Dear Homeschool Leader,
This email is to assure you that despite information you may have received from Alpha Omega Publications, Wisconsin's homeschooling regulations have not changed. Here are the details. Please share this information with your support group.
Alpha Omega recently sent an email to homeschoolers in Wisconsin with the subject, "Wisconsin Passes New Homeschooling Regulation!" It goes on to say, "Did you know health is now a homeschool state requirement in Wisconsin? Don't worry. Alpha Omega Publications has you covered!" This same language could be found on Alpha Omega's website at http://www.aop.com/enews/aopnetalert/20080617/index.php as late as 10:30 AM on June 19, 2008. (It may have been changed by the time you read this, and the link may no longer work.)
This information is clearly incorrect. There has been no change in Wisconsin's homeschooling law since 1984. When the law was passed, it included the requirement that the educational program of a private school, including a homeschool, "provide a sequentially progressive curriculum of fundamental instruction in reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, science and health." (S. 118.165 [1] [d]) (Note: Because there is not a comma in the phrase "science and health," private schools, including homeschools, can include health in their science curriculum and do not need a separate health curriculum.)
Since Alpha Omega has been represented at WPA's Curriculum Fair for many years, I assume that this is an unfortunate error on their part and one that will not be repeated.
However, this morning I spoke with Ron Gibson, the Vice President for Marketing at Alpha Omega. I explained that because WPA has heard from homeschoolers concerned about Alpha Omega's statements in emails and on their website, WPA needs to send a email promptly. I asked if I could say in the email that this information was put out in error and will be retracted. Ron said he had heard from several homeschoolers at the Wisconsin CHEA Convention last month that Wisconsin's homeschooling regulations had been changed and health is now a required subject. He then checked and found health listed in the Wisconsin statutes as quoted on several websites. I pointed out that this statute has existed unchanged for over 24 years. Nevertheless, Ron said he needs to do further research.
I am still hopeful that this error will be corrected soon. I'll inform you of further developments if necessary.
Larry Kaseman
Executive Director
Wisconsin Parents Association
Post Office Box 2502
Madison WI 53701-2502
Voice Mail 608.283.3131
www.homeschooling-wpa.org |
