" This is very disappointing. I think that this bill was a very good idea, and I wish that Heineman would care about keeping parents accountable to ensure that their kids receive a full and proper education. I just don't understand the opposition to this! If your kids are well-educated, then why should you worry about them taking a simple test?! "

" Test the home schooled? Veto a way to test them? Nebraska might already have the lowest cultural IQ in the Nation. That just comes from incompetent teaching institutions. So if the parents of the home schooled are not so bright why would we get anything better? "

" This man is a master of political pandering. "

" Heineman also vetoed the consolidation of Class I schools, and the know-it-all legislature over-rode his veto. Low and behold, the voters of Nebraska are given a choice, and they nullify the law that forced consolidation of Class I schools. Once again, the Legislature is poking it's nose where it doesn't belong. Kudos to Gov. Heineman for recognizing that. "

" Another great example of LEADERSHIP by our Governor - he probably hasn't even read the bill, plus as far as I know the bill hasn't even had a hearing. "

" Hey Gov. your not too bad after all. Imagine, a governor
with some common sense. Thank you sir, keep fightin' for
us little guys and I'll vote for you as President of the
U.S. This state will only survive when right becomes right
and wrong becomes wrong. With all the home-schooled kids,
the property taxes need to come down. More kids are
home-schooled and the schools think they need more money.
Doesn't add up on my calculator!!!!!!!! We're paying
higher & higher taxes to the schools for not doing the
job they were hired to do!!! Thats wrong!! "

" I don't understand the objection to testing. Is there some other mechanism in place already for making sure home-schooled kids are performing at the anticipated levels? "

" So when you fail to do your job at teaching them. They always end up in public school and now it becomes our problem. I work at a public school and have seen many homeschool kids come in and its very obvious that they are not getting what they need. Hey remember no child gets left behind even the sheltered kids of homeschool. "

" I don't understand why Republicans are concerned about public school students being left behind but not concerned if home school students are left behind. Parents of public school students don't have the option of submitting their children's homework, lesson plans, portfolios of student work as substitutes for achievement on standardized tests. Home-schooled students should have to meet all the same standards and pass all the same tests as children educated in public schools. The fact that parents of home-schooled children are protesting this bill leads me to believe home-schooled children are being left behind. "

" Since when should the government have control of our education? Yeah sign me up for that (sarcasm). He's got my vote! "

" "keeping parent accountable" to who, the government? The government should be accountable to the people. "

" Anyone pick up that the only people that dont want this (outside of the Gov pandering) is the homeschooled community.....why? If they are doing a better job, then show the state, ace the tests and move on. I have met several home schooling parents and have yet to come across one that was smart enough to do better than public schools. "

" This is great news! Public School students across the country are being allowed to graduate high school without barely being able to read and understand basic mathematical concepts. And DiAnna Schimek has the audacity to introduce a bill to allow the State to determine if homeschoolers are doing well?? Homeschoolers have consistently shown to have better grades and test scores than their public school counterparts completely across the board. I think it's time for the public school system to take a page out of the Homeschooler's playbook. "

" As someone has already pointed out, what if a child is failing in the public schools, will parents have the right to yank them out and get schools vouchers for them to go to a private school. See you can't have it just one way, big bro people. Public schools have their own problems, as seen by how we stack up against other like nations. But nobody here seems to understand that and it's status quo around here, sad. "

" There is no evidence that home schoolers perform better. The only studies that have shown this were commissioned by the HDLA and compared a select group of home schoolers to the general public. Please pick up a statistics textbook and learn why this is not a significant study, and therefore meaningless.

Yes - the audacity of this senator to try and protect children. How dare she! "

" Maybe he would like to veto elections also. No need for him to have to pass that test again! "

" I am not surprised. Leave those kids behind. Elect a new governor. Dr. Tom Osborne has his Phd in Education and spearheaded the Teammates program. Gov. H. says he supports education then cuts support to the schools and the University. You reap what you sow. Let's hope that Gov. Heineman retires from politics after this cycle. "

" There goes Hiney Man, pandering away again.
Its interesting that the govenor will pander to a very vocal minority. Would this trick work for other things? Can we kill of any proposed bill by kicking and screaming and carrying on like a 2 year old in the candy isle who has just be told "No, you can't has a candy bar."? "

" I am amazed by the irrational, biased, and subjective comments that are generated regarding this issue. It seems some who oppose home school freedoms are so bitter.

