Dana at Principled Discovery fisks another state official who somehow got the idea that he owns the children in his state and is just being good enough to lend them to us to raise.
From the article Homeschooling cuts children off from oversight:
He says:
Addressing questions about child safety, Schiavone painted a picture of an increasingly popular system that grants enormous parental independence.
Dana replies:
Correction: homeschooling is an “increasingly popular system that [recognizes] parental independence [from the state].” I am sorry, but rights are not granted, they are guaranteed. Our Constitution is not set up to give me rights but to be sure that officials in school districts like yours cannot trample on them simply because your office “cannot get a handle” on a problem you cannot even prove exists.
It just goes on and on. His over-reaching arrogance must be read to be believed. And the worst part is he’s probably a nice, well-meaning guy who sincerely believes what he’s advocating is right. I can’t help but wonder if this proponent of public education ever took a civics course himself.
written by Laura
Over at Principled Discovery » When should public policy not be open to the public?
Earlier this school year, apparently, three homeschooled students were asked to withdraw from all but two classes “in order to meet a requirement that public school classes make up no more than 50 percent of their instructional day.” The problem is, no such policy exists.
And the associated paperwork was unavailable. One Freedom of Information Act request later, they learn that (quelle surprise!) said paperwork
also sets up regulations for testing procedures, plans of instruction and other issues dealing with the home-based education of the children.
Niiice.
written by Laura
Being able to do a book report on Atlas Shrugged or learn the truth about the Crusades and European history instead of wasting time on nonsense like this:
Lawsuit targets history teacher’s comments - Los Angeles Times
James Corbett, who teaches Advanced Placement European history at Capistrano Valley High School, consistently “demonstrates a sense of hostility toward religion,” causing Christian students to “feel ostracized and treated as second-class citizens,” according to the lawsuit filed in federal district court in Santa Ana by Chad Farnan, 16, and his parents, Bill and Teresa.
The lawsuit contends, among other things, that Corbett told students during class that “when you put on your Jesus glasses, you can’t see the truth”; said that religion is not “connected with morality”; compared Christians to “Muslim fundamentalists” who want women to “stay pregnant, barefoot, and in the kitchen and have babies until your body collapses”; and suggested that churchgoers are more likely to commit rape and murder.
written by Laura
If you’re getting geared up for the next school year as we are, this may be helpful. The classes are free for everyone, but I especially want to draw the attention of homeschooling families. Jan’s Illustrated Computer Literacy 101 is free for personal use, and it is so good that during my brief, unlamented tenure teaching computer classes at a K-12 parochial school, I purchased it and used it for my curriculum.
Check it out. They’re not pretty, but the content is excellent, and includes quizzes. The computer basics, which I supplemented by passing around pieces of hardware (you can get an old computer at the thrift store and break it down, and it’s even better if you let the kids help) put the cookies on the low shelf, but it was useful theory that many adults don’t know either. Word processing, spreadsheets, databases, internet and presentation software are also included, also with exercises and quizzes. It’s a great solution, especially for kids who are learning or who already know how to type. I recommend Typing Master Pro, ($39) if you’re looking for typing software - it’s customizable, the games are good, and the satellite feature is very helpful for older kids. Also, although I am not a big fan of instant messaging, I do allow my daughter to use it with people we know in person - it’s good typing practice because we don’t allow her to use those annoying abbreviations.
Enjoy!
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written by Laura
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