Idaho
Does It Get Any Better than This?
A Lesson in Idaho History
The Idaho statute governing home schools is significantly better today than it was eight years ago. Prior to 1992, the statute read as follows:
Unless the child is otherwise comparably instructed as may be determined by the board of trustees of the school district in which the child resides, the parent or guardian shall cause the child to attend a public, private or parochial school . . .
Countless difficulties arose between home schoolers and public school officials over what was “comparable instruction.” Because the statute failed to define that term, public school officials felt they had the authority to determine whether or not a home schooled child was being comparably instructed. School districts also claimed authority to, among other things, request a review of curriculum or set qualifications for instructors—in effect, exercising power to approve or disapprove a home school program.
The turning point in Idaho home schooling history occurred on April 8, 1992. Then-Governor Cecil D. Andrus signed a law that struck the language “as may be determined by the board of trustees of the school district in which the child resides.” This law also clarified that the local school district is only responsible for educating children enrolled in public schools. Representative Fred Tilman (R-18 B), now chairman of the House Education Committee, introduced and was largely responsible for this improvement in the law.
Idaho home school leadership and home educators fought alongside Mr. Tilman to secure the passage of this very favorable bill. We are grateful for the efforts of these men and women to provide more freedom for home schoolers to exercise their God-given responsibility to educate their children. — J. Michael Smith
