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 New bill introduced requiring state assessment! (currently 1,408 views) |
| vicki |
| Posted on: January 22nd, 2005, 3:13am |
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Just got this in my email from HSLDA... Thought I'd pass it on for those of you that aren't on their email list.... Checked out info on Rep Helen Garcia and her occupation is principal...interesting.... Vicki
January 21, 2005
Calls Needed to Stop a Bill that Requires Homeschoolers to Take the
State Assessment!
Dear HSLDA members and friends:
Representative Mary Helen Garcia has introduced a bill in the New
Mexico House of Representatives that would require homeschoolers to
participate in the state's academic assessment program every year.
The bill also requires homeschoolers to take the standards-based
academic performance tests that are required of public school
students. Any student that does not "demonstrate adequate yearly
progress" could be forced to attend public or private school!
New Mexico recently eliminated the requirement that homeschoolers take
standardized tests. Representative Garcia is trying to turn the clock
back on homeschool freedom.
HB 158 also directly violates federal law. The law, 20 USC sec.7886(b)
says, "No student schooled at home shall be required to participate in
any assessment referenced in the No Child Left Behind Act." New
Mexico's statewide assessment program is an assessment program that is
referenced in the No Child Left Behind Act. Whether Representative
Garcia knows it or not, her bill breaks federal law and consequently
New Mexico could lose its federal education funding.
Action Requested:
1. Please call the sponsor, Representative Garcia, and tell her,
"House Bill 158 reverses recent New Mexico legislation and violates
the No Child Left Behind Act. Please withdraw this bill!"
Representative Garcia's number is (505) 526-6608.
2. Pray that God would influence the hearts and minds of the
legislators to do what is right.
Background:
1. This bill would violate the prohibition for homeschoolers to take
state assessments in the No Child Left Behind Act. If this bill is
enacted in violation of federal law, the state of New Mexico could
lose its education funding.
2. Fewer than half the states require homeschool students to take any
test whatsoever. Almost without exception, every state that has
changed its testing requirements for homeschoolers in the past ten
years has made the requirements less burdensome. The trend is away
from testing because state testing of homeschoolers is ineffective.
3. Homeschool students in states with high regulation have equal
scores with homeschool students in states with low regulation.
Increasing regulation does not help students. It just wastes parents'
time and taxpayers' money.
4. Homeschool students have already proved themselves. In every major
study of the academic accomplishment of homeschool students, they
perform as well or better than other students. There is no reason for
suddenly ratcheting up testing requirements for homeschool students in
New Mexico.
Sincerely,
Scott Somerville
HSLDA Staff Attorney
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| ashemax |
| Posted on: January 22nd, 2005, 3:41am |
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Vicki,
Thanks for letting us know about this. Although I highly doubt that a bill that violates Federal law would ever go through it is still our responsibility to make sure we actively oppose it. |
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Reply: 1 - 13 |
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| Carrie__Z |
| Posted on: January 24th, 2005, 4:59am |
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| Thanks for letting us know. We'll be calling Ms Garcia. Carrie Z. |
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| LadyJessica |
| Posted on: January 26th, 2005, 3:27am |
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Reply: 3 - 13 |
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| Futurekids |
| Posted on: January 27th, 2005, 5:29pm |
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Thanks for this Vicki. We should all pay very close attention to this!
Sharon |
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| CeltWsdm4 |
| Posted on: January 27th, 2005, 10:50pm |
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Passing this along to all my groups. Hopefully, there will be a huge number of homeschool parents who will attend.
<FWD: Meeting with Rep. Garcia / HB158
Tomorrow, Friday, a group of homeschoolers will meet in the Capital Rotunda (Santa Fe) at 9am to hopefully meet with Rep Garcia. At the least we will register our request to withdraw the bill and leave letters with our own Rep. and Senators.
Would you post this gathering? The larger group the bigger impression we will leave.
Karol Tortorelli>
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Reply: 5 - 13 |
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| CeltWsdm4 |
| Posted on: January 28th, 2005, 6:26pm |
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Just wanted to update those who were unable to attend the meeting this morning at the Capital in SF. Although we were unable to speak directly with Representative Garcia about withdrawing HB 158, we did speak with her secretary. We signed in as individual families, and stated HB 158 as the purpose of our visit. I believe we were able to leave a very good impression with Rep. Garcia's secretary, as she commented that she really admired us for doing what we do as homeschoolers. :O) At the least, we left one of unity in opposition to HB 158, and concern for our children.
