Homeschoolers Beware:
The Central Valley School District asks homeschoolers to take new state test. Warning this is part of the Common Core agenda.
In 2014, Christian Homeschool Network of Washington received numerous reports from homeschoolers in the Spokane area. Many have received a letter from the Central Valley school district inviting them to participate in the 2014 Spring Smarter Balanced assessments. The letter is dated February 13, 2014 and is addressed to: Parents of Homeschool Students.
CHN found the actions of this school district very alarming and all homeschoolers in the state need to be aware of this situation-your school district may be next. This is a clear example of school officials not being informed of our homeschool laws and not respecting them either.
First, they are misusing the information from our DOI form to promote their agenda. The Smarter Balanced assessments are a key component to the implementation of the public school’s latest education reforms called Common Core (CCSS). The foundation of the CCSS is the statewide databases being created to track children from preschool to age 20 (CEDARS, P20).
Second, the school district is encouraging homeschoolers to take actions that would put them in danger of being out of compliance with our laws. State law requires homeschooler to use only approved tests and tests scores are to be included as part of the child’s education record.
ACTION Requested:
CHN found the actions of this school district very alarming and all homeschoolers in the state need to be aware of this situation-your school district may be next. This is a clear example of school officials not being informed of our homeschool laws and not respecting them either.
First, they are misusing the information from our DOI form to promote their agenda. The Smarter Balanced assessments are a key component to the implementation of the public school’s latest education reforms called Common Core (CCSS). The foundation of the CCSS is the statewide databases being created to track children from preschool to age 20 (CEDARS, P20).
Second, the school district is encouraging homeschoolers to take actions that would put them in danger of being out of compliance with our laws. State law requires homeschooler to use only approved tests and tests scores are to be included as part of the child’s education record.
ACTION Requested:
- Warn all homeschoolers you know, if they think taking the Smarter Balanced test provided by their local school will fulfill this part of the HBI law, they have been misled and will find themselves out of compliance with the law.
- If you live in the Central Valley school district write them and express your concerns with the letter they sent out, using information from your DOI form for marketing purposes and ask to be removed from their mailing lists.