RHODE ISLAND
Homeschoolers Get Grudging Approval
For a small state, Rhode Island has some big problems. As one of the two remaining states that rely solely on a burdensome "approval" law (Massachusetts is the other), Rhode Island shares the unpleasant distinction of being one of the most repressive states for homeschoolers. Over the last 13 years, districts have grudgingly tolerated more and more home school liberties, but it has been a slow and painful uphill climb. School year 1996-97 was no exception.
A number of school districts voted to approve homeschoolers by split votes. Many school committee members still refuse to vote for any homeschoolers, "on principle." By God's grace, however, no families were rejected by a school committee this year.
One important new development in Rhode Island is the excellent job that the Rhode Island Guild of Home Teachers ("RIGHT") is doing in serving homeschoolers. This relatively young state organization has chapter coordinators in nine different areas of the state, puts out an excellent monthly newsletter, and is even working to get discounts for RIGHT members from local businesses. Home School Legal Defense Association encourages all members to actively support their local support groups and state organizations. In a tough state like Rhode Island, homeschoolers need each other more than ever!
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