You'd think a crime was being committed or something illegal was happening.

It seems obvious that the public school system in in trouble and it's supporters are running out of money to further their agenda. It seems they will do almost anything to get control of more children and thus more funding. Seems it is all about control through numbers and dollars! Why not just admit the truth and stop the parental and child insults.

Some of the posted comments by those venting against home school freedoms are shameful and insulting, let alone subjective and biased.

There are many more unjust causes to fight and the Governor is right on this one.
"

" What makes you think his actions are pandering? Is the Chief Executive of the State not entitled to do what he or she believes is right? Do we not expect our Governor to share those beliefs with constituents? Shameful that one would assume only the worst. The Governor is right on this issue. The Nebraska Department of Education ought to worry about fixing their broken standard tests. The teachers union is behind this and they are wrong... as usual.
"

" Go Governor Heineman! "

" Hey home-schoolers, guess what: You are going to have to take a standardized test to get into college. Unless, of course, your parents are smarter than all of the professors out there as well. I simply don't understand why they are so opposed to taking tests if they are providing an adequate education. Then again, I'm just a product of the public schools system, so perhaps this logic is way above my head. "

" No surprise. The Governor Dave just wants to keep them all stupid so they'll grow up to be good little republicans. "

" No child left behind...unless you're home-schooled... "

" The objection to testing is intruding on parental rights. Mind your own business! I'll train my child up in the way he should go w/out the public schools or the govt trying to stick their nose in it. May be they should fix the broken public school system before they try to intrude into people's homeschools. "

" It borders on neglect the way some home school children are allowed to languish without proper instruction. If their parents cannot prove educational progress is being accomplished they ought to be placed back into public schools. "

" children in Nebraska are already subject to approval from the Dept. of Ed. Parents must submit the curriculum and lesson plans each year, and also must keep track of all time spent in the classroom. All of this is submitted to the Dept of Ed, and must be approved by the Dept. It's not as easy as just yanking your kid out of school and letting them sit on the couch all day. This is a grudge bill by the senator and will not result in any improvement in anyone's education in this state. If standardized testing is required of home schoolers, then that same test must be given to each public and private school student and measures need to be taken for those that don't do well. Since each school district in the state of Nebraska develops their own test of progress, the result is inflated statistics that make it appear our government educated children are doing much better than they really are. My children have attended 5 different public schools in this state, and all but 2 have been a complete joke in regard to their standardized testing and curriculum. Unfortunately, the state closed one of those good schools down with LB126. Quit being frightened of home schooled children and leave them alone. The state has done nothing to demonstrate that they know what is best for the education of children in Nebraska. "

" If you want to opt out of the system, then the system should leave you alone. Keep the government out of people's lives. The government exists for a limited purpose. Keep that government limited. As an old hippy, I have to say that I trust people if they earn it, and I never trust the government when it goes where it has no business. Government schools are over-regulated, over-tested, and under-par. Good families are awesome entities for all purposes. "

" Test the so called "teacher" parents. Just because they think they can teach does mean they can. "

" As far as out performing public schooled kids, my homeschooled son started college at 15 part time and full time the following year. He is now a second semester sophmore studying computer engineering. By the way, no public or private school could deal with him and he was on the Dean's list his first two semesters and this past semester made the President's List (4.00 GPA) "

" I think some people are missing the point. As a homeschooler I am not afraid of testing. I repeat, I AM NOT AFRAID OF TESTING!!! I test my children weekly and annually, but I will not give that right up to the state. Public schools require oversight because it is a public system receiving public funds. High levels of regulation are appropriate to ensure proper use of public funds. I however do not receive any public funds, so what gives the state the right to oversee our school. The Nebraska Constitution limits government support and control to the public schools.

