Why should parents be accountable to government who fail miserable at educating our children?  Our public schools produce way too many irresponsible, poorly educated adults who can't communicate and who are not self sufficient.  In addition, the people who send their children to public schools are a burden to the society already.  Public schools cost the society a minimum $17000 per child.  Independent homeschoolers cost the society $0 per child.  Do the math.