It is possible that the Education Committee Representatives will meet next Monday (1/31/05) or Wednesday (2/2/05) to address HB 158. If anyone finds out, please pass this important information along. Thanks so much!
Have a great weekend! |
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Reply: 6 - 13 |
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| Futurekids |
| Posted on: January 28th, 2005, 10:17pm |
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Received this today on OLE listserve:
HB 158 Update
We just spoke to Representative Mary Helen Garcia’s office, and as of this
moment, she has no plans to withdraw her bill. She may be considering
changing the language, but until we see the revised version, we don;lt know if
that's good news or bad! HB 158 will be heard in the House Education Committee
sometime in the next week or so. It is time to expand our calls and letters
to include the entire HEC, so they will be prepared. We will email our alert
list in the afternoon tomorrow if nothing changes.
We will let you know exactly when and where the committee will meet to hear
this bill as soon as we have the information--we will send it out by email
alert as well. |
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Reply: 7 - 13 |
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| LisaSilva |
| Posted on: January 29th, 2005, 2:43am |
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I recommend that someone get in touch with CAPE, I'm sure that they know what's going on, and can give us a better idea of when it will be presented and how we as individual families can come together to help. Their web address is
http://www.cape-nm.org and a phone number is 505-898-8548 for the Tsyitee's. They are one of the families that sits on the board.
What is funny is that this is being presented so close to Homeschool week (it's the 10th - 14th), maybe if everyone can congregate on the 13th, homeschool day at the Capital, we can show a large force. For more info see the post on chit chat about it. |
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Reply: 8 - 13 |
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| CeltWsdm4 |
| Posted on: January 29th, 2005, 3:01am |
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Quoted from LisaSilva, posted January 29th, 2005, 2:43am at hereI recommend that someone get in touch with CAPE, I'm sure that they know what's going on, and can give us a better idea of when it will be presented and how we as individual families can come together to help. Their web address is http://www.cape-nm.org and a phone number is 505-898-8548 for the Tsyitee's. They are one of the families that sits on the board. What is funny is that this is being presented so close to Homeschool week (it's the 10th - 14th), maybe if everyone can congregate on the 13th, homeschool day at the Capital, we can show a large force. For more info see the post on chit chat about it. |
Great idea, Lisa! I checked the CAPE website, but it still seems to be undergoing construction.
I don't wish to change the subject, but where is the info on Homeschool Day at the Capital? I looked in the chit chat section, but didn't see anything. In light of the current situation, this is perfect timing, and I'd like to participate with my two kids. Would also like to pass the info along to our homeschool group, here in SF.
I'm definitely planning to attend the Education Committee Meeting when HB 158 will be addressed. I'm just waiting to find out the exact date. 
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Reply: 9 - 13 |
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| Admin |
| Posted on: January 29th, 2005, 9:30pm |
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Posts: 1,794
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Barbara, Lisa had posted it on our private co-op board several weeks ago. Here's the relevant information copied from that post:
Quoted Text WHO: Homeschooled Families around the state. WHAT: For the cause - visiti your legislator, we'll show you how. For the kids- tour the roundhouse, learn about New Mexico history and government. For future generations - take a prayer walk and ask God to intervene in the affairs of men. WHEN: Feb 10, 2205, will be the 9th consecutive year that homeschool families from all across New Mexico have convened in Santa Fe at the capital building know as the Roundhouse, to celebrate Home Education Week in New Mexico and to meet and greet state legislator. This annual assembly is our opportunity to bring the face of homeschooling to New Mexicos leaders, to remind them that we take our citizenship seriously, and to express sincerely our appreciation for the public service of these citizen-legislators. RSVP- We want to know if you plan to attend. If you respond by Feb. 1st, we will have name badges printed for you and your kids ( all ages welcome!) and we will prepare packets for delivery to your legislator (if you choose). Remember they love their own constituents. COntact the Tsyitees (tsyitee@cape-nm.org) or (505-452-8874) with names, legislators names, and either the name of your area or