Statement of Unity Regarding the Washington Home-Based Instruction Law
and Public School Alternative Learning Experience Programs

This statement is made by the following statewide independent homeschool organizations
As of January, 2009
Washington Homeschool Organization (WHO),
Christian Heritage Home Educators of Washington
Christian Homeschool Network (CHN)

Independent homeschooling, under the Washington State Home-Based Instruction Law RCW 28A.200, clearly places responsibility for all aspects of a child's education in the control of parent(s) and/or guardian(s). Since the RCW, signed into law in 1985, those who select home-based instruction have consistently been referred to by media, academia and themselves as homeschoolers. These homeschoolers are identified by their choice to take full responsibility for their child's education and the requirements outlined in the Home-Based Instruction Law.

In contrast, Public School Alternative Learning Experience Programs (PSALEP) defined in WAC 392.121.182, are government public school programs where the local school district retains control of student learning. Formation of these escalating programs began in 1996 with the introduction of the PSALEP's rules by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Of concern to the Washington Homeschool Organization, Christian Heritage Home Educators, and Christian Homeschool Network is the blurred distinction between Home-Based Instruction (homeschoolers) and participation in a PSALEP government-defined school. Additionally, troubling aspects involve the marketing of PSALEP's to already-declared homeschoolers and the use of the Declaration of Intent to Provide Home Based Instruction Form as a marketing tool to solicit enrollment.

Currently, a growing number of public school districts throughout Washington are creating Alternative Learning Programs that target homeschoolers for enrollment and thereby funding. Additionally, existing programs are changing part-time enrollment requirements to necessitate nearly full-time participation, even requesting oversight of education in the home. We believe PSALEPs are redefining and undermining the Home-Based Instruction Law and placing the nature of independent homeschooling in Washington State at risk. While styles may vary, all major Washington State homeschool organizations agree that maintaining the strength and understanding of our Home-Based Instruction Law is vital to the health of independent homeschooling in Washington State. The term "homeschooling" must remain identified, at its core, with families who have chosen to take upon themselves the responsibility for their child's education and not identified with a state government operated program.

c. The unifying statement is a copyright of the above noted organizations.

Crochet Away FA

My parents' friend, Jimbo, makes beautifully carved crochet hooks. When he learned about my sister's disease, Friedreich's Ataxia, he wanted to do something to help, so he began carving "chop hooks" and is giving them to anyone making a minimum $10 donation to the Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance. You can read about it and see some of his beautiful hooks here.

Some of Jimbo's online friends have also decided to help raise awareness for FA and are hosting a Traveling Hook. It amazes me that people who don't know our family are throwing themselves into a project that we pray will have a huge impact on this disease.

There really are angels out there.

The Backlash Begins

I honestly believe the following is just the beginning of the repercussions homeschoolers will be facing as a result of Alternative Learning Programs like CVA, WAVA, etc.

WHOForHomeschooling Announcement



Running Start Procedure for Homeschoolers Rescinded

by

Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction



At the direction of Martin Mueller, Assistant Superintendent of Student Support, and Brian Jeffries, Senior Policy Advisor, Government Relations, and under the authority of Dr. Terry Bergeson, Superintendent of Public Instruction the procedure, as laid out in OSPI Bulletin 086-05, dated September 9, 2005, and the accompanying form (Running Start Enrollment Request Home-Based Instruction Students Only) have been rescinded. The procedure and form were rescinded on October 25, 2007, in Bulletin No. 098-07. This new bulletin was sent to all Educational Service District Superintendents, School District Superintendents, Secondary School Principals and High School Counselors.

To get more information, read the bulletin in its entirety by going to the website for the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, www.K12.wa.us . On the left, click on "Bulletins/Memos", click "2007", and click B098-07. Also, see the article appearing in the latest issue of the WHO's News, December, 2007. Lastly, the WHO website will be updated to reflect this change.

WHO Running Start Task Committee


For more information about homeschooling or WHO, go to the WHO website at www.WashHomeschool.org

Pieceless Puzzle? WHAT?!?

We love all things Gamewright. Don't most homeschoolers? I mean, how can you go wrong with Leaping Lizards, Scrambled States of America, or Zeus on the Loose? Those are staples in our home and we've recently been on a spree to put things In A Pickle. So when the boys and I watched this video about the Pieceless Puzzle we set out on the hunt for one (or three!) to make our own.

We were able to find the Seaside pieceless puzzle at Amazon.com. It arrived two days ago and we've had a blast putting it together. I think the greatest fun, though -- at least for the 6yo -- is to pick it up by the corner thereby undoing all the work your older brothers have done. Woo!

Friedreich's Ataxia

Someone I love very much has Friedreich's Ataxia. In her honor, please watch this video.

More great reading on Alternative Learning Programs

HomeSchool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) calls them Home-Based Charter Schools. Read here as to why ALPs are opposed by the legal entity whose sole purpose is to defend our homeschooling rights.

The Seduction of Washington State Homeschoolers

I came upon two articles that addressed (so much better than I ever could have) my concern with the explosion of Alternative Learning Programs and how they are deceptively being targeted to homeschoolers here in Washington State. Two of the most well-know are Washington Virtual Academy (WAVA) and Columbia Virtual Academy (CVA), but there are other, local programs that are very similar. These programs are causing a rift among homeschoolers and that is just what the program administrators are hoping for. If we are against each other then we cannot work together to keep homeschooling the success that it currently is.

If you are considering WAVA or CVA, please read the laws. I want you to know and fully understand that by participating in either of these programs you are NOT recognized under our state laws as a homeschooler. You may also be jeopardizing the rights of those not succumbing to the temptation of the measly pittance being offered. Think I'm being overly cautious or even dramatic?

Carefully read this spectacular article by Chris Cardiff making sure not to skip Janice Hedin's intro. Also consider this most excellent piece written by Carolyn Forte. This is a VERY slippery slope we could be headed down. Are you sure you want to help take us there?