All across the nation local public schools are operating programs that they refer to as "homeschooling." They go by many names: charter school, alternative learning program, independent study program, distance learning program, etc. But while we may share the same learning environment with some of these programs - the home - there are significant differences in laws, freedoms, and authority structure.
These programs are creating a distorted view of homeschooling and home education. They give officials and lawmakers the false belief that homeschoolers are willing to accept more regulations and oversight in exchange for government handouts. This is counter to current research that shows homeschoolers are thriving regardless of government regulations or programs Worst of all- they may encourage others to believe that this is how homeschooling should be conducted.
Individuals and families built the homeschool movement; contrary to many who claim that education is best conducted by experts and professionals. These parents proved that education could succeed outside of traditional schools. They proved that there are other ways to learn, other philosophies, teaching styles and methods that worked. They fought to be free from government schools and regulations- their freedom was as important as the very educational opportunity they desired to give their children. They proved that parents could be successful to raise and teach their children.
When the state of Washington passed their homeschool law in 1984 the following paragraph was included to clarify the rights of homeschooling parents. We have included this part of Washington's law, since it is fairly consistent with the universal rights of homeschool parents.
All decisions relating to philosophy or doctrine, selection of books, teaching materials and curriculum, and methods, timing, and place in the provision or evaluation of home-based instruction shall be the responsibility of the parent except for matters specifically referred to in this chapter RCW 28A.200.
While this statement is true in general of homeschooling freedoms, the opposite is true of those who "homeschool" in public funded and controlled programs. All decisions are no longer under the direct authority of the parent but are under the direct authority of school officials. The parent is no longer in control of their child's education. The parent must submit to the local school district or official when making decisions, setting goals and standards, deciding the who, how, when and what of the child's education. Keep in mind, the local school district or official is responsible for evaluating the child's progress, and this will include meeting the state goals and state tests.
The parent looses one of the most valuable assets of homeschooling, the loss of freedom, flexibility and creativity. The Christian parent will need to make sure the instruction and curriculum is non-sectarian. The independent homeschoolers has the freedom to make the final decisions based on their intimate knowledge of their children, their needs, their strengths and weaknesses, and their interests. A parent who has enrolled their child in a program operated by the public school will loose much of this freedom and authority. They also open themselves up to more government intrusion into the family.
The dangers of these types of programs is they create a highly visible group of families who are willing to accept greater regulations and control by the public schools and the government—they threaten to become the standard by which homeschooling is understood by the general public, legislature, school officials. They strengthen the belief that homeschoolers need help from the experts- the government schools and provide a basis for those who would like to see homeschooling more regulated. Public schools are by nature regulatory institutions, and are accountable for taxpayer money. These programs set a precedent for regulations to be applied to all homeschoolers.
While many states have programs that are operated by the public schools there are also many programs operated by private schools. It is very important to make the distinctions that private school programs do not raise the same concerns as those offered by the public schools. Most of these programs are offered as an asset to the independent homeschoolers and do not interfere with the parents freedom, authority, or control.
In Washington state public funded programs that refer to themselves as "homeschool" programs have been operating for ten years. Several school districts now have changed policies that directly affect and hinder independent homeschoolers freedoms. Unchallenged these programs will continue to create a steady loss of freedom, control, and independence.
Written by: Scott and DiAnna Brannan have been married twenty years. They have two children, and reside in Kent, Washington. They have served in several capacities within the homeschool community. Currently they serve on the board of a homeschool cooperative, where they both teach. They are founders of the Christian Homeschool Network of Washington (www.chnow.org) CHN's mission is to communicate legislative and local issues that effect homeschooling in the state of Washington.
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