support group. Confirmation emails will include parking information, dress code and more information. Also Gov. Richardson and Lt Gov. Denish need to know more homeschool families personally. Please make a special effort to include them when you visit the Roundhouse. Tenative Schedule: Sunday Feb. 6th Home Education Week in Santa Fe begins Feb. 7-10 NM Teen Pact Contact http://www.teenpact.com/ - there is still time to register. Thursday 10th 8:00 - CAPE display set up 8:30 - Orientation (location tba) Pick up your packet and name badges, suggestions for meeting legislators. Free Time - Some students are pages, families can visist their legislators, observe legislative sessions and committee meetings, deliver packets and gifts of appreciation** take tours or walks. 11:45 - Home Education Week Proclomation presentation and Mid-Rio Grande School Band Perfomance 1:00 - Teen Pact Graduation Ceremony or more touring, learning, exploring, visiting, etc. Lunch - Fit it in before or after the Presentation Afternoon - Distribute information for unrepresented districts 3:00 - CAPE display comes down **CAPE supplies information packets and convention invitations. Some families draw pictures, bring Valentines, bake cookies, or make a basket. Even an apple from the teacher makes a positive impression. Taken from the CAPE email alert. |
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Elizabeth
Mom to Eric (8 ) and Ruby (4.5) |
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Reply: 10 - 13 |
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| LisaSilva |
| Posted on: January 30th, 2005, 12:29am |
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| Sorry guys, it's the old age thing, (lol) I thought I had posted on the chit chat section as well. Thanks Elizabeth for doing it. |
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Reply: 11 - 13 |
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| LisaSilva |
| Posted on: February 1st, 2005, 2:02pm |
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Copied from email received this morning:
HB 158 Report
Your calls are working!
In a conversation this afternoon with CAPE board director, Susan Tsyitee, Representative Garcia’s secretary reported the following. “Representative Garcia asked me to tell you that the bill (HB15 needed more research, and would probably be tabled this session.”
Mrs. Tsyitee asked for confirmation, “So, she does not plan to either meet with us or withdraw her bill?” The secretary repeated, “No, it will probably be tabled. Rep. Garcia said they need to do more research.”
BACKGROUND
Representative Mary Helen Garcia, (D) Dona Ana, introduced a bill requiring all home schooled students to “participate in the state's academic assessment program and take the standards-based academic performance tests in their respective school districts.” Not only that, but students that don’t “demonstrate adequate yearly progress” will be required to attend public or private school!
ACTION TO DATE
CAPE subscribers and friends have forwarded the alert to home schoolers and friends across the state, HSLDA
has sent out an alert, KFLQ news director, Frank Haley, has run the story, and every state home school list we know has been activated.
Representative Garcia’s office has received lots of calls and emails and faxes from across the state, her husband has heard from many home schoolers in the Dona Ana County area, and a contingent of home school families hand-delivered their letters of concern to her office in Santa Fe. Many legislators, especially those on the House Education Committee have heard from constituents, and still, she hasn’t withdrawn the bill!
CAPE directors have conferred with HSLDA and friendly senators and representatives. We have assurances that even IF introduced, this bill will never make it through the senate. The Senate Majority Leader, Senator Michael Sanchez, introduced the bill eliminating mandated home school testing in 2001.
RUMOR: We received a concerned email today that said that the bill has “snuck through the Senate and is on its way to the House.” There is NO evidence that any bill referring to home school testing has been introduced in the Senate at this time. The bill’s name HB 158 stands for House Bill, and it has been assigned only to the House Education Committee (HEC). Senator Nancy Rodriguez, (D) Santa Fe, has promised to keep us posted. We appreciate and encourage anyone who has information and passes it along!
THE NEXT STEP
The House Education Committee (HEC) meets on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, at 8:00 AM. And will hear bills assigned to it in order. According to Rep Miera’s (HEC Chairman) office, it will not be heard on Wednesday, Feb 2, and may not be heard on Friday, February 5. That means IF it’s heard, it will be probably be heard during HOME EDUCATION WEEK IN NEW MEXICO. Yes, Governor Richardson has signed the proclamation that states (among other things)…
…“studies confirm that children who are educated at home exhibit self-confidence and good citizenship and are fully prepared academically to meet the challenges of today’s society.”
