“Anonymous” wrote to a groups of us fellow homeschoolers:
I know that our state law seems restrictive especially compared to many other states; in the long run, however, this might also prove a blessing, especially with homeschooling coming under fire in California. The parameters which are in place now might prove in the future to protect the right to homeschool in our state.
A compilation of our thoughts (written by a number of moms):
I just think we are too willing to give up too many of their personal liberties to people who don't know how to raise children better than we do. Do politicians (or professional educators, for that matter) really know what constitutes a proper education for your child more than you do?
One needs to remember that laws only punish law-abiding citizens. Lawbreakers by definition do not obey the law! We need to remember according to the Declaration of Independence we have inalienable rights (non-transferable, God-given), not 'privileges given by the State' (a premise of Socialism).
The problem with the PA law is that the government has taken over an area that God gave to the family. I know the verse, "Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's." AMEN - I believe all that the Bible says. However, I disagree with the state’s (and others’) fallible interpretation of that verse. God gave the responsibility of raising children to the family, not to the state. This law does not protect children, it only punishes the law-abiding parents in this state with more paperwork, expense, and it gives the State an avenue into the day-to-day activities in our homes. The 4th Amendment says that the State should have no assess to my private papers without a warrant and without probable cause that a crime has been committed. With our current law, we have to prove we are not guilty of a crime to continue home educating each year, even though the State has no probable cause that a crime has been committed. We are assumed guilty and we have to prove our innocence each year.
Our state operates under the assumption that parents do not have their children's best interests at heart. However, the United States Supreme Court ruled in 1979 that the assumption is that parents do have their children's best interests at heart and laws should reflect that spirit.
The PA law is designed to control us, not protect us, and it certainly does not contribute to our children's success. Government oversight, as research by HSLDA and others cites, does not contribute to a student's educational success. It's foundation is flawed - they believe they know better than parents what is best for their own children.
Our children having us as parents and we parents having our individual children is no mistake Please don't think that children in schools are learning every day - they are all wishing to be out and learning the things that they actually WANT to learn.
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“Anonymous” wrote to a groups of us fellow homeschoolers: The other concern that we might overlook as we seek to diligently train our own children is that there are other family situations that are not necessarily the best.
A compilation of our thoughts (written by a number of moms):
The problem with the PA law is that the government has taken over an area that God gave to the family. God gave the responsibility of raising children to the family not to the state. Child abuse and neglect are already against the law. PA home schooling law does not keep those children who are being abused from the abuse of parents/guardians who would abuse their children regardless of their schooling situation!
I disagree with the foundation of your argument - I am not to determine which family situation is the best. I am to do God's Will in my life and for my family and, of course, to help those in need when I see a need. I am not to judge another family's situation as being better or worse than mine. Just because certain family situations are "not necessarily the best" does not mean they are abusive or wrong! Like was stated above - the oppressive state laws regarding home schooling does not prevent child abuse and nelgect. Just like churches' and other organizations' policies requiring "Child Protection" training does not keep abusers from abusing children - it just serves to protect the organization's rear end. No child abuser (whether a parent or stranger), a defined law breaker - see earlier comment, is going to choose to NOT abuse a child simply because they were required to take a course on protecting children from abuse. It is a completely illogic premise.
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