Hoist Up Your Red Flag and Be Wary by Mary McCarthy

You know, anyone can write up anything and put it on the Internet.  Sometimes it is self-serving.  When it comes to homeschooling there are several competing interests that vie for your education dollar.  They will misinform you if it serves their purpose to separate you from your cash, your child’s education funding, or to secure their own jobs. Because sometimes they want money or control of your children or family, hoist up your red flag and be wary.

Of late, several different websites have posted “instructions” on how to begin homeschooling which may not be in your best interest.   The author that inspired this article headlined his piece “Home School Approval: Doing Home Schooling the Right Way”  (bold faced and underlined).  While the article does have some quasi-factual information about each state having different requirements,  he ventures into some dicey legal advice when he mandates, “Visit your state or local government education office in order to make an educated decision, and in order to get the approval youd (sic) need to push through with home schooling your child.” (Home School Approval: Doing Home Schooling the Right Way.http://www.ryanstips.com/home-school-approval-doing-home-schooling-the-right-way/)

The implication that his way is the only “right way” should give you pause.  The lack of ability to attach comments from those who might correct the errors is a sure-fire hint that something is amiss.  In most states you do not need the approval of anyone to select the best education for your child.  I have no idea what he’s implying with his need to “push through” homeschooling your child.  Far as I know there is no pushing in homeschooling, and I’ve been around it 30 years.

The smartest and most responsible thing to do is find out what the home school laws are in your state.  My favorite and most reliably up-to-date website is Ann Ziese’ A to Z Home‘s Cool Homeschooling.

Homeschooling is but one option available to parents as an educational choice.  Just as you would not visit your local Ford dealer to look at the latest Chevrolet, don’t expect you local public education provider to help you choose another alternative. It does not make sense.  If your local school district tells you they are authorized to oversee your child’s education outside of their “store,” ask for a copy of the law that permits their interference in your family’s private matters. I think it’s safe to say your Ford dealer is not going to help you buy from the Chevy dealer, but will definitely try to keep you there if they think they can sell you a Ford, instead.

Homeschooling is governed individually by each state.  That is true.  And depending on your educational choice, different laws apply.  For example, if you choose to homeschool independently you will be expected to meet the requirements of your state related to homeschooling specifically.  If you choose a public school program through you local education district, an online or virtual public school, you are expected to conform to the laws governing public schools in your state.  Private schools are largely unregulated but your child is enrolled just as any private school they would attend with yet another set of legal requirements.

What is most troubling and blatantly illegal is the author’s directive that you may possibly have to subject your family to a home visit.  Just because you choose to provide your child’s education yourself, that does not exempt you from the protections of the U.S. Constitution.  Americans NEVER have to permit anyone to inspect their homes.  Or show identity papers.  Or submit to any kind of literacy test.  It is your civil right to be “secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized. (U. S. Constitution, 4th Amendment).  In other words, politely reply, “get a warrant.”   Legal permission from a judge who has determined there is probably cause to enter your home must be obtained before anyone can force their way into your home.

When it comes to colleges, many search for home schooled students, because of their “learning ethic.”  Homeschooled students are notorious for their love of learning, maturity, and diligence in college. If you are still moved by scare tactics, contact several colleges of your choice and ask what their policies are regarding home schooled students.  If you know what the requirements are, you can homeschool with them in mind.

My last paragraph is advice to be wary of what you read on the Internet.  Double check everything, especially when it comes to something as important as your child’s education.  Yes, that includes what I’ve written here. Don’t expect your local public school to provide any assistance without taking some control of your family in exchange.  They have laws they have to meet or possibly jeopardize their funding.  Follow your state’s homeschooling statutes to the letter –  and comply in a manner that is no more or less than required of you IN LAW.  And don’t let individuals with questionable self-interest frighten you, they just want your money or control of your kids.  YOU are the parent, YOU make the decisions.
M-M

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