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Newscomm August 5, 2003
In this issue:
The Camel's Nose Enters the Homeschooling Tent
Homeschooling Bill Introduced in the Senate
Idaho - Will Homeschooling Be Regulated?
Charter Home-Schooling
In the News
$50,000 Homeschooling - update
Back to Homeschool
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The Camel's Nose Enters the Homeschooling Tent
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ann: This week I want to share my thoughts about Section 6 of the proposed homeschooling omnibus bill, HR 2732, which has been misleadingly dubbed a non-discrimination bill. Several portions of the bill are better described as special interest amendments, including the Coverdell amendment, the focus of this Commentary.
What it is: The Coverdell Educational Savings Plan offers tax advantages to families in high tax brackets. The proposed amendment expands the applicability of the Coverdell to "students privately educated at home under state law." Under this plan, funds must be used for "qualified elementary and secondary expenses."
I have two major objections to this amendment. First, this amendment helps a minority of homeschoolers, further entrenching the public view that homeschoolers are indeed a special interest group. If homeschoolers are seen as a special interest group marching to Congress, the deregulation moves in heavily regulated states are undermined. One sound argument for deregulation, that homeschoolers ask for no special privileges and no tax dollars and thus should be left alone, is lost if this amendment passes.
The risks of perpetuating homeschooling as a special interest group pale, though, when compared to my second major objection, that of inviting the federal camel's nose into our homeschooling tent. This amendment is a generous invitation for federal meddling in issues that are best handled on the state or individual levels. That invitation will not be turned down.
The invitation is straightforward: the definition of "qualified elementary and secondary expenses" will need clarification. The IRS definition (under the Coverdell Plan as it now stands) is consistent with traditional public and private schooling: tuition, fees, books, supplies, equipment, special needs, room and board, even computers and software that is predominately educational in nature. Homeschoolers' expenses, however, vary widely from those of their schooled counterparts. Homeschoolers using the Coverdell will not want to be restricted to the limitations of these school-type expenses. Therefore, if this amendment passes, the IRS will seek a definition of qualified expenses for homeschooling.
You may wonder how the IRS might go about the task of defining homeschooling expenses. It is a simple matter, really, for one federal agency to ask another agency for information. The Department of Education would probably commission a study of homeschooling. Or possibly, since homeschooling takes place in the home, the Department of Health and Human Services will jump on board with a commissioned study to define the type of home and family life that produces successful homeschooled students.
Who might carry out such a study? A state university, perhaps the U. of Washington or the U. of Michigan, might take on the task. If a study of homeschooling were contracted out to private agencies, an established homeschooling organization - perhaps one in Pennsylvania, Virginia, or Oregon - could win the project. Maybe even a charter school curriculum provider such as K12 would put in a bid.
Stop and think about that. An institutional study of homeschooling, mandated by the IRS and put up for bid by DOE or DHHS, would take the first steps to define legitimate homeschooling practice.
Would information gleaned from such a study be used strictly for its intended original purpose? Don't believe it. Any such study would be available to the public, to be used widely for purposes I can only imagine. Other studies would surely follow, and the definition of homeschooling would become narrower and narrower.
We must also expect mission creep, the idea that many an agency or idea starts out small, with good and helpful intentions, and over time, grows into a bureaucratic nightmare. Hmm, mission creep examples that pop into mind include public schools, standardized testing, income tax, the DOE, the DHHS, and Social Security - there are many more. Mission creep is inevitable when government involves itself in private affairs. Just as the camel's nose is followed by the entire camel, agency expansion follows the poking of the federal nose into private matters.
Do we really want to invite the feds into the homeschooling tent? The Coverdell amendment is a gold-embossed invitation.
To sum up: The Coverdell amendment, if passed, offers tax benefits to a minority of homeschoolers, opening the door for federal agencies to take further interest in homeschooling. Once that door is open, our historical understanding of how government agencies expand tells us that the door will swing wider and it will not close. That the Coverdell amendment also casts homeschooling as a special interest group exacerbates the problem.
I urge you to read this bill and think through the possible ramifications for yourself. The bill is short, eight pages, and can be found at http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov If you want to discuss HR 2732 online or read what others are thinking, there are a number of online discussions going on, including the Yahoo group AHA-PoliticalAction (To subscribe, send a message to AHA-PoliticalAction-subscribe@yahoogroups.com ) and the NHEN Forum at http://www.nhen.org/forum
When you call or E-mail your Representative:
If your Representative has co-sponsored HR 2732, ask him/her to withdraw support. If you have already written or called in favor of the bill, tell your Representative that you've changed your mind and why. You might point out the following:
A. Homeschooling is private education and we do not want special consideration nor do we want special interest group status.
