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CCCHC NEWS SMHEA NEWS TnHomeEd |
I just wanted to report on the huge success of the meeting of the 6-12 grade minds. I expected only about 10 students in the meeting this past Wednesday. We had 23! There is a wonderful group meeting and they are full of wonderful ideas for their yearbook. I want to encourage other homeschoolers in this grade range to come and check things out this Wednesday, Jan. 23rd from noon-1:30. Bring a sack lunch and join in on the discussion. If you don't have time now, please join us as your schedule permits. This is NOT a spring semester only class...this is going to be a regular thing through the summer, into the fall and into next spring. AND we are not just about the yearbook. This meeting is about all students in this age range getting together and having fun. Quarterly parties are planned where we'll get together and watch old movies, pig out on finger foods and have a good ole time! Please, consider joining us! Cathy 707-7829 The following information is from our friends at Homeschool Legal Defense Association for all Homeschoolers in the high school grades. You may have received a memorandum dated February 26, 2002, from Fretta M. Bunch of the Tennessee Department of Education advising you that certain end-of-course tests are required for home school students. Specifically, Dr. Bunch's memorandum states that students in grade nine who are not associated with a church-related school and students in grades nine through twelve who are associated with a church-related school must take tests in the areas of Algebra I, Biology I, and Math Foundations II if they are enrolled in these courses. It is our opinion based upon the language of the home school statute, the legislative history, and constitutional considerations that home school students do not have to take the end-of-course tests described in Dr. Bunch's memorandum. On April 6, 1996, I sent a letter to an attorney at the Tennessee Department of Education, explaining the reasons for our opinion when this issue was first raised six years ago. To view this letter go to http://www.hslda.org/hs/state/TN/200203131.asp. We are prepared to defend our members in court should this become necessary. Home school students not associated with a church-related school must take the same standardized tests required of public school students in grades five, seven, and nine. The state intends to administer the TCAP test to students in grades five and seven. We believe these tests are required for students not associated with a church-related school. Dr. Bunch's memorandum also speaks of testing by church-related schools. Home school students associated with a church-related school are only required to be tested by the school if it administers tests to its regular day students. Church-related schools do not have to test home school students as part of any state testing. Should you be contacted further about taking the end-of-course tests and wish to discuss this further with us, please do not hesitate to contact my legal assistant, Jonathan Bechtle, or me. Very truly yours, Dewitt T. Black, III |
This page was updated on Feb. 7, 2002.
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