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MICHIGAN

Calhoun's form not required

Several Home School Legal Defense Association member families contacted our legal department when they received a letter from the Calhoun Intermediate School District instructing them to complete a Home School Report form. In the letter, the ISD stated that it was "responsible for interpreting and enforcing the compulsory school attendance act"—yet Michigan law does not give school districts any authority to monitor homeschool programs. The letter added that truancy referrals could be filed against families who failed to complete the requested form.

The Home School Report form asks for the names, birthdates, and grade levels of the children being homeschooled, and a list of subject areas taught. This form is not required by law. HSLDA wrote to the ISD to explain that families operating under homeschool option (f) are not required to notify the school district of their intent to homeschool, nor are they required to submit information regarding their home education program.

Following HSLDA's intervention, the families received no further communication from the ISD regarding this matter.

— by Christopher J. Klicka