Is HSLDA confused?

I’m really concerned about the recent e-lert from HSLDA  http://www.hslda.org/elert/archive/2011/09/20110916164212.asp.  I don’t like HB 545 http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/legislation/2011/HB0545.html.

I was pretty happy with the results of Tuesday’s subcommittee meeting.  The subcommittee decided to keep the rules, but take away the DOE’s authority for rule-making. And the Home Education Advisory Council was retained.  But HSLDA is recommending HB545 as it was written originally.

I agree we should remove broad rule making authority from the Department of Education.  But we should keep the rules—ED315.  They contain many record keeping details that should not be left at the whim of school districts, who often have very negative attitudes toward homeschoolers in their districts.

I do not think that the Home Education Advisory Council (HEAC) should be abolished.  Over and over again, HEAC members have clarified the law for school district personnel, usually when they when they have made an unwarranted request of a homeschooling family.  They also play an important role by providing a grievance committee during disputes.  School officials are willing to listen to the HEAC, even when they refuse to listen to a parent quoting the law.