Hslda

[chevy974]

Opinions thoughts???/

[Callimom]

Originally Posted by chevy974

Opinions thoughts???/

There have been a number of threads on this forum about this - they often get shut down.

Why is the HSLDA trying to limit our homeschool freedoms?

Second Thread (this has links for more research)

I think it depends on whether your religious and political views align with theirs as to whether you think they are helpful or harmful. The Michael Farris page on wikipedia would give you a good idea as to whether you think that they are the type of organization you want to be involved in.

For me personally, I think they do the homeschooling movement a huge disservice. I find their interference in political and social issues abhorrent, and their policies distasteful at best. I would never be a member and I emphatically tell anyone who asks that they don't now nor ever will speak for me as a homeschooler. (you asked )

[chevy974]

I welocme your opinion I was just wondering. I havent researched it totally but thought from the outside it seemed like a good thing if you get some nosey people.

Thank you
amy

[dannic]

Just as with any organization, you'll get mixed reviews.

I think they're a good organization and if I ever had need, I would be asking for their help.

[chevy974]

Thank you Dannic. Where my family is a Christian family and I do have similar belief that they share and most of our curriculum is bible based I believe everyone should be treated the same. This world is full of diversity thats part of what makes it wonderful. I respect others opinion , thoughts and beliefs.
Thank you for your time and thoughts
amy

[Ann-Marita]

They simply aren't useful in my state, since the homeschooling law defines homeschools as private schools.

They won't "defend" you unless they approve of how/why you homeschool, and they won't help out in the most common area of court action involving homeschool (divorcing parents who disagree about it).

They don't speak for me as a homeschooler, and they wouldn't represent me in court because of my religious beliefs and curriculum choices.

I would never send them money. Kinda a no-brainer for me.

[blessedwithboys]

i asked them for help once and didnt even get the courtesy of a response.

[GiantGi]

Starting out last year for our first "official" year hsing, I signed up just for peace of mind. We wont be signing up again this year. I have grown leaps and bounds in my confidence and dont feel we need them now.

But it was a relief knowing I had them in my corner *if* I had needed them...

[Lillian J]

I think it's important to realize that it isn't a matter of whether they happen to represent your religion or not* - there's a whole lot more to consider. This page has articles by a number of different people, some of whom are widely known to be strong Christians - Homeschooling is Legal.

*Edited to add: Whoops! That came out sounding like an implication that people would join it because of the religious factor - not what I meant. I was referring to the fact that people often criticize it mainly over the religious factor, but there are other factors that should be considered as well, such as the fact that it really isn't prepaid legal insurance.

Lillian

[PGTlatte]

Some choose to not support HSLDA because their own beliefs are not compatible with organization's religious and political positions. There are some other areas of controversy as well. Some people feel that HSLDA frightens homeschoolers into thinking they need their protection, but does not accurately represent the actual protection you get from being a member. Some people feel that HSLDA sometimes appears to behave politically as if it speaks for all homeschoolers, when in fact we are a diverse group and do not all want to be represented by them. Some feel that some of their actions may serve to erode the rights of homeschoolers in some states.

Before joining I would recommend reading all of the material and all of the policies on their website; then I would also recommend reading other links that are posted here and doing your own Google search on them; learn everything you can and read a variety of opinions on them.

Here is an article from Home Education Magazine:

http://www.homeedmag.com/HEM/185/sotch.html

[MrsJewelsRae]

I hope this thread doesn't *disappear* cause I have been meaning to read up HSLDA and consider if we should join or not. We are conservative Christians, but I like to get the others opinions on organizations like that. I have a close friend who is one of the "board members" of a large christian hs group in a big city, they recently made a new rule that you have to be a member of the HSLDA in order to join their hs group!! I was pretty annoyed at that, but thankfully I am in a different city, cause I'd be fighting that.

Edit- Ok, read the Homeedmag article and it makes a LOT of good points!! Definitely agreed that pushing for laws FOR hs could end up with a type of legal hs so rigid that it doesn't fit the needs and desires of most hs parents- too much legislation. But what I AM very curious about it how it could serve me in the case of CPS getting involved, such as we are reading in the case of one of mothering.com mom's is dealing with. My kids are unvax'd as well, the other day I got a packet in the mail from health and family services- just a brief glimpse in the packet and I saw- "family services" "vaccinations" "school attendance" and my heart was in my throat! Turns out it was nothing to worry over, my SIL got one for her 18 month old too and she vax's on schedule and uses public school- it's just a development checklist, age appropriate tips for 18 month olds and a reminder to fill out your kid's vaccine status and return to Public Health, as it will be required for school attendance in the future. No problems there. But I do wonder if despite the downsides that HSLDA may be creating- are they good to have on your side if CPS comes knocking on your door? Of a private lawyer that's on your side? Hmmm...

[yarngoddess]

I have a HSLDA membership, and often don't agree with their practices or their stance. I do however need them, and they offer a scholarship program to families in need/ that meet a financial requirment.

The reason I need them is this: I'm on welfare, the workers there told me that they were going to Sanction (cut benefits) because we HS and my child MUST be educated by a Public or Private school. I explained that california law says that we ARE a private school- and they said that we need to have a "monitor" to answer to. The welfare office won't listen to me about homeschooling. They refused to read any of the literature I provided, or even look at the education code that allow's HSing. I contacted other groups here in the area, and ALL of them told me to just "go with a charter- you get $1800 per kid! It's worth it" Not one group or orginization said anything like "what they are doing is against the law, so let's educate them and change their minds."

I joined HSLDA because they are "official" people, in the eye's of the welfare office that is. Since joining them I also had a family spat and resulted in a false CPS report (from a family member 3400 miles away- who'se been estranged for 4yrs) regarding HSing. The CPS workers were amazed that I had called my lawyer and when I explained who they were, and what they protect (even if I disagree) they thought it was great.


IMHO- HSLDA is like every other organization out there. You either like them, or dislike them. You have to decide what's best for you. They have been awesome to me, and my family- but they might be total opposites for another family. My opinion, do your research and go with your gut. (my appologies for rambling...)
Happy Spring!

[PGTlatte]

Yarngoddess, I have a question if you don't mind - have they actually helped you, with a letter or phone conversation or something like that, or has it just been helpful to let CPS know that you are a member, but without any actual interaction with HSLDA ?

Originally Posted by yarngoddess

The CPS workers were amazed that I had called my lawyer and when I explained who they were, and what they protect (even if I disagree) they thought it was great.