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Once upon a time, not so long ago nor far away, homeschooling was illegal in some states. Even where it was legal, it was not always easy to homeschool without some level of harassment. In those days, it was not unusual for our founder, Dr. Paul Lindstrom, or another representative of CLASS, to travel some distance to defend one of our enrolled families from an aggressive state’s attorney or overreaching public school officials. Dr. Lindstrom’s zeal to preserve the parents’ right to educate their own children, contributed to the greater freedom now enjoyed by most homeschoolers in this great country. Do not be tempted to comfort yourself with the thought that such measures were only required in the pioneer days of the modern homeschooling movement. I was called upon just a couple of weeks ago to follow in Dr. Lindstrom’s footsteps. A CLASS family in central Illinois had been charged with truancy and educational neglect by the local state’s attorney. The state’s attorney would not accept the documentation that had been sent to him demonstrating that the family was enrolled in our program and making adequate progress. Someone needed to defend this unfortunate family. Two Chicago attorneys, a school psychologist, and I, made the trip to come to the aid of the besieged family. We were all there at the request of the Home School Legal Defense Association. When the family arrived at the court house, they were understandably nervous. This was to be a trial, and the outcome was by no means certain. We quickly learned, however, that God had gone before us. The state’s attorney arrived in the company of other attorneys. He began to speak amicably with the family’s defense team. It had apparently become clear to the prosecution that our documentation was genuine and could not be easily dismissed. After several moments, the parties agreed to hold a pre-trial conference. Shortly after that conference ended, all parties to the case were called into the courtroom. The state’s attorney rose, and after some preliminary remarks, moved that the case be dismissed. The judge so ordered, and a number of very relieved people quickly vacated the courtroom. To God be the glory! I was, of course, blessed by such a speedy and favorable outcome. Long after the euphoria fades, however, I will remember a bit of testimony that was never presented in the courtroom. The school psychologist had observed the family as they conducted classes in their own home. Using modern psychometric tools, he analyzed their interactions. He tested each child extensively. And here is the gem. As we took turns rehearsing our testimony with the attorneys, he commented that any list of recommendations he might have made to meet the children’s needs—this homeschooling mom was already doing! Here was a public school psychologist acknowledging that a mom who was not certified as a teacher was already doing the best that could be done for her children, some of whom had special needs! Never let anyone tell you that only certified teachers, or those with special training, can teach your children. God can enable you to do what He has called you to do. While there are some dysfunctional parents who cannot teach their children well, normal moms and dads, with the Lord’s help, effectively educate their own children every day—even children with special needs. Praise be to God! Sincerely, Mark L. Beuligmann, M.S. Ed. Administrative Director Christian Liberty Academy School System |
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