News & Commentary February 25, 2004

In this Issue:

Those Winning Kids
A Place Carved Out in America's Education System
Alaska - Tracking Attendance of Every Child
Arkansas Tele-Schooling - Voucher-Like Payments
Colorado - Building a Library/Homeschooler Connection
Georgia - Ready to Roll
Idaho Dodges a Bullet - For Now
Illinois - Extracurriculars Denied
Illinois and Iowa - Invoking Peer Pressure
Indiana Custody Battle Exploited
Mississippi Bids for Extracurricular Options
New Jersey Prepares A Defense
North Carolina - The Cost of Homeschooling
Ohio - Unlinking From Child Abuse
Oklahoma - Seeking "A Back-Door Way to Control Us"
Virginia Loses Bid - For Now
Washington is Pro-Active
Tele-Schooling Grows in Washington
The Big Boys' Brawl
Final Words

++++++++++++++++++
Those Winning Kids
++++++++++++++++++

Ann: Congratulations to all of these winners and a big thank you to all who gave them a challenge!

headline: Homeschool Student Wins Essay Contest With Old English Story About Columbus
Greeley Tribune, Colorado, By Ivy Vogel, February 18
http://www.greeleytrib.com
"...[Katherine Mallory Martin]...was recognized at an awards ceremony for winning the Christopher Columbus Essay contest. The 17-year-old home-schooled senior put herself in Columbus' shoes and wrote her version of his diary using the language Columbus might have used in 1492....This is the first writing competition Katherine's participated in. Her essay is being sent to the DAR's national headquarters to compete in the national contest."

***

headline: Home School Tourney Opens Today
Nashville City Paper, Tennessee, By Harold Huggins, hhuggins@nashvillecitypaper.com February 19
http://www.nashvillecitypaper.com
"The National Christian Homeschoolers Athletic Association (HCHAA) regional tournament opens today in five divisions...There are 36 teams entered from eight states, including Nashville Central Christian in the high school varsity boys and girls divisions."

***

headline: Braun Nominated to All-USA Academic Team
LA Monitor, Los Alamos, New Mexico, By Bonnie Gordon, February 20
http://www.lamonitor.com
"The University of New Mexico-Los Alamos has nominated two students to the All-USA Academic Team....They are Sarah Stellingwerf Braun of Los Alamos and Ignacia Lucero of Bernalillo....Braun, who was homeschooled, began attending UNM-LA under the concurrent enrollment program..."

***

headline: Home-School Team Grabs Math Crown
Fayetteville Observer, North Carolina, By Venita Jenkins jenkinsv@fayettevillenc.com February 22
http://www.fayettevillenc.com
"Several home-school groups participated in Saturday's competition. The Homes Offering Meaningful Education team in Fayetteville took team honors, and four of its students took the top four individual honors. Katie Rettig, a seventh-grader on the HOME team, finished first...
Kira Sund, Steven Smith, and Marc Loffert of the HOME team also took individual honors"

***

headline: Homeschooler Wins Bill of Rights Day Contest
School Reform News, George A. Clowes think@heartland.org March 01
http://www.heartland.org
"Andrew Ausley, a homeschooled student from Niceville, Florida, won a $500 scholarship in December for the best essay on the topic, 'Synergism Within the Bill of Rights.' The contest, open to all high school students in Okaloosa County, was organized by the Libertarian Party of Okaloosa County and the Advocates for Self Government to commemorate Bill of Rights Day, December 15."

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++
A Place Carved Out in America's Education System
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++

Education Issues: Homeschooling
Education Week on the Web, By Susan Ansell, January 22
http://www.edweek.com
This updated general interest article homeschooling dismisses the popular myth that homeschooling is "practiced primarily by head-in-the-sand reactionaries and off-the-grid hippies.... a newer breed of home schooler is emerging, motivated not by religious belief or countercultural philosophy. Uppermost for such parents are concerns about violence, peer pressure, and poor academic quality in their schools."
A discussion various debates over the benefits and risks of homeschooling is summarized thus: "While debates over the benefits and risks of removing children from traditional learning environments continue, the home school movement has carved out its place in Americaäs education system."

