Homeschool Resolution Introduced

I received this in my email from the homeschool program that I used to be enrolled in.


Action: Homeschool Resolution Introduced

Please forward the following message from California Homeschool Network:

California Assemblyman Joel Anderson is introducing a concurrent resolution in the Assembly. He is calling on the California Supreme Court to reverse the recent court decision that could make homeschooling illegal.

This will happen fast, since it's a resolution and not a bill. All California homeschoolers are encouraged to contact their legislators and ask them to support homeschoolers by voting yes on Joel Anderson's ACR supporting homeschooling. We expect there will be a
powerful response as California homeschoolers respond.

As information develops, it will be placed on CHN's legal updates page, http://californiahomeschool.net/howTo/updates.htm

California Homeschool Network
<http://www.californiahomeschool.net/>www.CaliforniaHomeschool.net
800-327-5339



The resolution reads as follows:

Assembly Concurrent Resolution

WHEREAS, Some thirty years of experience with the modern homeschooling movement in California demonstrates that home school
graduates take up responsible positions as parents, as students in and graduates of Colleges and Universities, in the workplace, and as citizens in society at large; and

WHEREAS, Homeschooling by California families with diverse backgrounds has historically given children a quality education through proven, independent approaches that nurture valuable family
bonds and support successful student development; and

WHEREAS, private homeschooling has a long and rich history in the State of California, currently estimated as involving 200,000 students in the State of California, and 2,000,000 students nationwide; and

WHEREAS the United States Supreme Court has ruled that parents have a fundamental constitutional right to direct the education and
upbringing of their children (Wisconsin v. Yoder, Pierce v. Society of Sisters, Meyer v. Nebraska); and

WHEREAS, On February 28, 2008, the Court of Appeals for the Second Appellate District in Los Angeles issued an opinion in the case of In Re: Rachel L. holding that homeschooling without a teaching credential is not legal; and

WHEREAS, This misguided interpretation denies California parents' primary responsibility and right to determine the best place and manner of their own children's education; and

WHEREAS, The fair opportunity of California families to educate their children should not be undermined; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, that the Legislature hereby calls upon the California Supreme Court to reverse the opinion.

RESOLVED, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.

 

Wow! It's great that someone in the political arena is taking an interest in homeschooler's rights!

Amy

 

I wonder if I can find this info on HSLDA. I haven't checked yet. I think I will.

 

Is there anything home schoolers outside of California(Nationally) can do to show their support to encourage this resolution?

I think it was very well written. If it gets the combined support of California home schoolers and home schoolers nationally,(2,000,000 nationally) hopefully the resolution will be passed with out delay.

Let home schoolers outside California know how they can show their support for this resolution. Can we call California representatives, or better yet, send our support through the U.S. Post? I like the idea of sending our support through the U.S. Post.(Next day air even.)

Let the letters and voices of millions of home schoolers nationwide stack up on the desks of the California legislators and be heard!

 

This board is either dead or full of hypocrites.

Where are the concerned Home Schoolers?

Dead Dead Dead

What a shame.

Well, maybe their "right" to home school, will be taken away soon after this California "example" moves forward.

People Wake up!

People Speak up!

Speak up for your rights as parents to direct your children's education.

That is, unless you are perfectly happy with the government directing your children's education.

...<waiting>...,

Well then, take a back seat. Or get out, walk away, and give up your parental rights and concerns altogether.

 

If you take the time to read the other threads regarding this matter, you will notice that many people have voiced their feelings about this situation. The other threads also answer your questions. It is a matter of taking the time to read them instead of putting your energy into being negetive.

 

I just reported this poster.

 

I'm not sure I would support the resolution if I were down there. I'd be suspicious that it's a measure to look like they're doing something while doing nothing. A resolution is simply a statement, nothing more with no power.

That's my suspicious mind though.

 

Lehrerin Mutti, were you intending to be insultling, or did it just come across that way? You're new here, so please stop making judgements on us simply because people didn't respond as quickly as you wanted! It is now 7 AM here, and this post was not up when I went to bed last night.

