ARTICLES

Bureaucrats Eye Homeschoolers

INSIDE LOOK AT DIOCESE MEMOS

To: Arch/diocesan Superintendents
From: Sr. Antoinette Dudek OSF
Assistant Executive Director
Early Childhood and Special Educational Services
National Catholic Educational Association

Re: Questionnaire on Homeschooling, NCEA Department of Elementary Schools

Date: February 22, 1995

In September 1994, the Department of Elementary Schools distributed to 175 arch/diocesan superintendents a ten-item questionnaire on homeschooling. We conducted this survey to help us formulate a response to the steadily increasing number of information requests and inquiries the department has received recently from school offices, principals and parents.

We received 129 completed surveys -- from respondents in 48 states, the District of Columbia, and Guam -- representing a return rate of 74 percent. A copy of the original questionnaire and a detailed summary report, including comments received, are attached for your review.

**Note: The following is a copy of the survey sent by the NCEA to the diocesan education offices.**


QUESTIONNAIRE ON HOMESCHOOLING
NCEA Department of Elementary Schools

Question #1 (Are you aware of homeschooling taking place in your area ?) All 129 respondents answered this question: Yes = 127 (98%) No = 2 (1%)

Question #2 (In your area, you perceive homeschooling to be increasing greatly, increasing, stable, decreasing, decreasing greatly) Total 121 responded:
Increasing greatly = 16%
Increasing = 61 %
Stable = 18%

Question #3 (Parents select homeschooling in your area most often because of:) Total 124 respondents to this question. Most respondents (73 of 124, or 59%) chose more than one reason; 51 selected just one of reasons offered. The five reasons that were listed on the questionnaire are ranked below according to the frequency with which they were selected:
63% Desire to personally educate their children
62% Poor quality of education in government-owned schools
32% Dissatisfaction with Catholic schools
30% Unavailability of Catholic schools
18% Cost of Catholic schools

Question #4 (Describe the overall philosophy of homeschoolers in your area.) Total 124 respondents to this question:
90% -- Conservative
2% -- Conservative/Middle of the Road
7% -- Middle of the Road
0% -- Liberal
1% -- Not Sure

Question #5 (How would you characterize the Catholic homeschoolers in your area ?) 108 respondents to this question:
74% -- Pre-Vatican II
8% -- Pre-Vatican II/Vatican II
8% -- Vatican II
1% -- Vatican II/Post-Vatican II
6% -- Post-Vatican II
2% -- Not Sure

Question #6 (Do you believe that homeschooling will have an adverse impact on Catholic schools in your area?) Total 124 respondents to this question:
Yes = 11%
No = 82%
Not Sure = 6%

Question #7 (Would you find it helpful if NCEA developed a statement on homeschooling?) Total 124 respondents to this question:
Yes = 75%
No = 17%
Not sure/Depends on the statement = 8%

Question #8 (If homeschooling is recognized as a viable and effective option, should NCEA become involved in assisting homeschoolers?) 115 respondents to this question:
Yes = 51%
No = 44%
Not Sure = 5%


Responses to questions 9 and 10 follow:

Respondents' Comments: If you know the name of a homeschooling association in your area, please list it. Please share with NCEA any other information and insights regarding homeschooling.

ALABAMA, Mobile Q#9 -- Our Lady of Guadalupe, c/o Mr. and Mrs. Mac Horton, Administrators 101 Gayfer Court, Fairhope, AL 36532. Q#10 -- On occasion, homeschooling association has borrowed testing materials from Office of Catholic Schools. One year small number of children (6) that were homeschooled did take the ITBS standardized tests and OCS facilitated the scoring process along with diocesan process.

ALASKA, Anchorage Q#10 -- Homeschooling is not uncommon or new in Alaska. Most homeschooling is accomplished through the state. I believe there are and/or were some Catholic families in the Archdiocese of Anchorage doing their "own style." Some have joined to form a small unofficial Catholic school. They would most certainly be described as conservative, pre-Vatican II.

ARKANSAS Little Rock Q#10 -- If NCEA gets involved with homeschooling, I would see it as spreading itself too thin. Our association with NCEA would be in question.

