Virginia Homeschool | October 22, 2007 Legislative Update

Legislative Update

Monday, October 22, 2007

The Virginia High School League Hears HEAV Proposal
On behalf of Virginia homeschoolers who are interested in participation in interscholastic activities, HEAV made a formal presentation to the Virginia High School League. VHSL is the governing body for sports and interscholastic competitions throughout the state. The league is made up of principals from 300 public high schools, athletic directors, and DOE representatives.

On September 18, HEAV submitted a formal proposal to the Virginia High School League policy sub-committee suggesting ways homeschoolers could comply with VHSL rules. Care was taken in the proposal to protect the rights of parents who do not want to participate in public school activities. The presentation was preceded by a number of preliminary meetings with VHSL Executive Director Ken Tilley and other league representatives.

The proposal outlined ways Virginia homeschoolers could comply with the intent and spirit of VHSL Student Eligibility Requirements in order to participate in public school interscholastic activities. The presentation included a review of access laws, legislation, and policy trends from other states. (So far 17 states have passed equal access legislation requiring public schools to allow homeschool students access to classes or sports.)

HEAV Answers Committee's Concerns on Access
Several committee members expressed their concern about large numbers of homeschoolers wanting access to public school teams. HEAV answered the question by presenting statistics from states where access is allowed. In these states, typically 3%-5% of the eligible homeschool population participates in interscholastic activities. For Virginia that would mean only 145 to 241 homeschoolers would be interested in sports or interscholastic programs in the 300 or so public high schools -- on average less than one student per school. After addressing this concern, the committee members asked questions regarding liability and cost issues.

On the following morning during the annual meeting of the full executive committee, HEAV presented the proposal to several Department of Education representatives and approximately 50 superintendents, athletic directors, and principals from throughout the state. Discussion was not allowed. Later in the afternoon during a private session, the committee tabled the discussion to allow membership input. A report summarizing membership comments will be presented at the December 3 meeting.

Not Much Support Expected
In a follow-up call to the VHSL executive director, he stated, "I do not expect much support for homeschooler participation in public school sports." He indicated the general consensus of the committee remained the same: If homeschoolers decide not to be part of the public system, they should not be allowed to participate in sports programs.

HEAV expects to receive a summary copy of the VHSL membership comments from the December meeting. We will continue to keep you informed about homeschool policy changes from the VHSL executive committee. You may request a copy of HEAV's Equal Access Proposal from support@heav.org.

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2008 Day at the Capitol Scheduled!
Join hundreds of homeschoolers from across the Commonwealth on Thursday, February 7, 2008, for Homeschool Day at the Capitol in Richmond! Be one of the first to visit Virginia's newly renovated State Capitol and Visitor's Center.

Home education is more than textbook learning. Don't miss this opportunity to experience Virginia government and history! Not only will you and your children have a firsthand glimpse of how our government works, but by your presence, you can make a significant impact on our legislators.

Come to the Richmond Convention Center for a morning session filled with information and fun activities. Later, travel by bus to the Capitol to see the Virginia General Assembly in action. The cost is only $20 per family. Bringing your friend's child or children with your family? No problem! New this year--the cost for a child who is not a member of your family is only $5. Due to limited seating, advance reservations and payment are required by calling HEAV at 804-278-9200. This HEAV-sponsored event is open to ALL homeschoolers!

"My kids and I had a wonderful hands-on learning day. My children enjoyed being in the House of Delegates and meeting their delegate. It was a day to remember!" - H.W.

"We all enjoyed the great program you had planned for the Day at the Capitol and learned much to help us be more informed and active citizens!" - L.G.

Make this a family event!

Learn "How a Bill Becomes a Law."
Go on a fun State Capitol scavenger hunt with your child!
Hear guest legislators address our group and respond to your questions.
Find out how to become a page in the General Assembly.
Tour the newly renovated Capitol and/or Executive Mansion.
Visit the Virginia Supreme Court.
Hear HEAV's lobbyist discuss up-to-the-minute homeschool legislation and issues.
Observe the General Assembly session for a firsthand look at how our laws are made.
Make an appointment to visit your legislators' offices and show your appreciation by bringing a homemade treat!

Watch for more details in future Updates and on our website at www.heav.org!