Many of us have signed HSLDA's petition. I know you chose not to, and I understand the reasons for your not doing so. That's fine. But I personally, don't feel there's anything more I can do right now. I am not willing to send a letter to someone in California, at least not now, concerning this resolution. I am VERY much aware that this can happen anywhere, and am monitoring how it plays out. I think you owe a lot of people an apology.

HSLDA sent out an elert yesterday stating that some guy, I think he's like head of the Department of Public Instruction or some such, came out with a statement saying the ruling was in error, and that there would be NO "crackdown" on HS'ers as a result. My DH is wondering if this has occured ONLY because of the public outcry against it. Would they remain silent if the hs'ing community had just accepted things? Interesting question. I am in agreement with him that tthe original ruling was a calculated move, to see if the climate was yet right to reign the hs'ers in.

 

What??? I mean seriously, you think we live on this board? We are all aware of what is going on and MANY of us have done something about it. This has been discussed quite a bit. I cannot believe how rude you comments are. I personally have involved myself on a minor level when it comes to this issue. However, being that I homeschool, have a husband and a life, heck even a dog, I cannot always advertise my hourly actions online. There is no one on this board that does not care. Some of us cannot respond as quickly as others due to being busy or time zone. And some don't always feel the need to tell the world what they are doing. After all, responding on this thread will not change anything. I see no reason for you to come on here and be so rude. Did you intend on starting out on a bad foot? I think you owe this board an apology. We all realize the importance of this issue. I have discussed it many times in my offline life...which by the way takes up a bit more time than my online one. So, back off and word yourself with some respect.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

No, I was not intending to be insulting. I simply noticed that there were many people reading the day to day home schooling threads VS people reading & staying in contact on the potential freedom breaking Home School News threads.

I could stay "safe" and not get involved in this. Yes, I would rather send a letter to the California legislators than to sign an online petition, where all of my personal information would be available to the World Wide Web.

If people here took offense to my post, then I think they should take a GREATER offense and action to the potential loss of their freedom to home school.

Honestly! Reporting my post? Some people may be complacent about the potential loss of their rights as parents to direct their children's education because they are comfortable with the way things have worked and would rather wait things out quietly, hoping to continue to go unnoticed. I just don't think that is going to work any more.

If it makes people feel better I will not post here any more. I was moved by my desire as a home schooling parent who as of this date, in Illinois, still has the freedom and right to home school as a recognized private school; to speak out and show my support for California home schooling families. If that made people uncomfortable, I am not sorry.

I do suggest that home schoolers nation wide, get out of their comfort zone to take a stand for California home schoolers. The recent judgment in California against parent's rights to home school is a threat to the freedom of home schoolers everywhere.

On that note, this is my last post. I am sorry if members here were offended by my post, but I honestly think that there are a lot worse things going on in the world today to merit the energy of an offensive action, than my post.

Report that.

 

I am with you on this one. There is so much going on with this one rulling that I am officially confussed!
I received an email from the homeschool group that the family was a part of and they are asking people to not go along with this resolution. Not in those exact words of course. The school itself has a seperate case coming against this ruling. They believe that it DOES need to go to the Supreme Court. They believe that there is no other way.
I am not supposed to be on the "Spot" today but I couldn't resist.:lol: I will post the email when I get back on. I just had to peak and see what was going on.

 

Interesting, Patty!

 

I am almost done with all I have to do today.LOL

I just heard on talk radio that the Superintendent for the California Department of Education, Jack O'Connell, just announced that the ruling will not cause problems for homeschoolers. Now, here is the catch...

...AS LONG AS CALIFORNIA HOMESCHOOLERS ARE ENROLLED IN AN ACCREDITED PROGRAM THEN CREDENTIALS ARE NOT NECESSARY.

...and

...IF A PARENT IS USING A STATE APPROVED CURRICULUM THEN HE DOESN'T SEE WHAT THE PROBLEM IS.

YIKES! Now granted, I heard this on talk radio BUT it was his secretary who made the announcement for him.
I know some Californians think that people are making a big deal out of nothing. But when the Superintendent for The California Department of Education says this, I can't help but wonder where we are headed.

 

This is the email I received. I am posting on two different posts because it is too long.

UPDATE (3-11-08)

Sunland Christian School’s filing for a hearing puts this ruling into suspension (stay) and it can not be used in a court of law, against any homeschoolers, until the following processes are finalized!

