Will Caregivers, Who Also Home School, Be Considered Criminals?
March 9, 2008 by Mary Emma Allen
Filed under Diseases & Conditions
Are you a caregiver who also home schools? You’re caught in that sandwich generation so have children at home whom you’ve opted to home school, while you care for a family member with Alzheimer’s. If so, you might be affected if a current court ruling is allowed to stand?A judge in California recently ruled, based on a 1950’s law, that home schooling parents must be credentialed teachers for their schools to be legal.
If you home school, check out the article on this topic, Criminalizing Home Schoolers, a Time/CNN article by Kristin Kloberdanz.
On Feb. 28, Judge H. Walter Croskey of the Second District Court of Appeals in Los Angeles ruled that children ages six to 18 may be taught only by credentialed teachers in public or private schools – or at home by mom and dad but only if they have a teaching degree.
Of course, it’s predicted this will be appealed. However, if you’re a homeschooling parent, you may want to keep on top of what transpires. Even though you don’t live in California, you’ll want to know whether this eventually could affect the state where you live or be instituted there.
What do you think about the idea that home schooling parents should be credentialed teachers or face criminal charges?
(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen
How very sad! I homeschooled while caring for my father-in-law with Alzheimer’s. My children learned from four uncredentialed adults, one with progressive dementia. They are now successful members of society who understand vulnerable populations better than any adult from the credentialed world. The credentials of care, of soul, of heart far outweigh those of certification.
I agree, Cate, even though I’m a substitute teacher in the public schools. I admit, when home schooling first began to be popular, I was wary about the youngsters receiving a good education if the parents didn’t have a teaching degree. However, I’ve seen so many go on to do so very well, in higher education and in life. This law the judge found on the books was from an earlier time. I assume it will be challenged. However, I thought parents should be made aware of what’s happening in CA, because it could be considered in other states.
Thank you for sharing and letting us know how you combined home schooling and caregiving successfully.