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Home School Heartbeat in Illinois
Albion
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WBJW/Gospel Time
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91.7
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FM
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Du Quoin
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WAWJ
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90.1
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FM
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Lincoln
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WLLM
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1370
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AM
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Mitchell
|
KXEN
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1040
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AM
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Moline
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WAXR
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88.1
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FM
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Mt. Vernon
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WAPO
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90.5
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FM
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Mt. Vernon
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WAPO
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90.5
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FM
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Olney
|
WPTH
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88.1
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FM
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Plano
|
WAUR
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930
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AM
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Salem
|
WJBD
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1350
|
AM
|
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Illinois
Truancy investigations threatened
In Grundy County, the regional superintendent informed a Home School Legal Defense Association member family that it was his responsibility to monitor homeschools and to serve as the county truant officer.
He scheduled a meeting the following week to "[review] curriculum materials, schedule and plans, and completed work of their homeschool son." He also directed the family to complete and return the enclosed Home School Monitoring Information Sheet which required "evidence of the student's work," "records regarding the student's daily schedule and attendance," "long term educational plans," "evidence of an adequate curriculum," and instructor's qualifications.
In conclusion, the superintendent wrote that he expected the mother and son to appear at the appointed time in his office with all the documentation, threatening, "If you do not attend this meeting, we will refer this matter for legal action."
This mother immediately contacted HSLDA, and, on her behalf, we informed the superintendent's office that the family was not required to attend the meeting. We followed up with a detailed letter describing the law.
The state's attorney sent a letter indicating that the family was not
cooperating with the truancy investigation. . . . In order to avoid court proceedings in this case, cooperation with the superintendent is vital. . . . Up to this point in time, all parents who homeschool their children have agreed to meet with the superintendent and we have not instituted legal proceedings.
HSLDA promptly sent the state's attorney a copy of our letter to the superintendent. The school district and attorney backed off and the family is now homeschooling in peace and safety.
— Christopher J. Klicka
