SPRINGFIELD, IL (Chambana Today) – A new bill in Illinois, known as the Homeschool Act, seeks to address concerns over the state’s lack of regulation for homeschooling families, aiming to ensure children are receiving an adequate education and are protected from potential harm.
Rep. Terra Costa Howard, a Democrat from a Chicago suburb and sponsor of the legislation, stated, “We need to know that children exist.” She emphasized that the bill became more urgent due to the rise in homeschooling since the pandemic, explaining, “Illinois has zero regulations regarding homeschooling — we are not the norm at all.”
Under the proposed legislation, parents would be required to notify their school district if they decide to homeschool their children. “If education authorities have concerns that children are receiving inadequate schooling, they could require parents to share evidence of teaching materials and student work,” said Costa Howard.
Additionally, the bill would require the state to collect data on homeschooled students, with Regional Offices of Education gathering the information. This data would then be compiled into an annual report on the number, grade level, and gender of homeschooled students across the state. “We need to ensure that children are receiving the education they deserve,” Costa Howard added.
This push for oversight comes after reports such as that of L.J., a 9-year-old who was allegedly abused and neglected while his parents claimed to homeschool him. “The legislation is more urgent because the number of homeschooled children has grown since the pandemic began,” Costa Howard noted.
However, homeschooling families and advocates have expressed concerns that the bill infringes on parental rights. Kathy Wentz of the Illinois Homeschool Association argued, “There is nothing in this bill to protect a family’s time so they can actually homeschool without interruptions.” She also highlighted that the bill’s provision allowing the state to review education materials could be disruptive. The Home School Legal Defense Association, which advocates for homeschool freedom, is also opposed to the bill. They plan to host virtual meetings to educate families on how they can oppose the measure.
In response to these concerns, Costa Howard said, “The increased oversight is necessary to help reduce truancy and protect homeschooled students who lose daily contact with teachers and others who are mandated to report abuse and neglect.”
While homeschooling supporters continue to resist these regulations, Costa Howard and others argue that the bill is a necessary step to address educational neglect and ensure the safety of Illinois’ children. “This bill is a commonsense measure and is critical not only to address educational neglect but also child safety,” said Jonah Stewart, research director for the Coalition for Responsible Home Education.