Ann: The article includes an interesting listing of references, including Home Education Magazine.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Alaska - Tracking Attendance of Every Child
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

headline: Legislative Alert
http://groups.yahoo.com
The Alaska Private and Home Educators Association (APHEA) informs us of a frightening bill (HB437) that includes this language: "The department shall develop and implement a system for tracking the attendance status of every child who is a resident of the state who is of school age as described in AS 14.03.070, who is under school age but admitted to school under AS 14.03.080, or who is otherwise attending a kindergarten program." It appears the the bill may be removed from the Education Committee schedule. Read the bill here:
http://www.legis.state.ak.us

Ann: I hope the bill is withdrawn because it gives me the Brave New World willies. If I read the bill correctly, every child who attends a public school, even for a short period of time, would be assigned a ten digit number to track that child's attendance. That includes every child who homeschools through Alaska's extensive public alternative, cyber, and charter schools. Read this bill remembering Alaska is a national leader as a blended school state. If this bill bothers you as it does me, visit http://westandforhomeschooling.org

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Arkansas Tele-Schooling - Voucher-Like Payments
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ann: How do you like that term? Most of us understand tele-commuting to be working at home, but still responsible to the off-site boss and following the rules and regulations of the company. Students who tele-school may study at home for part of the time, but they are responsible to follow the rules, guidelines, curriculum, and so forth of the site-based school. In addition, independent homeschooling and home businesses share similar commonalities. But I digress.

headline: Home is Where The School Is
But should the public pay for it? And how much is too much?
The Arkansas Times, By Jennifer Barnett Reed jennifer@arktimes.com February 13
http://www.arktimes.com
"[Arkansas Virtual School] has the benefit of many committed supporters, particularly among conservative Republicans, including most of those who, it so happens, showed little interest in raising more money for public schools during the recent legislative session. Many of them are legislators who have supported education vouchers, a concept that so far remains a non-starter in Arkansas politics by name. The payment of money to home schoolers bears an uncanny resemblance, however." Ann: Yikes. Voucher-like payments for homeschooling? Are full-blown vouchers on the horizon in Arkansas? Not yet. The funding for the school was locked down to 300 students.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Colorado - Building a Library/Homeschooler Connection
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

headline: Library Learners
The Aurora Sentinel, Colorado, By Zeb Carabello, February 11
http://www.zwire.com
"Smoky Hill Library... is the Aurora area's only library with a program full of resources designed specifically for homeschool families. Hosting a range of computer and reading classes targeting local homeschoolers, along with a section full of homeschool books, information and other materials, the library has become a hub for homeschoolers who rely on the library's many resources."

Ann: Sounds like a library we would all love to have in our neighborhood.

++++++++++++++++++++++++
Georgia - Ready to Roll
+++++++++++++++++++++++

headline: 2004 Legislative Update
http://www.heir.org/
This document answers the question: "Why are veteran homeschool 'political scene watchers' in Georgia concerned about goings on in the 2004 Legislative Session?" Georgia's sharp-eyed political watchers have identified ten or so bills that could impact Georgians who homeschool. "Ready to Roll" means being alert for those "back-door attacks" - we should all be this prepared! Political scene watchers from other states might want to take a look.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Idaho Dodges a Bullet - For Now
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

headline: Home Schoolers Get Lawmakers to Back Off
The Times News, Twin Falls, Idaho, By Julie Pence, February 21
http://www.magicvalley.com
BOISE -- "... hundreds of other home-schooling parents throughout the state were convinced that legislation [Senate Bill 1233] sponsored by Sen. Joe Stegner, R-Lewiston, could make them vulnerable to prosecution for not putting their children in public schools. Considerable pressure from the state's home-schooling community prompted Stegner to pull the bill on Friday....However, Stegner and Gannon said they will be back another day. 'I do pledge to this state and this (Senate) body my continued interest in this area, and I don't consider this to be a final resolution of the issue,' Stegner said."
The wording of the bill can be read at
http://www3.state.id.us

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Illinois - Extracurriculars Denied
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

headline: No Extracurriculars for Home-schooled
Journal-Gazette-Times-Courier, Illinois, By Dave Fopay dfopay@jg-tc.com, February 13
http://www.jg-tc.com
CHARLESTON -- "Students will have to be in school, at the school, to play sports under a recommendation the school board will get at its meeting next week. A committee that looked into a parent request to allow home-schooled students to participate in district extracurricular activities is suggesting the board not allow it."

