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Sen. Robert C. Jubelirer's
Remarks
News Conference – Homeschool
Excellence Day
October 19, 2005
The size and enthusiasm of
crowds at public events is a pretty good measure of what folks truly care
about. I am always impressed by the dedication and the commitment that
homeschooling families display. Year by year, you have, through persistence and
persuasion, built a base of legislative support to secure the reforms you are
seeking and that you deserve.
The good news does not stop
with homeschooling getting more attention. Homeschooling is gaining greater
respect.
It is getting respect because
of the rising awareness that so many families across Pennsylvania, in so many
different circumstances, are making the homeschooling choice.
It is getting respect because
of the undeniable evidence of high achievement on the part of homeschooled
students and the quality and quantity of the programs available to supplement
parental instruction.
How does state government
need to show respect? First, by giving every student their right to participate
in extracurricular activities. In sports, in music, in clubs, the things that
add depth to academics and enrichment to the educational experience. The
excuses offered up by those who repeatedly deny participation are just wrong. I
saw a stat that there are nearly 263,000 high school athletes in Pennsylvania.
Homeschoolers who want to join in are not going to be swamping programs. Half
the districts have figured out how to do this; the other half apparently must be
compelled to understand.
2005 needs to be the year
when we enshrine in state law, once and for all, the right of homeschoolers to
participate in extracurricular activities in every school district in
Pennsylvania. The Senate voted a streamlined bill today. We anticipate that
the House will send it on to the Governor. It is hard to imagine that he would
reject the hopes and cancel the rights of thousands of Pennsylvania families.
Once that good start is made,
we can look to erase other barriers put in front of families who wish to
exercise the homeschooling choice, rightfully and responsibly.
Homeschooling teaches us all
something very important, if only we pay attention. That is, it matters not so
much where education takes place. What counts are the interest and enthusiasm
generated and the success realized. Whether that takes place in a public school
classroom, or in a private school classroom, or in the home, it is the learning
that matters.
I commend the parents for your commitment, and I
commend students and parents alike for your advocacy. Best wishes for
continuing educational success.
 
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