Senate File 866: A Bill Relating to Education

Author:
Representative Harry Mares, Senator Sandra Pappas

Summary:
This bill would make major changes in many areas of the education code. It would change the home school law in two very unfavorable ways.

First, parents would be required to submit their children's standardized test scores and all other assessments to the public school superintendent every year. This would change the current law which requires that children be tested, but does not require the scores to be submitted.

Second, parents desiring to teach their children at home would be required to have a high school diploma. Currently, parents without such a diploma can home school by sending in quarterly reports, but these bills would remove that option.

Status:
SF 866 is in the Senate Education Committee. During the hearing on the home education portion of the bill on March 21, the Committee voted to remove both of the additional restrictions, keeping the law in its current state.

Action Requested:
None.

HSLDA's Position:
This portion of the bill should be strongly opposed.

Other Resources

Voice of state organization guards home school freedom in Minnesota

Minnesota home schoolers defeat attempts at more regulation

3/16/2001 Minnesota--Good News! Four Senators Stand with Home Schoolers for Freedom!

3/15/2001 Minnesota--Come Stand Up for Freedom!