NE1: Education Reform Act of 2013 (failed)

[sentinel]

Woah..

This bill goes too far. If a parent wants to withdraw their student from school they should be able to do so within reason. Homeschooling, even though uncommon, has produced many productive members of the Northeast. Even though the public education system should try to accommodate all students, sometimes parents feel that it cannot. When that happens, parents should have the option to withdraw their child from school.

Requiring schooling, whether in a public/private institution or at home for a certain number of years is a different issue. I support requiring children to go through a certain amount of schooling, and I feel that the current state and local standards are sufficient. If we were to provide a regional standard, I would advise that we set it at 16 years old.

In addition, textbooks are already free in public school, and requiring schools to provide education is redundant.

EDIT: I'd like to remind the Assembly of the great work it has already done on education. Scott's education law and the Northeastern Higher Education Act were vital improvements to our education system.

[sentinel]

I don't like this practice of compounding education bills.  Of course, there is no blame, but I think we should consider a comprehensive education bill for the region.  I'd be willing to spearhead a thread dedicated to this effort, if anyone is interested...

We've already had two comprehensive bills pass recently. Scott's bill, from what I recall, dealt mostly with K-12 --that passed in June. My & Dr. Cynic's bill dealt with secondary education (undergraduate, graduate, post graduate).

[sentinel]

I don't like this practice of compounding education bills.  Of course, there is no blame, but I think we should consider a comprehensive education bill for the region.  I'd be willing to spearhead a thread dedicated to this effort, if anyone is interested...

We've already had two comprehensive bills pass recently. Scott's bill, from what I recall, dealt mostly with K-12 --that passed in June. My & Dr. Cynic's bill dealt with secondary education (undergraduate, graduate, post graduate).

So we combine the bills, discuss further implementations, ect, ect.  Introducing a plethora of education bills now, and moving forward, isn't exactly the best plan.  If we want to be the best region, we need to cohesively formulate bills.  Creating a thread, and focus group allows for longer term collaboration, and insight. 

Of course, if this is unappealing, I'm more than happy to work with any member of the Assembly on any education, or non-related bills, privately. 

This would be fine, I think we'd need to get a GM report on the state of education in the NE and the effect (long term and short) of the two bills that recently passed.

[sentinel]

Have you ever met someone who was home schooled? I have at least two friends who were and thet both turned out fine. Sure, they're Republicans but otherwise...

Anyway, Earthling you're not providing any evidence against homeschoolong except for you not liking it.

[sentinel]

Is the curriculum of home schooling good enough? Why are parents keeping their kids home? Is home schooling in a way nothing more than a madrasa?

I am fearful of home schooling because of the reasons behind it.

A madrasa is an educational institution whether secular or religious...

[sentinel]

I know what a madrasa is.
But if parents are teaching their children extremist religious views and other extremist stuff, than what is the difference? When in school, they at least get to hear other opinions.

Aight, I'm done. This train is off the rails. I will veto any attempt to prohibit homeschooling.

[sentinel]

Home schooling will not be prohibited. Look at the bill, people should apply to the local education department to get permission.

Then why the tyraid against home schooling? I think you should have to notify the education department that your child is being home schooled and that we should to some [low] level, hold those parents accountable to ensure that they're at least receiving some education --but they should not have to ask for permission to home school their child.

[sentinel]

Why the opposition? Because I don't believe home schooling is in the best interest of the child.

But the law still gives parents the option to do so. And it should be more regulated to makes sure that children are taught the things they need to know, not some crazy stuff their parents believe in.

Who are we to tell parents what they can and can't teach their children? If parents don't like public schools they should be able to withdraw their child and either homeschool them or send their child to private school --without getting the consent of the government. Notification is one thing, consent is another.

Plus, people are entitled to believe what they can't to believe. People's views of extremist is extremely variable. For instance, you apparently think madrassa's are categorically extremist --and thats complete bull.

Why the opposition? Because I don't believe home schooling is in the best interest of the child.

We should compel parents to send their kids to public schools by supporting and fostering excellent public schools!

[sentinel]

Two votes? Sheesh.