Obviously, this issue stands to impact numerous Illinoisans. 

As we hear back from legislators on HB2827, several of us have gotten a definite sense of "this is no biggie/involves only minor changes/entails minimal enforcement/is being shrouded in misconceptions." That could very well be the case, but we take exception to the ambiguity of language; we want to hear our state leaders' specific plans regarding administrative and reporting requirements because the implications of the grey areas are concerning.

We are also aware that proposing restrictions to homeschooling in other states has, in a few cases, discouraged parents/guardians from pursuing tax credits (that seem more likely to be on the table under the current administration in Washington, DC). The concept being that, if you take the credit, you should be subject to more restrictive state guidelines. (Click here for coverage of this issue in Austin, Texas.)

There's not a great deal of clarity as to if/how this principle ties into the proposed bill. Yet, if the aforementioned tax credit is in fact influencing discussion about HB2827, we sincerely hope the state is prepared to demand the same oversight and vocalize an equally rigorous call for accountability when it comes to the tax dollars we invest in public schools.