ACTION REQUEST
We would still like to see Rep. Garcia withdraw her bill. Please continue calling, writing, emailing and faxing her office. Contact information is linked to her name and bullet points to choose among follow. Please contact her in Santa Fe, and bless her dear secretary who has fielded the myriad calls.
If HB158 is not withdrawn, we would like to see it tabled indefinitely. A Do Not Pass recommendation will send it to the floor of the House, but tabling it will effectively put a stop to it. Please contact any or all of the House Education Committee and ask them to stop this bill and vote to table it indefinitely!
When and if it is scheduled to be heard in the House Education Committee, we will send out another alert, so we can stack the room with smiling home school families, hanging on every word!
We will work with the home schoolers from Rep. Garcia’s district and with Rep. Garcia following the session. We will gladly provide her with all the RESEARCH she will need to persuade her that this bill should never ever see the light of day again.
We will continue to pray and build relationships with every legislator, preparing for possible future battles.
To Review!
1. Contact Rep. Garcia.
2. Contact the House Education Committee members.
3. Prepare to join us in Santa Fe for an HEC hearing (if necessary).
4. Plan to attend CAPE at the Capitol and/or build relationships with your legislators.
5. PRAY!
A SUMMARY OF ARGUMENTS FOR WITHDRAWING HB 158
HB 158 unnecessarily regulates home schools, interferes with parental direction and control of education, and disrupts quality learning time.
In 2001, Senator Michael Sanchez introduced a bill that eliminated government mandated testing, the legislature passed it, and the governor signed it into law.
HB 158 reverses state law for no good reason. New Mexico just eliminated statewide home school testing in 2001. The other legislators are not going to be eager to reverse themselves.
HB 158 refers to "adequate yearly progress" without defining it. Do you intend to force every home schooled child with special needs back into the public schools?
Many public school students are failing to make "adequate yearly progress." Do you think such students have a right to attend a private school at public expense?
There is no evidence that regulation improves the already high quality of home education, so it isn’t a justifiable use of tax dollars. Home school students in states with high regulation have equal scores with home school students in states with low regulation. Increasing regulation does not help students. It just wastes parents' time and taxpayers' money.
Public schools are accountable to the public. Home schools are doing well enough to be left alone.
HB 158 appears to directly violate federal law. The law, 20 USC sec.7886(b) says, "No student schooled at home shall be required to participate in any assessment referenced in the No Child Left Behind Act." New Mexico's statewide assessment program is an assessment program that is referenced in the No Child Left Behind Act. New Mexico could lose its federal education funding.
Fewer than half the states require home school students to take any test whatsoever. Almost without exception, every state that has changed its testing requirements for home schoolers in the past ten years has made the requirements less burdensome. The trend is away from testing because state testing of home schoolers is ineffective.
Nationally and statewide, home school students have already proved themselves. In every major study of the academic accomplishment of home school students, they perform as well or better than other students. What reason is there for suddenly ratcheting up testing requirements for home school students in New Mexico?
FINALLY, CAPE needs your support! Constant, consistent observation and involvement in the political process leave CAPE in need of financial assistance. We respectfully ask that you pray, asking what the Lord would have you to do toward supporting the continued fight to protect the freedom of home education in New Mexico. If you are a subscriber to the CAPE Action newsletter we thank you, if not, and you would like to be informed of current events relating to home education in New Mexico AND support the ministry of CAPE we ask that you reply to info@cape-nm.org for information about how you can become a subscriber and supporter or simply send your donation to CAPE-NM, 914 5th St., Las Vegas, NM 87701-4332.
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Reply: 12 - 13 |
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| CeltWsdm4 |
| Posted on: February 7th, 2005, 4:19pm |
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Hi everyone,
I just got off the phone with Representative Garcia's Secretary, this morning (2-7-05). I called to inquire on the *exact* (current) status of HB 158.
She basically gave me the same information that was passed along last week. {Re:Latest Info on HB 158 - posted Feb 1st}
"It's *on hold*, and most likely won't come up this year. It will probably be tabled."
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Let's keep up those calls and letters until we hear that it's definitely been tabled!
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Have a lovely week!!
I feel the greatest reward for doing is the opportunity to do more.
Jonas Edward Salk |
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