This would be no different than the state walking into Pious or Lincoln Christian, or Lincoln Lutheran and demanding that they submit to a test that the state selects, pay for the test and the administering of the test, and if any student fails to score at 50% or above they are forced to change schools. Is the same standard going to be adhered to in the public arena? Are all students that fail to score at 50% or above going to be forced to go somewhere else. Of course not, the public school establishment would never allow that to happen.

"

" Homeschoolers need to be tested, just like every other student. Just because you go to a "different" school, doesn't mean you shouldn't have to pass the tests. Once, when my husband worked in insurance, the parent of a home schooler was begging for a "good student discount". My hubby asked, "Who grades his test?" Obviously he has good grades!! There has to be standards! Where my daughter teaches science, she has to loan public school equipment to the home schoolers. Does that make sense to anyone. Let them come to school like everyone else. She has to have a degree and a license to teach. What about the home school teachers. I often see the kids out shopping with their family. "

" The real world value of a home-schooled education is zero if there are no commonly accepted standards and tests. For example, there is no way for a potential employer of thse kids to know whether they received a top-tier home education or one from the sub-basement. How could I -- why would I -- hire someone with a very uncertain educatinal background? Parents who oppose testing do a disservice to their children, and Dave Heineman should be ashamed. "

" Guess with no standard test, you could always say you graduated at the top of your class!! "

" The home school whiners are careful to ignore the state's Constitution, which requires all children receive an education. Absent some standardized test (or putting a daily observer in each home schooled kid's home) there is no way to ensure this. Shame our pandering Governor can't be bothered to concern himself with the Constitution of the state...but then, Republicans have never shown any care about any Constitution, have they? "

" Yet another non-regulation for the State of Nebraska.
Wake up and save the State. "

" What does the governor and all the anti-testers propse we do to ensure that ALL home schooled kids are being educated. I'm sure your little Johnny or Jane is getting an excellent education, as you all have repeatedly told us, but what about the kid who doesn't? "

" How does mandatory testing take away your parental rights? Unless you think you have some right to remain ignorant about how your child is doing. You can still teach them whatever you want to teach. It's as though home school advocates think that the parents of public school students dont' learn anything from their parents. It's ridiculous. "

" The bill has been proposed. It hasn't been debated, amended, or discussed by anyone in the legislature. Yet our governor is promising a group of people he will veto it, regardless. That's political pandering at its best. By the time it got out of the legislature it could say the exact opposite of what it does now. A rational, actual governor interested in doing his job would wait instead of bringing a bunch of home schooled kids to the capital for a huge publicity stunt. Political pandering - that's all this is. Heineman is clearly more interested in their donations and votes than the education their children receive. "

" Home school parents keep saying that if they are subject to standard test, then PIUS (Pious if you are a home schooler) should too. Fair enough, public and private schools all have teachers with degree's and proven worthy enough to start teaching......what have you proven, how about the test the parents too! Also see alot of complaints about funding this and that.....no kidding, how can one be against public funding? As I remember my parents didnt pay a bill each month for public schools, they need money somewhere. To the homeschool parent that brags about having their kids in 5 schools around the state and what a joke they were - really!? Sounds like you stuck around long enough to make a difference. Oh and i like this one "I think it's time for the public school system to take a page out of the Homeschooler's playbook" - they do occasionally, its called a field trip! What about the value of being socially ready for life - ever met a homeschool kid that could click with society? I know I will get a response from a proud mother saying how social her son is, yada, yada - try asking someone else for their honest opinion! "

" Good Job Governor "

