Parents Still Have a Right to Homeschool

As a follow-up to an earlier post, please check out the latest from California's State Superintendent of Public Instruction. (Editor's comments in red)

SACRAMENTO—State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell announced today that the California Department of Education has completed a legal review of the February 28 California Court of Appeal ruling regarding homeschooling. O’Connell issued the following statement:

“I have reviewed this case, and I want to assure parents that chose to homeschool that California Department of Education policy will not change in any way as a result of this ruling. Parents still have the right to homeschool in our state. (While our modern understanding deems a "right" as a good and as something freely given, it nevertheless implies something that could be taken away. The Nineteenth Amendment gave women the right to vote, yet another amendment could conceivably take that away. The Constitution grants concessions for man's right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, yet the history of our country is full of times when those "rights" were supplanted to the "rights" of the state. While Mr. O'Connell should be applauded for clarifying what the ruling is or is not, now is not a time to sit back as if everything is going to be ok.)

“Every child in our state has a legal right to get an education,(do children have a legal right not to get an education in California?) and I want every child to get an education that will prepare them for success in college and the world of work in the challenging global economy.

“As the head of California’s public school system, I hope that every parent would want to send their children to public school. However, traditional public schools may not be the best fit for every student. Within the public school system there are a range of options available. (This is called the "good cop" approach) Students can take independent study classes, attend a charter school, or participate in non-classroom-based programs. But some parents choose to send their children to private schools or to homeschool, and I respect that right.

“I admire the dedication of parents who commit to oversee their children’s education through homeschooling. (Here comes the "bad cop" approach) But, no matter what educational program a student participates in, it is critical (what exactly does this mean?) that the program prepares them for future success in the global economy. (Who determines what prepares children for future success in the global economy?) I urge any parent who is considering or involved in homeschooling their children to take advantage of resources and support available through their county or district offices of education.”(The reason, Mr. O'Connell, that parents are homeschooling their children is precisely because they cannot or do not want to utilize any resources the state offers their children in education!)

Never trust individuals who admit that they have anything to do with the public school system, especially in California! -Instauratio Catholica