On February 28th, the court document In re Rachel L. was published. On March 25th, that ruling was vacated, and the California Court of Appeal granted a rehearing, scheduled for June 23, 2008. Counsel for the three state groups, CHN, CHEA, and HSC, were present at the hearing, and were granted time to speak.



CHN was very concerned about the initial ruling, and is hopeful that the court will recognize that the interpretation of Califorinia law, as understood by homeschoolers for decades, is correct, and that no change in California law regarding the teaching of children privately at home is needed. Homeschooling by using one of the alternatives to public school currently available under California law remains legal.



After the hearing, CHN Trustee Karen Taylor described her experience at the hearing to the members of CHN's two largest email lists:

"The court of appeals rehearing was today, in Los Angeles. We were expecting this to be a closed hearing, but it was open, and members of the press were there. The line was long, waiting to get in the courtroom, and there was some concern that we would not all get in. Those from the state homeschooling groups were really glad when they kept on counting past us, meaning we were going to be allowed to observe the proceeding.



CHN, CHEA, and HSC had many attorneys present, and they travelled quite a distance to be there. I think it was good that so many of them were able to hear the arguments.



The hearing began at 10:00 am and it was supposed to go for 2 hours. Instead, it went on for an additional 45 minutes, and that was at the discretion of the three judges. There were 12 attorneys who spoke and each had an agreed upon time limit. But, the judges were very involved and often stopped them and asked questions. It was very interactive, and the judges were attentive. They also made references to some of the amicus briefs, and were very knowledgeable.



Our state groups had an attorney present to speak on behalf of California homeschoolers. She spoke for 15 minutes, which was longer than the court expected for her, but when it was noted that she had gone over (because so many questions were asked), one of the judges asked if she had anything else to add because "Your argument has been excellent so far." That was very nice to hear! I think her points were some of the best received of the day.



I know everyone who was present will take something different from the day. For me, it seemed that the judges are trying to do what they feel is best. At one point, one of them said "Keep in mind this court has an obligation to interpret the intent of the legislature, and it is a huge burden." Right before they left the courtroom, one of them thanked those in the courtroom for appearing and being diligent in providing information, and said that the issues are monumental. It appears that they have an understanding of the significance of their decision. Homeschoolers in California as well as the nation hope that they'll reach a favorable decision."

Credentialed Teachers Show Support!

Credentialed teachers, here is a way to have your voice heard. Please sign our new petition to show your support of homeschooling. As teachers are signing the petition, they are leaving some great comments! Check out the comments here !

Statement of the California Association of Private School Organizations on the In re RACHEL L Decision

May 20, 2008

The Appellate Court has accepted the brief filed by California's three statewide membership groups, CHN, CHEA and HSC. CHN issued this press release.

May 19, 2008

California Attorney General Jerry Brown files an amicus curiae brief on behalf of Governor Schwarzenegger supporting the rights of California parents to teach their children at home.

May 19, 2008

Liberty Counsel files brief on behalf of nineteen members of the United States Congress.

May 14, 2008

The Daily Breeze published a letter to the editor from Assemblyman Ted Lieu in support of homeschooling.

April 4, 2008

CHN, CHEA, and HSC (the California groups) have agreed to file a joint amicus brief. It is our hope that the unified voice of California homeschoolers will be heard by the court. Each organization is represented by law firms who are working together on this joint brief. CHN is represented by Baker and McKenzie LLP.

April 2, 2008

CHN announced a petition for credentialed teachers in support of homeschooling.

March 26, 2008

Court of Appeals Grants Rehearing

On March 25, the court of appeals vacated the In re Rachel ruling and will be rehearing the case. This means that the February 28, 2008 In re Rachel ruling will not apply to any homeschoolers. Court document 3/25/2008

March 26, 2008

California homeschool organizations unite to protect our right to homeschool. View our joint statement.

March 24, 2008

A statement from the California Office of the Secretary of Education

"My feeling is very much in line with the governor in that it is a parental choice as to how they will educate their children," said Chris Bertelli, assistant secretary of education. "To require a credential for a parent that is home-schooling is ludicrous." "No other state in the country requires a credential," Bertelli said. "It would be nearly impossible to enforce and would do so much more damage than good."

A statement from the LA County Department of Education

"As long as they are a private school registered with the state then as far as we are concerned they are a legal home school," said Victor Thompson, director of student support service for the L.A. County Department of Education.



Both quotes from: Homeschoolers Give Courts Bad Marks Whittier Daily News



March 17, 2008

"Did you know that the sky is not falling in California? Homeschooling is still legal there, believe it or not." Read an opinion written by a homeschooling attorney - http://www.nheld.com/BTN60.htm

March 12, 2008