Tour (March&ndash;May 2005)

* The ''Breakaway'' Tour is Clarkson's most successful to date, selling-out the majority of venues in its 35-city run.

'''2005: The Hazel Eyes Summer Tour'''

:"Homeschoolers are more involved in civic affairs and vote in much higher percentages than their peers. For example, 76% of homeschool graduates surveyed between the ages of 18–24 voted within the last five years, compared to only 29% of the relevant U.S. population. The numbers of homeschool graduates who vote are even greater in the older age brackets, with voting levels not falling below 95%, compared to a high of 53% for the corresponding U.S. populace."

* Dates are currently scheduled throughout the US and Canada, the forty-six-city tour ran from [[July 6]] opening in Lubbock, TX and ended in New York, NY on [[October 11]].

*The [[July 17]] [[Orlando, Florida]] concert was [[webcast]] live on [[AOL]]. A key thematic moment in her concerts is her rendition of [[Annie Lennox]]'s 1992 hit, "Why", which she introduces as her favorite song. The 70-minute show features frequent sing-alongs from the audience and expressions of gratitude from Clarkson. There are rock arrangements to most songs, with an [[a cappella]] "Beautiful Disaster" and a two-[[acoustic guitar]]-only shambolic "Breakaway".

*Due to popular demand, "Hear Me" was added to the tour set list after Clarkson was, as she put it, "hated on" during the ''Breakaway'' Tour for not performing this song at any of her shows.

* The Hazel Eyes Tour features a new song called "Come Here" which is, according to Clarkson, "probably going to be on the next record".

*Several venues were cancelled, due to Clarkson contracting bronchitis and walking pneumonia. She will return in December to finish up her Hazel Eyes Tour. Currently scheduled stops are in Texas, California, Nevada and Washington.

'''2005: The ''Breakaway'' World Tour'''

:"Of those adults who were homeschooled, 58.9% report that they are 'very happy' with life (compared to 27.6% for the general U.S. population). Moreover, 73.2% of homeschooled adults find life 'exciting', compared to 47.3% of the general population."[http://www.hslda.org/research/ray2003/]

*In a June 2005 radio interview on [[Capital FM]] in London, Clarkson mentioned that she would begin planning a world tour that will visit Australia, Asia, and Europe, after finishing ''The Hazel Eyes Tour'' in the U.S.

*The ''Breakaway'' World Tour began on Friday [[November 4]], 2005, at the [[Challenge Stadium]] in [[Perth, Western Australia|Perth, Australia]]. Her final show in Australia and both New Zealand dates have been postponed due to vocal strain. This may affect her return to the United States to finish up her Hazel Eyes tour. She is scheduled to head to the British Isles beginning February 17th in Manchester, UK. New dates are announced regularly, but may be pushed back due to Clarkson's current sickness.

ERIC, the [[Education Resources Information Center]] of the U.S. government, has published multiple articles on homeschooling. Here's an excerpt from one which examined several studies on homeschool socialization:

== Discography ==

:"According to the findings, children who were schooled at home 'gained the necessary skills, knowledge, and attitudes needed to function in society...at a rate similar to that of conventionally schooled children.'

=== Albums ===

:"The researcher found no difference in the self concept of children in the two groups. Stough maintains that 'insofar as self concept is a reflector of socialization, it would appear that few home-schooled children are socially deprived, and that there may be sufficient evidence to indicate that some home-schooled children have a higher self concept than conventionally schooled children.'" [http://www.ericdigests.org/1995-1/home.htm]

* [[2003]]: ''[[Thankful]]'' &mdash; '''#1''' US (1 week, 2x Platinum); '''#1''' CAN (1 week, Platinum); #30 AUS (Gold); #52 UK

* [[2004]]: ''[[Breakaway (album)|Breakaway]]'' &mdash; #3 US (4x Platinum); #6 CAN (3x Platinum); #2 AUS (3x Platinum); #5 NZ (2x Platinum); #6 UK (Platinum); South Africa (Platinum); Ireland (Platinum); Singapore (Gold); Indonesia (Gold) - over 5.5 million worldwide

** ''[[Breakaway (album)|Breakaway]]'' was re-released in Australia on [[November 7]] [[2005]]. The re-release contains a second disc, including remixes, live tracks and music videos.

