Is there a viable alternative to the HSLDA?

[AspenRose]

I simply cannot consider joining that group.

Does this mean I should have an attorney on speed dial or something? :wow:

[Maat]

1. I don't think so, AspenRose.

As long as you've registered with the school district, and submitted your plan and paperwork, there's not going to be a problem, I'll wager.

I go through a homestudy-oriented charter school (there are many out there). I meet monthly with an EF, educational facilitator, who is a fully-credentialed, public-school-approved teacher. Thus, the school makes sure that I have a monthly plan, and that I file the monthly paperwork (not difficult at all). I fill out one subject presented per day (and concept), a monthly grade card for the basic subjects (Language Arts, Science, Math, Social Studies, and P.E. We added Art for her. I fill out a P.E. log (minutes and activities done daily). That's it. Oh, and I add to, delete from, and comment upon the monthly plan. That's all, and my teacher is very open to assignments - whatever I propose, she goes along with.

Anyway, as long as one does that, it's just not attackable, in my humble opinion, says this law school graduate (not licensed to give legal advice, non-practicing, but entitled to have an opinion as a homeschoolin' mom). There was an opinion issued by a justice in California, but it quickly was overturned. Bottom line: there is just too much support for it out there. All they do is make some requirements. Homeschooling, or, in our case, homestudy programs, will never go away.

I tell the teachers that, and some of their heads explode.

We're not going to need counsel. Honest. Are you in New York?

If you need me to send you samples of the paperwork, let me know.

[LeftyMom]

2. You almost certainly don't need one.

Politics aside, HSLDA is a joke. Almost all homeschooling-related legal issues involve custody disputes, and they won't touch those with a ten foot pole.

If you want to join a homeschooling org, generally the best legal advice and practical help comes from state-wide groups.

[Kerrytravelers]

3. Hi there.

I work for a program similar to Maat's. I am a credentialed public school teacher.

In California, if you homeschool on your own, all you need to do is fill out an affidavit. I believe you also need to track attendance, and it is something I would suggest doing anyway. Also, if you're homeschooling on your own, I'd suggest maintaining a lesson plan book and filing away the work completed so if there is ever any questions, your records will show what has been learned. I'd lean towards following the state standards, at least minimally, anyway. Some may disagree with that. In all, it is just a matter of opinion. But, if you do, and you need to place your child in a public school later on, they will enter with the same knowledge base as their peers. Actually, they will likely be leaps and bounds ahead of their peers, as they will have had more individual one-on-one time and more time to delve deeper in to the subject matter. Anyway, take or leave the standards advice. However, I would strongly suggest the lesson plan book and keeping work completed. (You don't have to keep every single little thing, but I would keep quite a bit. The more, the better.)

My following statement depends upon where you are, but in general, I don't see homeschoolers being harassed. The CA Education Dept, so far, as I have experienced, is accepting of homeschooling and is always working to make the laws more favorable to homeschoolers, while, of course, considering the safety and well being of the children. (Remember, there are those that "homeschool" so they can abuse their children all day. They are not true homeschoolers, but very sick individuals who take advantage of the freedoms CA offers.) I'm sure there are examples of the Dept of Ed being oppressive, but in general, Jack O'Connell's office has been supportive.

I wouldn't worry about an attorney. Be sure you know the laws regarding homeschooling. I'd certainly recommend joining local homeschooling groups. People there will have answers and support, too, so you won't be all alone.

If you're in CA and I can be of any assistance, feel free to PM me anytime.


-kt

[Maat]

4. People like you, Kerrytravelers, are my heros (heroines).

And, I agree with what you've said.