House File 2099: Create a Public-school-at-home Program in Iowa

Author:
Representatives Kurtenbach

Summary:
This bill creates virtual charter schools in Iowa.

Status:

1/26/2006		House, Introduced, referred to Education
1/26/2006		House, Assigned to subcommittee: Boal, Macsher, Paulsen
2/20/2006		House, Subcommittee Hearing—did not pass the subcommittee
3/3/2006		House, Crossover Day—Bill did not pass out of full committee; bill is dead

HSLDA's Position:
Oppose.

Action Requested:
None requested at this time

Background:
Charter schools are a new phenomenon rapidly gaining popularity across the country. All charter schools are created or "chartered" by public school boards, which establish a mission, educational program, and methods of assessment. Most charter schools are classroom-based. However, some charter schools, like the ones created by this bill, are home-based, thus creating a public-school-at-home program. In reality, parents who accept government money through virtual charter schools are signing over ultimate educational control of their children to the state. Enrolling in a home-based charter school creates a little public school in your home.

This is why HSLDA has for years opposed public-school-at-home programs and it's why we oppose this bill.

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