SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Local Republican lawmakers are upset that Democrats plan to pass a bill this spring to create state oversight for homeschooling . The proposal would require families to inform local school districts if they choose to teach their children at home. The proposal would require families to inform local school districts if they choose to teach their children at home. Parental figures would also need to verify they have a high school diploma in order to teach their children. House Republicans told reporters in Springfield Thursday that this is unnecessary red tape for families when lawmakers should be addressing problems with public schools. "The homeschool growth is tremendous in Illinois, so a lot of families are finding individual reasons to remove their children from the public school environment," said Rep. Regan Deering (R-Decatur). "Violence and bullying are one of the issues I've heard about in my emails over the last several weeks." The Democratic plan also requires parents to show proof of required vaccinations and health examinations or a signed certificate of religious exemption if homeschooled students want to participate in any public school activities. "These proposed homeschool regulations are a direct infringement on parental rights," said Rep. Brandun Schweizer (R-Danville). "It puts more mandates on Illinois families who have the right to choose the best education for their children that they see fit. This is a slippery slope and one that could quickly slide into more and more regulations in the future." House Bill 2827 is currently assigned to the House Education Policy Committee. The proposal has 16 Democratic co-sponsors.
CONTINUE READING
