Our homeschooling community chose a different path, seeking academic freedom for our children and parental autonomy over their curriculum, separate from the public school system. We deliberately opted out of that system, understanding the tradeoffs required. The negotiation of a higher ACT requirement for TOPS eligibility allowed us to maintain our academic independence without adhering to the public school system's additional requirements and mandated curriculum. This agreement, reflects our commitment to an education that is personalized and flexible.

HB378 threatens to dismantle this carefully constructed balance by lowering the ACT requirements for Home Study students. Many homeschoolers are in agreement in wanting to keep the higher TOPS requirements we currently have as they are. We believe that the higher ACT requirement is not just a compromise, but a fair and equitable measure that accounts for our unique educational approach — an approach that succeeds because it lacks the GPA and course requirements found in public schools.

The collaborative agreement with the state and the Taylor Foundation allowed Home Study students the autonomy we value, in exchange for demonstrating their capability through a higher ACT requirement. Altering this arrangement undermines the foundations of our educational choices and disregards the voiced concerns of our large and varied community.

By opposing HB378, we stand not just for maintaining an agreement, but for protecting the integrity of our Home Study programs. We urge lawmakers to understand the implications of changing the requirements in a way that may negatively impact homeschooling families in the future. Our community's position is clear — we do not wish for these standards to be changed against our will.

We request the Louisiana legislature respect the wishes of the homeschool community and preserve the higher ACT requirement for TOPS eligibility, which has been a just and agreed-upon standard for our students. This is crucial for maintaining the choice and flexibility that homeschooling offers. Please sign this petition to support our community's educational freedom and autonomy.