☆ Local parents frustrated with stringent homeschool charter laws (2/2)

Karen Golden, director of L.A. homeschool center Creative Learning Place, continues her analysis of CA’s ever-rigidifying HSC restrictions. Ultimately, explains Golden, “there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to education”; to best instruct students, parent and charter educators must be trusted — and provided appropriate flexibility. An Opp Now exclusive.

Opportunity Now: Explain how homeschooling — and HSCs (homeschool charters) — has and is evolving. What factors are influencing these state-mandated restrictions?

Karen Golden: There was a big, booming SoCal homeschool charter school that grew to mammoth size. Then, the CEO did unscrupulous things with school money, and they were at risk of being shut down. They had a unique idea called the “specialty program” model, through which they contracted with various vendors, including my program, to create “mini learning environments” for homeschooled students, which some saw as microschools. I think this micro or mini school idea was a lovely model because families got a package deal with more funding in one program than what they would have with a dollar amount that they could spend in multiple programs, and their kids had the opportunity to cultivate lasting friendships.

However, other charters (both homeschool and brick and mortar) weren’t pleased that this school was granting students more money to spend than is generally allotted ($2,600 is typical) per year; so they forced this school to discontinue the specialty programs with select vendors. In addition, all the HSCs were forced to close any learning centers that offered in-person instruction so that they would not resemble mini schools.

Rather than go out of business completely, this large school restructured and divided into eight smaller charters. The smaller charters are doing fine, as far as I’m aware; they’re making sure to do everything above board.

Interestingly, I knew a couple administrators in the large charter school that got restructured, and they were immediately let go during the split. Why? They were much more supportive of those homeschooling by choice, as a lifestyle, and they wanted the charter to be more open to and have more choice for homeschooling/unschooling families. Recently, these admins joined a new charter (Suncoast Preparatory Academy). They’re hoping to maintain a new charter without as many prescriptive rules for families, to be more homeschool friendly.

Homeschooling grew tremendously during the pandemic. First of all, many families were forced to home educate (I call it “public schooling at home,” not quite homeschooling) because public schools became virtual. Second of all, many families elected to homeschool, independently of the public school system, for various reasons. There’s an interesting division in this latter category between what I call “homeschoolers by choice” (who embrace the lifestyle) and “homeschoolers by default” (e.g., their child was failing, had trouble with teachers, wasn’t able to wear a COVID-19 mask).

At my learning center, I’m seeing an increase in the population of homeschoolers by default. I feel charters have become more stringent and rigid in response to whom they see as their new population — rather than viewing homeschooling as a lifestyle choice to be protected.

ON: Have any attempts to tighten HSC legislation in California been blocked?

KG: Sure. They tried to pass a law in California under which all educational funds from HSCs could only go toward teachers with valid teaching credentials. That law would have eliminated my program completely. None of my teachers have a credential, including me. Being credentialed doesn’t make you a better teacher; all it means is that you’ve formally studied education. I know my way around the classroom; I’ve taught for over thirty years; and I feel strongly that you don’t need a credential to present educational material in an impactful, memorable, and meaningful manner. I hire instructors who are passionate, compassionate, and more often than not have expertise in the field they are teaching.

Nevertheless, some HSC schools have already adopted this, or a similar, requirement. Some charters fund classes in my program as long as their school’s credentialed teacher oversees it and ensures that the student is learning. Such rules may seem harmless (or even beneficial), but I see them as not understanding the value of my program.

Overall, there are more bills coming towards state legislators trying to curb how HSC funds may be used. Because of this, some charters are even nervous that they won’t be able to renew their charter.

ON: How do restrictive HSC laws affect the local homeschooling scene?

KG: It’s a problem. I see more and more families (I’m very active in homeschool Facebook communities, also having formerly homeschooled my children) really disgruntled with their charter schools. I see more dropping out and wishing to file a private school affidavit (but that brings complications because then there’s no government funding for students). Many homeschool parents are warning others by saying things like, “Stay away from this charter school; they’ve become rigid.”

Something else to note: Many homeschool families homeschool because their children experience learning differences and have special educational needs. Maybe regular public schools aren’t a good fit for them. That’s why it’s important for HSCs to be accessible for them.

ON: Lastly, how might Californian lawmakers make it easier for homeschool charter students to use their funds?

KG: Historically speaking, I think they’ll make it worse, honestly, not easier.

But I believe legislators can strike a balance with these laws. I’m not a fan of the state throwing away money, but families should have the right to choose how their kids are educated.

It’s important to understand that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to education that works for every child. For instance, public schooling works wonderfully for a lot of kids, but not everyone — and that’s great. Homeschooling is a viable option, and many homeschool students go on to have successful college and life experiences. My two daughters certainly did.

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Image by Bob Jenkin