Excerpt from Jodie Lucci’s notes on 3/14/06 HEAC meeting:

Deputy Commissioner Mary Heath came at the request of Elaine. She spoke about SB268 (raising compulsory attendance from 16 to 18) and homeschoolers concerns as she understood them. She had spoken to Senator Estabrook who had added an amendment to the bill to alleviate homeschoolers concerns that if the bill became law homeschool legislation would be inconsistent and that would have ramifications with homeschoolers ability to dual enroll. Homeschoolers also want to be in compliance. Homeschoolers in attendance had strong body language indicating objection to that understanding.

Elaine spoke to the concern that the language in SB268 is not clear as to what requirements homeschoolers are exempted from. ? responded they are exempt from providing letter to superintendent regarding alternate plan.

Mary felt that homeschoolers would not have to demonstrate graduation. She tried to reassure everyone that homeschoolers are exempt in intent and spirit. The sponsors of the bill are clear on intent that this bill not have an impact on homeschoolers.

It was pointed out that if a child had finished their homeschool program but was not ready to attend college full time, there is no mechanism to show completion. Kathy suggested a form to notify the PA that "X homeschooler has completed his course of study".

Elaine made an exception (regarding public input) and asked Chris to express the homeschoolers point of view. Among other things Chris mentioned that we will have to evaluate and notify from age 16 to 18, something we do not currently do. She also pointed out a line in the dual enrollment law that illustrates why dual enrollment wasn't a concern. 193:1c "a student under age of 21 who has not received a diploma" [Chris a]lso brought up a concern passed on from CHENH they feel that a blanket exemption would be unconstitutional due to the "equal protection under the law” clause in the US Consitution’s 14^th amendment.

(There was more but I wasn't quick enough.)

Mary stated that Governor Lynch would like every student to leave school with a high school diploma, prepared for the challenges of the 21st century. The bill is intended for students currently going to school and dropping out, not for homeschoolers.

I don't have notes on this but I think she said something about it not being intended for homeschoolers because it is known that people homeschool in order to prepare their children for success in the world.