Parent clarifies law on one aspect of home-schooling

I am writing in reference to the article, "Parents Enjoy Experience of Teaching Children," published in the Tri-Town News on March 22, 2007.

I am a home-schooler in Monmouth County. While it's always nice to see an article on home-schooling, I was surprised to see the quote by Howell Assistant Superintendent of Schools Susan Vonsover.

She states, "If parents feel it is important to home-school their children and they present a valid curriculum to the district, then they have every right to do so."

According to the laws in the state of New Jersey, parents must provide "equivalent instruction," but nothing needs to be presented to the school district, not even the notification of home-schooling.

According to the state Department of Education, "The law does not require or authorize the local board of education to review and approve the curriculum or program of a child educated elsewhere than at school. When parent(s)/guardian(s) educate a child elsewhere than at school, they are responsible for the educational outcomes of the child. The local board of education is not required or authorized to monitor the outcomes of the child."

I wanted to point out the New Jersey law because I would not want future home-schoolers to be deterred by the thought that the school system would be coordinating their home education.

Robin Milne

Freehold Township