Protect homeschooling

Homeschooling needs to remain a legal right as accredited education in California. Common Core has redefined public schools as a national standardized test. Under the California Department of Education, the Academic Performance Index has been suspended due to implementation of Common Core. API evaluates school performance. If a state refuses to implement Common Core, it will be deprived of funding.

Homeschooling programs offer a variety of subjects customized by parents and educators to the individual student. A Fresno County home school mission states they “build comprehensive knowledge and critical thinking to build beyond test scores and grade point average.” What this means to the student is, they have broader opportunities to realize their potential as an adult.

As schools are being federalized from coast to coast, what options do parents have when it comes to their child’s education? Homeschooling should not be penalized on the fact that they do not want to accept Common Core. Parents have the right to seek out what type of education is the best for their individual child — not follow along with no questions asked.

This story was originally published July 27, 2015 at 8:50 AM with the headline "Protect homeschooling."