Homeschooling in trouble in California.

Pt314 · Senior Member

Homeschooling in trouble in California.

hiccups · Future Queen in Zion

Wow. I certainly hope this gets turned around.

www.hslda.org has a petition up to address this issue, btw.

-- Edited by hiccups at 09:15, 2008-03-07

arbilad · Head Chef

This is huge news in the homeschooling community right now, because it would effectively outlaw homeschooling in California. Even my nieces and nephew might have to physically attend school, even though their program is run through the local public school.
Shame on that judge.

-- Edited by arbilad at 09:56, 2008-03-07

LoudmouthMormon · Profuse Pontificator

A quick trip to hslda.org gives us the following summary of CA laws.

Sounds like the appeals court overstepped it's authority, and will get shot down the next level up.

LM

arbilad · Head Chef

We can only hope that sanity will take hold again in California. But the supreme court of California is not exactly the most conservative institution on the face of the planet.

Duke of Mirth · Profuse Pontificator

I can only imagine how giddy the teacher's unions are. This gives them even more power over parents and children. Sorry you can't homeschool, you can't transfer to another school, you can't fire the teacher, so your kid is stuck here to be bullied, indoctrinated, or educated poorly.

Janey · Senior Member

It's too bad the ruling cracked down on homeschooling. From the article, it sounds like there were several child welfare problems, and education was only one of them.

Maybe this will provide some "oomph" to clarify that homeschooling is legal in California. The summary of the law that LM linked to sounds like homeschoolers have to jump through hoops and pretend to be a private school. Perhaps homeschoolers need to start writing to their legislators.

Duke of Mirth · Profuse Pontificator

This was just release by the State School Superintendent. I think he was feeling the heat.

SCHOOLS CHIEF JACK O'CONNELL ISSUES STATEMENT REGARDING

HOME SCHOOLING IN CALIFORNIA

SACRAMENTO - State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell announced today that the California Department of Education has completed a legal review of the February 28 California Court of Appeal ruling regarding home schooling. O'Connell issued the following statement:

"I have reviewed this case, and I want to assure parents that chose to home school that California Department of Education policy will not change in any way as a result of this ruling. Parents still have the right to home school in our state.

"Every child in our state has a legal right to get an education, and I want every child to get an education that will prepare them for success in college and the world of work in the challenging global economy.

"As the head of California's public school system, I hope that every parent would want to send their children to public school. However, traditional public schools may not be the best fit for every student. Within the public school system there are a range of options available. Students can take independent study classes, attend a charter school, or participate in non-classroom-based programs. But some parents choose to send their children to private schools or to home school, and I respect that right.

"I admire the dedication of parents who commit to oversee their children's education through home schooling. But, no matter what educational program a student participates in, it is critical that the program prepares them for future success in the global economy. I urge any parent who is considering or involved in home schooling their children to take advantage of resources and support available through their county or district offices of education."

rayb · Hot Air Balloon

Exactly how hard would it be to get accredited? I can't imagine it's too hard, considering the level of the educators in California. Here in WA, because I already have a Master's Degree, I think this essentially equates to having to attend a one hour meeting taught once a week at the school district's local office.

--Ray

PS> I actually agree with the notion that really really stupid people should not be using "homeschooling" as an excuse because they are too stoned or drunk to get their kids up for school. (We have a lady in our neighborhood who essentially does this...)

-- Edited by rayb at 18:39, 2008-03-11

arbilad · Head Chef

Ray, it is actually quite difficult to get a teaching certificate in CA. At least, it takes a lot of college courses specifically in education.
And that woman must not be as lazy as you think, Ray. According to the HSLDA website, Washington law requires you to:

Annually administer and retain a state approved standardized test by a qualified person or have the child evaluated by a certified teacher currently working in the field of education

So that lady must work pretty hard to fool or avoid the testers.

arbilad · Head Chef

BTW, unfortunately this will still need to be fought out in the courts. I'm confident that the school districts will ignore the schools chief if the courts disagree with him.