SUMMARY:
The California Court of Appeals handed down a verdict concerning homeschooling. This was a bad decision on the part of the court. In re Rachel L. It was a case about a family in Sunland Christian School (SCS). The family faced juvenile court issues, which were resolved, the DCS case was closed, and the judge resolved the family could continue to homeschool. However, the children’s court appointed attorneys did not like the decision and appealed the decision. In the California Court of Appeals, SCS was never given an opportunity to represent itself and address who we are and how we function. Much of the information the court used to render this current decision was on incomplete and inaccurate information.

ACTION BEING TAKEN:
1. Pacific Justice Institute, the legal team representing Sunland Christian School (and on behalf of all California homeschoolers), is filing for a hearing with the California Supreme Court. Sunland Christian School will continue to serve its families, and will not use this situation as a means to increase its membership. Your prayers and support are vital! Contributions to Pacific Justice Institute and/or Sunland Christian School are welcomed and will only be used for this defense!
2. Independent organizations will be filing for the family for a rehearing at the appellate level, a hearing at the California Supreme Court, and a filing for de-publishing of the ruling to the California Supreme Court.


ARE YOU CONFUSED?
With the Court of Appeals ruling In re Rachel L., there are many different opinions and statements being promoted on this recent ruling.

 

LET’S LOOK AT THE FACTS:
1. This ruling sets precedent and interprets the law for everyone in California in its current status. It is not a ruling just for the family involved.
2. At this moment, there is no provision in the California Constitution to allow parents a constitutional right to direct their children’s education.
3. California Educational statutes do not currently define homeschooling.
4. California homeschoolers have been educating their children under the current laws for the past 27+ years without any major conflict.
5. This ruling effects both private homeschoolers and public charter home school programs,distant learning and independent study programs.
6. Filing for an appeal (which SCS’s legal team, Pacific Justice, will be doing) puts in suspension the ruling until the appeal is denied or heard (possible 4 months to 5 years). During this time no homeschool family will be challenged in a court of law with this ruling.


WHAT ARE SOME OF THE PROBLEMS:
1. This ruling is creating panic among homeschoolers, and some organizations are profiting from feeding the panic.
2. If this ruling is left alone (because of fear that the California Supreme Court might uphold the ruling), then the ruling would continue to stand as law, unless new legislation is submitted and passed. New legislation will not be introducted until this legal process is complete. So appealing to the California Supreme Court is a necessary step.
3. If the ruling is de-published, it would then only apply to the family involved in the case (This also requires a California Supreme Court decision.). However, in that condition, anyone could still use the case to take any homeschool family to court on the same grounds. De-publishing the case only temporarily helps everyone else, but the family involved, and continues to leave everyone at risk. De-publishing would create an ongoing state of panic, increased court cases against homeschoolers and offers no guarantee of our constitutional rights being protected. It would throw the Long family under the bus, to generate a guaranteed widespread need for increased homeschool legal defense. The resolution for this is new legislation or an appeal to the California Supreme Court. And homeschoolers do not want new legislation.
4. Asking the Court of Appeal to re-hear the case. It is most unlikely that the Court of Appeal will re-hear this case. They have clearly delineated a position. They didn’t doubt their opinion. It is possible they believe homeschooling needs legal definition in California and where pressing the issue so it would be dealt with.

WHAT SHOULD HOMESCHOOLERS AND ADMINISTRATORS DO NOW?
First of all don’t panic. Help those who feel distraught and afraid, to be at peace and have faith for a favorable outcome. While we are appealing this ruling, it won’t be used in court against homeschoolers. Continue to homeschool effectively, caring about your family, children, their growth and development and their academic instruction.
Administrators of ISPs need to comfort their families, assuring them there is no need to panic, and continue to serve your families well. Many ISPs are continuing to enroll new families and are experiencing an increase in inquiries about their programs. This is a pivotal time to continue in prayer and good works, and be strong and of a good courage! Don’t pull back and alter what you are doing, except in areas where improvement is needed. Don’t model behavior which fosters confusion and panic in your children. They need you to lead and love them with confidence! Encourage each other with these words.

