In recent weeks, a California Court of Appeal ruled that parents would violate state law if they home-school their children. The State Department of Education stands on the policy that home-schooling can continue. Locally, this impacts nearly 100 families.

Parents who home school have to go on-line to sign up and follow through with affidavits. Inyo County Superintendent of Schools George Lozito estimated that between 50 and 70 families home school in Inyo County.

Mono County’s Office of Education does not have statistics but verified there are Mono families home-schooling. A rough estimate for the two counties 100 families.

The Los Angeles County case, which raised the home school question, was intended to focus on the welfare of children and the availability of checking on children when they attend public school. The decision pointed a finger at home schooling as a problem.

The California Superintendent of Schools Jack O’Connell issued a statement that stands behind parents’ rights to home school, even though he recommends public school. O’Connell contends that public school is not the best fit for every student. The State Superintendent did say that he urges “any parent who is considering or involved in home schooling the3ir children to take advantage of resources and support available through their county or district offices of education.”

Officials say the relation between home-schooling parents and school districts has been somewhat unclear. Officials say the recent legal decision may help to clarify things.

Those opposed to home schooling say not all parents have the educational background to give their children high quality instruction.

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