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Illinois and Iowa - Invoking Peer Pressure
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

headline: Should Home Schooling Be Monitored From Outside the Home?
http://www.wqad.com
"...Bruce Dennison, Regional Superintendent of public schools for Bureau, Henry, and Stark counties [said] 'Every child in Illinois needs to be in school if they're between the ages of seven and 16....Regional superintendents do have the authority and the responsibility to see that children are going to school.' Severson says that's not true when it comes to home schoolers. She calls Dennison's actions harassment, citing an Illinois law which considers home schools to be private schools....Dennison wants home educators to be held accountable. Seversonäs counterparts in Iowa are. Under the law her kids take standardized tests every year and submit the results to the local school district."

Ann: This article insinuates that parents who do not want government supervision of their homeschooling must have something to hide. Those parents who are more tightly regulated, such as Iowans, are made out to be slightly superior, slightly better citizens. Blatant manipulation, Illinois, and I know you won't fall for it! Iowans would love the freedom you enjoy! Reminds me of those junior high teachers who use peer pressure to shame kids into submission.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Indiana Custody Battle Exploited
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

headline: Home-Schoolers Need Some State Oversight
Peoria Journal-Star, Indiana, Editorial, February 11
http://www.pjstar.com
This editorial is a follow-up on a story that is primarily a custody battle. Nontheless, the focus has been on the side issue of homeschooling. Sad for the family and sad for us. "Legitimate home-schoolers should welcome [scrutiny.] Why? Because it is in the nation's interest that every child be educated. Because home-schooling shouldn't be a shield for chronic truancy."

Ann: This editorial is another stab at shaming homeschoolers into submission. Letters have poured in to the Journal-Star, including this spot-on comment from Carol Klopfenstein on February 15:
"Our society should encourage those who make a commitment to their family and prosecute those who disobey the law. Passing new laws that would encumber law-abiding citizens and not deter those who choose to disobey current laws is not the answer."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Mississippi Bids for Extracurricular Options
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

headline: Bill Would Open Public School Classes, Activities to Home Schoolers
Sun-Herald, Biloxi, Mississippi, By Emily Wagster Pettus, February 08
http://www.sunherald.com
"Sen. Alan Nunnelee, R-Tupelo, has filed [Senate Bill 2056] that would require all public schools to give home-schooled students the option of 'dual enrollment.'...Nunnelee's bill also would let home-schooled students participate in any extracurricular activities available to public school students in their grades."

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
New Jersey Prepares A Defense
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

headline: Homeschoolers Task Force Meets
http://www.unschooling.org
www.geocities.com/jerseyhome
New Jersey's bill, proposed in response the the Collingwood starvation case, is now on a normal path through the legislature. Homeschoolers in New Jersey are planing their strategies. One group had an effective meeting with Assemblyman and Education Committee member Dave Mayer on February 17. Visit either of the above websites to request more information.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
North Carolina - The Cost of Homeschooling
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

headline: Homeschooling Option Expensive For Families
Books, Curriculum Guides Can Cost Hundreds
NBC 17, North Carolina, February 09
http://www.nbc17.com
RALEIGH, N.C. -- This article is one of a series on homeschooling. It paints homeschooling as being expensive, raises the question of tax breaks for homeschooling parents, then concludes "...many homeschool parents NBC 17 talked to say now they would reject the tax breaks. 'The only problem with getting a tax break is something like that always comes with strings attached, like the freedom to teach religion in our school,' Erickson said."

Ann: Many highly succcessful homeschoolers keep costs low by using local resources, libraries, used materials, cooperative learning groups, and community activities to achieve a quality education. Remember too that the cost of homeschooling materials is a small price to pay for the quality of life that homeschooling affords.
Part One of this story can be found here
http://www.nbc17.com

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ohio - Unlinking From Child Abuse
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

headline: Don't Blame Homeschooling - No Link to Kenmore Abuse Case
The Akron Beacon-Journal, Ohio, By By Peggy Daly-Masternak, February 09
http://www.ohio.com
In her well-argued opinion piece against the media fad of linking homeschooling with child abuse, Daly-Masternak closes "Homeschoolers should not be punished because they have chosen a means of education different than the means chosen by the majority. With few exceptions, Ohio homeschoolers are in compliance with compulsory attendance statutes, and have been for quite some time. If sixteen gates failed the Kenmore children, if that mother could so elusively outwit established detection mechanisms, what would adding another layer of bureaucracy to innocent families do to protect children?"