" The reaction of so many Nebraskans to the governor's plans to veto an educational standardization bill reflects a mindset hostile to the generation of creative, alternative approaches to learning. The notion that the quality of a learning system should be determined not by the free choices of parents, but by the disciples of the government school system seeking to force alternative schools to conform to their failed standards, is more than absurd. In education, as in all other endeavors, free competition in the marketplace is the best assurance of quality. If the government schools can force private schools to meet their intellectually bankrupt standards, where shall we next turn? Will an automobile manufacturer be allowed to sell its cars only if they conform to the same standards as General Motors? Will a retail establishment not be allowed to operate in a town unless it adheres to the policies and practices of its established competitors? For once, a governor makes more sense than do those who have chosen to criticize him. "

" This bill puts more requirements on homeschoolers than the public school system. In addition to that it also charges the homeschool family for the cost of the tests and the costs associated with implementing such. The government already receives payment for these tests through property taxes (however saves those costs since those children are not enrolled)....so why should they be charged once again? This bill is vague, poorly written and unsubstantiated. "

" The State is regulating everything else.. why stop now?! Come on.. what is more important?! Your rights as a parent or ensuring a sound education for home schooled children? There are parents out there home schooling their children and doing an inadequate job..SO.. regulate them all. I as a tax payer do not want to pay for these children being on welfare when they grow up without an education. Its the same line of thinking I noticed when people opposed eliminating the helmet law... "

" I have my home-educated children tested with the Iowa Test of Basic Skills every year, and they score 4-8 years above grade level. I'm not at all afraid of having them tested. However, I don't want the state dictating how often to test and what to do with the results.

Remember, we are considering a population of 5,600 home-schooled students. The NE Dept. of Education reports indicate that approximately FIVE TIMES that many students in Nebraska public schools may not be meeting minimum state standards. Our tax dollars are paying for these children to receive an education! Why not worry about them instead of a small slice of the small population in non-accredited schools (who receive no taxpayer subsidies)? "

" More sucking up to the christian right by the governor. I thought he was above all of that. Wish I would have voted for someone else now. "

" Actual quote from the story above: "The event was held to teach home-schoolers about how legislation works." Given my interactions with home-schooled kids, this is a DARN good idea. It is, in my experience, a pitiful educational environment. "

" Watch your judgments about those kids you see out and about sometimes....those are the ones who are in homeschool year-round. Learning is a way of life for them, not something that happens just nine months out of the year.

Oh, and what about the public school students who can't even read or write that are passed on from grade to grade each year? Do we shut down thier public schools? If you want it all to be the same for everyone, then it better be just that. "

" Who do you go to in Public School if your child is failing? Who do you hold accountable a tenured teacher? Do they suffer any consequences? Will the student be pulled out of school and placed in a proper learning environment? "

" I am 13 years old and I was home schooled for two years. I think that having someone control your schooling any type of school.. over your parents choice to home school isn't right. The parents know what you should and should not be taught in order for you to pass the year. How dare anyone monitor the parent, children or the homeschooling process when they cant even control what goes on in public school. What i was taught in home school prepared me and helped me in public school and also made me exempt from peer pressure in many ways. My brother, sister and myself were tested numerous times because we wanted to achieve not decline. My academic grades not only excel from my friends but i tend to find myself hardly challenged at the level that i was at when i was home school. public school is a year behind me. meaning I AM RUNNING CIRCLES AROUND MY FRIENDS and so is my brother and sister whom were home schooled as well. Home school and my mother(with a religious background) taught me how to choose my friends with a more of an open heart and wiser mind and be a role model to other kids who maybe cant do as good as i can. I wonder how many of you would have like to have someone monitoring your academics and your daily routine? plus testing you which does cost and that doesn't even come out of the states pocket being home schooled..the parents choose the curriculum and how hard they can make the studies and my mom made it hard.. no one comes near to monitoring me even that closely at Lincoln public school... some days are a joke... I have total free will at school.. enough to know that i have seen more at public school then i care to know or hear... I am getting my education with no help from the state...people want to talk about home schooled kids getting a proper education..it really comes down to proper parenting.. proper parents.. who care about education and teachers that teach.. so i believe that the government is another shadow trying to follow your every footstep so thank you for the veto! we have so many double standards in our economy and world today that it seems that some one always has to have their hand in something. why don't they go chase after my dad who hasn't paid his child support.. where is that law being brought up? "