*** There has recently been talk of re-releasing ''[[Breakaway (album)|Breakaway]]'' in the United States. There have been several descriptions and several release dates from major retailers, and nothing has been confirmed as of yet by RCA or by Clarkson.

=== Singles ===

Proponents argue further that the social environment of schools:

[[Image:Kelly Clarkson - A Moment Like This CD cover.jpg|150 px|thumb|right|"A Moment Like This"<br>CD single cover]]

*eradicates individuality and creativity.

*sinks to the standards of the lowest common denominator

*involves bullying, drug use, early sexuality, defiance, criminality, materialism, and eating disorders.

and that socialization in the wider community:

*leads them to see adults, rather than peers, as role models

*better prepares them for real life

*encourages them to be more involved in youth organizations, church organizations, and sports

*helps them develop an independent understanding of themselves and their role in the world, with the freedom to reject or approve conventional values without the risk of ridicule.

*from ''Thankful''

Opponents of homeschooling offer the following criticisms concerning socialization, pointing out that not all homeschooling families participate extensively in community activities:

** 2002: "[[A Moment Like This]]" &mdash; '''#1''' US (2 weeks;(US Certification: '''Gold'''); '''#1''' CAN (2 weeks; (CAN Certification: '''2x Platinum''')

*Interaction with peers and different social groups is essential to learning to live in society.

*** Released in the US as a [[double A-side]] with "Before Your Love"

*Schools are a unique environment that provide students with necessary social networking skills that help them succeed in the workplace and in the politics of high-level business. Real life includes school as well.

** 2003: "[[Miss Independent]]" &mdash; #9 (US Certification: '''Gold'''); #6 CAN; #6 UK; #3 AUS (Gold)

*Homeschoolers tend to live in an insulated world where they aren't exposed to a variety of ideas, which can prevent any personal growth and independence later on in life.

** 2003: "[[Low (song)|Low]]" &mdash; #58 US; #2 CAN; #11 AUS

*If children are insulated from unpleasant social situations, then they will be left unprepared when they are inevitably left to make their own way in the world. Children should be allowed to live and learn from their mistakes rather than sheltered from reality.

** 2003: "[[The Trouble with Love Is]]" &mdash; #35 UK; #11 AUS

*** Released in the UK as a double A-side with "Low"

*from ''Breakaway''

Some persons oppose homeschooling because they fear that children in such homes will be influenced too much by the ideas of their parents, and not exposed to the ideas forwarded in schools run by the government.

** 2004: "[[Breakaway (song)|Breakaway]]" &mdash; #6 (US Certification: '''2x Platinum'''); #3 CAN; #10 (AUS Certification: '''Gold'''); #12 NZ

** 2004: "[[Since U Been Gone]]" &mdash; #2 (US Certification: '''4x Platinum'''); '''#1''' CAN (2 weeks); #5 UK; #3 (AUS Certification: '''Platinum'''); '''#1''' SA (3 weeks); #4 IRL; '''#1''' CHI; #6 GER; #11 NZ; #7 SWZ

** 2005: "[[Behind These Hazel Eyes]]" &mdash; #6 (US Certification: '''Platinum'''); #4 CAN; #9 UK; #6 AUS; #5 CHI; #16 SA

** 2005: "[[Because of You (Kelly Clarkson song)|Because of You]]" &mdash; #7 US; #5 CAN

== UK chart performance ==

==Notable homeschooled individuals==

*[[Thomas Edison]]

*[[Dakota Fanning]]

*[[Christopher Paolini]]

*[[Sho Yano]]

Following the trend of several previous American artists, Clarkson's album dropped in the United States before hitting the United Kingdom as well as the rest of Europe, as success in the UK tends to reflect success in the rest of Europe.

