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News Items February 1, 2010 |
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For several years now, a few legislators have been trying to expand Michigan's compulsory education. Their efforts have attempted to expand both the upper and lower limits of the compulsory school attendance. On January 4, 2010, Governor Granholm signed a law that raises that age from 16 to 18 years of age. It affects children who turn age 11 on or after December 1, 2009. Efforts to lower the age and force universal preschool have been stymied so far.
How does this impact homeschoolers? As with many laws, Michigan's homeschooling regulations are a bit ambiguous. Homeschoolers are required to offer whatever courses are offered in the public school system. This general requirement often means it's unclear if what is mandated for public schools also must be followed by homeschoolers. That is left to Michigan's Dept. of Education to sort out the regulations and policy statements. One positive aspect of the law – if it could be called that – is that parents can “opt out” of the extension as long as written notification of the withdrawal is submitted to the local school district. In other words, the Legislature is at least acknowledging the parents' rights to decide what is best for their children. Similar legislation such as the upgraded high school graduation requirements have not been imposed upon homeschoolers. Still, it's important to be aware of these developments since they may increase questions for high schoolers who are out in public, pursuing outside activities as part of their own program.
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