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Parents respond to court's ruling on home schooling requirements

By Amanda Dyer
News-Sentinel Staff Writer
Updated: Saturday, March 8, 2008 6:50 AM PST
Comments (51 comment(s))

Local home schooling parents are speaking out against a recent California appellate court decision that would require them to have teaching credentials.

"It doesn't come across as a very fair decision," said Debbie Wait, 47, a Lodi resident.

Wait has graduated her first two sons from high school. Her oldest, 24, enlisted in the Army and her middle son, 21, recently joined the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Department.

Wait hoped to finish educating her youngest son, Caleb, herself, but now she's not sure that the future she had planned will be possible.

"We've had a lot of freedom up until this really shocking decision came down," Wait said.

Justice H. Walter Croskey from the 2nd District Court of Appeals decided Feb. 28 that California parents need a teaching credential to educate their children at home.

To obtain a credential parents need to have a bachelor's degree.

To Wait, freedom of alternate forms of education doesn't mean freedom to slack off.

She follows a daily schedule with her son, prepares lesson plans and even keeps attendance records.

Home schooling options in Galt

Karen Schauer, superintendent at Galt Joint Union Elementary School District, said her district offers a program where parents can educate their children at home, even with the recent court decision.

The program supplies the curriculum to parents and has them meet with a designated teacher once a month.

Schauer said the program meets current educational codes.

"(The ruling) doesn't change anything that we're currently doing," Schauer said.

— News-Sentinel staff

When Caleb found out his mother might not be able to act as his teacher anymore, Wait said he was a bit nervous. She's a bit nervous too, but takes comfort in the fact she's not alone in her battle to keep what she believes is her constitutional right to home school.

As a member of the Home School Legal Defense Association, a nonprofit advocacy organization that champions the family's right to home education, Wait is confident that she and her son are well protected.

The HSLDA believes that the best way to get the decision depublished is to start a petition opposing it, according to the HSLDA's Web site. The organization put its petition online Thursday morning, said Ian M. Slatter, the organization's spokesman. As of Friday afternoon more than 70,000 people had signed the petition.

"A parent has fundamental right to teach their children," Slatter said.

Acampo resident Kerry Teravskis, who home schools her three children, has an education degree from Azusa Pacific University. Yet, she still doesn't agree with the ruling.

Teravskis said most of what she's learned in education she learned by teaching her children.

She pointed out that there are plenty of teachers currently in public education that don't have degrees.

"I don't look at it as a help to my child."

Contact reporter Amanda Dyer at amandad@lodinews.com.

Reader Feedback

Teach247365 wrote on Mar 15, 2008 8:44 PM:

" I have a very difficult time with this, knowing that many districts (LUSD included) go out of their way to hire UNCREDENTIALED long term substitute teachers. In fact, most new teachers in certain departments are hired as a part of the "intern" program, and then left to their own resources in order to survive the classroom. They are not given a master teacher to help them out and are expected to automatically "know" how to handle every situation. This is an especially dangerous practice in laboratory or shop classes, where student safety is being risked. "

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Teach247365 wrote on Mar 15, 2008 8:38 PM:

" Each test is actually made up of multiple sub-tests. It is more difficult than the CBEST, but definitely passable. I had to take it even though I have a degree in the subject area I wish to teach in. It was easy for me, but I can see how it would be difficult for someone who had not had the advanced coursework in the subject

Now, to the topic presented in the article. I do not feel that parents should be forced to obtain a credential in order to homeschool their children. "

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Teach247365 wrote on Mar 15, 2008 8:33 PM:

" I just want to clarify a few things about the credentialing process. CBEST is the test that one must take to get into a credentialing program or subsitute teach. Yes, it is far too easy to pass. However, it is not the only test one must take to get to a credential. Once one is in the credentialing program, one must pass the CSET - multiple subject if one is interested in a K-8 credential, single subject in a specific area if one is interested in a 8-12 credential. "

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Lodian wrote on Mar 15, 2008 1:50 PM:

" Trackback 10:48 AM: Wow! Interesting post. Now that's what I call not seeing the forest for the trees. These are posts on a message board, with 100 total words allowed, so please try to focus on the point rather than grading the paper. You don't want to be petty, now do ya? ;-)
"

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Trackback wrote on Mar 14, 2008 10:48 AM:

" ICU: According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary, irregardless is a word which means regardless, however its usage is nonstandard. As such, it is not to be used in formal writing, although it has become quite prevalent in the spoken language. Haha, sorry to jump into the discussion, but I have had to endure a lot of talk about irregardless and its correct usage, or lack thereof, so I just had to throw in my two cents, lol.