" It is the responsibility of the parents to raise these children, and educate them. It is not the government's responsibility, it's the parents. So the government should get their nose out of their homes. "

" Why not test them? If the kids are getting what they need by being home schooled than there should be no problem. I do believe parents should be more accountable and someone needs to be monitoring these kids to ensure their education. "

" Kids who are home schooled do not receive adequate socialization skills, and I seriously doubt that the Fundamentalist Mary Homemaker Homeschoolers of Nebraska are capable of giving their children a good education. Those in government probably has the same doubts, therefore, out of concern for the children who are not receiving adequate schooling, testing has been suggested. This harms no one and makes the people out there teaching Creationism instead of science accountable. I see no bad here. "

" It is not the testing that we are against. Please read the whole bill and make educated comments! uniweb.legislature.ne.gov put lb1141 in on the right.
I work with 1 child, one on one going at the speed that is necessary. Sometimes we cover a weeks worth of info in a day if they are understanding it. The government schools are over loaded! How can you expect one teacher to properly educate 25 to 30 kids. When a child in government school is behind they keep getting behind unless the PARENT steps in. What happens to government school kids who fail the same test? Are they held back? Are they sent to another school? Are they are passed to the next grade so "no child (is) left behind"? That would make the stats look better then they receive the money.
Home schooling is a life style from behaving at the bank or dr. appt, basic manners, counting back change or just finding out the best buy for the money on applesauce. Everything is teaching! All the home schooled kids I know are at least a grade ahead if not 2, and graduate when they are 15 or 16. Yes, we do test. On our own (Iowa basic or sat 10) and we even provide high school transcripts to employers or colleges. UNL is on the top of the list for colleges that accept home schooled young adults. What is the percent of government school kids that go to college? home schooled kids? I have not met one family yet that has not had their child attend college. I would like to see the stats on that.
I work nights so that I am able to do this, it is a sacrifice for my family. I have a college degree but CHOOSE to raise my child. It would be easier to send him to school. SO, Why would I set my child up to fail?!?
And to the teacher who has to loan equipment to us... we pay taxes too! I pay her salary and for a school my child will never see! (but I do not ask for a break on my taxes)
This is a non-exictant problem and I am tried of defending my right as a parent! "

" Home school is just like public school, you are gonna have your pros and cons. I had a friend who was home schooled through the eighth grade and he turned out fine. You'll probably get more social stimulation in public school, but at the same time social stimulation can lead to illegal activity. I think they should get rid of this bill. LPS budget, I imagine isn't doing so hot with it's two new grand palace high schools, the remodeling of Lincoln Northeast and Lincoln Southeast, and of many middle and elementary schools. "

" I am yet another homeschool parent who has no fear of the testing. I have tested my children several times and have been extremely pleased with where they're at.

My issue is with the fact that if for some reason one of my children didn't do well they would then be required to go to an accredited school. What happens with the public schooled kids who don't pass? They are obviously in an accredited school and yet many of them aren't passing. Is there a promise from the government that all kids in public schools will pass??????

To the person who made a comment about a family being out during daytime hours shopping, it could've well been me and guess what while all of the public schools had a snow day today my kids did reading, math, history, science, language arts and typing lessons. Oh btw we also visited the library and attended chess club and Tae Kwon Do. Thank you all for being so concerned about my poor sheltered kids who aren't being parented by the state.

