Date: From: Subject:

5/22/2002 5:37:39 PM Christopher J. Klicka, Esq., Senior Counsel of HSLDA Idaho--Virtual Academy A Trojan Horse

---------------------------------------------------------------------- From the HSLDA E-lert Service... ---------------------------------------------------------------------- May 22, 2002 Dear HSLDA Members and Friends, Recently, home school families throughout the state of Idaho have been contacted by Idaho Virtual Academy (IDVA), a proposed charter school to be operated by the Butte County School District. Butte has offered for families to "open enroll" with its school district so they can participate in the IDVA program beginning this fall. Many "freebies" are offered to those home school families who choose to enroll their children in the IDVA: free curriculum; a computer system, printer, and internet connection at no cost; all instructional materials including "textbooks, workbooks, planning and progress tools, maps, math and science supplies, CDs, and videos"; access to certified teachers; and "optional educational outings." On its face, this looks like a good deal. However, Home School Legal Defense Association members and all home schooling families across the state should beware of the ramifications of this seemingly harmless program. We want our member families to make an informed decision regarding participation in IDVA. REASONS TO NOT ENROLL IN IDVA HSLDA recommends against enrolling your children in IDVA for the following reasons: First, if you enroll in this program, you will no longer be considered a private home schooler, and you will not be eligible for membership in the Home School Legal Defense Association. Our goal at HSLDA is to work to protect the right of parents to privately home school free from government controls and restrictions. The IDVA is a tax-funded, government program with legitimate government controls and limitations. Second, the IDVA is a public school. On the IDVA's website, under "Frequently Asked Questions," a subtitle asks, "Is this home schooling?" The answer: "The Idaho Virtual Academy is a public charter school. It is not home schooling." Religious families should be especially wary. IDVA's website states: "Since ours is a public school, religious instruction is not part of the school's curriculum and cannot count for school credit." If you enroll your children in the IDVA to receive your free curriculum and computer, your children will no longer be considered private home school students, but rather public school students. This means you waive certain parental rights and agree to home school according to the public school's rules. In other states with similar "virtual" charter school programs, HSLDA has observed that more and more regulations are gradually placed on the family each year. If the family does not comply, the "virtual" school will demand return of the computer, curriculum, etc. For those families who become dependent on the "free" government equipment and funds, their freedom is gradually exchanged for these "freebies." Third, HSLDA is opposed to IDVA (and similar "virtual charter schools" appearing around the country) because when you enroll in such a program, you waive the rights that many people in your state, including Idaho Coalition of Home Educators, Christian Homeschoolers of Idaho State and Home School Legal Defense Association, have fought hard to preserve. The government does not offer "free" goodies without obligation. For example, IDVA will: - develop personal learning plans for your children; - assess your children accordingly; - require you use its own secular curriculum or "incorporate" K12 curriculum into its program; - have certified teachers check up on you; - require all IDVA students to participate in all required state assessments; and - reduce parents to the role of a learning coach, consulting frequently with the IDVA teachers. IDVA, on its website, states that teacher's review student's work on a daily basis. This is not the free, private home schooling that has been so successful all these years. This is simply an attempt by the government to create small public schools in our homes. ADDITIONAL OBJECTIONS TO VIRTUAL CHARTER SCHOOLS Before you make a decision about enrolling in this program, please read the articles on charter schools that have recently appeared in HSLDA's Home School Court Report. "Charter Schools: The Price is Too High," by Christopher J. Klicka. http://www.hslda.org/elink.asp?ID=435 "Charter Schools: Look Before You Leap!" by Roy Hanson http://www.hslda.org/elink.asp?ID=436 BACKGROUND INFORMATION IDVA has obtained lists of home schoolers from various vendors and is systematically contacting home schoolers throughout the state. IDVA is holding open-house meetings around the state over the next few weeks. The purpose of the meetings is simply to give IDVA marketers a platform to tout the advantages of their program. IDVA is not seeking feedback from home schoolers. The most effective way for you to express your concern over the IDVA program and all its ramifications is to call the Butte School District at 208-527-8235. The Butte School Board still has to meet to decide on formally approving the charter of IDVA. Possibly, if enough irate parents from around the state complain about this proposed charter school, the board will vote it down. Thank you for your prayerful consideration of this important matter. Sincerely yours, Christopher J. Klicka HSLDA Senior Counsel {{JoinAd}} ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The HSLDA E-lert Service is a service of: Home School Legal Defense Association P.O. 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