Posted in School

When discussing curriculum and the financial costs of homeschooling the concept that the government should give us money for our students who are not attending public schools is often brought up.  I strongly oppose this argument.  Yes, I pay taxes for schools, and yes, I know that for states with the voucher program a hefty sum is tagged on to each potential student and if a homeschooling family was able to access this money things would be easier.  Really?  Hmmmm....

In an article on World Net Daily it has been reported that a government program providing financial backing for homeschoolers has been established.  "The plan was to entice homeschoolers with a package of goodies, including computers, access to instructional resources, assistance from certified teachers, guidance from a network of field representatives who are also homeschooling parents, plus a cash allotment for non-religious educational materials. "  While this didn't entice me as a homeschooler, the monetary value given to each family per student had me raise an eyebrow.  "The cash allotments are the big draw for homeschooling families: $1,600 per student for kindergarten through third grade, $1,800 for grades 4-8, and $2,000 for grades 9-12."  Parent can choose any curricula they want, except religious.  The monies cannot be used to buy any reiligious curricula.  This would narrow the choices of curricula considerably.  You would not be able to purchase curriculum from Bright Ideas, Apologia, Tapestry of Grace, etc.  Any curricula teaching from a religious perspective would be out.  CRASH!

Part of choosing to homeschool usually involves a desire to educate one's children seperate from what the government determines is appropriate.  With a government program such as this, families might choose the large sums of money over their spirtual beliefs.  This coould mean a large pull away from training our children in teh admonition of the Lord. 

While I don't spend nearly that amount of money on all of our children combined, I can see the enticement.  With $2000 for a high schooler, I could purchase a really nice chemistry set.  However I would have to also purchase a secualr chemistry curriculum.  If I choose to do so, that is fine, but being forced to choose that is the problem.

If people want to preserve their rights to homeschool, they must do so without the economic "help" of the government.  Homeschoolers have an advantage of choice.  I wanted choice cloaked in government mandated curriculum, I would send my children to school. 

These are my thoughts.