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Jury Duty
Homeschooling parents who are summoned to jury duty may wonder if they should serve or ask for an exemption. HEAV believes jury duty is a privilege and responsibility; however, the law offers specific exemptions. The age of your children, available support to care for your children, or extenuating homeschool circumstances may create a hardship.

If this is the case, you may appeal your summons by returning the appropriate form with a letter of explanation. If your appeal is denied, you may have the opportunity to address the issue again during the interview process before the judge.

According to the Virginia Code, you may appeal to the court for the following reasons:

8.01-341.1. Exemptions from jury service upon request.

Any of the following persons may serve on juries in civil and criminal cases but shall be exempt from jury service upon his request:

1. through 3. - Repealed.

4. A mariner actually employed in maritime service,

5. through 7. - Repealed.

8. A person who has legal custody of and is necessarily and personally responsible for a child or children 16 years of age or younger requiring continuous care by him during normal court hours, or any mother who is breast-feeding a child,

9. A person who is necessarily and personally responsible for a person having a physical or mental impairment requiring continuous care by him during normal court hours,

10. Any person over 70 years of age,

11. Any person whose spouse is summoned to serve on the same jury panel,

12. Any person who is the only person performing services for a business, commercial or agricultural enterprise and whose services are so essential to the operations of the business, commercial or agricultural enterprise that such enterprise must close or cease to function if such person is required to perform jury duty.

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PSAT, SAT, and AP Registration
For homeschoolers who are thinking about college, it's important to prepare ahead of time for several important high school tests. Pre-registration for the PSAT, SAT, and AP tests are required. They are administered at public and private schools throughout the state at different times of the year.

PSAT REGISTRATION*
Public schools are required to notify homeschoolers about the availability of the PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test). They are also required to administer the test to homeschool students who desire to take it. Most students take the PSAT during their junior year in high school, but it may be taken earlier. The PSAT is a standardized test that provides firsthand practice for the SAT Reasoning Test™. It also gives students an opportunity to enter National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) scholarship programs. The PSAT number for Virginia homeschoolers is 994799.

SAT REGISTRATION*
Most students take the SAT Reasoning Test during their junior and senior years, although students can take it earlier. The SAT measures the critical-thinking skills students will need for academic success at the college level. It assesses analytical and problem-solving skills. Each section of the SAT is scored on a scale of 200-800, with two writing subscores for multiple-choice questions and the essay.

The SAT is scheduled six or more times each year beginning in October. The fee is approximately $43; however, a waiver can be requested. Students can register by mail, by phone, or on-line at http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/reg.html. The homeschool number for the SAT for ALL homeschoolers is 970000.

AP REGISTRATION
AP (Advanced Placement) tests are administered in May of each year at public high schools and some private schools. College credit may be awarded based on AP test results. AP courses will help students develop study habits necessary for college level work and study subjects in greater depth and detail. There are 37 courses and exams covering 22 subject areas. With a strong interest in the subject and a willingness to work hard, a student can get a head start on college level work. Arrangements should be made for testing with a high school or private school no later than March 1.

Click here for more information, test deadlines, and study links.

*Free reviews and practice tests for the SAT and PSAT tests, as well as many other tests, are available at http://www.testprepreview.com.

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Student Loan Forgiveness for Certain Non-Profit Employees
With college costs soaring, the College Cost Reduction and Access Act can offer relief for some students. Also known as H.R. 2669, this law was signed September 27, 2007. It includes a provision allowing the Secretary of Education to forgive the balance of federal student loans held by public service employees who meet the following requirements:

have not defaulted on their loans,
have made monthly payments on their loans for 120 consecutive months after October 1, 2007, and
were employed full-time in a public service job during the entire 120 months during which they made the payments.

The law includes employment "at an organization that is described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of such Code" (i.e., a public charity) in the definition of "public service job."

To read the text of the law, go to http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c110:H.R.2669: and click the sixth link, "[H.R.2669.ENR]." Information provided by Guidestar.org. Click here to read the full article.

We appreciate your support of HEAV as we work with you for better homeschooling in Virginia!

Wishing you a successful homeschool year,

Yvonne Bunn, HEAV Director of Government Affairs

Home Educators Association of Virginia