While I don’t agree with the ruling, why would homschoolers WANT this kind of help from the public school system? I thought they took take their children out to AVOID the system.
In many places, the only way to see a speech therapist or other therapists for a child with special needs is through the school district.
Not to mention the homeschoolers are already saving the school district thousands and thousands of dollars by not mainstreaming their special needs children.
I know this is talking about special education services, but there are other reasons homeschoolers send their kids to public school for opportunities that don’t exist except in the public school system. JROTC is one that comes to mind. My nephew was homeschooled, but went to the public school for an hour or two everyday to participate in JROTC. It served him well, and he now has a full ROTC scholarship to college. You don’t homeschool simply to “avoid” the system...you homeschool to provide your kids with an optimum education and value system. However, sometimes taking part in the public school programs are the only way to access certain parts of what one might consider an optimum education.
I agree that, in most cases, using any school services could invite trouble. I do know a mother who asked our district for a team to evaluate her hearing-impaired child, and she was turned down. But we live in a state with no homeschool regulations.
In New York, homeschoolers are regulated. They must submit records, take tests, and report to the school district. So, not only do they pay school taxes and foot the education bill on their own, but homeschooling is controlled by the public school system there. So, they’re already forced to be involved with it.
If NY is going to deny services, then at least leave the homeschoolers alone.