This is something that has come up several times this year and I'm wondering what the homeschool community can do about it. Changing education options should not be so difficult, but in some school districts it is not a cake walk. I'm talking about the one I live in really, but I'm sure it is happening all over California. Maybe it's because homeschooling is becoming more popular, but people are just jumping into it without thinking it all through and knowing the legalities. Should groups like CHN and HSC reach out on their websites to specifically tell people that are considering options that they need to know their school districts political climate before un-enrolling their kids?
Several times this year, parents have asked for advice on how to deal with our hostile school district now that they have pulled their child out and began to homeschool. They have done the legal thing to start a private school, but they gave the district the opportunity to challenge them and our district loves to fight. If they (the parents) had understood the political climate here, they would have known not to even mention homeschooling and done things to protect themselves. But how do you reach people that are just thinking about homeschooling?
I'm thinking that going to my local library and asking if I can put CHN brochures there might be a start, or having a table at our city events, but I'm afraid I might be harassed. I am currently raising children in this district that do not attend their schools. Would they have the @#$@ to come after me? I'm not doing anything illegal, but from my experience that doesn't really matter.
This is what it comes down to, for me. Homeschooling as a private school in California takes a lot of forethought and planning. Parents assume all responsibility for the education of their children. Our education (and political) system has not made creating responsible, self-reliant adults a priority in the past 30 years or so. If you have children in the public school system, you have to add even more diligence to knowing the laws and have the fortitude to stand up to bullies. It's hard.
What to do.....this is weighing on my mind heavily.
Several times this year, parents have asked for advice on how to deal with our hostile school district now that they have pulled their child out and began to homeschool. They have done the legal thing to start a private school, but they gave the district the opportunity to challenge them and our district loves to fight. If they (the parents) had understood the political climate here, they would have known not to even mention homeschooling and done things to protect themselves. But how do you reach people that are just thinking about homeschooling?
I'm thinking that going to my local library and asking if I can put CHN brochures there might be a start, or having a table at our city events, but I'm afraid I might be harassed. I am currently raising children in this district that do not attend their schools. Would they have the @#$@ to come after me? I'm not doing anything illegal, but from my experience that doesn't really matter.
This is what it comes down to, for me. Homeschooling as a private school in California takes a lot of forethought and planning. Parents assume all responsibility for the education of their children. Our education (and political) system has not made creating responsible, self-reliant adults a priority in the past 30 years or so. If you have children in the public school system, you have to add even more diligence to knowing the laws and have the fortitude to stand up to bullies. It's hard.
What to do.....this is weighing on my mind heavily.
