I agree with you on this one 100%. Home schoolers are by and large some of the most selfless, educated, and dedicated teachers in the world. While they may differ largely from one another in political, religious, and educational beliefs they committed to the well-being and education of their children.

Unfortunately, there always seems to be one that screws it up for everyone else. This particular case started as child welfare case. Apparently there was a complaint of mistreatment by one of the couple's eight children (if it was confirmed I don't know). During the investigation it became apparent (to the court anyhow) that the children were being denied a real education.

Do I think the state has every right to step in and check things out especially when there is a complaint of mistreatment? Yes. Do I think they get to define what an appropriate education is? No. Of course, there are limits. If they came in to the home and saw that the children couldn't read or something glaring like that I could understand imposing some rules.

Then again, this case is further complicated by the fact that California doesn't technically allow homeschooling anyhow. The law states that all children must be enrolled in full-time public or private school or have them taught by credentialed tutors at home. Home schoolers had been working around this by registering themselves as a private school and enrolling only their children. (Now I take all of this information from an article I read in the San Francisco Gate so if any of my facts are wrong I apologize)

So in short, I think we are a good way from this happening here as Illinois is a good state for home schooling (so I hear from encouraging friends), but the legal precedent is certainly a wake-up call for parents.

Posted by McBloggy on March 15, 2008 at 4:10 PM

my sister in law does not send her youngest to school which he should be in the 3rd grade and i know he is not getting taught what he should because the mother sleeps all the time but something needs to be done about the mother. the child can't help that his mother is this way but in the long run the child is suffering because hes not getting the education he deserves so i think parents need to be held responsible.

Posted by susanfiscus6 on April 2, 2008 at 7:58 AM

susanfiscus6:

While I certainly agree that there are cases of neglect in the homeschooling community, as there are in all circles, that is not the norm. Most homeschooling families are doing so to give their children a better education than what they feel they would be getting in the public school system.

If you have serious concerns about your nephew's education and well-being then as a responsible adult you should consider stepping in and trying to help. First by speaking to your sister-in-law and maybe enlisting help and support from another concerned family member. If after that there is no change in behavior and you truly believe there is mistreatment evident (and sleeping all day and neglecting your child's education would qualify in my book) then it might be time to consider contacting the proper authorities.

While you may not have a great example of homeschooling in your own life you should know that there are many homeschooling parents that go above and beyond.

While the government does have a right to make sure children are receiving the education they need and deserve there are many different ways to go about educating children and they all have their merits.

Posted by McBloggy on April 2, 2008 at 4:17 PM