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MASSACHUSETTS

Superintendent demands college course list

Massachusetts is one of three states that require homeschoolers to seek "approval" of each child's home education plan each year. A superintendent or school committee is required by law to approve a program if it "equals in thoroughness, efficiency, and the progress made therein, that in the local public school in the same town."

One school district has taken its approval authority to new heights of absurdity. The district is demanding a list of college courses before it approves the education of a 13-year-old child who first started taking community college courses at age 11.

Many families with gifted children have discovered that home education is an excellent way to provide a loving family atmosphere and a challenging academic program. Home education makes it possible for a child to study calculus and take tee-ball at the same time. It enables him to deal with the emotions of a 10-year-old while grappling with the rigorous academics of a college student. According to some experts, nearly 50% of all "profoundly gifted" children are now being taught at home.

It should come as no surprise, then, that a homeschooled student should be ready to take college classes. What is surprising is that the local superintendent still insists on reviewing this teen's full college load to make sure he can approve it. Under Massachusetts' antiquated law, however, it is his right and duty.

We encourage all Massachusetts homeschoolers to work together to help school officials recognize that home education is successful without the micromanagement of public school authorities. By standing together for liberty, these families can minimize the unpleasantness of this approval law.