CALIFORNIA, Fresno Q#9 -- St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, P.O. Bow 4494, Fresno, CA 93744. Q#10 -- Many families in our area are homeschooling due to the negative socialization at their local public school (violence, drugs, etc.). Homeschooling is a reality and the Catholic Church needs to support and encourage authentic curriculum, networking with Catholic schools, and "middle of the road" religious education. Many Catholic parents who are homeschooling do not participate in parish religious education programs.

CALIFORNIA, Los Angeles
Q#9 -- We would like a list of homeschooling options for reference purposes.

CALIFORNIA, Sacramento Q#10 -- We have had an increase in a number of small private schools run by parents. These schools teach conservative Catholic teachings.

CALIFORNIA, San Bernardino Q#10 -- I believe that homeschooling could polarize Catholic parents and even undermine some schools in an economic sense --tuition! Homeschooling could be very appropriate in areas where Catholic schools are not available physically or "economically" (cost of tuition vs. cost of living). Also, [what would be the] impact on religious education programs in parishes, especially of those who disagree with pastors, DRE's, etc.?

CALIFORNIA, San Francisco Q#10 -- This was an agenda item at the California Catholic schools superintendents' recent meeting. We are particularly concerned about the development of religion curriculum materials that could be put in the hands of those inquiring about homeschools. Materials need to be developed and made available that are post-Vatican II! Thank you for whatever help you can give!

CALIFORNIA, Santa Rosa Q#10 -- Mostly "far right" with Church. Others not near a Catholic school, or there is no room in existing schools. This topic was discussed at the California Catholic superintendents' meeting on September 26. Brother Bin Canriere will be contacting you for our group.

COLORADO, Denver Q#10 -- Most of the calls (and there are many) request information on the Seton Home Schooling Program. There are several large groups organized around the homeschooling concept in Colorado Springs; some have national connections. I simply tell inquiring parents that homeschools are not under my jurisdiction. However, in Colorado there are LARGE numbers involved in homeschooling. Also, the state has rules and regs regarding homeschooling. Many of the people who call me are dissatisfied with our religion programs -- they tend to go to the Tridentine Church -- are Cuffers, John Birchers and the military. We are a very conservative city; the diocese is definitely post-Vatican.

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Q#10 -- Some of the parents that I know of who opted for homeschooling also chose to teach the religion program. The children did not attend CCD classes. Some said they did not want their children playing with children who were not being taught Catholic values by their parents.

FLORIDA, Miami Q#10 -- Over 8,000 students are being taught in homes in Florida today. Mostly these families are fundamentalists but gradually Catholic families are showing interest, especially as crime increases. NCEA should at least have a cunriculum for religious education which could be of use at the elementary level. Good luck.

FLORIDA, Orlando Q#10 -- Developing curriculum guidelines especially in the area of religion would be helpful. My experience is that fundamental Catholics use homeschool to preach their own version of Catholic doctrine.

FLORIDA, Pensacola-Tallahassee Q#10 -- Because there is little legislation to restrict who may homeschool, some parents who take on this task are very poorly prepared to carry it out.

FLORIDA, St. Petersburg Q#10 -- In our area, this schooling has become an alternative for traditionalists. The State of Florida has specific guidelines which must be followed. NCEA would need to support homeschooling only if it would be representative of the four hallmarks of Catholic education (message, community, service, and worship).

GEORGIA, Atlanta Q#9 -- There are groups throughout the diocese but there do not seem to have a formal organization.

Q# 10 -- Eventually those children will be returned to some type of formal school environment. We need to support the parent's right to provide for the child's education and share the resources we have through NCEA.

IDAHO, Boise Q# 10 -- We have had many requests for homeschooling due to the unavailability of Catholic schools in our state. These requests are coming from post-Vatican II parents who simply desire an appropriate Catholic education for their children. Unfortunately, my own research has only determined that available programs (Mother Seton, Our Lady of Victory, Our Lady of the Rosary, etc.) are pre-Vatican II and use the Baltimore Catechism as a basis of instruction. Founders of these programs also insist that they are the "true" Catholic schools. At the present time, we have encouraged parents to utilize approved diocesan materials for religious education while working with public schools in academic areas. However, I am convinced that an approved NCEA program would be well received in Idaho.