Sidenote, or what actually should be the main point: I was home schooled for a while myself, and I think everything turned out ok! "

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nylodian wrote on Mar 13, 2008 2:59 PM:

" sam, cogito and edumacation: thanks, I'm glad we found a little common ground here. Peace! :) "

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Edumacation wrote on Mar 13, 2008 9:19 AM:

" Cogito and Nylodian I have to agree with the 7:54 post as well. We have an overpaid personnel clerk(administrator) with a degree in "tiddly winks" that received a million dollar pension increase for less than 90 days of "work". One way to stop the abuse is to contract out "administrative services" to minimum wage clerks and computers which could do a better job and cheaper. Californias 2,000 school districts consist of over 100,000 of these educrats who never teach and yet suck out all the education money before it reaches our kids. Throw the bums out. "

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sam wrote on Mar 13, 2008 8:59 AM:

" nylodian, your 7:54 comment is excellent. Thank you. "

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Cogito wrote on Mar 13, 2008 8:04 AM:

" Nylodian, thank you and well said. "

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nylodian wrote on Mar 13, 2008 7:54 AM:

" cogito: Showing documentation that you are currently taking classes toward the MA, and yes, it's usually in Education.

I personally don't think the MA will make better teachers, especially when a lot of the coursework is rehash from the credentialing program. But it's a way for the state dept. of ed to make $$$. And THERE's the root of public ed. problem: the out-of-control bureaucracy, leaving the kids at the low end of the priorities. "

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Cogito wrote on Mar 12, 2008 8:22 PM:

" I didn't mean to imply that a post graduate degree in education is easy to obtain. I just meant easier than, say, an MBA. Spending a minimum of 6 years in school for anything is admirable, and I appreciate the hard work. "

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Cogito wrote on Mar 12, 2008 8:12 PM:

" And is it an MAed, MS in education, or M.ed? Post graduate degrees in education have the reputation of being the absolute easiest to obtain. "

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Cogito wrote on Mar 12, 2008 8:02 PM:

" Nylodian "actively pursuing an MA", please define "actively". "

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Cogito wrote on Mar 12, 2008 7:28 PM:

" Hey edumacation, I went to one of those public schools for slow children. We had a sign, right out front, that said "slow children at play". How are you supposed to grow up with any self-esteem when the bus drives by THAT reminder every day. "

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nylodian wrote on Mar 12, 2008 1:10 PM:

" Anyone can criticize - that's the easy part. I am eager to see some thoughtful SOLUTIONS. "

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nylodian wrote on Mar 12, 2008 1:08 PM:

" Edumacation: I agree the CBEST is too easy (if I can get a good score on the math part, anyone can!) and I have already agreed there are incompetent teachers out there. However, I also say the biggest fault with public education isn't with the teachers.

Cogito: I agree parents shouldn't have to get a credential to teach their own children, but they should adhere to the curriculum so their kids are at the same level as their peers. "

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Edumacation wrote on Mar 12, 2008 9:53 AM:

" To nylodian: "It takes one to know one". Many of our colleagues couldn't succeed in most other occupations. One teacher bragged that "if it weren't for teaching, I would be scrubbing toilets. The teacher took the CBEST many times. She also has a "masters degree" in "edumacation" as well as an Administrative Services credential. High standards? NOT! She will probably get promoted "upstairs" like others who have difficult majors like "barista management or PE". If you want your "slow" child to make "big bucks", have them major in PE and become a school administrator. Sounds familiar? "

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Cogito wrote on Mar 12, 2008 9:02 AM:

" Nylodian, while I do agree wholeheartedly that a parent should decide for their children, we do owe that child some type of oversight. We can't allow incapable parents to doom their childs educational future because they disagree with scientific theories being taught in public schools. They need to be learning at home from someone capable of teaching them. But I think requiring a credential is idiotic. "

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nylodian wrote on Mar 12, 2008 5:54 AM:

" A quick response before I head to work: OTH, reread my post where I said there ARE incompetent teachers out there. Of course they should be weeded out just like any other profession.

Cogito: if you don't have a MA going into a it, I believe many districts require you to be actively pursuing one.

I would like to add I don't agree with the ruling. Parents should decide for their children. I'm just heart-sick by the teacher bashing here. "

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Cogito wrote on Mar 11, 2008 10:28 PM:

" Nylodian, check again, you don't need a masters to teach at any level before college. You may earn one later, it comes with a raise. "

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Cogito wrote on Mar 11, 2008 10:24 PM:

" ICU, not "I bet IT was a word", but I bet it WAS a word. We all know "IT" is a word. Regardless means not regarding, so irregardless would be not not regarding, which would be regarding. Some people think irregardless is a word joining irrespective and regardless. But I doubt it "IS" a word other than the misuse of the word regardless. I have to stop now, blood is spraying out of my nose. "

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ICU wrote on Mar 11, 2008 8:47 PM:

" ... "I bet that IT was a word" . I correct you with a statement that needs correcting. Back to my wine. "

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ICU wrote on Mar 11, 2008 8:45 PM:

" AWK, OTH," irregardless" is not a word. Don't mean to complain, but I used the word once and bet ($$) that is was a word. I lost. The appropriate word is "regardless".