==See also==

* [[Educational philosophies]], [[education reform]]

* [[Catherine Baker]]

* [[John Taylor Gatto]]

* [[A.C.E. (Accelerated Christian Education) | Accelerated Christian Education]]

Clarkson's first single released in the U.K. was "Miss Independent", which reached the top ten. However when she released her debut album, ''Thankful'', it did poorly on the charts, as did her singles "Low" and "The Trouble with Love Is". However she came back with "Since U Been Gone", which reached number five, and stayed a further eight weeks in the top ten. It is currently in the top fifty after nearly half a year. The second single, "Behind These Hazel Eyes," also reached the top ten, and is now in the top twenty.

==Footnote==

*The extract from the Education Act is Crown Copyright, 1996. Reproduced from [http://www.opsi.gov.uk/ Her Majesty's Stationary Office, United Kingdom]. The Education Act is available in printed form, ISBN 0105456969.

Her second album, ''Breakaway'', reached number six, and is currently in the top ten; it has been certified platinum. Clarkson is the first American female to reach a peak that high since [[Britney Spears]]' ''Greatest Hits'' album. Clarkson has had more sucess than many other US female pop acts, and is currently the only American female to have a album in the top twenty.

==Resources==

She is tenth on the list of Christmas favorites, behind some of the U.K.'s biggest artists: [[Coldplay]], [[Robbie Williams]], [[Westlife]], [[Girls Aloud]], and [[Sugababes]].

* ''[[Teach Your Own]]'' by [[John Cadwell Holt|John Holt]] and [[Patrick Farenga]]

* ''[[The Well-Trained Mind]]'' by [[Susan Wise Bauer]] and [[Jessie Wise]]

* ''[[The Teenage Liberation Handbook]]'' by [[Grace Llewellyn]]

* ''[[The Homeschooling Handbook]]'' by [[Mary Griffith]]

* ''[[Family Matters: Why Homeschooling Makes Sense]]'' by [[David Guterson]]

* ''You Are Your Child's First Teacher'' by [[Rahima Baldwin Dancy]]

==External linksVideography==

===USA===

General:

* [http://www.NHEN.org/ National Home Education Network]

* [http://www.opinionjournal.com/taste/?id=110007199 What They're Reading at the Kitchen Table], a September 2005 article from the ''[[Wall Street Journal]]''

* [http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/ A portal for homeschooling], with [http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/articles/102299.htm consumer information] from an [[AdSense]]-supported website run by a [[California]]n woman

* [http://www.naaha.com/ National African-American Homeschoolers Alliance] The largest and most comprehensive website and organization for [[African American]] homeschooling families

* [http://homeschooling.about.com/ About Homeschooling] An [[About.com]] homeschool community with forums, free ecourses, curriculum reviews, unit studies, clubs for the kids, and information for beginners

* [http://www.christian-parenting-source.com/ One family's guide to "Christian homeschooling"], partially supported by [[AdSense]]

*from ''Thankful''

Research:

* [http://www.nheri.org/ National Home Education Research Institute]

* [http://www.hslda.org/research/ray2003/ Homeschooling Grows Up]: The largest research survey to date of adults who were home-educated.

* ERIC digests from US Dept. of Education

** [http://eric.uoregon.edu/publications/digests/digest151.html Homeschooling, by Patricia M. Lines, 2001]

** [http://www.ericdigests.org/1995-1/home.htm Home Schooling and Socialization of Children]

** [http://www.ericdigests.org/2000-3/home.htm The Scholastic Achievement of Home School Students]

** [http://www.ericdigests.org/1996-1/home.htm Home Schooling]

* [http://geocities.com/nelstomlinson/research.bibliography.html Annotated bibliography of research on homeschooling], hosted on a [[GeoCities]] website

Legalities:

* [http://www.hslda.org/ The Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA)]

{| class="wikitable"

All-in-one curricula:

|- bgcolor="#CCCCCC"

* [http://www.calvertschool.org/ Calvert School], which created the market in 1906

! Date !! Video !! Director !! [[Total Request Live|TRL]] Stats !! Notes

* [http://www.k12.com/ K12, Inc.], founded by [[William Bennett]] and popular with parents who want a heavy emphasis on [[Value system|values]]

|-

===UK===

| September 2002 || "Before Your Love" || Antti Jokinen || 13 days <br> (1 at #1) || Kelly's first official video, featured and world premiered on MTV's [[Making the Video]].

