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October 08 News & Commentary
In this Issue:
HR 2732 Flaw Exposed
Homeschooled Students Shine
Homeschooling in the News
Vouchers, Pro and Con
Home "Schools" and "Home" Schools and Confusion
Truant or Homeschooled?
Educator Appreciation Weekend
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HR 2732 Flaw Exposed
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Ann: Last week I mused, "Why would we think that a federal homeschooling law written by politicians would be a good idea?" I got my answer this week. Federal homeschooling legislation is a bad idea. This bill is dangerously flawed.
As you know, Section 9. of HR 2732 attempts to correct Labor Law wording and perceived discrimination against student workers aged 14-16 years old. If passed as written, the Department of Labor will define homeschooling in states such as California. In other words, California homeschoolers would enjoy less homeschooling freedom, not more.
headline: The Most Stringent Law Prevails
HEM-Networking discussion list, Lynda writes on October 02
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HEM-Networking
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HEM-Networking
For background, read "CFR, Title 29, Chapter V, Part 570"
http://www.dol.gov
Lynda writes, in part:
"C) 29 CFR 570.35a has to be TOTALLY rewritten.
As it stands only a "school-supervised and school-administered" OJT/WE program is allowed and only a "State Educational Agency" can apply for authorization."
D) Let me repeat one more time. It is imperative that, should HSLDA not withdraw HR 2732 and its sister bill in the Senate, Sec. 9 be removed!
29 CFR 570 begins with 570.1 "Definitions as used in this part." If the words home school, homeschooling or any other variations thereof appear then the DOL WILL DEFINE IT!
E) Let me repeat one more time, IT IS THE MORE STRINGENT LAW THAT APPLIES, so if the DOL defines homeschooling in a manner that is "more stringent" than the state law (which would be the case in CA since there is no law to be more stringent), then the federal definition will be THE definition."
Ann: As I read Lynda's assessment, Section 9. as written would create a world of trouble in California. If the authors overlooked key language in the Labor Law, what else have they overlooked? I've lost confidence in this bill. Let's pull it down ASAP.
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Homeschooled Students Shine
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Ann: Please join me in congratulating some outstanding homeschooling students for their achievements!
headline: Graf Ready to Reign at Fair
The Eagle-Gazette, Lancaster, Ohio, By Tamaria L. Liddel, October 06
http://www.lancastereaglegazette.com
Lancaster - "Hilary Graf ... the 18-year-old Sugar Grove resident was crowned the 2003 Junior Fair Queen during the 4-H Panorama on Sunday night. 'I was home schooled and most people think that home-schoolers are socially deprived, but I'm definitely not socially deprived,' she said... Graf was [also] one of five recipients who received an outstanding 4-Her award."
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headline: National Merit Recognizes 17 Coastal Bend Students
Corpus Christi Caller-Times, By Ofelia Garcia Hunter, October 06
http://www.caller.com
"Robyn Haas, 16, has been home-schooled since she was in the third grade and she is confident it has not hurt her ability to compete academically. As one proof, she was one of 17 Coastal Bend students to be recently recognized as a National Merit semifinalist."
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headline: Young Homeschooled Author Hits the Big Time
OEEragon, - Epic fantasy is the first of the OEInheritance, trilogy
MSNBC, Today Book Club, October 03
http://www.msnbc.com
"... So begins the debut novel, Eragon, of 19-year-old author Christopher Paolini. Paolini discusses the book on Today. Read an excerpt below." You can also watch a video of Christopher's interview with Carl Hiassen.
Christopher Paolini was the focus of a homeschooling article by his mom, just last year.
http:/www.homeedmag.com
"Three years ago, Christopher decided to write a story. Not just a three- to ten-page short story. Oh no! My son determined to write a full-blown epic fantasy novel... and he did. If he had not been homeschooled, I doubt that the book Eragon would exist."
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Homeschooling in the News
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headline: Home Schooling a Labor of Love
The Gazette, Frederick County, Maryland, by Diana Mota Morgan, October 02
http://www.gazette.net
"Their latest projects sits on their kitchen counter. As part of their lessons on Egypt, the Moxley's are learning to mummify a Cornish game hen. Eight-year-old Francesca is quick to share the project with anyone brave enough to peek inside the bag."
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headline: Stories of Home Schooling
Pensacola News Journal, Florida, October 05
http://www.pensacolanewsjournal.com
"'We went back in math and reviewed everything. Once she got it, she just took off,' Sheaffer said. 'I asked her what she likes about home schooling the most, and she said not having to rush. If she doesn't get it Monday, there's always Tuesday.'" (Four homeschooling families tell their stories.)
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headline: Choosing to Home School
U.S. Freedom Foundation, David W. Kirkpatrick Senior Education Fellow, October 03
www.freedomfoundation.us
http://www.educationnews.org
"Home-schoolers have much to gain, and to give, by supporting the school choice movement. As a constituency grows, so does its influence. Imagine the outcry if millions of parents, sending their children to any school, or no school, as they chose, were faced with prospective stifling government laws or regulations restricting their freedom."
Ann: This article is so close to perfect - it paints homeschooling as highly successful and of great benefit to both homeschoolers and to society. The one quibble I have is with Kirkpatrick's gentle call on homeschoolers to support the school choice movement. Kirkpatrick may not understand that, despite its current run of popularity, homeschooling freedoms are still attacked at every turn. Few among us have the resources to effectively support the homeschooling movement as it needs to be supported AND the school choice movement. Yes, the two movements are on parallel paths in some ways, may learn from each other, and might even join forces on certain issues. We must remember, though, that these are two separate movements, each working on its own front to develop educational opportunities as each sees fit. Until homeschooling freedoms are on a solid footing and free from attack, fiercely defending homeschooling freedoms is the very best support homeschoolers can offer to the school choice movement.
