Jennifer Leeper

In the rest of this week's eblast, you can read about some great upcoming community events, resources from the Office of the Healthcare Advocate, and more. You can click the links below to navigate between sections.

• Update on Homeschool Legislation
• Session Committees Update
• Resources from the Office of the Healthcare Advocate 
• Access Health CT Age 26
• WCSU Art Showcase
• Upcoming Local Events

On Wednesday, the Education Committee met to discuss, vote on, and advance many important proposals, including a bill addressing homeschooling in the state.

I, along with many stakeholders, have been working diligently on this issue since last May, engaging in thoughtful conversations that helped shape the current proposal. I have been working with our relevant agencies, our Child Advocate, the Governor’s Office, experts from other states, researchers, homeschool families, and colleagues. In June, we created a working group that met several times with advocates and a separate series of meetings with just legislators – both bipartisan efforts. While those discussions were not as fruitful as we had hoped, they did lead to the inclusion of important elements, such as curricular flexibility for families.

Connecticut is among the least regulated states in the country for homeschooling, referred to in our statute as “equivalent instruction.” CT law currently only suggests that a parent or guardian fill out a withdrawal form when exiting their child from public school. The statute does detail the subjects that are to be taught and directs families to show their child is receiving equivalent instruction to the public schools but there is no system of guidance, enforcement, or accountability that this is actually happening. 

There are no regulations on curriculum, teaching methods, assessments, or graduation and this legislation also does not introduce any. 

There is nothing that requires that a homeschooled child ever be seen again by any educational or state authority. Most other states have regulations in place, ranging from basic reporting requirements to more structured oversight. Some states even require approved curriculum programs and regular assessments on progress reports throughout the year.

We have been engaging homeschooling families and advocates from across the state to ensure a broad range of perspectives. We recognize that the vast majority of families are providing their children with a strong education at home. However, we also must acknowledge that some adults are purposefully using our lack of rules and enforcement to hide neglect and abuse.

As a legislator committed to the wellbeing of all children, I believe we have a responsibility to address those gaps. House Bill 5468 is intended to work in partnership with the work starting in House Bill 5004 from the Children’s Committee, focusing on strengthening transparency in the Department of Children and Families.

I recognize that this is a very sensitive, nuanced topic. While the bill did move out of committee, we are committed to continuing to address the concerns and questions raised before it moves to the House floor.