When I checked my mail today, I was not expecting to receive a
letter insulting my children and myself. This letter came from the county
school board where I live and concerned participation in certain programs
offered through the school system. (Title I, Title IIA, and IDEA-B). The letter
in particular was not offensive, but this statement of purpose bothered me: The
purpose of assistance under this project is to improve the educational
opportunities" --sounds good so far, right?--"of educationally deprived (emphasis mine) children..."
The purpose statement continued, but I had read enough.
I received this letter because I am a Home
School Administrator (aka Home-school Mom) and apparently, my children are therefore
"educationally deprived" and in need of assistance from the board of
education. This letter did not come as a result of a failure to properly
educate my child; it was sent to all home-school administrators who are
registered with the county board of education in accordance with Kentucky law.
My "educationally deprived"
first grader is learning sign language and Spanish in addition to her regular
first grade curriculum. She is taught in our home with plenty of one-on-one
instruction time. She no longer has to catch the bus at 6:30am, and be gone
from home until 4:30pm. We have the flexibility to spend extra time in areas
where she struggles, and to work ahead in areas where she excels." Our
school budget for art, music, and PE has not been cut. We do Art and PE every day, not
just on Tuesday and Thursday, and Music is not confined to the hour after lunch
on Wednesday and Fridays. We do not skim or skip over chapters in history
because they "aren't on the test."
My daughter is a happy, well-adjusted
seven-year old who is, in no way, "educationally deprived." Needless
to say, we will not be utilizing these "services" offered by the
school board.