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headline: Home-Schooling Has Advantages, Disadvantages
NewsChannel 5, Ohio, October 03
http://www.newsnet5.com
"Laws Protect Home-Schooled Children From Falling Through The Cracks. Parents want only the best for their children. And when it comes to education, it is becoming an increasingly popular view that the "best" is to teach your own children at home."
Ann: Popular? What's popular got to do with what's best?
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Vouchers, Pro and Con
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headline: Voucher Misadventures
St. Petersburg Times, Editorial, October 06
http://www.sptimes.com
"The law that sets up a dubious experiment in online elementary education was written narrowly, in part because some senators were skeptical about whether Florida would be underwriting home-schooling...Lawmakers can certainly choose to pay for home-schooling or for students who otherwise pay for their own private schools, but without a separate and honest accounting, public schools pay the price."
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headline: The Leftist Indoctrination of Americas Future
Michnews.com, Guest Commentary by Gary Schneider, October 06
http://bigjweb.com
"Support the creation of an educational marketplace that includes school choice (vouchers). The establishment of a legitimate educational marketplace that is comprised of home schoolers, independent/private schools as well as government sponsored schools will foster a competitive marketplace where you (the market) are empowered. In a competitive and accessible marketplace - needs are properly addressed, quality of service improves and all citizens benefit."
Ann: Another sticky wicket. Why do so many folks, left and right, assume that all homeschoolers WANT vouchers anyway?
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Home "Schools" and "Home" Schools and Confusion
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Ann: Is it any wonder folks are confused about homeschooling?
headline: School Choice Brings Crowding
Charlotte Observer, North Carolina, By Ann Doss Helms, October 04
http://www.charlotte.com
"The choice plan zones students into "home schools," where they're guaranteed seats, but lets families request up to three magnet or nonmagnet alternatives. If those schools have no openings, students usually go to their home school."
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headline: The Battle for Young Minds
Egypt Today, The Magazine of Egypt, by Hadia Mostafa, October 2003
http://www.egypttoday.com
"There has to be a balance between home and school. If one is out of sync with the other kids, they will become confused," says Maha Abdel Hamid, a teacher at a private Islamic school. "If home schooling says one thing and school another, neither message is going to sink in.
Ann: You probably figured it out right off, but these two stories had me scratching my head for a while. These are entirely different applications of the term "home schools" - the school near the homes or the schooling at the home that takes place after schooling at the school.
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headline: As Program Grows, Students Become Well-rounded
GoMemphis.com, Tennessee, By John Semien, October 05
http://www.gomemphis.com/
"This year's Memphis Area Home Education Association's yearbook looks more like the real thing.
Students are pictured singing in choir, marching in the band, cheerleading and even posing proudly as members of their own national honor society. It's a far cry from the old days, when home-schooled students were often isolated with few chances to socialize."
Ann: This group of homeschooling parents left public schooling and created an extensive activities program that looks for all the world like - ta dah! - public high school. I guess that works for their students? What I can't figure out is why - the reporter? - the Association? - feels the need to marginalize homeschoolers without such activity programs as "isolated" and implying they are not well-rounded. There are many ways to socialize and become well rounded - the high school model is but one.
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headline: Home Schoolers Meet in Browns Hollow
Grundy County Herald, Tennessee, October 01
http://www.zwire.com
"What makes these children unique is, that each child is home schooled by their mothers...The group meets Monday through Friday from 8am to 2:30pm each day."
Ann: Homeschooling? It seems to me that these children are enjoying the benefits a small cooperative private school, another popular and effective educational choice.
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Truant or Homeschooled?
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headline: Truancy Crackdown
State law allows arrests and prosecution
St. Augustine.com, Florida, By Bryan Noona, October 04
http://www.staugustine.com
"In the case of Barnes, her grandson missed the first 25 days of middle school. She was arrested last week but said her grandson was enrolled in a home school program from James Madison High School in Norcross, Ga. 'I don't really think they should have come up here and handcuffed me,' she said. 'Him being happy with his home schooling and getting good grades, I was just trying to keep him there.'"
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Educator Appreciation Weekend
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The Saratogian, New York, By Brendan McGarry, October 06
http://www.saratogian.com6
"Borders Books and Music stores in Saratoga Springs will honor local educators for their hard work and dedication during 'Educator Appreciation Weekend' Friday, Oct. 10, through Sunday, Oct. 12. The store will offer teachers, librarians, principals, home-schoolers and other community educators and support staff a 25 percent discount..."
Ann: I just heard from my local Borders - is this a nationwide event? Watch for it, or ask your favorite bookseller to create a similar event! Now get out there and support your local bookseller!
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Final Words
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Always keep me in mind as you find and make the news. Thanks to all who contributed to this and past issues.
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HEM News & Commentary is a weekly report on what's happening in the world of homeschooling. Gleanings from the news media, accolades and pans, hot discussions, legal and legislative successes and problems - all are fair game, and gathered in one column for your convenience.
And just in case you don't have the time to read every word in print, we will summarize and discuss key news and trends that we think are the most provocative or that may have the greatest impact on the future of homeschooling.
This service is available free. Archives can be accessed at
http://www.homeedmag.com/nc/newscommentary.html
The weekly updates will be announced on HEM's discussion lists. You'll find a print version - the highlights of these reports - in a column by the same name in Home Education Magazine.
Your opinions and feedback are always welcome. Contact me.
Ann Lahrson-Fisher
HEM News & Commentary
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