GOVERNOR SCHWARZNEGGER’S STATEMENT
"Every California child deserves a quality education and parents should have the right to decide what's best for their children. Parents should not be penalized for acting in the best interests of their children's education. This outrageous ruling must be overturned by the courts and if the courts don't protect parents' rights then, as elected officials, we will."

HOW CAN I HELP?
1. Pray!!!! Any specific help needed will be requested!!
2. Give your support in words and financially. While Pacific Justice Institute is taking this case pro bono, expenses in handling a case like this could cost $250,000.00 or more.


DONATE to either Pacific Justice Institute or Sunland Christian School. Your contribution will only be used for this defense!

BE A PART OF THE SOLUTION, NOT A PART OF THE PROBLEM!
While it is normal for anyone to feel panic, insecurity, uncertainty, anger and a wide range of various emotions, as a result of the Court of Appeals ruling, do not let your feelings control your words or actions. When we do, it usually is destructive rather than constructive and it effects us individually as well. Don’t be a contributor to spreading unfounded statements or gossip. In situations of this type, people try to find someone to blame when situations out of their control effect them. “If only the school had...” “Something must be wrong with the family...” Why aren’t certain homeschool leaders more directly involved?” Spreading negative gossip can be a stimulating past time, but it doesn’t help in the overall picture. Don’t jump to conclusions based on limited information. We have all seen the results of angry, emotionally charged persons, reacting to their limited information, giving their opinion in a negative way. Churches, families and communities split over this type of behavior. As the homeschool community, we need to pull together and help one another, regardless of style, philosophy, political preferences, religious beliefs, organization affiliation, etc. Don’t talk negatively about other homeschool leaders or groups you don’t know or agree with. Pray for them. Uphold them. Speak well of them and do good to them. If we don’t have something supportive to say, don’t say anything at all. Don’t be the creator or spreader of gossip. Cases can be lost by unnecessary infighting within any movement or organization. Be a strong link in the chain, as we all pull together for positive change in California!


WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT TO HOMESCHOOLERS
From Laura Neven
At a time when the validity of homeschooling is being questioned and our right to choose to homeschool is being challenged, we need to be reassured of the reasons for our choice to homeschool. Without question we all know the significance of our children getting a solid academic based education. With concerns about the environment and content of education available to our children through our public school system, we as parents find many reasons to be concerned about how that system is serving our children. We were given the awesome gift and responsibility of raising children, and this creates a desire and need to make choices that are the best for them. We recognize that we can not shelter our children from elements of concern that they are exposed to everyday, whether in a social or public setting, not to mention television and other media publications. We can guide, guard and limit that exposure and provide supportive tools to assist them in interacting with others and discerning how to deal with situations they will face. Our children are the young men and women of the future. How we, with God’s guidance, participate in the influencing, shaping and molding of their lives is crucial. God’s call for us to homeschool, as a means of guiding, nuturing and loving our children through these early years of their lives, is a call we have answered!
The concerns that lead us to the choice to homeschool are also the foundation from which we must stand together in support of our choice. Life is never free of challenges that cause us to examine our values, morals and priorities we have set. We need to stand in unity for our children, our family and God’s Family by seeking to uphold the values of family. Be assured of Sunland’s continued support of your family, no matter where you homeschool, as we stand with you in the raising of your precious children.


Sincerely,
Terry Neven
Sunland Christian School, Principal

 

This is fascinating!

This is from HSLDA's site. It reads a lot different than what O'Connell's secretary said. If you click on O'Connell's statement, it doesn't say anything about curriculum or an accredited program. HMMMMM!
I wonder why.

http://www.hslda.org/hs/state/ca/200803120.asp

 

Patty, thanks so much, ladies don't let that new person thread get to you. We all are strong and stick beside each other, I think it was someone trying to get us going.

 

Thanks for all the info, Patty. Very interesting and scary in so many ways. Just don't know what to think about all this right now. I am happy I am not in Ca. but my turn will come I am sure. Not that I don't care about those in Ca., I do very much. Not because it may affect me but because I care when any parent is threatened with rights being taken away or limited.

 

I understand what you are saying. I do not know what to think of it either. It seems that all of our officials are not on the same page.