In the wake of the unanimous ruling of the Court of Appeal for the Second Appellate District to recognize homeschooling as a legal option in California, two of California’s most senior officials have given their opinion of the ruling.
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger:
“This is a victory for California’s students, parents and education community. This decision confirms the right every California child has to a quality education and the right parents have to decide what is best for their children. I hope the ruling settles this matter for parents and homeschooled children once and for all in California, but assure them that we, as elected officials, will continue to defend parents’ rights.”
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell:
“I am pleased that the courts have clarified the right of California parents to homeschool their children. I have respected the right of parents to make educational decisions they feel are in the best interest of their children. I recognize and understand the consternation that the earlier court ruling caused for many parents and associations involved in homeschooling. It is my hope that today’s ruling will allay many of those fears and resolve much of the confusion.”
HSLDA appreciates the efforts of these two officials as they were part of the group who defended the right of parents to homeschool before the Court of Appeal.
The homschooling community may see this as a victory but I wonder if it just clouds our thoughts and acts as a diversion from the real problem. That problem is should we have to answer to the government at all for our children's schooling? No, we should not. If they were to make it illegal to homeschool would parents be dumb enough to give in? These are our children from God and how we raise them is between us and Him. Not the government and us! We still don't have all our rights and should continue to fight IMO.
I agree. This is but a step to freedom for all homeschoolers, but at least we here in CA didn't go backwards! We have good laws here, simply an annual affidavit and an attendance roster. There is no governmental interference in any facet of school. Personally, I think the next challenge may come as proposed testing requirements.
I'm the blessed wife of My Honey of 14 years, and Momma to eight wonderful Lambies aged 13 and under. We live in Central CA, and use Ambleside Online for our curriculum. I'd love to meet you , so browse a while and feel free to leave a comment!
• Aug. 12, 2008 - But......