Texas Home School Coalition : Home School Crisis

Texas Home School Coalition ^ | Tim Lambert

[Alkhin]

Dear Texas Home Schooler,

THSC PAC today (January 31, 2006) releases its initial round of endorsements for the 2006 Republican Primary. Texas home schoolers face a potential crisis in this election the likes of which we have not seen since the TEA ruled that home schools were not private schools and encouraged local school districts to prosecute parents who were teaching their children at home in the early 1980s. Let me explain.

[wintertime]

. It is all well and good to have that 'I don't think they are capable' attitude until some teachers union brainwashed bureaucrat says YOU are not capable of raising your own kids

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

I have seen kids who were government school grads arrive a community college nearly illiterate and innumerate. In less than 2 years the community college through remedial courses is able to bring these kids up to a level where they can move into college courses and succeed.

Even in the very, very, very unlike situation where a homeschooling parent would neglect their child, all is not lost. If government schoolers with 12 years of non-education can get an basic education in less than 2 years, then they same would be true for the rare educationally neglected homeschooler.

[RightField]

But I would never engage with them to get their go-ahead. Just do it.

We homeschooled in California for many years, and that's exactly how we started. We took our son out of school, told the administration he was moving to a private school, and someone would send for his records later.

We ended up associating with a private Christian school, in their "independent studies" program. It was a perfect solution for us - he was enrolled in a site-based school as far as the State of California knew, and yet we had complete control over curriculum, methods, etc.

Our local school district offers a "home schooling option" but it's just the public school program, done at home under public school supervision. No thanks.

An idea I try to get across to new homeschoolers is to NOT try to duplicate "school" at home. It's definitely not necessary, or even desirable, to try and imitate a corporate school setting.

[bboop]

It's what we did too. I know it is scary for those thinking of making the leap -- like you are leaping off the edge of a cliff. It is so not that, but you don't know until you know. I encourage newbies too. I loved a book we read when I was just starting, about how Thomas Edison's mom just told him (she pulled him when the kdg teacher said he was unteachable!!) -- 'For every book you read, I will give you $1.' It really made sense.

[uptoolate]

"However, at the same time we all know people who we don't think are capable of making sure their children get a good education at home. Shouldn't there be some kind of accountability to make sure that children are really getting a solid education?"

This is the underlying principle in Socialism. "The people cannot be counted on, the government must take control and raise the people."

No, The government should not be the "child raising police squad". Let the chips fall where they may, the cream will rise to the top.

Infrastructure, Defense, Law and Order, and Justice are the concerns of government. Let Capitalism work freely, uninterrupted by those who feel it is thier right to judge what the American standard of life should be.

[Clintonfatigued]

This is appalling. I have to admit, Texas is not where I expected something like this to happen.

[kpp_kpp]

Ohio requires that hs children either participate in state standardize testing or have their curriculum and work reviewed by a certified teacher once a year. They also require a letter be sent to the local district notifying the district of your home schooling intentions.

It does not seem too restrictive to me. I agree with those who think their needs to be some accountability -- and anyone involved in any type of home school group/coalition usually knows a supportive certified teacher that can be used to do the reviews.

[latina4dubya]

Shouldn't there be some kind of accountability to make sure that children are really getting a solid education?

no--the government cannot even guarantee that they will provide their own students a "solid education." why should homeschoolers be held under a stricter standard?

[latina4dubya]

Ohio requires that hs children either participate in state standardize testing or have their curriculum and work reviewed by a certified teacher once a year.

Ohio is way too restrictive in my opinion... here in California, all we need to do is send in an R4 Affadavit once a year... and that is restrictive enough...

[latina4dubya]

No, The government should not be the "child raising police squad". Let the chips fall where they may, the cream will rise to the top.

bravo!

[latina4dubya]

When i was considering HS as an option for my daughter several years ago, our local school administration here in San Jose threw up road blocks and obstacles at me left and right.

do you mean San Jose, California? if yes--why in the world did you let them tell you anything at all? i'm from San Jose, and i have many homeschooling friends in San Jose... they get no interference at all... what you allowed the school administration to do to you was unnecessary... they have no legal say in your homeschool...

[latina4dubya]

I'm in Florida, and it's pretty easy to homeschool. You do have to register with the local school board and at the end of each year you either have to submit a standardized test score, or have the child evaluated by a certified teacher.

to me, this does not sound "easy." what you describe is too much restriction... standardized test scores? evaluation by a certified teacher? ick...

[SauronOfMordor]

No, The government should not be the "child raising police squad". Let the chips fall where they may, the cream will rise to the top.

With Freedom, sometimes bad things will happen. With micromanaging socialism, bad things are certain to happen.

Accepting the fact that people will occasionally make bad choices is the price tag of freedom

[Politicalmom]

I am FED up with you. It is none of your business where other people place their children.

I have my children in our local school. We moved here to get into this school. I volunteer, and I am personal friends with the principal, and many of the teachers. I live in an extremely conservative city that runs its own schools.

There are Bible verses up on the wall and controversial subjects are expected to be covered at home.

I support homeschoolers, and I am sick to death with the lack of respect many of them show to other parents' decisions.

[uptoolate]

"There are Bible verses up on the wall"

In a public school? How did you guys manage that? The next state west of you lost a good judge for just having a monument of the Ten Commandments on Government property. You may want to keep this to yourself before you know who out of San Fran hears about it and forces you guys to stop. Until that happens praise Jesus for your freedom.

[wintertime]

I am FED up with you. It is none of your business where other people place their children.

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Huh?

For all these years it is homeschoolers who have constantly been explaining: Yes, it is legal. Yes, their children are socialized. Yes, parents who aren't certified teachers CAN teach their children.

It is time for homeschoolers to STOP being defensive. The evidence is now in. Homeschoolers thrive academically and socially. Homeschooling produces children who on average excel far and above institutionalized children. The most elite colleges and universities are eagerly seeking them and admitting them because they are highly creative, self-motivated, socially mature, and bring many talents to the campus environment.

Sorry,,,,it is the parent who institutionalizes their child who now needs to defend their decision.

In my opinion, ( which will be eventually proven) is that homeschooling is the healthiest and most natural way to raise a child. Homeschooling will continue to grow because it is good for children.

This is not to judge you personally. Obviously, you are doing what you think is best for your child given your set of circumstances.

[Constitution1st]

Do not give into the educrat; fight it. Raise awareness, and bring the people to the capitol in droves. Be prepared to sit in prison rather than give your children over to the government, or bring revolution rather than surrender to them.