After careful consideration of the issues, I signed the We Stand For Homeschooling resolution. I'm signer #1234. I heard the site has been online only a few days - since earlier this month - so there's lots of support for that short a time span. Its already controversial.

The reason I signed is because I've tried homeschooling both ways - with government school supervision, and without. I've decided there's few blessings more sweet than having the right to homeschool without the government-paid credentialed supervisors breathing down my back for ridiculous required paperwork, time sheets, etc. I've been a California R4 (private school affidavit) filer since 1997. Before that my son attended a public school ISP for one year... a year of stress and paperwork. I highly recommend independent homeschooling. My preference for independence from government supervision is so strong... if I were to move out of state it would only be to another state with the opportunity for independent homeschooling.

My apology goes to anyone who feels charter or public school supervision has merit. At least you're one step outside the schoolroom door while holding onto the funding stream for ?? what, I don't know. I'm glad you're choosing home education.

I personally don't enjoy being supervised. I do follow my state's private school laws and keep to the recommended course of study. Charter schools and other government-funded programs are just not for me, and the resolution seeks to differentiate independent homeschoolers who don't take advantage of government education funding.

One reason for this concern is the heat coming down on charter school owners who pocket full ADA funding for the children learning at home while giving them only a small percentage of the government funding profit to use on curriculum purchases. I once considered this option because of the offer of a free computer. Then I found out the computer was only a loaner that would be returned to the charter school at the end of the school year. I'm sure many parents choosing charter schools do so for help getting curriculum materials.

As an independent homeschooler I buy my own curriculum. It really doesn't cost much, but then I don't usually opt for the expensive stuff. Somehow through the years I've always managed to get computers even though we've been low-income all along. I really don't understand the lure of government school funds.

I heard about the resolution on the mailing list for the Separation of School and State, a cause I firmly believe in.
  ¶ 10:45 PM