Upon adjournment [of the 2/21/06 Senate Education Committee
executive session], Chris and I had the opportunity to sit with Senator Bragdon
and explain to him the impact of SB268 on homeschoolers. We were able to
agree on three issues that this bill presents to the homeschool
community.
If the bill is passed as written, parents would no longer be able to homeschool a child after they reach the age of 16, and the child would have to comply with the new law to age 18.
The amendment proposed by Sen.
Estabrook, which is to change the definition of "child" in the
homeschool law, RSA 193-A, which currently reads in part:
"193-A:1
Definitions. –
I. "Child" means a child or children at least 6
years of age and under 16 years of age who is a resident of New
Hampshire.",
to read as follows:
"193-A:1 Definitions.
–
I. "Child" means a child or children at least 6
years of age and under 18 years of age who is a resident of New
Hampshire.",
would require homeschoolers to continue their programs based
on requirements more appropriate for younger students, disallowing parents and
students from choosing non-traditional learning opportunities currently enjoyed
by older homeschoolers.
With the amendment, the new law would not provide
the language necessary for a homeschooler to complete a homeschool program
prior to the age of 18.
We believe that Sen. Bragdon understood what we had to say, and the dilemma this bill has presented to homeschoolers. He has said that he will try to convey this to the committee. Whether or not they understand is the $64,000 question. Sen. Bragdon suggested that homeschoolers prepare an amendment that would correct the problems we see. If we can do this in the next two weeks he would be willing to bring it forward.
Diane Lachance