* [http://www.home-education.org.uk/ Home Education UK] - Contains links to UK, US, European and Australian home education organisations

|-

* [http://www.diversity-otherwise.tk/ Diversity-Otherwise] - UK multi-cultural home education

| October 2002 || "A Moment Like This" || Antti Jokinen || 19 days <br> (1 at #1) || Features clips of Clarkson's winning moment on ''American Idol''.

* [http://www.hslda.org/hs/international/UnitedKingdom/default.asp HSLDA UK Webpage] - Legal information and links to UK home education organisations.

|-

* [http://www.aspies.co.uk/hediary.html Home Education Diary] - from a family in Scotland, with activities and links to resources.

| May 2003 || "Miss Independent" || Liz Friedlander || 50 days <br> (14 at #1) || Nominated for [[MTV Video Music Award for Best New Artist|Best New Artist in a Video]], [[MTV Video Music Award for Best Pop Video|Best Pop Video]], and [[MTV Video Music Award - Viewer's Choice|Viewer's Choice]] at the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards.

* [http://www.educationotherwise.com/ Education Otherwise] - a home education charity with around 16,000 members in the UK

Clarkson's first video to be [[TRL retired videos|retired]] from the ''[[Total Request Live|TRL]]'' countdown.

===France===

|-

* [http://www.indigoextra.com/ IndigoExtra] - provides information and links on home education in Europe, with a focus on France

| August 2003 || "Low" || Antti Jokinen || 26 days <br> (4 at #1) || First video to feature Clarkson singing with a live band.

|-

| November 2003 || "The Trouble with Love Is" || Bryan Barber || 22 days <br> (0 at #1) || Soundtrack video for [[Love Actually|''Love Actually'']]

|}

*from ''Breakaway''

===Publications===

* [http://www.homeedmag.com/ Home Education Magazine] The oldest homeschool magazine in the US. Many articles online

* [http://www.theoldhomeschoolhouse.com/ The Old Schoolhouse Magazine] Large, diverse homeschooling magazines with international distribution.

{| class="wikitable"

[[Category:School types]]

|- bgcolor="#CCCCCC"

[[Category:Educational philosophy]]

! Date !! Video !! Director !! [[Total Request Live|TRL]] Stats !! [[VH1]] Stats !! Notes

|-

| July 2004 || "Breakaway" || Dave Meyers || 23 days <br> (0 at #1) || 7 weeks <br> (0 at #1) || Soundtrack video for [[The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement|''The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement'']]

|-

| November 2004 || "Since U Been Gone" || Alex De Rakoff || 43 days <br> (6 at #1) || 14 weeks <br> (1 at #1) || Won for [[MTV Video Music Award for Best Female Video|Best Female Video]] and [[MTV Video Music Award for Best Pop Video|Best Pop Video]] at the 2005 MTV Video Music Awards.

Video was produced by [[Santa Monica]]-based production company [http://www.fmrocks.com/ FM Rocks].

[[de:Hausunterricht]]

|-

[[eo:Hejminstruo]]

| May 2005 || "Behind These Hazel Eyes" || Joseph Kahn || 50 days <br> (33 at #1) || 11 weeks <br> (0 at #1) ||

[[nl:Thuisonderwijs]]

Clarkson is credited with writing the complete original [[Film treatment|treatment]] for the video,<br>which underwent very few edits and was happily executed by director Joseph Kahn.

