HSLDA is working hard to help supporters prepare a response in the event that West Virginia’s legislature attempts to enact new restrictions on homeschooling.

Last week we summarized how homeschooling has come under scrutiny in the Mountain State. We explained that Gov. Jim Justice has said he might call a special legislative session to review state homeschool law in response to the death of 14-year-old Kyneddi Miller.

Some West Virginia officials have also said they want increased government oversight of homeschooling.

As part of our efforts to inform and equip members and friends, HSLDA hosted an online Q&A with two West Virginia legislators—Senator Patricia Rucker and Delegate Kathie Hess Crouse. Each homeschooled five children and, coincidentally, saw their youngest graduate from high school this summer.

Could Rules for Year-End Assessments Change?

Though no legislation on homeschooling has been introduced so far, Rucker and Crouse said they have heard discussions on specific issues that could be addressed when the legislature returns to Charleston in August for regularly scheduled interim meetings.

One topic that has prompted debate is the end-of-year assessments that homeschool parents must submit for students who are completing certain grades. Current law gives local public school officials the option of pursuing court action against homeschooling families who fail to hand in required assessments.

Rucker and Crouse said some lawmakers have suggested mandating court action in such cases.

HSLDA Staff Attorney Kevin Boden asserted that such a change would not just be onerous for homeschoolers but would burden officials as well.

As the law currently stands, said Boden, officials are trusted to decide what is appropriate when a family fails to hand in an assessment. “It simply says, ‘Hey, you’re professionals. You know your job, and you are in the best position to decide whether follow-up action or court action is appropriate,’” he said.

Forcing officials to take action against homeschooling families would send the message that, “We don’t necessarily trust the districts to exercise proper discretion,” he added.

Now is the Time to Act

Regardless of whether Gov. Justice calls a special session later this year, Rucker and Crouse said the best time for homeschoolers to advocate in defense of their freedoms is now. The two also outlined steps homeschooling families can take to ensure their message is heard.

1. Do your research

Make sure you know who is representing you politically. HSLDA provides an online tool for identifying your legislators, or you can visit the website for your state legislature.

2. Send a message

Reach out to your legislators via phone or email. (When the legislature is out of session, it’s best to call your lawmakers at their local offices.)  Be polite, factual, and concise.

“Civil discourse is important,” Crouse said.

3. Put a face on homeschooling

If possible, arrange to meet with your legislators in person. You can schedule an appointment at their office, or invite them to attend your homeschool co-op. As this is an election year, you may also have the opportunity to attend a town hall meeting where you can ask questions.

“They need to know what an actual homeschool family looks like and what they do,” Rucker said.

4. Stand tall at the statehouse

Finally, homeschooling families should be prepared to show up at the capitol to advocate for or against specific legislation. This is especially true during a special session, when legislation moves quickly and opportunities for public comment are limited.

5. Persevere

Above all, remember that ours is a government of the people, and that your voice makes a big difference in how laws are made. Working together, we can defend homeschool freedom in West Virginia and across the nation.

HSLDA is continuing to monitor the situation in West Virginia and will provide updates as appropriate.