While there are many reasons families choose to homeschool (referred to as alternative instruction in South Dakota Laws), the two most cited by parents and prioritized by FAIRSD (Families for Alternative Instruction Rights in South Dakota) are “freedom” and “individualized instruction.” The right of parents to educate their own children at home has only existed in South Dakota since the 1980s. FAIRSD greatly appreciates the dedication and sacrifices made by the pioneers in the movement who fought for those initial rights, and we continue the fight to protect and expand access to home education in South Dakota.
FAIRSD fully supports a parent’s right to choose the best education options for their child, so we feel it is important to clearly define the difference between the current “Parental Choice” and “School Choice” education movements. “Parental Choice” advances the belief that parents are the arbiters of what, how, where and when their child is educated. “School Choice” advances the belief that parents determine the best state-controlled education choice for their child. FAIRSD supports, has fought for, and will continue to fight for “Parental Choice” in education.
The new “School Choice” movement requires special consideration. Many states have passed, or are trying to pass, school choice bills where the money follows the child, often called backpack or educational savings account (ESA) bills. At first glance, it seems like a winning combo. Use your tax money to send your child to the school of your choice. That sounds great, but like most things, it does not come without strings.
If we expect our government to be fiscally responsible, we must also expect that there will be guidelines, standards, testing, and other methods of following a child’s progress if our tax dollars are being used to educate that child. Through these “School Choice” programs, all schools will become publicly funded, and all students will be required to learn what, how, where, and when the government dictates. The irony is school choice programs have the potential to leave families with no real choice at all.
We want to be clear, taking money from the government and using it in your home would not be considered homeschooling as we define it. You are giving up some or all your freedoms in exchange for a check from the government. Children educated with government money, even if the education takes place in the home, will not have the same rights or freedoms as traditional homeschool students.
States like Arizona are making this distinction clear in the language of their laws. Arizona homeschoolers are intentionally NOT included in their new ESA law. Arizona parents who apply for the ESA program are explicitly withdrawing their homeschool affidavit and waiving their homeschool rights. Homeschool parents who do not opt into the ESA program maintain the freedom to educate their children without the threat of additional government regulation. Any bill introduced in South Dakota should follow the precedent set by Arizona.