04-03-2025
Bill in Illinois statehouse would create framework to regulate homeschooling
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — Illinois is among the states with very little oversight for homeschooling. A bill in the statehouse hopes to create a framework to ensure homeschooled students are accounted for and are learning what they need.
The Homeschool Legal Defense Association classifies Illinois as one of 12 free states for having no requirement to notify the state and a low amount of regulation for homeschooling content and approaches. The state's homeschool system stems from a 1950 Illinois Supreme Court ruling where justices ruled a couple was allowed to homeschool for religious reasons as a form of 'private school.'
IL Republican lawmakers file batch of bills to boost relief for families
Rep. Terra Costa Howard (D-Lombard) filed a bill that has more than 15 co-sponsors, which proposes the Homeschool Act tightens the rules. It requires parents to notify schools annually of their intention to homeschool and keep a portfolio of their children's academic work and immunization records.
Parents also must have a high school diploma and not be convicted of child sex crimes in order to homeschool.
The Coalition for Responsible Home Education is a nonprofit of homeschooled adults advocating for protections for homeschooled children. The group said the bill will keep kids safe.
'Every child has the right to be safe, to learn, and to access resources. HB 2827 would protect those rights for children who are homeschooled in Illinois,' said CRHE Executive Director Angela Grimberg. 'We are grateful for this opportunity to work with Illinois lawmakers and the homeschool community to help bring HB 2827 to fruition.'
The bill has been met with fierce opposition, with HSLDA President Jim Mason calling the bill an 'attack on our freedoms.'
'Homeschool freedom works,' Will Estrada, HSLDA's Senior Counsel, said in a video on the organization's social media. 'Homeschool families work. Home schoolers love their kids.'
The full bill can be found here.
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