Having so rudely corrected you (so sorry, because I love your posts) I have to say i agree with your post 100%. The credential does NOT make the teacher. "

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OTH wrote on Mar 11, 2008 8:22 PM:

" nylodian I have a question. There are doctors, lawyers, accts, practicing that have degrees and a lot of schooling in their chosen field.

Do you believe that irregardless of the education and degrees there are people who shouldn't be doing what they're doing and that includes teachers?

Some people go into a profession for the wrong reason. While they may have the bona fides, they are not meant to be doing what they're doing. How do we weed those people out? "

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nylodian wrote on Mar 11, 2008 12:31 PM:

" I know MUCH has to be done to improve the education system in this country, but laying the blame on the teacher is not the answer. I know there are incompetent teachers out there, as there are incompetent doctors, lawyers, accountants, etc., but the majority are dedicated professionals. Many, myself included, have paid for students' materials and resources out of our own pockets to make up for what the DISTRICT and ADMINISTRATION fail to provide. "

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nylodian wrote on Mar 11, 2008 12:22 PM:

" The last I checked, many school districts in California and New York required teachers to have a Masters Degree to teach. How is that considered LOW teacher standards? Unless something has drastically changed, you cannot teach under a single subject unless you at least have a college degree, gone through a credential program and passed the CBEST. You cannot get a multiple subject credential without either going through the liberal arts program or passing the PSAT. "

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Robb wrote on Mar 11, 2008 10:42 AM:

" Lodian, I will look when i get home, but it usually centers around poor socialization skills, and lack of a rounded curriculum.. "

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Edumacation wrote on Mar 11, 2008 10:37 AM:

" To Cogito: In 1982 the CBEST was implemented to assure teacher competency in the simple skills of reading writing and arithmetic. Three quarters of degreed candidates pass on the first attempt. The rest fail and must retake the test. Minority candidate results are lower. Attempts have been made to remove the CBEST. We need require that prospective teachers have ONE opportunity to take any teacher exam. Many parents can do better than this without a degree in Physical "Edumacation" or a teaching "credential". We need to support home schooling to assure educational success, not failure for our children. "

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Edumacation wrote on Mar 11, 2008 10:13 AM:

" Educators write posts to this blog and they are very quiet about low academic teacher standards. I don't claim that ALL teachers are buffoons, only that many are. Only a few years ago, as many as 20% of LUSD classroom teachers had NO credentials. Waivers for this and waivers for that. Instead of increasing the ACADEMIC requirements, the CCTC continues to lower minimum standards. Its ironic that the "dummmy" in high school who avoided academics can major in "Recreation" in college and legally teach high school chemistry. Justice Croskey needs to reevaluate his decision because of low teacher standards. "

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Lodian wrote on Mar 11, 2008 9:40 AM:

" Robb wrote on Mar 10, 2008 9:57 AM:
"It's about time, Most, home schooled kids are not prepared for the "real" world, and this IS CAUSED by under educated parents... I am sure there are exceptions, but failure IS the rule... "

I have never heard that homeschooling fails to prepare the students. Where can I find some info on such stats etc. Do you have any links handy? Thanks.
"

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Cogito wrote on Mar 10, 2008 2:05 PM:

" In lieu of a credential, why not require home schooling parents to pass the CBEST test. That's the only educational competence teachers have to show. Wouldn't that be fair? "

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Robb wrote on Mar 10, 2008 1:50 PM:

" Cognito, I am not referring to kids who were kicked out... that i understand.. "

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Cogito wrote on Mar 10, 2008 12:50 PM:

" I do think however that there should be annual testing to assure that home schoolers are meeting grade averages on par with their public school counterparts. This would eliminate any truly under qualified parents.Robb, there are many home schooled kids who were kicked out of public schools, and would have failed in any school. Separate those from any data and you will see a different picture.Also, I think meeting public standards would be a breeze. "

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Robb wrote on Mar 10, 2008 9:57 AM:

" It's about time, Most, home schooled kids are not prepared for the "real" world, and this IS CAUSED by under educated parents...

