Superintendent’s Requirements Usurp the Bounds of the Law

At the start of a Home School Legal Defense Association member family’s homeschool program early this year, the assistant regional superintendent demanded extensive documentation. This included:

1. Proof that instruction commensurate with the public school is being provided,
2. Documentation of subjects taught,
3. An annual calendar and daily schedule, and
4. Proof that the child’s level of academic achievement is comparable to that of the child’s peers.

Flabbergasted by all these unexpected requirements, the family contacted HSLDA. Senior Counsel Chris Klicka immediately sent a letter to the superintendent outlining the Illinois homeschool law, which showed that his requirements went over and above what was legally called for. Klicka’s letter assured the superintendent that the family was following state homeschool law, but added that they declined to provide the specific and abundant documentation that the superintendent requested and that the law did not require.

Please remember that if you are living in Illinois, no documentation of your homeschool program, or even notification of it is required.