B. Helping a few homeschoolers take advantage of the Coverdell Amendment compromises private status and is not in the best interest of all homeschoolers.
C. Other issues in this bill are better handled at the state level, on the individual level, or by working to improve the law for all citizens.
And now for the news...
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Homeschooling Bill Introduced in the Senate
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
HSLDA, Virginia, August 01
http://www.hslda.org
Headline: Homeschool Non-Discrimination Act Introduced in Senate
"Senator Larry Craig (ID) along with original co-sponsor Senator George Allen (VA) introduced the Homeschool Non-Discrimination Act (HONDA) in the United States Senate."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Idaho - Will Homeschooling Be Regulated?
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
KPVI-TV, Idaho, August 01
http://www.kpvi.com
Headline: Home-Schooling
"In June, the task force tried to pass legislation that would have required home-schoolers to register with their school districts and take the Idaho Standard Achievement Test. While they decided not to approve the measure, the government is still studying whether there is a need for regulations."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Charter Home-Schooling
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ann: Charter homeschools are cropping up all over the country, but not without problems.
The Salt Lake Tribune, By Ronnie Lynn, July 31
http://www.sltrib.com
Headline: Davis to help home schools
FARMINGTON - "Here's a twist: A Utah school district is ready to test a program to help parents who want to home-school their kids. And the Davis School District pilot project is attracting so much interest that it might not have enough spots to meet the demand."
***
Cabot Star-Herald, Arkansas, by Cara Carter, July 30
http://www.cabotstarherald.com
Headline: Charter virtual school, an alternative
"The majority of students enrolled in the virtual school were home schooled before starting the program. The virtual school provides parents the opportunity to give their children a high quality public education at home. 'This is the future,' says Superintendent Frank Holman..."
***
St. Petersburg Times, Florida, By Rebecca Catalanello, August 02
http://www.sptimes.com
Headline: Public funding launches virtual school for K-8
"Public school parents who have entertained notions of homeschooling will have a publicly funded opportunity beginning Sept. 2.... 'I think we're looking at a new world,' said J.C. Bowman, director of the Center for Education Innovation at Florida State University and former director of school choice for the state Department of Education. 'I think you will see some percentages of students (participating) who before could not afford to homeschool.'"
***
Palm Beach Post, Florida, By Cynthia Kopkowski, July 31
http://www.palmbeachpost.com
Headline: Home-schoolers prepare for school year
"Average daily attendance in home-school programs grew by roughly 300 students from 2001-02 to last year, said Beth Gillespie... 'And the more people you have in your group, the more you want the support system.'"
***
Palm Beach Post, Florida, By Kimberly Miller, August 03
http://www.palmbeachpost.com
Headline: Paperwork on vouchers plagued by errors, gaps
"The Wyvren Academy in Juno Beach offers home-schooling help to eight children and, according to the Department of Education, is eligible to accept vouchers for as much as $3,500 each. The school's fees top out at $160."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Homeschooling and Homeschoolers In the News
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Akron Beacon Journal, Ohio, AP, August 04
http://www.ohio.com
Headline: More blacks enter home schooling
Percentage doubles in 6 years as parents try to protect children
DAYTON - "More black families nationwide have turned to home schooling, and national observers say increasing affluence might be making it possible."
***
Washington Evening Journal, Iowa, July 31
http://www.zwire.com
Headline: Transition smooth from home school to college
"Walking around Kirkwood Community College... will be young men and women who have never experienced a public school system. Kirkwood appears to be a growing hub for home-schooled students in eastern Iowa."
***
Washington Post, District of Columbia, By Michelle Boorstein, August 03
http://www.washingtonpost.com
Headline: Mother's School Board Candidacy Is Homegrown
"Kimberly Fletcher stood up at a recent meeting of the Spotsylvania County, VA Republican Committee and hit all the right notes about why it should endorse her School Board candidacy... Her broader education platform stems from a perspective that is unusual in a school board candidate: She teaches all but one of her seven children at home."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
$50,000 Homeschooling - update
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ann: Last week I cited a story of a mother who planned to sue her local school district for the cost of homeschooling her autistic child. I am glad to read that the case has been settled swiftly. The cost of providing a private teacher for this boy is the apparent source of the $50,000 figure that I wondered about.
