Homeschooling parents and advocates around the world are actively protesting a recent California Court of Appeals ruling that makes homeschooling without teaching credentials illegal in the state. To the surprise of many politicians and education officials are joining in the protests, including Governor Schwarzenegger who vowed to protect homeschooling in the state, saying “This outrageous ruling must be overturned by the courts , and if the courts don’t protect parents’ rights then, as elected officials, we will.” State school superintendent Jack O’Connell released a press release on March 11, 2008, reassuring parents that they will not pursue parents who are homeschooling, stating that “Parents still have the right to home school in our state.”

The brouhaha over homeschooling in California began with an abuse case. A child called California Child Protection Services and reported that his father was abusive. During the course of the investigation is was discovered that this family was homeschooling illegally, not following the laws of California which require parents to file as a private school. The family states that this was a mistake, that they were involved in a long-distance correspondence “umbrella school” that was supposed to provide curriculum that meets the California law, California law states that students can be home educated through a private school independent study program.

The actual court ruling can be seen here. In it the court states that they are “[considering] the question whether parents can legally ‘home-school’ their children.” The trial court did not force the children in question into school as it believed parents have a constitutional right to educate their child at home.

California law states that in order to homeschool you must register your home as a private school, join an independent private school correspondence/private study program, enroll in a charter school private study program or be tutored by a person with teaching credentials. In the state of California private school teachers are not required to have teaching credentials, thus parents who file as a private school do not need to be certified as a teacher.

The California Homeschool Network states on their blog that you can help homeschoolers in California asking “typical” homeschool parents to consent to media interviews. They also suggest joining a state homeschooling organization and encouraging your friends to join as well, stating that by joining such an organization you are able to make a united stand for homeschooling rights. Additionally, there are online and written petitions making the rounds. Urging California congress to repeal the decision is another method of expressing your opinion.

The top officials in California state that there is no reason to panic, this situation will be settled soon and even if the ruling is upheld it will not be enforced.