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LOUISIANA

What's in a name? More than you might think

Louisiana law offers two options to parents who wish to educate their children at home: operating under the homeschool statute or as a home-based private school. Though there are small differences between the two, both are perfectly legal, and both require certain paperwork to be filed with the state.

It was therefore quite a surprise when, in January 2004, the Louisiana Department of Education abruptly changed the name of the "Home-Based Private School" option to "Non-Approved Home Study." Besides being a slap in the face to families who are homeschooling under this option, the change is inaccurate and not mandated.

The unauthorized name change carries significant legal ramifications. It alters the federal funding formula for students with special needs, eliminates social security benefits for children who have lost a parent, and generally suggests that families who operate private schools in their own homes are breaking the law. Home School Legal Defense Association will be forced to take action if the department of education does not promptly correct this problem.

— by Scott W. Somerville