ILLINOIS, Belleville Q#9 -- In response to this question, this diocese provided a list of four private homeschool providers in Illinois:

American School, grades 9-12, in Chicago; Christian Liberty Academy, grades K-12, in Arlington Heights; Advanced Training Institute, grades K- 12, in Oakbrook; and International Institute, grades K-12, in Park Ridge.

ILLINOIS, Chicago Q#9 -- Karen Dempsey, State Coordinator, Network for Illinois Catholic Home Education, 690 Red Bridge Road, Lake Zurich, IL 60047; (708) 438-2701. Q#10 -- Our Lady Of the Rosary, Bardstown, KY; Our Lady of Victory, Post Falls, ID; Seton Home School, Front Royal, VA; Become Holy, Twain Harte, CA; Colby (sic) Academy, Napa, CA (new).

States are forming Catholic homeschooling networks. Beginning in November of 1994, the leadership of those networks will be meeting once a year to discuss Catholic home education issues (information from Karen Dempsey; see above). The November 1994 meeting will be held in Washington, DC. Beginning November 1995, the annual meetings will be held in Chicago.

ILLINOIS, Joliet Q#9 -- Enclosed is the entire file that I have on homeschooling [eight pages]. Our Lady of the Rosary, Kentucky, (502) 348-1338; Seton Academy, Virginia, (703) 636-9990; Our Lady of Victory, Idaho, (208) 774-7265. Q#10 -- When we register children who are coming to us from a homeschool, we test them for readiness. Nine times out of ten, they do not qualify for the grades in which they want to register.

ILLINOIS, Peoria Q#9 -- Catholic Home Educators of Central Illinois Q#10 -- In response to this question, this diocese provided a two-page commentary in favor of homeschooling from a homeschooling parent.

ILLINOIS, Rockford Q#10 -- This office has received an increasing number of phone calls from parents stating that they are going to homeschool. They are looking for information on curriculum -- both academic and religious.

INDIANA, Ft. Wayne-South Bend Q#9 -- Indiana Home School Association, Jeff and Sandra Holmes (317) 486-4757, (317) 638-9633, ext. 7000. Q#10 -- Homeschooling has a very broad definition. One issue related to homeschooling is the lack of standards and ability of an organization to monitor. Homeschoolers belong to a variety of religious denominations and I don't see how a Catholic organization could assist.

INDIANA, Indianapolis Q#10 -- It is on the increase. In some cases we are dealing with less than stable parents. However, most are good people and are doing well. It's not for my children or me, but they're not the demons thev're often made out to be.

INDIANA, Lafayette Q#10 -- An explicit and implicit result of "schooling'' is the process of socialization that takes place. For Catholic schools the experience of being a part of community is characteristic for us. I have a real problem when parents opt out of both Catholic school and parish life to teach their children at home. Where there are "poor" public schools (poor in quality, not a reference to economics) -- not positively affecting children, and no availability of Catholic schools, there can be a real need for homeschooling. If parish life is also poor, where do parents go?

IOWA, Davenport Q#10 -- There are approximately 1,800 students involved in homeschooling in Iowa -- a number that increases each year. The Iowa public schools are good -- highest test scores in the States. Middle-class families and strong (somewhat conservative) family-oriented parents want this type of experience for their children for a varied of reasons. I personally feel this type of education will continue to grow, even though I have some reservations about this program.

IOWA, Des Moines Q#10 -- We would hope that any NCEA statement on homeschooling would be consistent with our diocesan board policy (copy enclosed).

IOWA, Dubuque Q#10 -- The schools of the Archdiocese of Dubuque are accredited by the State of Iowa, unlike the schools of other states. We do this in order to be perceived as academically sound and secondly, to receive a variety of legislated services. We are not in support of homeschooling (see policies), since we believe the socialization factor is important. We have worked hard to remain quality and accredited and view the growing homeschool movement as a "weakening'' of our commitnent. I would be opposed to any "pro-homeschooling'' statement by NCEA.

IOWA, Sioux City Q#10 -- We have a diocesan policy prohibiting involvement of our schools with homeschoolers. We do not want any connection, strings, or attachment at the moment. The battle that we fight is that the public school people in our state sometimes want to group us (Catholic schools) with homeschoolers and nonaccredited schools. We vehemently resist this. Homeschoolers = fundamentalists most often.

