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PHILADELPHIA – Homeschoolers are given quite a bit of freedom in many states, but one family was recently shocked when the local superintendent ordered their young child to repeat a grade.
The unnamed family, which lives in Pennsylvania, had filed the required paperwork notifying the superintendent that they would be homeschooling their 8-year-old son, who was ready to enter third grade, according to the Home School Legal Defense Association.
But officials with the school system refused to give them an approval letter and ordered that the child go back to first grade unless the family could “document evidence of readiness for 3rd grade in the form of work samples or progress reports, the HSLDA said on its blog.
The superintendent’s office was not following the law.
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“Pennsylvania law charges parents—not public schools—with picking the most appropriate grade level for each child,” HSLDA said. “Even though Pennsylvania’s homeschool law is among the most restrictive in the nation, it still protects the unique flexibility homeschooling offers.”
Thankfully, the superintendent’s office backed down when the law was explained.
“The director was quick to acknowledge that homeschool families should not be held to the same rigid requirements established for public school students,” HSLDA reported. “… Every child is different and has a unique set of strengths, weaknesses, and interests. Just ask a group of kids, ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’ and listen to the varied responses. Dads and moms know their children better than anyone else. Homeschooling equips parents to customize an education plan that meets each child’s needs and goals.
“Homeschooling empowers parents to encourage their children to pursue their dreams and shine in their favorite subjects while taking the time necessary to become proficient in all areas.”
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