Across the States
Definition of “Home School” Changes
On April 2, 2007, Governor Mike Beebe signed into law House Bill 2394, changing the definition of a “home school” in Arkansas. Prior law defined this term as “a school primarily conducted by parents or legal guardians for their own children.” The new definition for a “home school” is “a school provided by a parent or legal guardian for his or her own child.”
The new definition takes into consideration that a single custodial parent or guardian may elect to provide home instruction without raising the question of whether both parents must agree on this educational option for their child. Additionally, the amended definition indicates that a parent or guardian has more flexibility to obtain the services of other individuals in conducting the instruction. The parent or guardian does not have to be the person primarily doing the teaching.
The effective date of the new law is 60 days after approval of the governor, so it will apply to the upcoming school year.
— by Dewitt T. Black
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