At its core, HB 5468 attempts to address larger questions about homeschooling that are popping up across the country. Connecticut had some of the most relaxed homeschooling laws in the country, but the newly passed House Bill 5468 is about to change things in a major way; adding additional regulatory hurdles for homeschoolers in the state. House Bill 5468, or “An Act Concerning the Provision of Parent-Managed Learning” passed in Connecticut last week in a late-night, controversial vote and is heading to the Governor’s desk to be signed into law.
While this bill has moved forward at every step of the process, there has been significant pushback from Connecticut’s homeschooling community. A total of 3300 pieces of written testimony were submitted in opposition, in addition to nineteen hours of opposing testimony against the bill during the public hearing period, while only four spoke in public testimony for the bill.
This bill will mean imminent change for homeschoolers in the state, but what does House Bill 5468 mean for homeschoolers across the nation?
Breaking Down HB 5468
On the surface, it’s about a key term called “equivalent instruction” which is the legal term for education outside the public or private school system. Typically, you’ll see this in the language of laws concerning homeschooling. This bill is so unique because it changes what “equivalent instruction” requires. Now homeschoolers in Connecticut must submit a required filing of “intent to homeschool” annually. In addition to this, the state has a new process that disallows families from homeschooling if any adult living with the child or intending to educate the child has an active or open investigation with the Department of Child and Family Services.
The new regulation process is as follows:
Registration
Parents will be required to go in-person to the school district office and sign a withdrawal form.
It also prohibits parents from withdrawing their child for parent-managed learning if any adult living with the child is on the state’s child abuse and neglect registry or currently under investigation for child abuse or neglect.
Filing Annually
To maintain the ability to homeschool, the state will now require all parents in the state of Connecticut (including both public and private school families) to annually complete an “intent-to-educate form” indicating whether their child will be educated in a public or private school or be instructed through parent-led learning, such as homeschooling.
Tracking and Recording
The state will also require proof of equivalent instruction through education records for at least three years in case of review. They will be required to demonstrate evidence like standardized tests, portfolios, or other records.
Why is this Important Nationally?
Connecticut’s HB 5468 introduces a series of requirements for parents of homeschooling families to prove they are in compliance with state educational standards, tightening restrictions and oversight on homeschoolers in the state. This increased oversight is a significant shift from having some of the most laissez-faire homeschooling regulations in the country. This bill is a structural change in oversight philosophy and represents a larger national debate that has been underway over the last few years. As more and more state funds get funneled into homeschooling and alternative forms of education, there are increased conversations across the nation about registration requirements, data tracking, and accountability measures for homeschoolers.
Those who are critical of this bill fear that due to this bill’s successful passing, copy-cat legislation may begin to crop up. This often occurs once a successful legal model is present. They also fear that this may add increased confusion, fear, red tape, and compliance concerns for microschools (which already exist in a legal grey area).
Supporters of this bill argue that it’s critical in protecting children, and ensures every child gets a decent education, allowing the state to not miss warning signs of abuse. Opponents in the homeschooling community see this bill as an overreach that shifts education from a parental right to something that the state provides permission for.
The bill has caused a lot of debate because of the requirement that families may only start homeschooling when they are approved by DCF, or the Department of Children and Families. It is representative of a much bigger constitutional debate: who has the final say over a child’s education, the parent or the state?
We are watching this closely and will continue to provide simple, clear information on national homeschool news and policy changes. We update our blog weekly every Tuesday, so be sure to check back regularly for the latest homeschooling news, with practical insights for families.