| From the HSLDA E-lert Service: |
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| Date: From: Subject: | 6/18/2003 5:00:54 PM Home School Legal Defense Association Iowa--Online Public School Program Problematic for Homeschoolers |
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---------------------------------------------------------------------- From the HSLDA E-lert Service... ---------------------------------------------------------------------- June 18, 2003 Dear HSLDA Members and Friends, Homeschool families across the state have received letters inviting them to attend informational meetings about the "Iowa Virtual School Program," (IAVSP) a program of the Pocahontas Area Community School District (PACSD). We want to help you make a well-informed decision. 1. The IAVSP is a public school program. The government has ultimate control of the education, not parents. HSLDA's mission is to promote and protect the right of parents to privately control their children's education. Children who enroll in the IAVSP will be not eligible for membership in HSLDA. 2. Books and materials the IAVSP provides are subject to the same requirements as other government school books. They are not allowed to promote religious faith. 3. If a parent tries to use Christian books for a particular subject, he might find their child's grade for the course, and eligibility for a government school diploma, in jeopardy. 4. As with traditional public schools, the IAVSP is not giving families who enroll a choice of curriculum. It is offering only one, a secular curriculum. 5. You may waive certain parental rights by enrolling in IAVSP. 6. Students who enroll will be subject to the same laws as other students in government schools. They will be forced to submit to the same state testing. They will be eligible to receive a government school diploma upon graduation if all requirements are met. 7. Last Friday, a leading federal court of appeals ruled that a public school could give an "F" to a student who refused to participate in a required health class because of religious convictions. The parents wanted their son homeschooled for that one course instead. Your child may receive an "F" on his permanent record for any required class not taken. For the judge's entire ruling, go to: http://www.hslda.org/elink.asp?ID=927 (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader) We have seen public schools across the country try to entice homeschoolers back into the system with the lure of "freebies" (money, computers, books, musical instruments) and relatively few restrictions. Once the homeschooler gets comfortable with the free materials or services, the school system then gradually adds restrictions. Individuals are far more willing to accept government restrictions after they have come to rely on government "help". It is part of the human condition that we are easily tempted to give up freedom to gain comfort. The homeschool movement is dramatic proof, however, that tremendous blessings flow when we set aside certain comforts to exercise greater freedom. Sincerely, Scott A. 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