KANSAS, Kansas City Q#10 -- Parents (particularly non-Catholics) homeschool because (1) the public schools lack value teaching; (2) students lack respect; (3) [there is a] fear of drugs and violence; (4) [there is a] lack of family focus.

KANSAS, Salina If we truly believe in choice, we have to consider homeschooling as an option. Guidelines need to be established in the event that such schools seek affiliation with Catholic schools.

KENTUCKY, Louisville Q#9 -- Our Lady of the Rosary School, Bardstown, KY. Q#10 -- After attending a conference on homeschooling, I was very frightened by what I saw. This was with the conservative element. I found it to be very narrowly focused. My initial feeling is that if the NCEA should try to become involved in assisting homeschoolers, it would be disregarded totally. This is for the conservative element. The others would probably welcome any assistance that could be given.

LOUISIANA, Alexandria Q#10 -- I would hesitate to have NCEA do anything that could be perceived as "helping'' or encouraging homeschool. My experience is that parents that want homeschool are rather fundamentalists that only want help in fundamentalism.

LOUISIANA, Lafayette Q#9 -- Holy Family Association, St. Pius X Church, P.O. Box 80489, Lafayette, LA 70598-0489. Q# 10 -- NCEA should not encourage or support homeschooling as an effective or recommended option. It merely should advise this path in special cases, and guide parents to a Catholic-oriented homeschooling program, of which there appear to be a few.

LOUISIANA, New Orleans Q#9 -- There is one -- unable to obtain infonnation. If I do, I will forward it to you. Q#10 -- Those opting for homeschooling seem to do so because they aren't happy with our religion program. This is occurring in one region of our archdiocese. We are reaching out to solve these problems... misunderstandings.

If NCEA were to support such a group, it would undermine our efforts. On the other hand, there may be parents who are unhappy with public education and wish to offer homeschooling. It's a complex issue.

MASSACHUSETTS, Boston Q#10 -- For the few I am aware of, the directors request a curriculum guide from the state department of education.

MASSACHUSETTS, Worcester Q#10 -- Regarding #8, NCEA needs to recognize and advise parents that religious education programs take place in a parish or Catholic school setting.

MICHIGAN, Detroit Q#10 -- This is not yet a major concern for our Catholic schools. Most of the homeschooling issues in metro Detroit are related to the public schools. Consequently, we do not have much information to share.

MICHIGAN, Grand Rapids. Part of "Catholic" is "community." In the best interest of developing "social beings" we need to concentrate our efforts on Catholic schools -- and meeting the needs of individual children in our schools -- not assisting homebased schools. Our Church needs community-oriented, Church-oriented people. Most homeschoolers I have talked with are negative, individualistic, competitive, and not interested in anything but their children. They also seem to be anchored in the past rather than looking toward the future.

MICHIGAN, Kalamazoo Q#9 -- Kalamazoo Area Home Schoolers. Q#10 -- Homeschools have the advantage of low teacher-student ratio in a controlled, secure environment. Not sure about credentials or certificates of teachers or supervisors. Homeschoolers around here network for social advantage. I believe that there are about 35-40 Catholic children being homeschooled. There are about 200 public school students being homeschooled.

MICHIGAN, Lansing Q#9 -- Patricia Montgomery, Clonlora School, Ann Arbor, MI

MICHIGAN, Saginaw Q#10 -- I would be most pleased to talk with you regarding homeschooling in Michigan (517-799-7910, ext. 56).

MINNESOTA, Duluth Q#10 -- Many homeschooling parents want to use our schools for the "extras" they cannot get at home: physical education, art, music, computer/ technology work, etc. We believe that the total Catholic school experience is what is important and do not allow homeschoolers to "pick and choose" the parts of our programs in which they wish to participate.

MISSISSIPPI, Biloxi Q#10 -- The violence and "gang formation" in the public schools has the homeschooling program becoming the only alternative to provide a safe environment. To my knowledge, we are not directly affected by this move at this time; however, we did have a couple of students whose parents did homeschooling because of the special needs of the students which we couldn't meet. This is a growing concern with our state department of education. We, as a diocese, only accept a student who has been homeschooled for a year... it is impossible to help shudents who have long-term homeschooling, especially on the junior high/senior high levels.

