Have you seen all the controversy about homeschooling in the news? Yes, it seems that even mentioning the word homeschooling brings about controversy. However, there is new controversy surrounding homeschooling.

In Tennessee, the legislators are currently considering a bill in which all homeschoolers will be required to do standardized testing every year. The big news is that a court in California ruled that parents who are not licensed educators should not be allowed to educate their children in their home. As well all know, California usually stands to the left of any given issue. However, we also know that what one state's court rules, many will follow. Needless to say, this is troublesome on many levels.

Well, in light of the most CA ruling, I have devised my own licensure exam for parents who want to home educate their child(ren). If you can answer yes to every question, then no one should stand in your way.


1. Are you prepared to be not only teacher but also be the school board, Principal, Vice Principal, P. E. teacher, Home Economics teacher, janitor, librarian and bus driver?

2. Do you realize there is absolutely no pay, no raises, no sick days, no teacher in-service/training days, no weekends away from your students, and no lunch room monitors?

3. Can you juggle? An example would be to give spelling test while changing a diaper, making your bed, answering calls from the pharmacy while paying bills.

4. Do you know that friends and relatives will think you are crazy? And those are the people who love you!

5. Are you prepared for you child to want to be around you and expects you to know the answer to everything?

My answers are yes, yes, yes, yes, and praise God for google! Some days my answers are more boisterous and optimistic than others. However, this is where God has called me at this point in our lives.

We all know folks who like to take advantage of the system - whatever system that may be. However, I truly believe that the majority of the folks who sign up for this lifestyle truly think it is the best for their child. Most Moms I know spend an inordinate amount of time thinking, planning and researching books, curriculum, and teaching methods.

If you would like more information regarding home education and the recent CA court decision, check out http://www.hslda.org Please sign the petition while you are there! Also, I'm always up for answering questions about homeschooling, just ask my friends!

1 Comment

1. leeanne on March 13, 2008 at 2:41 PM

   That was awesome Lesley!! I love the one about your relatives thinking your crazy.
   leeanne