Homeschooling in Illinois Just Got Much Harder and Many are Angry

Homeschooling in Illinois has been a relatively easy experience for many families - until today. A new measure just passed in the Land of Lincoln and many are very angry about what this will mean for those who don't choose the public school route.

I just saw Yahoo News report what many feared would happen. It's Illinois House Bill HB2827.

What does this mean for Illinois homeschooling families?

Here's the exact wording from the Illinois bill:

"Creates the Homeschool Act. Requires the State Board of Education to create a Homeschool Declaration Form to be used by a homeschool administrator to submit information indicating that a child is enrolled in a homeschool program to the principal of the public school or to the school district that the homeschooled child would otherwise attend."

If a homeschooling Illinois parent does not submit the required declaration form, penalties will be applied. Also, if a homeschooled child participates in public school activity on or off grounds, proof of vaccination is required.

A teaching parent must also have a high school diploma or equivalent plus the state of Illinois will provide guidelines on what courses must be taught.

There's a reason why the Yahoo News story included pictures of protestors at the Illinois house as many families think the state is overreaching into the affairs of families. Those in favor of the bill claim that some kids are subject to neglect if not homeschooled properly.

No matter how you look at it, homeschooling in Illinois just got a lot harder today no matter which side of the argument you're on.