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Mary G
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| Posted: July 21 2008 at 6:53am | IP Logged
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I posted here about a quote from St. Vincent of Lerins. That quote started a bit of discussion on whether choosing religious exemption is why we homeschool.
I thought I'd start another topic here to flesh this out a bit in my own mind and maybe generate some discussion. Here in Virginia, the statute for RE reads that:
Quote:
Option II: Religious Exemption Statute. “A school board shall excuse from attendance at school any pupil who, together with his parents, by reason of bona fide religious training or belief is conscientiously opposed to attendance at school.” § 22.1-254(B)(1). Homeschoolers may receive an exemption under this statute according to § 22.1-254.1(D). This exempts them from all requirements under the home school law. § 22.1-254 (H)(5)....
ruled that the “sole test is the bona fides of their (a home school family’s) religious beliefs.” The state’s interest in education cannot be considered. The court also held that a family only has to demonstrate religious opposition to attendance at public school, not opposition to the home school statute or private school attendance.
Homeschoolers choosing this option, therefore, need to prove: (1) they have sincere beliefs that are (2) religious, not merely philosophical, which (3) demonstrate their objection to attendance in the public schools. ...
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So, if I'm reading this statute correctly, I just need to prove that because of my faith, I am opposed to sending my children to public school. I don't want to criticize public education, so I really like the way this is worded. I read it as "for me and mine, I am opposed to attendance at public school at this time" ... doesn't mean I might not some day put them in school, doesn't mean I might not some day put them in a Catholic school (as I have done) ....
Because I want my kids to embrace their faith, to live and breathe with the Church, I like that I can stop school for a moment of prayer without upsetting someone; that I can take a day and make a pilgrimage to the National Shrine for a Marian feast day; that I can start each day with morning Mass or saying the Rosary; that we can stop all other course work and spend the weeks of December celebrating Advent and preparing for Jesus' birth.
Yes, we could easily apply for Option 1 in Virginia -- both dh and I have post-undergrad degrees, I have goals and objectives set for my kids, and I will cover most (if not all) of the State's standards. But that's not the point.
I think the more of us who apply for religious exemption, at least in Virginia, the more valid a reason this becomes. That if I make a stand that says that I feel teaching my children about the Catholic faith needs to be completely mixed in with all our daily studies ... than I have done a good for the Church.
What say all of you?
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MaryG
3 boys (22, 12, 8)2 girls (20, 11)
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Rachel May
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| Posted: July 21 2008 at 8:45am | IP Logged
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Oooh,goody, Im glad you started this! I'll admit my thoughts are still way too underdeveloped to share, but it is on my list of "things to do". 
A quick thought on this:
Mary G wrote:
I read it as "for me and mine, I am opposed to attendance at public school at this time" ... doesn't mean I might not some day put them in school...
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If you are meaning that at some point you may choose to put them into public school (you mention Catholic school specifically in the next line which is what made me think this part was about public school), my understanding is that's the easy part. The hard part would be getting them out again under the same religious exemption. I had the idea that you do have to object to public school which is part of what has kept me from considering religious exemption.
If we were in a situation where I would feel pressed to put the kids in school (and I don't find it improbable), it would have to be public school. I know we could never afford Catholic school, and I would feel like a hypocrite for putting the kids in a system which I had said I was religiously opposed to. Now I can see holes in my own argument, but that's where I am today. 
BTW, I know I say "I" but Bill is an integral part of the decision making, just not the research.
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Rachel
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Martha
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| Posted: July 21 2008 at 9:12am | IP Logged
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hmm I dislike "religious exemption" statements.
Now, I have no issue with another using it, but it makes *me* squirmy. 
Why?
Because the very next logic question for them to ask is, "Oh and in what manner does your religion require this of you?" It puts one in the position of having to defend their faith tothe state. We shouldn't have to do that, imho.
OR
It presumes one's standards are legalisticly defined and thus limited by a religous doctrine - or flat out documentment9s). I disagree with that. An atheist for example, should have just as much right to refuse to participate in such things because they simply know it to be wrong or contrary to what is right for their child.
For example, our parish has a 3 half days a week preschool. My dh posed that it might be a nice consideration to put a few little ones of ours in it so that I have a couple hours 2 or 3 times a week to focus on the demands of the older dc academics or whatever. We are absolute die-hard hs-ers, but I'll admit this held some temporary appeal.
However, we don't vaccinate our young ones and are selective abuot what vaccines we do allow when they are older. The preschool does not accept non-vaccinated children. Period. And we can't get a religous exception from them.
So. To sum. I think if one does not want to do something, then it shouldn't neccessarily have to be because of religous reasons.
To me, I think it's perfectly fair and reasonable to say homeschooling is not in the best interest of every child and neither is public or private school. For that reason alone no parent should be forced to do something that is not in the best interest of their particuliar child.
Again, NO offense to anyone who uses religious exceptions. I know in many situations is the only or best option to get what a parent needs for their child. 
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Martha
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~Rachel~
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| Posted: Aug 06 2008 at 11:08am | IP Logged
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I think it depends on the area you are in. Some localities DO go on to ask more. Others are very homeschooler friendly, and dont.
I know people who homeschool under the RE, but dont even notify their local school authority  .
I decided to use option 4 the first year, although the last two years I have used option 1, and I am always a little leery of starting with the RE, just in case they ask me why I changed!!
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4Real Forums : Philosophy of Education
Topic: Do you choose "Religious Exemption "
