Currently it is against the law to homeschool in Germany. It is a stupid law, but it is the law. Several families in Germany have been hassled and threatened. The most famous recent situation is that of Melissa Busekros who was taken from her family by the German police.
Judy Aron, The Thinking Mother and Valerie Bonham Moon are blogging about a similar situation in Connecticut at here, here and here. It is similar in that government officials are hassling and threatening parents who decide to homeschool their children. The school reports the parents for “Educational Neglect” and the Department of Children and Families (DCF) goes after the parents. The big difference in Connecticut is that the United States Supreme Court has said homeschooling is legal.
Jennifer Abel reported on the abuse of power by the Connecticut DCF in Teach The Children Well. Jennifer plans to write more articles for the ctnow.com on how heavy handed the DCF has been. She would like to hear from more homeschoolers in Connecticut. If you are interested in talking with Jennifer, send her an email at: jabel@hartfordadvocate.com
Given that homeschooling has more than proved to be a superior form of education, if the DCF wants to go after parents for “Education neglect” they should be going after parents who send their children to public schools. Just imagine:
Knock, knock.
A mother opens her front door, “Yes?”
“Hello Mrs. Smith. I am Sue from the Connecticut Department of Children and Families. I understand that you are sending your two children to public schools. Is that correct?”
“Yes. Is there a problem?”
“Unfortunately we are concerned that you are neglecting the education of your children. Over the last thirty years public schools have declined to the point many children are graduating from high school not knowing how to read or write. Can I come in?”
“Why?”
“I just want to make sure you are being a responsible parent.”
“Do I have to let you in?”
“Well, if you don’t let me come in now, I might come back with a court order and a policeman.”
“OK.”
“This looks bad Mrs. Smith. You have very few books any where in the house. How are your children suppose to learn?”
“I thought public schools were supposed to teach my children.”
“The schools are supposed to, but they have been handicapped by a number of laws. Over the last couple decades the poor teachers have been given dozens of goals so it is hard for teachers to really make sure the students learn. We might have to investigate you more. If you are doing a poor job we may ask the court to remove your children from your home.”
“What can I do?”
“Have you thought about homeschooling? Many of the best educated children today have been homeschooled.”
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Technorati tags: homeschooling, homeschool, home school, home education, parenting, children, education, Carnival of Homeschooling
2 comments:
Thanks for linking to this very important article.. because what this really represents are two things
1) kids being held hostage in school so schools can collect special education funding
2) the movement towards conditional withdrawal in this country.. i.e. the kids cannot be pulled out of school without the school giving their permission and keeping oversight.
The whole thing is appalling.
Unfortunately many homeschoolers are either oblivious or do not care because they already have their kids out of the system.. they do not realize that eventually they will also be affected.
>Unfortunately many homeschoolers are either oblivious or do not care because they already have their kids out of the system.. they do not realize that eventually they will also be affected.
Good point.
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