BellaOnline Forums Education Homeschooling NEA is at it again

It's time for the NEA to once again re-issue their statement against homeschooling.

Obviously most state education officials don't agree with the NEA since homeschooling is legal everywhere in the US, testing isn't required everywhere and in many states homeschooled kids can take part in extra-curriculars. The federal DOE issued a statement in 2003 that homeschooled students are as just as well socialized as schooled peers and typically outperform schooled peers in all areas of study.

Do you think the NEA statement is well reasoned? Do you think it does more to hurt or harm relations with the state boards of education? Do you think teachers really feel this way?

"The National Education Association believes that home schooling programs based on parental choice cannot provide the student with a comprehensive education experience. When home schooling occurs, students enrolled must meet all state curricular requirements, including the taking and passing of assessments to ensure adequate academic progress. Home schooling should be limited to the children of the immediate family, with all expenses being borne by the parents/guardians. Instruction should be by persons who are licensed by the appropriate state education licensure agency, and a curriculum approved by the state department of education should be used.
The Association also believes that home-schooled students should not participate in any extracurricular activities in the public schools. The Association further believes that local public school systems should have the authority to determine grade placement and/or credits earned toward graduation for students entering or re-entering the public school setting from a home school setting."

BTW, if you're looking for the statement it's in the NEA's 07-08 resolutions, page 45.

Thanks for posting the statement, Meg.

I am in a town where the school board has officially proclaimed that homeschoolers may not take part in any school activities or use any school materials. My husband and I pay our taxes, same as everyone else, and it is irksome that we cannot even borrow a book from the school library. I spoke to the superintendent and she said that she would like to see this rule changed, but that line item will not be up for review until mid to late 2008.

I don't understand the reasoning- it seems more like a kneejerk reaction of fear. What are they afraid of, that we'll spread our crazy homeschooling ideas like a virus? Hmmm, maybe that's it.

I have friends in another state where homeschoolers are welcome to join sports teams, take individual classes, and go on field trips. I was met with thinly veiled hostility when I called the local school principal to ask if my son could take part in a math competition. "No." was his reply. I had to drag the words out of him to get more than that.

Lorel

The last time I looked there were 17 or so states that allowed homeschooled kids to participate in extra-curriculars and/or certain classes if they wished.

Florida is one of those states and the one I'm most familiar with. The law in FL was introduced and fought for by a homeschooling mother trying to obtain special needs classes for her son, she won. The law in FL only applies to students 9th grade and up but most elementary and middle schools gladly accept homeschooled students for these sorts of things, including gifted education, music, sports, etc.