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Oklahoma - Seeking "A Back-Door Way to Control Us"
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

headline: Oklahoma Legislative Alert
http://groups.yahoo.com
Senate Bill 895 "amends current law regarding a driver license or permit application for any person under the age of 18. Current law requires that the applicant successfully demonstrate a satisfactory reading ability at the eight-grade reading level. This bill amends the law to add "and a satisfactory mathematics ability at the eighth-grade level."
In her announcement, Leslie Moyer writes: "According to the OK Constitution, the State Board of Education has *no* control over homeschoolers or privately-schooled children....but [in my opinion]this is the back-door way to control us."

Ann: I am afraid those back-door attempts are becoming the norm in some states.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Virginia Loses Bid - For Now
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

headline: Senators Deadlocked on Home School Issue
Roanoke Times, Virginia, By Kevin Miller kevin.miller@roanoke.com, February 20
http://www.roanoke.com
RICHMOND - "The Senate committee will likely revisit the legislation lowering education requirements. A Senate committee deadlocked Thursday on a bill that would have lowered the educational requirements for parents who want to home school their children....House Bill 675, sponsored by Republican Del. Rob Bell of Charlottesville, would repeal the state requirement that parents hold a bachelor's degree in order to educate their children at home rather than enroll them in a public or private school." [Parents with less than a bachelor's degree already homeschool, just with added scrutiny.]

Ann: State secretary of education Belle Wheelan, in an attempt to prove that it would be a "travesty" to pass this legislation, cited an example of a high school graduate she did not feel was qualified to homeschool. Seems to me that the "travesty" is more in the failings of the public schooling system she heads, not in the parents who want to keep their kids out of her system.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++
Washington is Pro-Active
+++++++++++++++++++++++++

headline: Relating to Alternative Learning Experience Programs
Washington Homeschool Organization
http://www.washhomeschool.org
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WHOforHomeschooling
"...[SSHB 2704] makes it very clear that part-time enrollment is allowed in Alternative Education programs."

Ann: Homeschooled students, students sometimes denied equal access to part-time enrollment as defined in the home-based education law, would have that opportunity clarified. Some homeschooling advocacy groups are acting in support of this clarification. Read the bill at
http://www.leg.wa.gov

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Tele-Schooling Grows in Washington
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

headline: New Tools to Learn Home-School Help
The Daily Herald, Everett, Washington, By Victor Balta vbalta@heraldnet.com, February 20
http://www.heraldnet.com
The latest trend in home schools provides a mix of lessons at home and at special centers run by school districts....The Everett Homeschool Alternative students are part of a growing trend of students who are schooled at home but actually are enrolled in the state's public education system....The law makes school districts responsible for home-schooled students even though they are mostly taught at home by their families."

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
West Virginia - Mandating Vaccination
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

headline: Poison Fruit: Human Life International Denounces Unconstitutional Vaccine Mandate
PR News, Human Life Internation, February 23
http://biz.yahoo.com
"The pending legislation, which will be voted on by the Senate on Wednesday, would effectively deny parents the right to any and all vaccine exemptions....Comments Father Euteneuer: '...Senate Bill 439 would also make West Virginia the only state to force homeschoolers to be immunized.'"

Ann: This is one of those back-door bills that may sting homeschoolers.

+++++++++++++++++++
The Big Boys' Brawl
+++++++++++++++++++

headline: Education Chief's 'Terrorist' Remark Ignites Fury
subhead: Paige's apology does little to mollify teachers' union
CNN.com, February 24
http://www.cnn.com
WASHINGTON -- "The president of the nation's largest teachers' union Tuesday blasted Education Secretary Rod Paige for calling his group a 'terrorist organization.' Reg Weaver, president of the National Education Association, stopped short of calling for Paige to step down, saying the Bush administration should make that decision."

Ann: I grinned when I first read of this heavy-weight spat. My happy grin gave way to raw fear when I remembered that there is no winner here for homeschoolers. Both the NEA and the DOE want homeschooling regulated THEIR way.

+++++++++++
Final Words
+++++++++++

E-mail addresses of reporters or their editors are now included with their stories when available. Please send feedback to reporters who make you think, who tell a great story, or who have wrong information. A pat on the back or a respectful correction is usually appreciated. As always, keep me in mind as you find and make the news, and do let me know if I may quote you. Thanks to all who contributed to this and past issues.

Ann Lahrson Fisher News and Commentary Email

top index