Statement of Unity Concerning Public School Alternative
Learning Experience Programs
by Emmett Comer
Recently, the Washington Homeschool Organization released
a statement concerning Public School Alternative Learning
Experience Programs (PSALEP), more commonly referred to
as alternative education, or alt ed, programs. The response
to this statement has been overwhelmingly positive, mixed
with a few negative reactions as well. For the most part, it
seems that the statement has hit the mark. Of course, any
time a stand is taken on an issue, there will be those who
don’t agree, or feel that the stand is out of line. We understood
this when we wrote the statement, and it was part of the consideration of releasing it.
Anyone familiar with WHO knows that the organization has a long history with PSALEPs.
Since their inception back in the mid 1990’s, WHO has been making its concerns and position
about them known in a variety of ways. This new statement is simply a distillation of previous writings,
testimony and input provided along the way to parents, legislators and administrators. The
focus of the statement is, and remains, on the programs themselves. Some of the negative feedback
we’ve received regarding the statement is from people who are involved in PSALEPs, who felt
they were being judged personally. This is regrettable. The choices that parents make are legion,
and while WHO’s stand on alt ed may infuriate some, and disappoint others, we can only continue
to state, like a broken record, that WHO is focused on the programs and their administration.
Throughout the history of the homeschool movement, there have been established, predictable
social understandings of homeschooling. WHO’s statement reflects the concern that, instead
of being identified with an independent homeschool, homeschooling may become indistinguishable
from public education. And yes, there is the overarching question, isn’t there? What is homeschooling?
Is it a matter of address, or a matter of control and responsibility? It seems difficult to
define for some, while for others it seems to come very easily. The answers for what it is are so
varied that it is nearly impossible to say “this is homeschooling”. That is understood. However, I
do believe it is possible to say what historically it has NOT been. WHO’s stand focuses on our desire
to ensure that homeschooling, whatever it is, does not become synonymous with public education.
Let’s take one sentence from our statement, with emphasis added on the bold words:
“The term “homeschooling” must remain identified, at its core, with families who have chosen
to take upon themselves the responsibility for their child’s education and not identified with a
state government-operated program.”
WASHINGTON
HOMESCHOOL
ORGANIZATION
Emmett Comer
serves as Chair
of the Board for
the Washington
Homeschool
Organization.
Our statement is really about the words in bold:
“The term homeschooling must remain, at its core,
not identified with a state government operated program”
I fully admit, the grammar is terrible, yet if one can make allowances so the essence of that sentence can be revealed, I believe it is very clear. Why would a public school program be considered representative of homeschooling? Is it, as many public school programs seem to imply, simply a matter of address? How would that perspective change the history of homeschooling? This raises a series of questions in my mind on this issue:
· When people talk about how homeschooling was illegal in our state before 1985, what exactly were they referring to?
· When people used to call OSPI with homeschooling
questions, why did OSPI refer them to WHO?
· When a legislator calls WHO asking for input on a homeschool issue, what are they expecting information on?
· When we first told our friends we were homeschooling, what made them look at us so funny?
· Why did my family, parents, siblings, etc. panic when I told them we were homeschooling our children?
When I seek to resolve these questions, it becomes obvious to me that public school programs aren’t the answer, and have not been identified with homeschooling in Washington for the last 25 years. WHO, and many others, would simply like that long-established understanding to remain intact. We believe the difference, that distinction if you will, is what ensures our freedom to homeschool as we wish.
We have had so many requests for copies of the statement and permission to print it that it has been updated and placed on our website for easy distribution to any who have an interest. It is also printed on the next page. Additionally, there is an online venue for groups and individuals to sign-on in support of the statement, and I hope that you will take the time to read it and consider it in light of the rich history of homeschooling in our state.
Certainly homeschools have not been seeking to be identified as public schools. In the end, it seems very little to suggest that similarly, families, not public school programs, be identified with homeschooling.
Permission to publish this article granted provided it is published in its entirety and not used for profit.
Copyright Washington Homeschool Organization 2009
Statement of Unity Regarding the Washington Home-Based Instruction Law and Public School Alternative Learning Experience Programs
Independent homeschooling, under the Washington State Home-Based Instruction Law RCW 28A.200, clearly places responsibility for all aspects of a child’s education in the control of parent(s) and/or guardian(s). Since the RCW, signed into law in 1985, those who select home-based instruction have consistently been referred to by media, academia and themselves as homeschoolers. These homeschoolers are identified by their choice to take full responsibility for their child’s education and the requirements outlined in the Home-Based Instruction Law.
In contrast, Public School Alternative Learning Experience Programs (PSALEP) defined in WAC 392.121.182, are government public school programs where the local school district retains control of student learning. Formation of these escalating programs began in 1996 with the introduction of the PSALEP’s rules by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Of concern to statewide independent homeschool organizations is the blurred distinction between Home-Based Instruction (homeschoolers) and participation in a PSALEP government-defined school. Additionally, troubling aspects involve the marketing of PSALEP’s to already-declared homeschoolers and the use of the Declaration of Intent to Provide Home Based Instruction Form as a marketing tool to solicit enrollment.
Currently, a growing number of public school districts throughout Washington are creating Alternative Learning Programs that target homeschoolers for enrollment and thereby funding. Additionally, existing programs are changing part-time enrollment requirements to necessitate nearly full-time participation, even requesting oversight of education in the home. We believe PSALEPs are redefining and undermining the Home-Based Instruction Law and placing the nature of independent homeschooling in Washington State at risk.
While styles may vary, major Washington State homeschool organizations agree that maintaining the strength and understanding of our Home-Based Instruction Law is vital to the health of independent homeschooling in Washington State. The term “homeschooling” must remain identified, at its core, with families who have chosen to take upon themselves the responsibility for their child’s education and not identified with a state government-operated program.
This statement is made by statewide independent
homeschool organizations:
Washington Homeschool Organization (WHO) ~ January, 2009
Christian Heritage Home Educators of Washington ~ January, 2009
Christian Homeschool Network (CHN) ~ January, 2009
Washington Association of Teaching Christian Homes (WATCH), March, 2009