| From the HSLDA E-lert Service: |
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| Date: From: Subject: | 7/29/2011 4:12:16 PM Home School Legal Defense Association Proposed Policy Unlawful and Uninformed |
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====================================================================== From the HSLDA E-lert Service... ====================================================================== Proposed Policy Unlawful and Uninformed Dear HSLDA Members and Friends: It has come to our attention that the Monongalia Board of Education feels the need to issue a policy on homeschooling, despite the fact that in West Virginia Code section 18-8-1(c) the West Virginia legislature precisely prescribes requirements for exempting homeschooling families from the compulsory attendance law. After drafting a revised homeschool policy at their July 26 meeting, the Board has asked for public comment. Because HSLDA has concerns about the proposed policy, we encourage you to voice your opinion in the form of a public comment. In its draft, the Board invokes the tired and stale objections to homeschooling of teacher competency and socialization: "Monongalia County Board of Education encourages the enrollment of all school(c)\age children [who] are residents in Monongalia County or in registered parochial or private schools so that they may enjoy the benefits a of well(c)\planned educational program and the socialization possible in a group environment;" as if homeschooling programs are not well-planned or lack in providing opportunities. The policy continues: "The Board recognizes its responsibility for assuring that every resident school(c)\age child is enrolled in an approved school or is offered an equivalent education elsewhere. All requests to educate a child in a home(c)\education program are to be submitted to the Superintendent or his/her designee." Parents, not the Board, are responsible for the education of their children. While parents are subject to compulsory attendance laws and the Board is responsible for implementing necessary policies to carry out its obligations under the law, these obligations do not necessarily include receiving or overseeing "requests" from homeschooling parents; nor do they include ensuring that every child is "offered an equivalent education elsewhere." Parents in West Virginia do not need to request permission to homeschool; they can simply notify the Board that they are homeschooling. They are automatically exempt from compulsory attendance when they do so in compliance with the law. To be fair, the substance of the Board's revised policy in a large part is an accurate reflection of the homeschool law, with a few errors. On Page 3, the policy adds the requirement that parents provide the date of birth of each child. This information is not required by statute. Additionally, the policy states under No. 2 that "The instruction shall be in the home of the child or at some other place approved by the Board and for a time equal to the instructional term of the County Schools." Both of these requirements apply only to families who wish to homeschool under the approval option. They do not apply to families who homeschool under the option. Finally, the policy states that parents must submit an outline of their plan of instruction. While the law requires parents to outline a plan of instruction, it does not say that the outline must be submitted. In light of the law, the policy is unnecessary. ACTION REQUESTED If you live in this district please comment politely and professionally on the policy by visiting the following link and using the Policy Review/Comment Form found on Page 5 of the policy: http://www.hslda.org/elink.asp?id=11923 . I suggest giving the following message in your own words: The West Virginia legislature has clearly prescribed requirements for parents to homeschool in West Virginia. These requirements are not subject to interpretation or clarification by a local school board. In the homeschool policy proposed, there are several errors such as [SELECT FROM THE ABOVE PARAGRAPH]. Furthermore, the policy purpose statement reflects a fundamental misunderstanding about homeschooling. The purpose statement of the policy implies that homeschooling is not "well-planned" and that it fails to provide for "socialization." Neither is true. In national scientific research, homeschooling has demonstrated that it provides an excellent education. Homeschooling also provides children with ample opportunities to interact with others in a variety of circumstances. Finally, homeschooling parents are not required to make a request to homeschool. Under W. Va. Code section 18(c)\8(c)\1(c), homeschoolers "notify" the superintendent of their decision to homeschool, and they are exempt from the compulsory attendance law by complying with its other requirements. I request that you not have a homeschool policy and simply follow the law. For more information and research for your submission, please visit some of the following links: Socialization: HSLDA brochure "The Best Kind of Socialization" http://www.hslda.org/elink.asp?id=11924 . Academics: HSLDA Homeschooling Research Page http://www.hslda.org/elink.asp?id=11925 It can be frustrating to continually address the same tired stereotypes -- especially in the public context of a board of education policy review process. However, bear in mind that as we politely and persuasively point out the facts, we may open the minds of people who simply have not considered the arguments or who may not be aware of the evidence in favor of homeschooling. Take this as an opportunity to witness graciously to your elected officials and help them come to an accurate understanding of what homeschooling really is and the evidence that shows it works. Standing with you! Mike Michael P. Donnelly, Esq. Your West Virginia Staff Attorney P.S. Take this opportunity to forward this email to a friend that you know is not a member of HSLDA and encourage them join with us. It is exactly for these kinds of issues that our resources and expertise can go to work to defend your freedom. Without you and the support of other homeschoolers, we could not do what we do to defend your freedom! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -> Will your children's inheritance retain its value? If you pass on a legacy of freedom, your children and their children's children will thank you. But freedom is never secure; it must always be guarded. Membership with HSLDA is an investment in the future that can be passed on to future generations of families wanting to teach their children at home. More reasons to join HSLDA... http://www.hslda.org/elink.asp?id=1944 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ====================================================================== The HSLDA E-lert Service is a service of: Home School Legal Defense Association P.O. 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Thank you for your cooperation. ====================================================================== | |
