Homeschool families in Texas are celebrating the passage of new laws that provide increased educational opportunities and freedoms for students and their parents. According to The Lion, Governor Greg Abbott recently signed seven bills supported by the Texas Home School Coalition (THSC), marking a significant victory for homeschooling advocates in the state.
Among the legislative changes are measures that expand access to higher education and extracurricular activities, remove juvenile curfews, and enhance parental rights during investigations by Child Protective Services (CPS).
New Texas Law Provides Equal College Admission Opportunities for Homeschool Students
One of the key bills, H.B. 3993, addresses discrimination against homeschoolers in post-secondary education. Previously, only public school students in the top 10% of their class were guaranteed automatic admission to state colleges. With the new law, homeschoolers without an official class ranking can now qualify for automatic admission if their average SAT or ACT scores fall within the range of the top 10% of students.
Stephanie Lambert, executive director of the THSC, expressed her gratitude for the legislation, stating that this is the third time in the past two decades that the THSC has successfully worked to combat discrimination against homeschooled students in the college admission process.
Furthermore, homeschoolers in Texas now have increased access to extracurricular activities through the University Interscholastic League (UIL), an organization that offers academic, athletic, and music contests to students.
Prior to the passing of H.B. 547, which ensured equal access to homeschoolers, only around 2% of Texas school districts allowed their participation due to concerns about negative consequences from the UIL and funding issues. H.B. 699 eliminated the negative consequences, and H.B. 3708 provides a financial incentive to districts that allow homeschoolers to participate, offering $1,500 per student per activity.
In addition to these achievements, H.B. 1819 abolished juvenile curfews across the state. These curfews disproportionately affected homeschool students, who were subject to arrest during hours they weren't naturally in school. The bill now empowers parents to determine when and where their children can go, allowing homeschooled students to enjoy outdoor activities without fear of prosecution.
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THSC Plans for Future Legislative Efforts to Further Protect Parental Rights in Texas
The new laws also strengthen protections and legal options for families involved in CPS investigations. H.B. 63 ends the practice of anonymous reporting to CPS officials, recognizing that the majority of accusations turn out to be baseless, causing undue stress for families. H.B. 730 requires CPS caseworkers to inform parents of their legal rights during investigations, ensuring that parents are aware of their rights just as criminals are.
Lastly, H.B. 793 grants families involved in CPS investigations the freedom to choose any qualified service provider rather than being restricted to CPS-certified providers, making it easier for families to access the services they need.
The growth of homeschooling in Texas has been remarkable, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Stephanie Lambert, the homeschool population in Texas has tripled, reaching an estimated three-quarters of a million students. As the number of homeschoolers continues to rise, THSC encourages residents to visit their website to find local homeschool groups and offers national resources for homeschooling families.
Looking ahead, THSC is already planning for the next legislative session and aims to pass two constitutional amendments to further protect parental rights in Texas, including the rights to homeschool and make medical decisions for their children. These amendments are seen as crucial to safeguarding the freedoms of families across the state.
The new laws in Texas have expanded homeschooling opportunities and parental rights, addressing issues of discrimination, access to extracurricular activities, curfews, and CPS investigations. These legislative victories underscore the growing importance of homeschooling in Texas and the commitment of advocates to protect the rights of parents and their children.
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