A proposed Springfield bill to add more oversight for homeschooled children is facing backlash from homeschool advocates.
The bill, HB 2827, would compel homeschool parents to register their children with a neighborhood school as well as regulate the curriculum taught at home.
The bill has stalled in the House, but homeschool advocates aren’t relaxing their efforts. The Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) has continued to drum up support from homeschool families across the state.
“At this point, we are very hopeful that the bill is dead for the year,” wrote the HSLDA. “However, we are taking nothing for granted and are closely watching what is going on in Springfield, as well as taking proactive steps for behind-the-scenes meetings.”
The organization says it will be on high alert through May 31, the end of the legislative session.
Homeschool advocates turned up to protest the proposed bill at the state Capitol and wrote letters to representatives demanding to have it killed.
Supporters of the bill say the measure would protect children from potential harm, but homeschool advocates say it will curb personal freedoms and have a chilling effect on homeschools.
Current homeschool laws offers minimal regulation
Under the current homeschool law in Illinois, parents or caregivers must teach required subjects including language arts, math, sciences, physical development and health. Instruction must be taught in English.
Illinois law treats homeschools as a private school – parents and caregivers cannot register their homeschool with the state.
Proposed changes included in the bill
Some of the proposed changes in HB 2827 are listed below:
- Homeschool parents or caregivers teaching their children would need to hold a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Parents or caregivers would need to alert state education authorities of their intent to homeschool as well as information on their child.
- More access to student work by local school officials in order to evaluate the teaching happening at home.
- Parents found to be out of compliance with new rules could face penalties including jail time.
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