WITNESS SLIPS
Witness slips are needed to oppose HB 2827, the “Homeschool Act” bill.
The Homeschool Act (HB282) threatens to dismantle educational freedom by imposing strict government oversight, marking the first time in Illinois history that both homeschooling and private education would face restrictive regulations. If passed, this bill would create a dangerous precedent—one that could spread across the nation.
From our friends at Illinois Family Institute:
AGAIN: Witness Slips Needed Against HB 2827
Written By David E. Smith
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State Representative Terra Costa Howard (D-Lombard), the sponsor of HB 2827, the anti-homeschooling bill, has amended the bill.
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The change added to the bill reads:
“Nothing in this Act applies to non-home-based, nonpublic schools, including, but not limited to, those that are registered or recognized under Section 12-3.25o of the School Code.” [emphasis added]
Because homeschools are considered private schools, the sponsor had to make sure that homeschools were still the target. The threat to homeschools remains alive and well.
This amendment now becomes the bill. While approximately 25,000 witness slips were filed last week in opposition to this bill to usurp parental rights, that has now been zeroed out. We must start again for the new hearing date and time.
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​​Beyond legislation, we must recognize the educational crisis in Illinois. Families, especially those in Chicago’s Black community, already face abysmal proficiency rates—with only 21% of students proficient in reading and 9% in math. Government-controlled schooling has failed our children, yet lawmakers want more control, not less.​​
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Why? Sponsors of HB 2827 argue that despite their dismal failure, the government knows best and is more capable and obviously more fit to educate your children.
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Yet Illinois lawmakers ignore the educational attainment of homeschoolers. We rely not only on statistics but also on our hands-on daily life experiences, love, support, and academic achievements with our children. We know them best!
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Home-educated students typically score 15 to 25 percentile points higher than public-school students on standardized tests, where the public school average is around the 50th percentile.
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A 2015 study found Black homeschool students scored 23 to 42 percentile points higher than Black public school students (Ray, 2015).
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78% of peer-reviewed studies indicate homeschool students perform significantly better academically than those in institutional schools (Ray, 2017).
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Homeschool students score above average on achievement tests, regardless of their parents’ education level or household income. (Ray, 2013, 2010)
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Lower academic scores. The average score for a public school student is about 50% (scores range from 1 to 99).
Requirements & penalties under House Bill 2827
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Forced Registration: Homeschoolers would be forced to register with public schools.
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Teacher Qualifications: Parents who homeschool would need to have a high school diploma or an equivalent qualification.
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Truancy Penalties: Non-compliant families risk being labeled as truant.
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Class C Misdemeanor: Parents may be charged with a Class C misdemeanor if their child is absent without a valid excuse.
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Jail Time: Parents could face up to 30 days in jail or have their children forcibly removed from the home.
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Fines: Parents might incur fines of up to $500.
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Student Portfolio Reviews: Local public school officials can review homeschooled students' work anytime and for any reason, ensuring the homeschool program meets public school standards.
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Immunization Proof: Requires immunization proof or religious exemption for part-time public education participants.
Take Action Now: HB 2827 is set to be discussed in the House Education Policy Committee on Wednesday, March 19th at the Capitol, Room 122B at 8:00 a.m.
Click HERE to file a witness slip in opposition to HB 2827.
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Section I. Enter your name, address, city and zip code. You can use “self” for any field that requires something.
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Section II. Leave it blank if you are not a representative of a group or business.
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Section III. This is the extra step! Under III. Position it says, “Description” there is a drop down menu to the right of it. The default says, “Original Bill”. Click it, and select “House Amendment 1”. (It might also say House Committee Amendment 1).
Section IV. Check your position: Opponent.
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Section V. Unless you are filing a written statement, select Record of Appearance Only.
Lastly, agree to the terms of agreement by checking the box.
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Click Create (Slip).