WR-TV, Indianapolis, Indiana, July 29
http://www.theindychannel.com
Headline: After Tying Allegation, District To Pay For Boy's Home Schooling
Mother Says Her Autistic Son Was Restrained Improperly
GREENSBURG, Ind. - "School officials agreed Tuesday to pay for home schooling for an autistic student who was pulled out of classes after his mother alleged he was improperly restrained by a teacher."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Back to Homeschool
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ann: It is August and Back-to-School Buzz is already in the air.
Lewisville Leader, Texas, By Leah A. Shafer, August 02
http://www.zwire.com
Headline: Back to (home) school: Resources expand for parents wishing to educate their children
"For a growing group of children in southern Denton County, the start of a new school year has an unusual twist. With 2 million students home-schooled nationwide and 100,000 in Texas, this is not a fringe population."
***
Oak Ridger, Tennessee, July 30
http://www.oakridger.com
Headline: Home schooling in Anderson County
"Parents residing in the Anderson County school district who wish to conduct home schooling during the 2003-2004 school year must make application to the director of schools' office by Friday, officials said."
***
St. Petersburg Times, Florida, By Michele Miller, August 3
http://www.sptimes.com
Headline: Homeschooling: Tuned to the individual
"The beauty of homeschooling is that if your kid is really into something - say, writing a story or working on a project about dinosaurs - you can let them work on it for five hours if they want."
***
News Observer, North Carolina, By T. Keung Hui, August 02
http://newsobserver.com
Headline: Home schooling slows
Growth down, but option still popular
"North Carolina's runaway growth in home schools slowed this past school year, but their popularity siphoned away more students from Wake County and other public school districts. In the 2002-03 school year, there were 26,422 registered home schools across the state..."
***
York Dispatch, Pennsylvania, By Melissa Weiler, August 05
http://www.yorkdispatch.com
Headline: Homeschool co-op
"Klinedinst hopes her group, "Outside The Box," will help parents by sharing instructional resources, responsibilities and talents, and helping parents feel more confident in their ability to teach their children."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Final Words
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Always keep me in mind as you find and make the news. Hugs and hearty handshakes go out to those who have contributed to this and past issues.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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
News and Commentary Email August 5 News & Commentary
In this issue:
The Camel's Nose Enters the Homeschooling Tent
Homeschooling Bill Introduced in the Senate
Idaho - Will Homeschooling Be Regulated?
Charter Home-Schooling
In the News
$50,000 Homeschooling - update
Back to Homeschool
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The Camel's Nose Enters the Homeschooling Tent
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ann: This week I want to share my thoughts about Section 6 of the proposed homeschooling omnibus bill, HR 2732, which has been misleadingly dubbed a non-discrimination bill. Several portions of the bill are better described as special interest amendmets, including the Coverdell amendment, the focus of this Commentary.
What it is: The Coverdell Educational Savings Plan offers tax advantages to families in high tax brackets. The proposed amendment expands the applicability of the Coverdell to "students privately educated at home under state law." Under this plan, funds must be used for "qualified elementary and secondary expenses."
I have two major objections to this amendment. First, this amendment helps a minority of homeschoolers, further entrenching the public view that homeschoolers are indeed a special interest group. If homeschoolers are seen as a special interest group marching to Congress, the deregulation moves in heavily regulated states are undermined. One sound argument for deregulation, that homeschoolers ask for no special privileges and no tax dollars and thus should be left alone, is lost if this amendment passes.
The risks of perpetuating homeschooling as a special interest group pale, though, when compared to my second major objection, that of inviting the federal camel's nose into our homeschooling tent. This amendment is a generous invitation for federal meddling in issues that are best handled on the state or individual levels. That invitation will not be turned down.
The invitation is straightforward: the definition of "qualified elementary and secondary expenses" will need clarification. The IRS definition (under the Coverdell Plan as it now stands) is consistent with traditional public and private schooling: tuition, fees, books, supplies, equipment, special needs, room and board, even computers and software that is predominately educational in nature. Homeschoolers' expenses, however, vary widely from those of their schooled counterparts. Homeschoolers using the Coverdell will not want to be restricted to the limitations of these school-type expenses. Therefore, if this amendment passes, the IRS will seek a definition of qualified expenses for homeschooling.
