October 13, 2005
Homeschool Family Prevails Without Probation in Franklin County
The Almond family (not real name) sent their son's standardized test scores to the Franklin County School District as usual this summer. However, the district sent them a letter stating that their homeschool would be put on probation because their son's score was below the required 23rd percentile. In addition, the letter demanded that the family submit a remediation plan.
The member family asked HSLDA for help. We analyzed his test scores for the last two years carefully and discovered that although they were below the 23rd percentile both years, he had progressed more than one grade level.
We contacted the official and explained that while a score at or above the 23rd percentile is automatically acceptable, a lower score is also acceptable if it shows adequate progress. By anyone’s definition, advancing one grade level during a full year should be considered "adequate" progress. The official asked us to explain this in a letter.
We sent the requested letter. A few days later, the Almonds received a reply from the official which lifted the probation because their son had demonstrated adequate progress. In addition, the official retracted the demand that the family submit a remediation plan.
Our experience at HSLDA is that when homeschool programs are placed on probation, it is done in violation of the homeschool statues in about 90% of the cases.
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