Not that I owe anyone an explanation but while most schools take a break during the summer I believe learning takes place daily so I do not take a summer break. The only time we don't do school is on vacation and yet I still require my kids to journal about their experience and we usually find some way to visit a famous landmark, museum, etc. You really should learn more about what's going on with those families before you jump to a conclusion. "

" Once upon a time I lived in a country of FREEDOM! Yeah,
my former state, but not in Nebraska!!!! Funny how I
graduated from Nebraska public school and when I moved to
another state, before I could go to college I had to
take alot of my 'NEBRASKA PUBLIC SCHOOL lessons OVER!!!!!
I'll NEVER forgive this state for that!!!! I wouldn't
send my kid to a Nebraska public school for all the money
in the world!!!! "

" Hmm, I agree with a Republican? Nebraksa is about 20 years behind the rest of the US in terms of education. Having moved my children here from Colorado last year, I had the opportunity to see first hand how far behind the Nebraska schools are compared to Colorado schools. Colorado, and most other states, offer a wide variety of home school options paid for by the state. This is done in a way that is fair and balanced. Your child chooses their school, and that is where their tax $ per child goes. For instance, there are over 15 public online schools. You can chose to send your child to that school (virtually), and instead of the $ going to the local neighborhood school, your child's money follows him or her to the online school. My children recieved their curriculum and a computer when enrolled in COVA. COVA is part of a national homeschool program K-12. Even these online schools are far, far advancd compared to Nebraska's schools. To have to test the homeschooled children in this state, when considering the alternative and the education recieved in the schools, is joke. "

" Wow... the teacher's union must have sent an email to it's members to bash the homeschoolers commenting on this article. So many anti-home schoolers, so many more than when the first story on this bill came out.

Schimek herself said she has "no evidence" to prove kids aren't getting a good education in home-school situations... she just has "heard some things from educators and others." Anyone suppose "others" include her husband, who is a lobbyist for the teachers's union? Hmmmm?

As others have state, this has nothing to do with being "concerned" about the children and their education. This is about money and power.

More power to Gov. Heineman for taking a stand, just like he did with the Class I schools. Just wait, private schools... you'll be next. "

" If a person is a really hardcore home schooler.....does that mean they take courses via an online college and work their entire lives from home? Makes sense. If you have those beliefs, be consistent.
Now if it was up to me I would certainly allow home schoolers to opt out of any testing by the state. But those parents would also lose the child tax credit. "

" Let's see.....hmm....the same group that is pro gay marriage and believes in the women's right to choose wants the government to monitor home schooled children??? What is wrong with this picture??? Me thinks it has something to do with the religious theme of most home schooled children's curriculum. Let's skip over our culture's sexual deviancy and murder of the unborn....and get right to the heart of the problem...the home schooled child....Brilliant! The same group that says Iraq and 911 have nothing to do with each other are trying to tell me that home schooled children are some kind of major threat to the state of Nebraska. I guess you are just upset that these parents had the gall to not seek an abortion and actually attempt to raise their child. Herb makes the best argument of all.....we have a whole bunch of non-home schooled people in Lincoln that don't know how to drive, a crime rate that is spinning out of control and people don't care one iota about anyone but them selves. Yea, our school system is thriving..... "

" What are they afraid of? Public school kids get tested many times in the year. I do not see the big deal with the testing unless they, the home schoolers, do not feel that they will be able to pass. "

" Senator Di obviously has to much idle time if she comes up with stuff like this, along with the equal gender representation bill she brought up, LB824. Seems to me the parent teachers & their students have plenty of requirements to follow as it is. Besides, the public school kids would be embarrassed by the results of said testing when it's verified they're not up to snuff. Oops, guess that's already true. "

" I was against home-schooling until I saw that well-reasoned, albeit syntatically challenged hurrah from the home schooling advocate. I am now convinced that a home school rules! Yay home-school! Yay lower-taxes. Yay!! "

" Home schoole students should be able to demonstrate a basic level of knowledge.
Heineman needs to leave this alone. "

" This is terrible. Many of the children are going to suffer because if this. I know of 2 families that show a curriculum and that is as far as they get in the schooling process. I have tried calling to turn them in and guess what there is no rules that say they have to do anything other than turn in the curriculum. This is a very sad situation. This law would have help the children whose parents are incompetent to teach let alone be good parents. "

" So the same people who want the government to intervene in the most private of personal decisions-whether or not to end an unwanted pregnancy- think the government should bow out of their "right" to educate to educate their children to their own standards, or no standards at all. Typically hypocritical thinking from these folks. Either we all have the right to make decisions about our families, or none of us do. "

