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We have been hearing about the "certificates" or "diploma seals" in PA for a couple of years now -- there will be 2 "levels" of certification (possibly called "mastery" and "proficiency") -- rumor is that only if they "achieve" the higher level, will children be considered eligible for college learning and "elite" jobs (lawyer, doctor, engineer, politician) -- and it will be a very small group that gets this higher certificate. 66%-75% of students are expected to be "tracked" onto the lower level. Parents here were outraged when the PASS tests came out with just these results -- they couldn't believe that two-thirds of the students in high school are considered "below mastery", and were asking the school boards to look into it.

What the parents don't understand (but what cynical homeschoolers like me have already figured out) is that the districts are following a social plan that will provide "the state" with dumbed down but compliant "workers" who will never aspire to greatness (the "elite" group will, of course, include all children of the present educators and other "leaders")

The "wrench in the works" is the Homeschooling community. These "mavericks" are already refusing to follow the lock-step norm of government schooling and tend to be well-informed and strong-willed, but worse than that, those "unsocialized" home-schooled kids have the gall to perform well above expectations and are scoring highly on standardized tests and college entry exams. Yes....homeschoolers could be completely left in the cold if these certificates are made mandatory -- but there will be plenty of us fighting against it tooth and nail...

We have been hearing about the "certificates" or "diploma seals" in PA for a couple of years now

We first heard about this nearly 15 years ago. It's been in the planning stage longer than that.

What the parents don't understand (but what cynical homeschoolers like me have already figured out) is that the districts are following a social plan that will provide "the state" with dumbed down but compliant "workers" who will never aspire to greatness (the "elite" group will, of course, include all children of the present educators and other "leaders")

Exactly right. When Americans find out what this really is, there will be a massive rebellion if there isn't a massive lawsuit first.

I think this "certificate" stuff is just a scare tactic. I don't remember ever in my life having to show a high school diploma to anybody (except the Marine recruiter). How many employers actually go to the trouble to verify a high school diploma, LOFL?

Also, I think that if you can show a hearty SAT score to a college, you will gleefully get admitted. However, if the scumbag Democrats and the teachers unions manage to make this "certificate" meaningful, there could be problems for homeschoolers.

All I can say is fight the bastards. Hillary and Bill sent their daughter to the exclusive Sidwell Friends Academy in Washington, DC. I don't think kids at Sidwell Friends are required to take part in socialistic School-to-Work programs. They aren't required to choose a STW program based on the workforce needs of their community. The last time I read about Chelsea, she looked three sheets to the wind outside of an English nightclub. I wonder what she does for a living? She's been out of college for awhile.

Just say NO to STW and other UNAMERICAN programs that limit your children's futures.

As far as homeschooling parents not capable of teaching their kids -- homeschoolers today are on the cutting edge of technology. They have a plethora of internet sites from which to choose curricula and instructors to suit their needs. Face it, bricks and mortar schools are eventually going to become obsolete. Some states (such as Ohio) are developing internet classes in order to lure homeschoolers back who don't want to attend public schools. At least Ohio can see the handwriting on the wall.

Tell everyone you know to type in "Marc Tucker Letter to Hillary Clinton" on the address line on their home page. It will soon become evident why Hillary Clinton should get no further in her political life than where she is now.

twyn, what's a shame about these as well is they never judge the changes a person can make as they make the transition from teenager to adult. I can think of many examples of people who dropped out of high school late and went on to live very successful professional careers. Under the new communist system, they'd probably be working a salt mine somewhere. Dispicable!

The "wrench in the works" is the Homeschooling community. These "mavericks" are already refusing to follow the lock-step norm of government schooling and tend to be well-informed and strong-willed, but worse than that, those "unsocialized" home-schooled kids have the gall to perform well above expectations and are scoring highly on standardized tests and college entry exams.

My homeschooled eldest daughter just got her SAT results: 1230 (83rd percentile). Not bad for a 14 year old.

What can we do to help? If there is anything let me know.