I am sure there are exceptions, but failure IS the rule... "

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Edumacation wrote on Mar 10, 2008 8:55 AM:

" This decision supports the "Educrats" and their "credentials game" which has NOTHING to do with education, but everything to do with careerism. Fact: You can have a degree in "Badminton" and teach Calculus! A single subject teacher is NOT required to take even one ACADEMIC course in the subject they teach. Instead they are only required to have a single subject credential in "anything". They are allowed to teach less than 1/2 their classes as Calculus the others as Badminton. The NCLB HOUSSE rules promote low teacher standards by giving teachers "credit" for teaching experience OUTSIDE their major. "

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nylodian wrote on Mar 10, 2008 8:34 AM:

" Cogito: my reasoning is just fine, thank you. Based on my experience in both public and private schools, I can assure you that you are selling your children short if you believe most private schools are superior to public education. I strongly invite you to take time off of work and observe private and public classrooms for a sustained period to get a dose of reality before you judge dedicated professionals so harshly. "

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Cogito wrote on Mar 9, 2008 10:12 PM:

" I mean, use some reasoning here, who would pay money out of their own pockets for private schools if they weren't better. Public school education has already been paid for. Anyone who think public schools are better than private schools are buying into the lie. Public education is a joke, and, for the most part, putting your kid at a disadvantage to private school kids. If you really love your kids, you'll mortgage your house to keep them out of public education. "

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Cogito wrote on Mar 9, 2008 9:58 PM:

" "nylodian' regarding your 7:35 post. That is the exception, not the rule. In fact, except for one local private school, I would believe the exact opposite for all private schools. A public school transfer would be far behind the private schools. "

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sam wrote on Mar 9, 2008 8:27 PM:

" nylodian, I need to clarify that i was referring to LUSD. My statement is not a blanket statement for all public schools. "

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nylodian wrote on Mar 9, 2008 7:39 PM:

" Lodian is absolutely right about the private schools and their lack of resources for special needs students. "

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nylodian wrote on Mar 9, 2008 7:35 PM:

" sam: I have a close friend who just pulled her kids out of private school because their classes were so far behind the public schools. Private doesn't always mean better. "

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nylodian wrote on Mar 9, 2008 7:33 PM:

" There is a huge difference between mere intelligence and being able to impart knowledge. I had classes taught by brilliant minds, but they couldn't transpose their thoughts to others. Their classes were a waste of my time and money. "

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nylodian wrote on Mar 9, 2008 7:30 PM:

" How sad that there are those who never took a single course towards a credential, not spent a single day preparing lessons based on the state curriculum, not had to practice classroom management feel they can accurately judge teachers and their jobs. All those who say they can do better, get an emergency credential (IF you can qualify) and sub for a good solid 6 months. Then you can have the right to judge people who spend time and money to be able to teach under the standards the state demands. "

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sam wrote on Mar 9, 2008 6:04 PM:

" lodian, I am not sure of the resources out there, but I have had a lot of home schooling parents contact me for great math curriculum.

Home schooling parents care so much for their kids education. How many parents do you know who are willing to alter their lives to stay at home and commit to their kids education? These parents are amazing. "

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Lodian wrote on Mar 9, 2008 5:29 PM:

" Cogito and sam: Aren't there plenty of resources out there for a parent that wants to homeschool? I've heard that there is a whole network that can help the parents that want to homeschool. "

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Cogito wrote on Mar 9, 2008 12:17 PM:

" There is not even the slightest doubt in my mind that I could educate a child as well as any teacher I ever had in my life. Ever. And I'm quite sure I could do a BETTER job than 90% of them. Teachers always talk of needing smaller class size so they can provide more individual attention, and how important parental involvement is to a childs education. Can you think of a better way to meet these two criterion than to home school? Teachers just hate losing to the uncredentialed competition. "

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Lodian wrote on Mar 9, 2008 12:10 PM:

" sam: Not that I don't understand your position, or even totally disagree. The challenges in private school come along when a child needs special services. Most private schools will not, or cannot (unable), accommodate the needs of such a child. This, of course, depends on how serious these needs are and what services are required. I'm not just talking about an ADHD kid. I am talking about more serious learning disabilities and kids that need an IEP/504 etc. "

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Lodian wrote on Mar 9, 2008 12:06 PM:

" Cogito: Well said! Great post! "

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Cogito wrote on Mar 9, 2008 12:04 PM:

" I have never heard of a single case of someone NOT receiving their teaching credential when attempting to do so. I'm not saying it doesn't happen, I'm just saying the bar is so low that it's extremely rare. Saying a credential makes you a good teacher is like saying having a drivers license makes you a good driver. Isn't it interesting that when a credentialed teacher fails at their job, you are usually advised to hire a tutor, who has no credential, to get your student up to speed. Anyone who agrees with this ruling has some reasoning issues. "

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sam wrote on Mar 9, 2008 8:28 AM:

" This ruling is silly. Some of the most effective, successful teachers I have ever known have no credentials, while some of the worst so-called teachers have life time credentials.

Today I would pick private or home schooling over public schools any day. "

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barry51 wrote on Mar 8, 2008 12:11 PM:

" FREE WRITING PROGRAM FOR THE HOME SCHOOLED


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"

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