[[fr:École à la maison]]

[[ja:&#12507;&#12540;&#12512;&#12473;&#12463;&#12540;&#12522;&#12531;&#12464;]]

The exterior forest scenes for "Behind These Hazel Eyes" were done in one of the largest indoor sets ever built for a music video.

[[fi:Kotikoulu]]

All interior gothic cathedral scenes were filmed in Ontario, Canada.

Set a record on ''TRL'' for the most days at number one by a solo female artist.

Clarkson's second video to be retired from the TRL countdown, and also her first video to be retired internationally (TRL Poland).

|-

| September 2005 || "Because of You" || Vadim Perelman || 30 days <br> (19 at #1) || 6 Weeks<br> (3 at #1) || Filmed in Irvine, California.

The video "Because of You" marks the second time that Clarkson has submitted her own treatment for a video.

World Premiered on ''TRL'' on Monday, [[October 3]] [[2005]].

"Because of You" became Kelly's first video to debut at number one on ''TRL'', a feat accomplished only by a handful of artists.

Number one on Yahoo Music's Top 100 Videos

|}

==Filmography==

*2002: ''Issues 101'' - Crystal

*2003: ''[[From Justin to Kelly]]''

== Chart accomplishments ==

* Biggest jump to number one with "A Moment Like this" (from fifty-two). Broke the previous record held by [[The Beatles]] (from twenty-seven with "Can't Buy Me Love").

* First solo artist to hold number-one positions on two U.S. Billboard charts simultaneously with two different singles:

** "Breakaway" &mdash; number one, Adult Contemporary

** "Since U Been Gone" &mdash; number one, Top 40

* First artist to have two songs in the top three of the Billboard Pop Airplay 100 simultaneously, with "Since U Been Gone" and "Behind These Hazel Eyes".

* "Breakaway" was number one on the Adult Contemporary charts for twenty-one non-consecutive weeks (twenty of these being consecutive), tied for the longest run for a female artist with [[Céline Dion]] (Kelly's own idol) and her song "A New Day Has Come".

* "Since U Been Gone" is currently the song with the second most number of digital downloads ever with over 900.000 downloads. Only Gwen Stefani's "Hollaback Girl" has more digital downloads of over 1.000.000.

* The "Behind These Hazel Eyes" video currently holds the record of the longest number of days at #1 on TRL by a female artist.

* "Because Of You" debuted #1 on TRL. This feature has only been done by a handful of artists.

==Awards and nominations==

[[Image:kelly vma05.jpg|175px|thumb|right|Kelly accepting her award for Best Female Video at the 2005 MTV Video Music Awards]]

'''[[American Music Awards]]'''

* 2005: Nominated - Favorite Pop/Rock Female Artist

* 2005: Nominated - Favorite Pop/Rock Album

* 2005: '''Won''' - Favorite Adult Contemporary Artist

* 2005: '''Won''' - T-Mobile Text-In Award (Artist of the Year) (''Voted by the fans, regardless of music genre'')

** '''The 2005 American Music Awards aired November 22, 2005 on [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]].'''

* 2003: Nominated - Best New Pop/Rock Artist

'''ASCAP Pop Music Awards'''

* 2004: '''Won''' - Song Writer Award (''Kelly Clarkson & Rhett Lawrence - Miss Independent'')

'''AOL Awards'''

* 2005: '''Won''' - Best Musical Buddy

* 2004: '''Won''' - Hottest Song (''The Trouble with Love Is'')

'''BDS Certified Spin Award'''

* 2003: '''Won''' - 50,000 Spins (''Low'')

'''[[Billboard Music Awards]]'''

* 2005: Nominated - Hot 100 Song Of The Year (''Since U Been Gone'')

* 2005: Nominated - Digital Song Of The Year (''Since U Been Gone'')

* 2005: Nominated - Artist Of The Year

** '''The 2005 Billboard Music Awards airs December 6, 2005 on [[Fox Broadcasting Company|FOX]].'''

* 2002: '''Won''' - Best Selling Single Of The Year (''A Moment Like This'')