You may wonder how the IRS might go about the task of defining homeschooling expenses. It is a simple matter, really, for one federal agency to ask another agency for information. The Department of Education would probably commission a study of homeschooling. Or possibly, since homeschooling takes place in the home, the Department of Health and Human Services will jump on board with a commissioned study to define the type of home and family life that produces successful homeschooled students.
Who might carry out such a study? A state university, perhaps the U. of Washington or the U. of Michigan, might take on the task. If a study of homeschooling were contracted out to private agencies, an established homeschooling organization - perhaps one in Pennsylvania, Virginia, or Oregon - could win the project. Maybe even a charter school curriculum provider such as K12 would put in a bid.
Stop and think about that. An institutional study of homeschooling, mandated by the IRS and put up for bid by DOE or DHHS, would take the first steps to define legitimate homeschooling practice.
Would information gleaned from such a study be used strictly for its intended original purpose? Don't believe it. Any such study would be available to the public, to be used widely for purposes I can only imagine. Other studies would surely follow, and the definition of homeschooling would become narrower and narrower.
We must also expect mission creep, the idea that many an agency or idea starts out small, with good and helpful intentions, and over time, grows into a bureaucratic nightmare. Hmm, mission creep examples that pop into mind include public schools, standardized testing, income tax, the DOE, the DHHS, and Social Security - there are many more. Mission creep is inevitable when government involves itself in private affairs. Just as the camel's nose is followed by the entire camel, agency expansion follows the poking of the federal nose into private matters.
Do we really want to invite the feds into the homeschooling tent? The Coverdell amendment is a gold-embossed invitation.
To sum up: The Coverdell amendment, if passed, offers tax benefits to a minority of homeschoolers, opening the door for federal agencies to take further interest in homeschooling. Once that door is open, our historical understanding of how government agencies expand tells us that the door will swing wider and it will not close. That the Coverdell amendment also casts homeschooling as a special interest group exacerbates the problem.
I urge you to read this bill and think through the possible ramifications for yourself. The bill is short, eight pages, and can be found at http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov If you want to discuss HR 2732 online or read what others are thinking, there are a number of online discussions going on, including the Yahoo group AHA-PoliticalAction (To subscribe, send a message to AHA-PoliticalAction-subscribe@yahoogroups.com ) and the NHEN Forum at http://www.nhen.org/forum
When you call or E-mail your Representative:
If your Representative has co-sponsored HR 2732, ask him/her to withdraw support. If you have already written or called in favor of the bill, tell your Representative that you've changed your mind and why. You might point out the following:
A. Homeschooling is private education and we do not want special consideration nor do we want special interest group status.
B. Helping a few homeschoolers take advantage of the Coverdell Amendment compromises private status and is not in the best interest of all homeschoolers.
C. Other issues in this bill are better handled at the state level, on the individual level, or by working to improve the law for all citizens.
And now for the news...
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Homeschooling Bill Introduced in the Senate
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
HSLDA, Virginia, August 01
http://www.hslda.org
Headline: Homeschool Non-Discrimination Act Introduced in Senate
"Senator Larry Craig (ID) along with original co-sponsor Senator George Allen (VA) introduced the Homeschool Non-Discrimination Act (HONDA) in the United States Senate."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Idaho - Will Homeschooling Be Regulated?
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
KPVI-TV, Idaho, August 01
http://www.kpvi.com
Headline: Home-Schooling
"In June, the task force tried to pass legislation that would have required home-schoolers to register with their school districts and take the Idaho Standard Achievement Test. While they decided not to approve the measure, the government is still studying whether there is a need for regulations."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Charter Home-Schooling
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ann: Charter homeschools are cropping up all over the country, but not without problems.
The Salt Lake Tribune, By Ronnie Lynn, July 31
http://www.sltrib.com
Headline: Davis to help home schools
FARMINGTON - "Here's a twist: A Utah school district is ready to test a program to help parents who want to home-school their kids. And the Davis School District pilot project is attracting so much interest that it might not have enough spots to meet the demand."
***
Cabot Star-Herald, Arkansas, by Cara Carter, July 30
http://www.cabotstarherald.com
Headline: Charter virtual school, an alternative
"The majority of students enrolled in the virtual school were home schooled before starting the program. The virtual school provides parents the opportunity to give their children a high quality public education at home. 'This is the future,' says Superintendent Frank Holman..."
***
St. Petersburg Times, Florida, By Rebecca Catalanello, August 02
http://www.sptimes.com
Headline: Public funding launches virtual school for K-8
"Public school parents who have entertained notions of homeschooling will have a publicly funded opportunity beginning Sept. 2.... 'I think we're looking at a new world,' said J.C. Bowman, director of the Center for Education Innovation at Florida State University and former director of school choice for the state Department of Education. 'I think you will see some percentages of students (participating) who before could not afford to homeschool.'"