MISSISSIPPI, Jackson Q#10 -- Has been short-lived -- my knowledge of this issue. Parents are not too capable of homeschooling. Not free to do what is required. I consider homeschooling no problem in this area. My opinion: The structure of education in the U.S. will change drastically within the next decade. All school systems will be involved in changes. Parents won't see the need for homeschooling.

MISSOURI, Kansas City Q#10 -- I have responded to inquiries saying that our school office does not support homeschooling. The pastors I have spoken to support our office.

MONTANA, Great Falls-Billings Q#10 -- My observation of homeschooling is that the child is being overprotected. Often the child is denied the opportunity to grow by means of social interaction with peers. Some organizations are attempting to attend to this. Another observation is that parents of homeschoolers are often into fundamentalism... Catholic and otherwise. NCEA should be assisting "mainline'' Catholicism. Legitimizing homeschools by an NCEA statement would not be helpful to our part of the country in my opinion.

NEBRASKA, Grand Island Q#9 -- None. All individual families. Know of only two Catholic families that homeschool. Q#10 -- The three dioceses in Nebraska have basically stated that we will not allow (do not want) any of our small parish schools becoming what Nebraska calls Christian schools with no state regulations (or few), no certified teachers, etc. A number of Protestant churches have opted for a Christian school concept which would eliminate the need for parents to do homeschooling.

NEBRASKA, Lincoln Q#10 -- Most homeschoolers return to public or parochial schools in this area after two or three years -- based on my survey of state department of education records over a period of 15 years.

NEBRASKA, Omaha Q#9 -- State organization -- don't have address but can get it. CONNECT or fax if you need it. Q#10 -- Diocese enclosed a sheet "1992-93 Nebraska School Enrollments'' that includes data showing the growth rate of homeschool students from 1985 updated through 1994.

NEVADA, Reno-Las Vegas Q#10 -- Homeschoolers here in Nevada frequently have a very antagonistic relationship with the state. I would not want to see us get dragged into this kind of battle. Some of these groups have banded together to form academies seeking to place themselves under the diocesan umbrella but not wanting diocesan oversight. This is a legal problem as well as a supervision problem. We had best be cautious.

NEW JERSEY, Metuchen Q#10 -- At the present time there is no homeschooling taking place in the Metuchen Diocese. If there is any in the public sector, we have not been apprised of it.

NEW JERSEY, Paterson Q#10 -- Family who is doing the homeschooling is from the Midwest, where it was more prevalent. The experience has been that the children attend regular school beginning in the middle grades.

NEW JERSEY, Trenton Q#10 -- Most of our contacts are when parents seek to enroll a child in upper elementary or high school grades. Marks and grade placement are a problem.

SANTA FE, NM Q#10 -- Some homeschoolers in New Mexico are in partnership with the public schools, [using their] science labs, athletics, band.

NEW YORK, Buffalo Q#10 -- At a recent Sunday Mass, the pastor asked homeschooling parents to stand. Four did. He then blessed them as they begin the new school year. At previous Masses, Catholic school teachers and CCD catechists had been recognized and blessed.

NEW YORK, New York Q#10 -- Guidelines for homeschooling are available through the New York State Education Department, Office for Non-Public Schools.

NEW YORK, Syracuse Q#10 -- In one situation, the "homeschooled'' students in one family come to our school for art and physical education.

NORTH CAROLINA, Charlotte Q#10 -- In Charlotte area, 35+ families have formed a small group.

NORTH DAKOTA, Fargo Q#10 -- They are very conservative and very vocal. Numbers at this time are small but increasing. If they were able to promote their agenda in the Catholic schools you would see a mass exodus of children from our Catholic schools -- including mine!

OHIO, Cincinnati Q#10 -- Homeschooling is being handled through the public schools. For NCEA to get involved would bring more burden to Catholic school principals and school offices.

OHIO, Columbus Q#10 -- Enclosed is information from the state department of education in Ohio. Our diocese has taken the position that we do not oversee homeschooling. Parents must work through the local public school district.

