Yesterday my husband, some friends and I went to our state capitol. While we were not necessarily working on home schooling issues (to my knowledge we don't have any bills pending that would affect our schooling rights) we actively voiced our support of legislation that would protect our constitutional rights and opposed those that infringe on our freedoms.
Our state was on the forefront of developing the language that shaped our fledgling republic, so it was truly inspiring to stand in a crowd and use our right to assemble and to speak. It is reassuring that as Washington barricades itself further due to the terrorism threat, we can walk right up to the offices of our state lawmakers and tell them our concerns.
Right now, we enjoy some of the best home schooling laws in the nation. These are particularly important when teaching a spectrum kid -- some states (and even schools that misrepresent the laws) are willing to accept general home schooling but dig in their heals when considering a special needs child.
Those of you who are familiar with this blog realize that I advocate that parents get whatever assistance they believe is best for their child. If that includes services from public schools, that's the parents choice and should not be demanded by school administrators.
But in general, all rights to home school are fragile and will be strengthened only by a willingness to engage the political process. Tracking legislation via the internet, investing a day here or making a phone call there, will protect our right to seek what's best for our children.
P.S. One legislative assistant told me yesterday that they obviously have to track e-mails but that task can be overwhelming. A hard copy summary of bills supported or opposed is actually helpful and is likely to receive more attention.
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