NEA Windbags
The windbags at the NEA are at it again; they have issued their annual statement of condemnation against homeschooling. Was it merely coincidence that it was included in their list of resolutions, just below their mandate for humane treatment of classroom animals?
Perhaps, next year they will issue a proclamation that only licensed teachers should be allowed to oversee children and their pets? After all if a parent isn’t qualified to teach their own child the skills they need to succeed in life, perhaps the raising of pets is better off left to the experts as well.
Homeschooling has long been a source of unrest at the NEA. Each year they see fit to condemn a practice they have no control over. Methinks they protest too strongly. They really aren’t fooling anyone just follow the money or the lack thereof, after all if we all homeschooled, they would be out of a job.
This year’s resolution reads:
B-75. Home Schooling
The National Education Association believes that home schooling programs based on parental choice cannot provide the student with a comprehensive education experience. When home schooling occurs, students enrolled must meet all state curricular requirements, including the taking and passing of assessments to ensure adequate academic progress. Home schooling should be limited to the children of the immediate family, with all expenses being borne by the parents/guardians. Instruction should be by persons who are licensed by the appropriate state education licensure agency, and a curriculum approved by the state department of education should be used.
The Association also believes that home-schooled students should not participate in any extracurricular activities in the public schools.
The Association further believes that local public school systems should have the authority to determine grade placement and/or credits earned toward graduation for students entering or re-entering the public school setting from a home school setting. (1988, 2006)
Some well-meaning Florida Homeschoolers have taken it upon themselves to start a petition in opposition to the NEA Resolution, in support of homeschooling.
Unfortunately, these types of petitions are high ineffective at getting their point across. If you really want the NEA to stand up and take notice – or at least get really annoyed, hit them where they live. You can voice your opinions regarding their yearly resolution by phone, fax, snail mail or e-mail at:
By phone:
Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. ET
(202) 833-4000
By mail:
1201 16th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036-3290
By fax:
(202) 822-7974
Perhaps, homeschooling parents should create our own resolution? I’m sure if we put our heads together, we could issue one much more creative than this one concocted by the NEA think tank.