You: I don't think there is anything wrong with being an exception to a rule, especially if it's a bad rule. However, I tend to agree that something doesn't smell right.
You: If the parents are preparing their kids for the world, the need to have some way to assess their progress. I can't imagine a caring parent who would teach their homeschooled child to be afraid of measuring their academic progress.
Me: EXACTLY! How does one asses progress WITHOUT OBJECTIVE TESTING? Sorry but the "honor" system doesn't cut it. The homeschooling parent needs to abide by the law that is IN PLACE where they live and as you say not be afraid for their kids to test. Something is VERY wrong here.