Homeschooling families from all over the state came to the hearing to voice their opinions and learn a lesson in Maine government. The testimonies given by more than 40 opponents were excellent, including one given by Rebecca Wakefield, a 12 year old homeschooler from Burlington. Senator Mills said that the state has the responsibility to find these children, and determine whether or not they are receiving an adequate education. He proposed a study of homeschooling to explore how that could be accomplished. We would like to assist in any way that we can.
HOME opposes the idea of a study, since numerous studies on homeschooling have already been done.
Also, the result of a study could only mean further regulation for homeschoolers in Maine. The bill did not even survive as a resolution to create a study commission. Instead, the Committee proposed to send a letter to the Department of Education and Cultural Affairs requesting that Department officials follow the existing guidelines in an effort to clean up their own difficulties in enforcing Chapter 130 requirements. 1224 homeschool applicants have not filed their required 2000 assessment results. As a result, homeschoolers can expect to be contacted by the Department shortly, if they have not filed their 2000 annual assessments.