" If they are going to have mandatory testing for public and private schools, why not all education? I have many family members home-schooling and other states require testing of some sort to be done on the children. Really Mr. Gov. This is about the kids!!! "

" This is disgusting! Politics as usual from Heineman, huh? Why not stand up for Nebraska's children for a change? I'm sure many home-schooled children are well-taught, but I KNOW that some are not. I've seen it. Personal experience! Are we just going to ignore our responsibility to those kids? The fact is, without testing, we don't have a clue what's going on with home-schooled children. We don't know if we're failing them or not. And this is not about 'averages,' this is about each and every child. No, this is simply extremist politics, pandering to the lunatic fringe in the Republican Party (the party leadership, apparently). We have a responsibility to ALL of Nebraska's children, and we certainly have a responsibility to see that they are being educated, wherever that may be. Really, really disgusting, Heineman! "

" really wrong, you ARE really wrong. Homeschoolers are subject to the same truancy laws as other kids.

There is so much venom, prejudice, and poor information in these posts that it boggles the mind. "

" If a kid can't keep up at home school I'd bet that they would not be able to even function at a public school so the point of taking the test is what???? It doesn't make sense, you can't learn in a 1 on 1 environment so let's make you go to a 1 on 100 environment. It's not like the uneducated are home-schooling their kids. "

" To Zippy, I would ask, where in the world do you get your ideas on homeschooling???? I was valedictorian in school, a Vice President of Finance/Administration for years, then an owner of my own business, served on various community service committees and yet I homeschool my children to provide the best for them. I don't run around in a dress all day, baking bread, sewing and teaching my children how to braid their hair. I think you are very confused. I know NO homeschool family like you describe. "

" Home schooled kids are under represented in public universities and ivy league schools. Approximately 2% of the population is home schooled, but they only make up about 0.17% of college students. It cracks me up when people say "I don't know of any students who..." Of course not - you only associate with people like you. "

" To the intelligent comments in response to this article - thank you for pointing out that this bill encompasses more than just testing. It has wider implications regarding parental rights and governmental control, which people of intellect would understand.

I was homeschooled from third grade until my junior year of high school. At that time, I attended the University of Minnesota, earning high school and college credits at the same time. Two months after I turned 21, I graduated with a B.S. in biochemistry and a minor in child psychology. I am in my last semester of law school at the University of Nebraska-College of Law.

I took education law through UNL’s education graduate program last summer. The majority of the other students were teachers who were earning their master's in education administration. Those people were the supposed to be the brightest of the brightest of Lincoln’s teachers. They made me thankful that I was homeschooled, and further bolstered my resolve to not send my own children to public school.
"

" Arkansas is one of the few tests that mandates testing, and they have shown a downward trend in test scores for home schoolers over the past six years, as well as an average score essentially equal to the average for public school students. Based on that, one could suggest it would be home school students who would be embarassed. "

" As a parent of kids in a public school, I don't understand the argument that public schools aren't held accountable. As a parent, they are accountable to me. My child is accountable during the daily quizzes, tests, homework, etc. It is my duty as a citizen and parent to hold my child's school/teacher accountable. I hold my child accountable by talking to him everyday about his schoolwork. I have a friend who is a 1st grade teacher and she said that they've had three kids enter their school this year that were previously homeschooled. All three had severe deficiencies with reading, writing and math - however, they are know catching up and doing better. "

" Okay Class. What did you learn? After high school how many frogs did you dissect? What about Algebra II? In reality, the average person needs to be able to read, write and do basic math well, yet as I am in the classroom, too many students can not. Maybe you don't get to do frogs after graduation, but did you learn how to manage your 401K or pension? Did you learn how to start your own business and why the average employee has 3 possible tax deductions and the business owner at home, can have up to 154? Can you explain compound interest and how to make it work for you? Can you analyze the difference between an ARM and a fixed rate mortage rate? Can you tell the way to properly work with the stock market? Can you decide what an effective rate of return on a piece of rental proerty? One of the poster railed against a child going shopping with their family. If you are in the PS, peer pressure will push you to not go anywhere with your parents. There are lots of everyday items that aren't covered in PS. We push kids into upper level math when they don't want to be there and could use a practical background. Employers have told me that they can teach an employee everything they need to know about the job, if they would only show up for work. Maybe character is on trial here. "

