Homeschoolers in Public School Activities???

If you keep up with the bills that are being presented to the Legislature this season in our state, then you should be aware of the 'Tebow Bill'.  And if you are in anyway familiar with Tim Tebow then you should know that he is one of college football's greatest quarterbacks.  But did you know that he was homeschooled and played public school football for the local school?  Hence, the reason the bill is commonly nicknamed the "Tebow Bill".  Many States have passed this bill.  I do not know all the details of the bill and how it effects homeschoolers.  But I do know my concerns. 

This issue has been posed on Facebook many times.  And the comments people make about homeschoolers is, honestly, disturbing.  To think that people are that insensitive to children, is extremely heart breaking.  If one must criticize, criticize the parents, not the children. 

My thoughts below on the "Tebow Bill"

Firstly, it's really sad to see the stereotyping of children. Caring parents make the best choices in order to provide what is best for their child. For some, that means homeschooling. And the reasons families homeschool are many that ultimately lead to what is best for their child. Parental decisions to homeschool based on what is best for their child is no less than other parental decisions to allow the public school to educate their child. One decision doesn't trump the other, they are both made by concerned parents, or at least should be.

Homeschoolers are divided on this issue. Whether a homeschooler chooses to participate if allowed, will depend on their reasons for homeschooling. If the government says that in order for homeschoolers to participate they must be educated using government approved curriculum, then many will not participate in public school activities. They do not want the government dictating how or what their children learn. Children can be taught all subjects without government approved or issued curriculum. If homeschoolers can teach with the curriculum of their choice and still have their child pass the state approved testing that measures academic standards that would allow homeschoolers to participate, then the homeschooler has obviously been educated enough to meet the standard just as his/her public school peer.

As a homeschooling family, I wouldn't expect my child to be treated with exception in regards to being on a public school team. I would expect my child to have to meet the academic standards (though achieved differently than public school), the medical standards and the athletic ability (when applicable). He/she must continue meet all the standards to maintain their spot. Attending class all day at your local public school doesn't guarantee a spot on the team, either. Each athlete has to meet the standards that are required. And sitting in class is not a standard.

Furthermore, if the Tebow Bill is going to cause more government intrusion for all homeschooling families, I do not advocate for it.  While I do not care if the homeschool child across the state chooses to participate in public school activity, I do not want to be regulated by the same standards when I choose not to participate. If these standards only apply when choosing to participate, then I have no problem with the Bill.