OHIO, Steubenville Q#10 -- Generally, I believe that it robs children of socialization that is so essential to later educational and perhaps psychological success. Yet, parents have a right to their decisions and we should not cut them off from mainstream education. Yet, we should proceed cautiously and perhaps on a case-by-case basis.

OKLAHOMA, Oklahoma City Q#10 -- One aspect of homeschooling that we deal with is the following: When a parish has guidelines for Sacramental preparation and school- and parish-based religious education, parents must comply. What is the stance regarding independent homeschoolers?

OREGON, Baker Q#10 -- Responsibility of state!! NCEA should not get involved. State departments of education deal with this issue and have for years. Let's just do a good job of education in our own schools.

PENNSYLVANIA, Allentown Q#10 -- Excerpt from letter: I feel strongly that NCEA should get involved in preparing guidelines and suggested materials for Catholic homeschooling. Many parents could not even consider homeschooling because of work and other responsibilities but some other parents are quite interested. New technology can be of great help to assist parents, including periodic assessment of students and sharing of ideas about integrating field trips and other learning activities (newsletters, etc.). This could be an entirely new approach to provide Catholic education for some parents who wish to educate their children at home. I pray that you pursue this new emerging educational option.

PENNSYLVANIA, Altoona-Johnstown Q#10: Work for parental CHOICE legislation so parents can send children to Catholic schools.

PENNSYLVANIA, Harrisburg Q#9 -- Seton Home Study School, 1 Kidd Lane, Front Royal, VA 22630: (703) 636-9990 -- ultraconservative. Q#10 -- (Diocese sent several enclosures on Home Schooling, Act 169 of 1988.) Our parents are required to apply to the public school superintendent for permission and (1) curriculum guides or (2) approval of Seton Home Study School.

PENNSYLVANIA, Philadelphia Q#10 -- We suggest NCEA not be a spokesperson for this group because of so many philosophical differences.

PENNSYLVANIA, Pittsburgh Q#10 -- Homeschooling is definitely increasing. One of the reasons some parents have decided to homeschool is because our diocese has a program called The Catholic Vision of Love, written by our own diocesan personnel and approved by the bishop. Some parents want no part of it. The greater number, however, will not send their children to a public school and cannot afford tuition. They are not willing in some cases to accept tuition assistant (sic).

SOUTH CAROLINA, Charleston Q# 10 -- Homeschooling is like private devotion -- it cannot compensate for the loss of community; it cannot create a healthy climate for development of the whole person. We need to discourage this disruptive, isolating practice.

SOUTH DAKOTA, Sioux Falls Q#9 -- Homeschooling Association, 1606 S. 4th Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57105. Q#10 -- Most of the homeschooling parents are ultra-conservative Catholics who have not accepted Vatican II. They seem to be against everything and are very self-righteous. Their children tend to be years behind in social skills development when they do send them to a Catholic school. Then the Catholic school immediately gets the blame for the problem.

TENNESSEE, Knoxville Q#9 -- The Catholic Home, P.O. Box 804, Norris, TN 37828. Q#10 -- NCEA involvement could give approval to homeschooling in their eyes and thereby eventually create some problems. We are already dealing (trying to) with enough problems re: CCD! A "statement" would be beneficial if it supported post-Vatican II and Vatican II.

TEXAS, Amarillo Q#9 -- Rev. Gil Hiltbruller, Trinity Fellowship, 5000 Hollywood Road, Amarillo, TX 79110. Q#10 -- Homeschoolers have formed leagues -- academic and sports -- to compete with nonpublic schools. Homeschoolers want to use our curriculum and purchase textbooks through us. Homeschoolers fight the attempts to require ability testing of their students.

TEXAS, Austin Q#9 -- None in our area. They use Seton from the East Coast. Q#10 -- I believe (and my bishop believes) that people have a choice to have homeschooling. But the Catholic Church has already established a school system and that is the system that is official in our diocese.

TEXAS, Corpus Christi Q#10 -- At present, we are developing an admissions policy, particularly for middle and high schools, regarding students who have been "homeschooled.'' Some do come back.

