Homeschool Family Ordered to Follow Common Core

A homeschool family in New Jersey was recently ordered to follow the Common Core standards to meet an interpretation of a state law that requires that children receive “instruction equivalent to that provided in the public schools.”

After withdrawing their child from Westfield Public Schools with the intent to homeschool, the family was mailed the school’s homeschool policy. According to HSLDA, the policy required the family to submit an outline of their curriculum and wait for permission to homeschool from the superintendent.

Scott A. Woodruff, senior counsel for HSLDA, responded to the district on behalf of the family, explaining that the school’s requirements contradicted the current New Jersey homeschool law. In response, the school changed the wording to say they "should be guided" by Common Core. Woodruff again responded that “homeschool families have no duty to follow or be guided by Common Core standards.”

Meanwhile, the rest of the country remains at risk.

“Common Core is gradually creeping into homeschools across the country,” said writer Lynda Altman. “Starting with requiring equivalent curriculum or forcing students to take PARCC exams, more states will implement rules impacting homeschoolers. New Jersey is just one state. Homeschool parents should be aware of Common Core and PARCC and STAR testing. That is the only way to make informed decisions about your child’s education.”

Do you think homeschoolers will be at a disadvantage because of required tests that align with Common Core?