Children Returned to German Homeschooling Family
2008-11-19
By D. E. Herrod, B.Ed.E, M.Div
In January, German officials removed all 5 children from the home of Johannes and Cornelia Gorber simply because the family chose to homeschool their children. In August, the children were returned home for a holiday and never ordered removed. Officially, the children have been returned to the parents.
As a condition of the return the school aged children are must attend public schools and the youngest a playgroup. The reason for this is to encourage socialization and monitor progress. This requirement enacted despite the fact that the children are on-track academically and socially well adjusted.
German Homeschoolers Seek Asylum in the U.S.
2008-11-17
By D. E. Herrod, B.Ed.E, M.Div
In an unprecedented move, the Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSDLA) is helping Uwe and Hannelore Romeike file for political asylum in the United States. The Romeike arrived in the U.S. in August.
Last year the U.S. Government received twenty applications for asylum from German families, four were granted. According to the 2007 Humans Rights Watch, report produced by the U.S. State Department the increased awareness of the persecution faced by homeschoolers in Germany.
More Information About Homeschooling in Germany:
HSDLA: Germany
National Bible Bee
2008-11-14
By D. E. Herrod, B.Ed.E, M.Div
The Shelby Kennedy Foundation is launching a National Bible Bee completion to be held November 5-6, 2009 in Washington D.C. Local Competitions will be held September 12, 2009. Local contest committees are currently being formed. Registration for contestants begins in February 2009.
The Bible Bee is a Bible memory completion for children and youth. Its purpose is to promote the development of Godly character through the memorization of Scripture. The completion is open to those between the ages of 7-18.
For More details visit www.biblebee.org
Update: On Drivers Education for Homeschoolers in Delaware
2008-11-12
By D. E. Herrod, B.Ed.E, M.Div
Last week I wroteabout the proposed law change in Delaware to deny free drivers education to eligible homeschoolers and others attending non-public schools. According to a change in policy that went into effect, November 11th homeschoolers will now be charged tuition for the program. It took less than two weeks for this law change to pass the state legislature.
Apparently, part of the motivation is finical. Free drivers education is still available for students attending public school. This logic seems flawed because families of students not attending public schools pay the same taxes as those whose children attend public school.
Children’s Book Week (November 9-15)
2008-11-10
By D. E. Herrod, B.Ed.E, M.Div
Although I started as a reluctant reader, I have been a reader since about third grade. I read fairly well in second grade but third grade was the year I really remember falling in love with books. I think reading is the most important skill a child can learn; yes, written communication is a close second.
My mom used to tell me if you could read you can learn to do anything. Through reading I have learned greatly expanded my cooking skills and learned a variety of crafts. Reading and comprehension plays a vital role in post-secondary education.
Reading opens an unlimited number of doors and literature is the passport to many worlds. Through reading, it is possible to see the world from your own living room. Alternatively, even explore fantasy worlds or teleport back in time. Take some time this week to celebrate books with your child.
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Paperbackswap.com. It is a unique book club. Currently the cost to join is free. It is an internet based book exchange. To get started you join the club and create a list of books (paperback, hardback or audio book) that you are willing to exchange. You get 2 free book credits for listing your first 10 books. Each book you exchange earns you 1 credit to use on a "new" book. You are asked to pay for shipping of the books. Any book you exchange is yours to keep.
I really think this is a cool idea and am scouring my bookshelves now for books to exchange. In the day of recycling why, not recycle books.
Delaware Seeks to Ban Homeschoolers from Free Drivers Education
2008-11-05
By D. E. Herrod, B.Ed.E, M.Div
Currently Delaware offers free drivers education to all students age 15 and 10th grade or above.(1) The Valerie Woodruff, Delaware Secretary of Education has proposed an amendment that would require students enrolled in non-public schools to pay for drivers education.(2) According to the states education code residence in an eligible district is required not enrollment in public schools.
HSDLA believes this amendment is a violation of homeschoolers civil rights. According to HSDL it violates the Equal Protection clause of the 14th Amendment.(3) Although I’m not sure that is the proper use of the Equal protection clause. I found a good discussion of this at Principled Discovery.
In today’s economic climate, many states have to tighten budgets. That raises the question if this amendment...
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