Orange County Register

From Steven Greenhut:

I may disagree with the politics of Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell, but I’ve always admired him since he put the kibosh on former Superintendent Delaine Eastin’s war on California home-schoolers. In the wake of a troubling Court of Appeals ruling that apparently outlaws home-schooling in this state, Mr. O’Connell has assured parents that they can continue to home-school their children. Here is his statement, which is a reflection of O’Connell’s basic decency:

SCHOOLS CHIEF JACK O’CONNELL ISSUES STATEMENT REGARDING HOME-SCHOOLING IN CALIFORNIA

SACRAMENTO - State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell announced today that the California Department of Education has completed a legal review of the February 28 California Court of Appeal ruling regarding home schooling. O’Connell issued the following statement:

“I have reviewed this case, and I want to assure parents that chose to home school that California Department of Education policy will not change in any way as a result of this ruling. Parents still have the right to home school in our state.

“Every child in our state has a legal right to get an education, and I want every child to get an education that will prepare them for success in college and the world of work in the challenging global economy.

“As the head of California’s public school system, I hope that every parent would want to send their children to public school. However, traditional public schools may not be the best fit for every student. Within the public school system there are a range of options available. Students can take independent study classes, attend a charter school, or participate in non-classroom-based programs. But some parents choose to send their children to private schools or to home school, and I respect that right.

“I admire the dedication of parents who commit to oversee their children’s education through home schooling. But, no matter what educational program a student participates in, it is critical that the program prepares them for future success in the global economy. I urge any parent who is considering or involved in home schooling their children to take advantage of resources and support available through their county or district offices of education.”

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