The state has declared that parents must have credentials to home school their kids. According to H. Walter Croskey, a state appellate court judge, “Parents do not have a constitutional right to home school their children.” Parents who do not comply with state credentialing may face criminal sanctions and penalties for civil contempt.
According to my good friend, Brad Dacus, president of the Pacific Justice Institute, “The scope of this decision by the appellate court is breathtaking. It not only attacks traditional home schooling, but also calls into question home schooling through charter schools and teaching children at home via independent study through public and private schools.”
Upon hearing this news, my wife’s response was, “well, at least our daughter doesn’t need to worry (She is a state-credentialed teacher who is home schooling our grandchildren). Don’t be fooled. California’s attack on home schoolers is neither in the best interest of quality education nor the welfare of children; it is in the best interest of state-mandated, liberal, humanistic indoctrination and social engineering. The real target of this attack is Truth and every Christian should be very concerned about it.
According to my good friend, Brad Dacus, president of the Pacific Justice Institute, “The scope of this decision by the appellate court is breathtaking. It not only attacks traditional home schooling, but also calls into question home schooling through charter schools and teaching children at home via independent study through public and private schools.”
Upon hearing this news, my wife’s response was, “well, at least our daughter doesn’t need to worry (She is a state-credentialed teacher who is home schooling our grandchildren). Don’t be fooled. California’s attack on home schoolers is neither in the best interest of quality education nor the welfare of children; it is in the best interest of state-mandated, liberal, humanistic indoctrination and social engineering. The real target of this attack is Truth and every Christian should be very concerned about it.
First, it is extremely audacious and arrogant of this state to suggest that all education must meet its own standards. In order for most home schoolers and private schools to meet this state’s standards means to, in effect, “dumb down.” The State of California spends nearly $11,000 per year, per student on public education (one of the highest per capita rates in the nation) and ranks 47th out of 50 states in terms of measurable success. The more money we invest, the worse it gets. Who among us wants to come down to that level?Second, the purpose of this attack is really about state regulation which, if successful, will escalate to all forms of private education. The ultimate objective has more to do with the content of education than the qualifications of teachers. So, my daughter really does have much to be concerned about because if the state can, it will dictate the curriculum or rescind her credentials.
The Pacific Justice Institute is a Christian non-profit ministry that has committed to the defense of parents’ God-ordained rights and responsibilities to teach our children in the context of a God-centered world-view. This kind of legal defense is very costly and PJI provides their services for free. I’m sure they would appreciate your donations. PJI’s press release on this issue can be seen on their website at Pacific Justice Institute.
Please take a few moments to sign PJI's home school petition to Governor Schwarzenegger and forward it to as many people as you can.
Another ally in this battle for the minds of our children is Assemblyman Joel Anderson who has taken the first step in protecting parents' rights to home school by introducing Concurrent Resolution 115 in the Assembly, calling on the California Supreme Court to reverse the lower court's decision.
Another ally in this battle for the minds of our children is Assemblyman Joel Anderson who has taken the first step in protecting parents' rights to home school by introducing Concurrent Resolution 115 in the Assembly, calling on the California Supreme Court to reverse the lower court's decision.
Please call your assemblyman and senator and urge them to become co-sponsors of Assemblyman Anderson's home school resolution.
1 comment:
When I started teaching 20 children in the public school, I had an internship credential. I taught these children without a state teaching credential. This seemed to be O.K. I know of many teacher who taught with an internship credential. Would the state put more requirements over the homeschool children than there own children enrolled in their school system? What gives people the ability to teach? Is it sitting in classes, doing busy work, & paying the university money? I know so many teachers who have a credential and are horrible teachers. I do believe the state wants control over homeschoolers because they are so far above the state educated students. It looks bad for California.
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