do you need 'proof' that unschooling works?

In homeschooling circles, someone will invariably share that their 8 year old is at a 6th-grade reading level already, and everybody gushes approval because they're "ahead".

They want to hold up stats and measurements as ‘proof’ the unschooling is working.

Or worse - they highlight moments where their kid is naturally interested in doing worksheets or m…