| From the HSLDA E-lert Service: |
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| Date: From: Subject: | 8/26/2002 9:26:41 AM Christopher J. Klicka, Esq., Senior Counsel of HSLDA Illinois--Upcoming Hearings on Revising IL School Code |
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---------------------------------------------------------------------- From the HSLDA E-lert Service... ---------------------------------------------------------------------- August 26, 2002 Dear Illinois Members and Friends, Last week, we sent out an e-lert notifying you of the Governor's Commission on Revising the Illinois School Code and how specific recommendations would affect the private school law in Illinois. We strongly encourage you to attend the hearings (listed below), which are designed to discuss the recommended changes. However, if you are unable to do so, you can express your opinions to the Commission in writing. Go to the Illinois State Board of Education's website at http://www.isbe.state.il.us/schoolcode/default.htm and submit your comments on the proposals either through the Internet or in writing. ARGUMENTS AGAINST PROPOSED CHANGES The proposals include two major concerns for home schoolers by the Illinois School Code Article 26, Section 5/26-1. This code citation must be included when writing to the Commission. First, the Commission recommends the compulsory school attendance age be lowered from age seven to age six. Home schoolers are opposed to this proposal since it would expand the jurisdiction of the state's authority over their children and potentially limit parental choice. Over the last two years, legislation to lower the compulsory attendance age was almost single-handedly defeated by home schoolers. Second, the Governor's recommendation would require that parents of private and home schooled students must "submit proof of immunization and physical examination with their local public school district or regional office of education." A footnote to this change states that the Commission is concerned about the "safety of all children." Such a provision would create a de facto registration of all home schoolers. Presently home schoolers are not required to register by law with their local school district or regional office. If this proposal is enacted by the legislature, home schoolers would have to notify the public schools concerning their immunizations (or their religious objection to them) and as a result, the public schools will obtain the names of the children and families who home school. HSLDA recommends that this language be changed to simply require the immunization information be submitted to the school of attendance; that would include the home or private school. In 1999, proposed legislation to require home school families to submit their child's immunization records with the local county health department was soundly defeated by the pressure from home school parents. In your own words, cite the appropriate Illinois Code section and explain why you are opposed to the recommendations of the Commission. HEARING LOCATIONS: August 29 Richland Community College, 1 College Park, Decatur, IL Shilling Center, Salon 1 & 2, 1st Floor 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm Parking: Lot in front of college September 5 Carl Sandburg College, 2400 T.L. Wilson Blvd., Galesburg, IL F Building - Theater, 1st Floor 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm Parking: Lots E & F September 12 Wilbur Wright College, 4300 N. Narragansett, Chicago, IL The Theater, Enter Main Building 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm Parking: Street parking September 19 Elgin Community College, 1700 Spartan Road, Elgin, IL Visual & Performing Arts Building, Blizzard Theatre 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm Parking: Follow posted signs For more information, see http://www.hslda.org/elink.asp?id=507. Home schoolers are having an impact on this process already, as noted in the following article: http://www.hslda.org/elink.asp?id=505 Sincerely, Christopher J. 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