Archive for February, 2008
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February 28th, 2008
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Homeschooling Kids With Aspergers
February 28th, 2008
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Question: Is it hard to legally Homeschool in Illinois?
I really want to withdraw my nine year old son from public school. School has always been a struggle for him and seems to just be getting worse. Last month he was diagnosed with AD HD and Aspergers. He's always been in mainstream classes and just can't socialize with the kids. I told the principal last week that I've had enough and was Homeschooling him. He talked me into trying half days. I really want to withdraw him but I'm afraid of legal problems. Any advice?
Answer: No, not difficult at all:
http://Homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/regional/Illinois.htm
I have a funny feeling you would be inviting legal problems if you tried half days. The school district gets funding based on each child's attendance. Then each child is worth so much extra for each 'learning disability' or 'handicap' that they diagnose. It can easily amount to tens of thousands of dollars a year. BUT the strings on those funds require the child to actually BE there, so half days could be fraudulent.
It would also permit the school district to continue to control your family. You do not say who diagnosed him - was it a doctor or an unqualified school district employee playing doctor? And if it was a doctor is she or he on the school payroll?
I recommend you try Homeschooling if it is within your means to do so. It does require a parent to be there, but I have heard so many times that when parents do homeschool they find their children do not have learning disabilities or they are controlled in a home environment. My own included, and especially boys.
The worst that can happen is it doesn't work out and you have to send im back. The possiblity of him being educated and successful in life is worth a try.
I'm sure your principal thinks you are making empty threats. Ignore it. Get your legal situation set up in compliance with IL law and just walk away. Don't threaten, it just makes them stiffen their backs. And, obviously, he's doing a pretty good job of manipulating you into staying. So smile, listen to what he has to harp on, and at first chance excuse yourself. The longer he has your attention, the more he's going to try and manipulate you. You're the parent - you're in charge of your child's education. Do what is best for him and your family. Slapping a label on your son so he doesn't have to be educated is not what is best for him.
And I would explain to Principal Empty Head that your son is not there for a social life, he's there to be educated. There are way too many well socialized people working at MacDonalds.
And expect him to challenge your decision to homeschool so be real clear on your laws and in your compliance so you can correct him.
Best wishes to you and your son.
Autism...Homeschooling Travis early days.