Half-day homeschooling denied

I am a retired teacher who, along with my daughter, went to the school board meeting to propose her child be homeschooled a half-day Monday-Thursday. Our first grader was refused essentially on the Principle of Precedents (another term for status quo or bias based on social, legal or political situations in order to protect conventional agreements & conformities). However, change happens whether we want it or not. Making rulings specifically so that they don’t “have to open a door that other parents will want to open also”, is unacceptable.

The school board decided ‘precedent’ was more important than to the well being of our near-daily bullied and injured, fragile seven-year-old girl with health problems. We met ALL the conditions set forth by WY laws and statutes, which then gives permission to the superintendent of each district. Mr. Hunt brought it to his board, which then narrowly defeated us, not because of merit, but precedent.

I have an extensive educational background and was to provide one-on-one instruction for my granddaughter which would meet her individual intellectual, emotional and physical growth, and developmental needs four mornings a week. Afternoons she’d be in school for continued education and social goals. Her class is large and has other special needs children. The dedicated teacher has no help other than one paraprofessional who comes in an hour a day for one child. It is a child’s right to access an inclusive public education. I’m not asking for more money or attention for P., just time out of the school day for a structured learning boost. As most people know, early childhood intervention (like pre-schools, Sunday schools, etc.) has a direct effect on the overall development of the adult they will become. To maximize P.’s well being there is no greater source than a student with a qualified tutor. Their suggestion though, is to do so after school when she is worn out.

Our kids shouldn’t have to wait for the future to change before that change is allowed here. And all parents (not just the wealthy) have the right to advocate for their children, as well as should the taxpayers in our school district. We should not be satisfied with rulings stating precedent or status quo is ‘good enough’ for our children. One of the biggest lessons learned is ‘everything changes’. Societal change can only happen when we do not accept doors being closed on us. The reason for a door is to open it. Otherwise it’s a wall just blocking advancement.

Letters sent home to us say parents are valuable partners in the educational system, and our involvement enhances the effectiveness and accountability of our schools. Like an ocean wave, you can be behind it or in front of the wave, but you cannot nor should not try to stop it. I do not accept the current circumstances my frail granddaughter finds herself in due to an unwillingness to open a door for dread other parents may do likewise.

I believe we are on this Earth with a purpose; I don’t think that purpose is to go thru life in passive agreement to the rules, whims & norms of our school district or society. What if Ghandi, Dr. Martin Luther King, or Oprah Winfrey had just accepted the status quo when confronted with precedents in their steps to success? They would never have been able to accomplish their dreams & lead a movement for others to fulfill theirs. P. deserves the chance to begin her dream of becoming someone of significance, which can only happen at her age, by advocates willing to fight for her rights - be they parents, school boards or other policy makers.

I am not trying to be difficult. My proposition was a “win-win” for everyone (P., her teacher and other students in the class, the school would still collect ADM money and federal program funds, parents in the district with similar needs, etc.) but perhaps the school board which will have to take on the greater integrative complexity, but that’s why school boards exist.