***
Palm Beach Post, Florida, By Cynthia Kopkowski, July 31
http://www.palmbeachpost.com
Headline: Home-schoolers prepare for school year
"Average daily attendance in home-school programs grew by roughly 300 students from 2001-02 to last year, said Beth Gillespie... 'And the more people you have in your group, the more you want the support system.'"
***
Palm Beach Post, Florida, By Kimberly Miller, August 03
http://www.palmbeachpost.com
Headline: Paperwork on vouchers plagued by errors, gaps
"The Wyvren Academy in Juno Beach offers home-schooling help to eight children and, according to the Department of Education, is eligible to accept vouchers for as much as $3,500 each. The school's fees top out at $160."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Homeschooling and Homeschoolers In the News
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Akron Beacon Journal, Ohio, AP, August 04
http://www.ohio.com
Headline: More blacks enter home schooling
Percentage doubles in 6 years as parents try to protect children
DAYTON - "More black families nationwide have turned to home schooling, and national observers say increasing affluence might be making it possible."
***
Washington Evening Journal, Iowa, July 31
http://www.zwire.com
Headline: Transition smooth from home school to college
"Walking around Kirkwood Community College... will be young men and women who have never experienced a public school system. Kirkwood appears to be a growing hub for home-schooled students in eastern Iowa."
***
Washington Post, District of Columbia, By Michelle Boorstein, August 03
http://www.washingtonpost.com
Headline: Mother's School Board Candidacy Is Homegrown
"Kimberly Fletcher stood up at a recent meeting of the Spotsylvania County, VA Republican Committee and hit all the right notes about why it should endorse her School Board candidacy... Her broader education platform stems from a perspective that is unusual in a school board candidate: She teaches all but one of her seven children at home."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
$50,000 Homeschooling - update
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ann: Last week I cited a story of a mother who planned to sue her local school district for the cost of homeschooling her autistic child. I am glad to read that the case has been settled swiftly. The cost of providing a private teacher for this boy is the apparent source of the $50,000 figure that I wondered about.
WR-TV, Indianapolis, Indiana, July 29
http://www.theindychannel.com
Headline: After Tying Allegation, District To Pay For Boy's Home Schooling
Mother Says Her Autistic Son Was Restrained Improperly
GREENSBURG, Ind. - "School officials agreed Tuesday to pay for home schooling for an autistic student who was pulled out of classes after his mother alleged he was improperly restrained by a teacher."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Back to Homeschool
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ann: It is August and Back-to-School Buzz is already in the air.
Lewisville Leader, Texas, By Leah A. Shafer, August 02
http://www.zwire.com
Headline: Back to (home) school: Resources expand for parents wishing to educate their children
"For a growing group of children in southern Denton County, the start of a new school year has an unusual twist. With 2 million students home-schooled nationwide and 100,000 in Texas, this is not a fringe population."
***
Oak Ridger, Tennessee, July 30
http://www.oakridger.com
Headline: Home schooling in Anderson County
"Parents residing in the Anderson County school district who wish to conduct home schooling during the 2003-2004 school year must make application to the director of schools' office by Friday, officials said."
***
St. Petersburg Times, Florida, By Michele Miller, August 3
http://www.sptimes.com
Headline: Homeschooling: Tuned to the individual
"The beauty of homeschooling is that if your kid is really into something - say, writing a story or working on a project about dinosaurs - you can let them work on it for five hours if they want."
***
News Observer, North Carolina, By T. Keung Hui, August 02
http://newsobserver.com
Headline: Home schooling slows
Growth down, but option still popular
"North Carolina's runaway growth in home schools slowed this past school year, but their popularity siphoned away more students from Wake County and other public school districts. In the 2002-03 school year, there were 26,422 registered home schools across the state..."
***
York Dispatch, Pennsylvania, By Melissa Weiler, August 05
http://www.yorkdispatch.com
Headline: Homeschool co-op
"Klinedinst hopes her group, "Outside The Box," will help parents by sharing instructional resources, responsibilities and talents, and helping parents feel more confident in their ability to teach their children."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Final Words
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Always keep me in mind as you find and make the news. Hugs and hearty handshakes go out to those who have contributed to this and past issues.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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
News and Commentary Email
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