Illinois home school advocates oppose new regulation bill

Home school advocates in Illinois are strongly opposing a new bill that would require them to register with local school districts. They have been flooding legislators with emails, voicemails, and social media messages. Some lawmakers, like State Rep. Terra Costa Howard, have accused these advocates of bullying. Costa Howard has received threatening communications, including demands for meetings and protests at her home. The proposed legislation aims to ensure that home schooling follows certain guidelines. Under this bill, families would have to inform school districts about their home schooling. Educators would need at least a high school diploma. The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services would also have to notify the State Board of Education if a child under their care is being home schooled. School districts could ask for an educational portfolio to verify whether the education provided meets standards. Failing to submit the necessary home school declaration could lead to serious consequences, such as a $500 fine or even jail time. Another part of the bill concerns immunization records, but this is not a major point of contention among opponents. Supporters of the bill have tried to pass similar regulations in the past but faced strong backlash. This year, they marked their advocacy by bringing cherry pies to lawmakers, a tradition during Illinois Christian Home Educators’ annual event. State Rep. La Shawn Ford noted the high volume of calls and messages from supporters, indicating strong feelings about the issue. Despite the pushback, Costa Howard remains committed to the bill, arguing that it is meant to protect children in Illinois. The measure has already cleared a House education committee. Supporters like Will Estrada from the Home School Legal Defense Association disagree with claims that home school students are not receiving a proper education. However, past investigations highlighted instances of children being neglected or abused while home schooled. Critics say the bill would add too many requirements for families and impose burdens on school districts. Illinois House Republican Leader Tony McCombie called the bill unnecessary, saying it seeks to fix a problem that doesn't exist. She emphasized the need to prioritize public schools instead.