A question for California homeschoolers

[Parabola]

Re: the recently passed court decision about homeschooling, could someone actually from CA tell me what kind of effect, if any, this decision will or could have on homeschooling in CA?
I've read several different things, and they seem to vary in response to the decision from "oh no, homeschooling in CA is endangered hurry hurry write your representative" to "hey, no problem, we've been homeschooling in CA for a long time, nothing is jeopardized, keep doing what you're doing".

I see Ahnold has stepped up in support of homeschoolers, good for him.

Just wondering where this is all going, would like to hear from ppl in CA. And I apologize if this subject has already been discussed.

[Mrs Mungo]

I did a search for you, see if this link works:
http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/search.php?searchid=195357

[Ellie]

If the decision doesn't win its appeal, then yes, hsing in California will be in jeopardy.

But nothing is different *at this time.* I think the actions that HSLDA and others are taking are necessary. Panic is not necessary, though.

[Mrs Mungo]

Just to clarify something (because I seem to be coming across badly today)-when I post searches or search results it is only to help the OPer find what they are looking for. In my experience searching on message boards is tricky and I have lots of experience (including being an admin on this type of board) so I'm just trying to help the lost and/or newbies. :D

[Hen Jen]

Well, I go back and forth between nothing has changed, and dread. I think for us, nothing will change much at first if it stands...though I can't see how it could stand...

we are homeschooling through a charter school, so on the surface we would seem fine... and yet I dread any changes, because our good relationship with our charter is the result of our choices. The charter knows the parents can drop anytime and file an "R-4" (become our own private school) or join a different charter, or join an umbrella private school, our choice gives us power and drives the charters to work with our homeschool parent sensibilities. If everyone in the state is forced to use a charter or not homeschool, our choices and power will be gone and I know we will be driven each year into a more 'public school textbook-school at home' model. This makes me cringe.

The actual ruling, however, seemed to wipe out all options, including charters and district run independent learning programs, and even private schools- I cannot see that it would be left to stand like that. The ruling seemed to say that unless the child's tush was in a seat at a physical school, daily taught by a credentialed teacher, then it was illegal... it wipes out everything, I wonder if the judges realized what they had done.

Our homeschooling and private schools work here because of our choices and a largely hands-off law...I am afraid of the legislature and Arnold doing anything to protect us, it could make us worse off, with hoops to jump thru that we do not have now. This whole thing has opened up a big mess.

I try not to think about it, really.

just my thoughts. thanks for asking.

[Parabola]

Its hard to believe a state as liberal as California can be, would go down this path. And you're right Jen, its opening a huge can of worms. My thoughts are with all you California people. I know if my state made homeschooling illegal or even difficult, I'd move. In a heartbeat. I hope it doesn't come to that for California.

And Mrs. Mungo, I thought the link you provided was GREAT. I opened it up and I was like "Wow! Awesome!" So thanks.

[Kate CA]

Just wondering where this is all going, would like to hear from ppl in CA. And I apologize if this subject has already been discussed.

You already got the facts from others. I just wanted to say thank you for caring. It means a lot to us here that other folks in other states care. :)

[Volty]

I, for one, hope this remains in the realm of child abuse and the kids in the family get the help they need. I've got no sympathy at all for the horrible parents and will not defend or support them.

As far as I'm concerned this has nothing to do with HSing, HSing is being used as a cover to justify what they are doing. I am disgusted these parents are the public face of California homeschooling.

[Kate CA]

I, for one, hope this remains in the realm of child abuse and the kids in the family get the help they need. I've got no sympathy at all for the horrible parents and will not defend or support them.

As far as I'm concerned this has nothing to do with HSing, HSing is being used as a cover to justify what they are doing.

That's the problem, Volty, it has LONG gone beyond the realm of this single family. I don't support *this* family either, but the case has been published and if left to stand without appeal *will* affect all homeschoolers in CA. We no longer have the luxury of remaining passive and hoping this case will revert to this single family - unless the case is depublished. This is what is being attempted by many of the varied CA homeschooling groups working together.

I am disgusted these parents are the public face of California homeschooling.

I am right there with you.

[Ellie]

Its hard to believe a state as liberal as California can be, would go down this path.

That's because you were thinking that "liberal" means "live and let live." Surprise! It doesn't! It really means, "You can't possibly do things without government intervention. Here--let me help!":D

[Hen Jen]

That's because you were thinking that "liberal" means "live and let live." Surprise! It doesn't! It really means, "You can't possibly do things without government intervention. Here--let me help!"

Ellie, :lol: that was along the lines of what I was thinking!

and Volty, I agree with you...I am really sad that this family is in the spotlight as homeschoolers, and as Christians..it makes me cringe.

I am glad that others are thinking of us here, thanks