Supporters of the Homeschool Act (HB 2827) say they want to establish a structured framework for homeschooling, but critics see it differently.
The measure would require homeschoolers to check in annually with the government by filing a homeschool declaration form. Failure to do so could result in charges, fines, and jail time.
Jenna Ellis, radio host and senior policy advisor for American Family Association (AFA), calls it a solution in search of a problem.
"The data shows that homeschool parents, when instructing according to their sincerely held religious beliefs, they want to disciple their children," she notes. "They can tailor the education to best fit each student's needs, give them one-on-one instruction, and the test scores are generally far better than government-run instruction."
"We've seen the abysmal result of state-funded education and school, which is why Trump is trying to eliminate the Department of Education, which really isn't serving students or families," the attorney continues. "This is just the latest attempt for the state to attempt to regulate parents."
She says that is what this is really about – Big Brother coming in and clamping down on the parents' involvement in education.
AFA warns that HB 2827 threatens to replace homeschooling's individualized approach with rigid, one-size-fits-all mandates that are poorly suited to support student success.
If lawmakers were concerned about better outcomes for students, Ellis thinks they would be championing home education and the parents who are taking an active role in their kids' schooling.
AFA calls on Illinois lawmakers to reject HB 2827 and stand with families who are successfully educating and nurturing their children.
If the legislature approves the bill and Governor JB Pritzker (D) signs it into law, litigation is expected.
Editor's Note: American Family Association is the parent organization of the American Family News Network, which operates AFN.net.