TEXAS, Dallas Q#9 -- The diocese sent a list of ten addresses covering curriculum, and a list of 100 support groups throughout Texas. Q#10 -- I see that homeschooling could be effective for some parents depending on the age and number of children. Not all parents are equipped to be the primary educator. We also need to consider what problems occur when homeschooled children do need to enter our schools.

TEXAS, Fort Worth Q#10 -- College of St. Thomas More, 3001 Lubbock Avenue, Ft. Worth, TX, does not do homeschooling; takes students who were homeschooled and wish to go with regular school. The diocese attached an article on the increase of homeschooling in the U.S., from the fall 1994 issue of Texas Association of Non-Public Schools newsletter, and the calendar entry about a homeschoolers' event in the September 30, 1994 issue of North Texas Catholic.

TEXAS, Galveston-Houston Q#10 -- We do not assist them. Parents have requested our curriculum guides; they are not available to them.

UTAH, Salt Lake City Q# 10 -- One family has one child in our school and is homeschooling special needs children; the second family is homeschooling because the child's musical talents are being placed as a priority and homeschooling is fit within the child's music program. One family has chosen to use all the materials approved by the diocese and our own school program in order to facilitate the child's moving into our own system when ready. The second family has chosen the Elizabeth Seton Program. From seeing the list of texts, etc., from the Seton program, I would see the program as quite conservative and not preparing children for life in the 21st century.

VERMONT, Burlington Q#9 -- Vermont Home Schoolers Association, P.O. Box 161, Pittsford, VT 05763; (802) 483-6292. Q#10 -- Some are fundamentalist, some simply dissatisfied with public system. We have no specific association...parents are being encouraged by some local clergy...most use Seton Home Schooling. I have spoken to our bishop about this already!

VIRGINIA, Arlington Q#9 -- Seton Home Study School, Front Royal, VA; Homeschooling Legal Defense Association. Q#10 -- Parents should be affirmed that homeschooling is very consistent with Catholic philosophy. Principals and teachers should not feel threatened by parents' desire to do this. On the other hand, homeschooling programs which market on the basis that parish schools are dangerous to children and which don't recognize local bishops or the teachings of Vatican II should not be all that Catholic parents can find to assist them. If the NCEA can locate and recommend Catholic programs that meet catechetical standards of modern Church documents,it would be a great service to everyone. Good luck!

VIRGINIA, Richmond Q#10 -- We do not sponsor homeschooling in this diocese. Any parent wishing to homeschool (it has been minimal) must work through the public sector. I do not believe that we should encourage homeschooling.

WASHINGTON, Seattle Q#10 -- Recently, Catholic homeschoolers held a conference called the Catholic Family Education Conference. Generally, homeschoolers are not satisfied either with the local public schools or Catholic schools. If a parish is a community and school parents are part of the community, homeschoolers for the most part opt not to be part of the community. A parish that offers a good school and religious education programs cannot be expected to support a program for a few who are not satisfied. Homeschooling could be an acceptable program supported by the nearest Catholic school if the students are in a rural area where there are no Catholic schools within a 25-mile radius and where very few Catholic students are available, prohibiting the use of special, private bus for transportation. In such a case, the students should come to school at least one day a week and be connected via modem or satellite for distance learning during the other days that school is in session.

WASHINGTON, Yakima Q#10 -- I get many telephone calls from homeschooling parents who want Catholic materials to use. I don't have a good resource to give them. Can you help?

WEST VIRGINIA, Wheeling-Charleston Q#10 -- In West Virginia, homeschoolers (not necessarily Catholic homeschoolers) have played a significant role in lobbying for educational choice. I do worry, however, about the very conservative bent I sense from those parents wlao have spoken to me (some have asked, for example, if I could get them copies of the Catholic textbook series for all content areas from the Daughters of St. Paul).

WISCONSIN, Green Bay Q# 10 -- At this point in time, the movement toward homeschooling here is minimal. It appears to have a religious orientation rather than academic. Those involved tend to be pre-Vatican, seeking to shield their children from what they perceive are permissive practices in religion and society in general.

WISCONSIN, Milwaukee Q#10 -- A significant number of parents who select this option are upset with the schools' curriculum, teachers, and "permissive environment." Nothing will satisfy them, and they opt to try education at home. It usually lasts for a brief period of time, and the children return to another school.