'''[[Grammy awards|Grammy Awards]]'''

* 2004: Nominated - Best Female Pop Vocal Performance (''Miss Independent'')

'''[[Video Music Awards|Latin Video Music Awards]]'''

* 2005: Nominated - Best International Pop Artist

* 2005: Nominated - Best New International Artist

'''[[Video Music Awards|MTV Video Music Awards]]'''

* 2005: '''Won''' - Best Female Video (''Since U Been Gone'')

* 2005: '''Won''' - Best Pop Video (''Since U Been Gone'')

* 2005: Nominated - Viewer's Choice Award (''Since U Been Gone'')

* 2003: Nominated - Best New Artist In A Video (''Miss Independent'')

* 2003: Nominated - Best Pop Video (''Miss Independent'')

* 2003: Nominated - Viewer's Choice Award (''Miss Independent'')

'''New Music Weekly Awards'''

* 2004: '''Won''' - Female Artist Of The Year

* 2004: '''Won''' - Top 40 Single Of The Year (''Miss Independent'')

'''Radio Music Awards'''

* 2005: Nominated - Song of the Year/ Adult Hit Radio {''Breakaway'')

* 2005: Nominated - Song of the Year/ Mainstream Hit Radio {''Since U Been Gone and Behind These Hazel Eyes'')

* 2005: Nominated - Artist of the Year/ Adult Hit Radio

* 2005: Nominated - Artist of the Year / Mainstream Hit Radio

** '''The 2005 Radio Music Awards air December 16, 2005

* 2003: Nominated - Song Of The Year / Top 40 Radio (''Miss Independent'')

* 2003: Nominated - Best Driving Song

'''[[Teen Choice Awards]]'''

* 2005: '''Won''' - Choice Album (''Breakaway'')

* 2005: '''Won''' - Choice Summer Song (''Behind These Hazel Eyes'')

* 2005: '''Won''' - Choice Single (''Since U Been Gone'')

* 2005: '''Won''' - Choice Female Artist

* 2003: '''Won''' - Choice Female Music Artist

* 2003: Nominated - Choice Summer Movie (''From Justin To Kelly'')

* 2003: Nominated - Choice Summer Song (''Miss Independent'')

* 2003: Nominated - Choice Crossover Artist

* 2003: Nominated - Choice Breakout Artist

* 2003: Nominated - Choice Breakout Movie Star, Female

* 2003: Nominated - Choice Chemistry (''From Justin To Kelly'')

* 2003: Nominated - Choice Love Song (''A Moment Like This'')

'''[[World Music Awards]]'''

* 2005: Nominated - World's Best-Selling Pop Female Artist

* 2003: Nominated - Best New Female Artist

== External links ==

*[http://www.kellyclarksonweb.com/ The Official Homepage of Kelly Clarkson]

*[http://www.kellyclarksonuk.com/ The Official UK Homepage of Kelly Clarkson]

*[http://www.kellyclarkson.com/ The Official Fan Club of Kelly Clarkson]

*{{imdb name|id=1225628|name=Kelly Clarkson}}

*{{nndb name|id=658/000045523|name=Kelly Clarkson}}

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[[Category:1982 births|Clarkson, Kelly]]

[[Category:American Idol contestants|Clarkson, Kelly]]

[[Category:American pop singers|Clarkson, Kelly]]

[[Category:Dance Top 40 acts in United States|Clarkson, Kelly]]

[[Category:Female singers|Clarkson, Kelly]]

[[Category:Fort Worthians|Clarkson, Kelly]]

[[Category:People from Texas|Clarkson, Kelly]]

[[Category:Pop musicians|Clarkson, Kelly]]

[[Category:Pop singers|Clarkson, Kelly]]

[[Category:Reality show winners|Clarkson, Kelly]]

[[Category:Vocalists|Clarkson, Kelly]]

[[Category:Whistle register singers|Clarkson, Kelly]]

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