"Homeschoolers Don't Need More Regulation" - Concord Monitor - March 2008

Homeschoolers don't need more regulation

By KIM MURDOCH For the Monitor
March 25, 2008 - 12:00 am
(http://www.concordmonitor.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080325/OPINION/803250302)

I am writing to share my opposition to Senate Bill 337. Our family is part of a strong, organized, passionate, and educated group of home-schoolers who oppose this bill as it currently reads.

We have chosen to home-school our children because we believe the educational opportunities we offer are ideal for our families. SB 337 has a real chance of limiting the education of many home-schooled children. We are dedicated to expanding our children's horizons, not limiting them. By dictating curriculum, reporting, and tracking, SB 337 usurps the parents' role in home-schooling, and effectively clips the wings of opportunity for countless New Hampshire children.

Our oldest child, age 4, has already traveled extensively across the United States, gaining knowledge in geography, culture, science and art. When Grace identifies a state on the map, she does not see just the pink and orange shapes; rather, she recalls viewing the Grand Canyon, hiking at Arches National Monument, camping in Colorado, visiting the zoo in St. Louis.

Grace's innate and authentic quest for knowledge has spurred her to learn how to write and begin to read. She creates artwork at mass volume, and skis better than many adults. Grace enjoys a large social network of friends her age, athletes from the Special Olympics team we coach, and lots of trusted, knowledgeable adults of all ages.

I share the personal experiences of our daughter as a "before" picture. She has made enormous academic progress prior to reaching "school age," and without setting foot in a public or private institution of learning.

Should SB 337 become law, the "after" picture for our daughter will feature fewer opportunities, less travel, and less joy in the thrill of learning. Rather than enjoying authentic and organic learning and exploring the world around her from a place of wonder and excitement, Grace's education will be limited to the curriculum mandated by SB 337. Instead of venturing out into the world, we will be checking the list to assure our daughter's learning is forced into the mold created by SB 337.

This legislation threatens to dim the light of wonder and thirst for knowledge in our children. In addition to harming our family, SB 337 also requires approximately $12 million of state funds. This money could be much better spent directed to children in public schools, where budgets are constantly stretched.

As a lifelong resident of the "Live Free or Die" state, it is no surprise I fully expect to have the opportunity to ensure my children receive the best possible education. We are fortunate to be able to seize the opportunity of home-schooling and will lobby tirelessly for the protection of our children and their education.

I ardently hope lawmakers will respect the rights of parents, of children, and of educational possibilities, and vote no on SB 337.