" So...they don't want to see if these home-schooled kids are on par with what they should be learning? I have nothing against home-schooling at all, but there has to be some accountability and standards if these kids are to be prepared for college. If that is, in fact, where they're going next. "

" SweetIt troubles me to think that people of your mindset are teaching our children. Most home schooled kids flourish without the interference of government testing. I hope your narrow-mindedness does not rub off on your students. "

" Home-schooled Christian children can't be left behind because they will leave with the rapture. Why waste money making sure they have a good education when they're going straight to the pearly gates in the very near future? Surely this must be the governor's thinking on this issue, otherwise he wouldn't have taken a position. "

" "You can pry this veto pen from my cold dead hands!" Why not be a leader, work with the Legislature, and find a compromise, instead of wasting everybody's time. "

" Read the bill and THINK Gov! All state aided schools must have testing - so should all home schools - how do you know the kids are being taught anything - the basic need to be tested or we are not assuring the kids are equally educated. You are wrong to Veto this bill - there is something really suspicious about the opposition to this. Are they not teaching the three R's? It is a reasonable bill. "

" Home schooling isn't done just for religious reasons. While I believe that many home-schooled kids are better prepared than some of their publicly educated counterparts, there is, unfortunately, a disproportionate number of children who are "home-schooled" by lazy, incompetent "parents" who teach absolutely nothing. What ends up happening is these children end up bouncing in and out of the public schools so the teachers can try to pick up the pieces and fix the problem. "

" Maybe Heineman can veto it and also ban all illegal immigrants from being home schooled also. "

" He's saying what is good for him to say in such a red state. Ultra-conservative governor, ultra-conservative Catholic bishop - we seem to get them all here. Maybe it's something in the water. I'm just waiting for Jon Bruning to chime in with his latest. Power and big money speak for these folks, and since children have none of either... "

" My 17 year old homeschool son has had to tutor several public school kids in math because they aren't learning it in the classroom. He had a call two days ago from another public school parent asking if he could tutor their daughter as well. If these public schools and their teachers are so superior, why are they turning to homeschool students for their tutoring?? "

" Bravo for your effort and attention you pay to your children's education. Unfortunately, you're in the minority with the public schoolers. By the way, you meant to say "they are now catching up" NOT "they are know catching up".

As for teaching preschoolers, I taught my daughter to read at the age of 3. She was an avid reader from the get go and has an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. When she began kindergarten, her public school teacher said they don't like to "push" kids. I guess since many of the other students were learning their colors in kindergarten, she saw my daughter as a child that was going to cause her to actually work.

I was very involved in the public school. I volunteered in the classroom, I was chairperson for the yearbook, and I went to all of my kids' field trips. I wish more parents would get involved in the public school, actually go to the classroom and see how the kids are being taught, volunteer to help the teacher with their many, many duties (they need it and they'll truly appreciate ALL your help), but beware... once your eyes are open to the truth, you might choose homeschooling your own children to ensure their education. I did and I LOVE it!

One more thing, thank you to all of the public school teachers for all of your efforts and energy. I'm not against public school, only against slack, bad teachers who use the classroom for their own agenda. I'm FOR giving raises to good teachers! If you public school folks want to rally around something, how about rally around your good teachers so you can KEEP them!

"

" It is obvious that many of you making comments about home schooling options and parenting represent the public school sector in some way. It defies logic that anyone else would make such irrational statements and use the same "tired rhetoric" over and over again.
I suggest, for a change, that you mind your own business and leave both parents and children who home school alone. We do not criticize how you live your lives and frankly don't care what you think about our choices. Many of you need a "real" education about what life is all about! And by the way, life is not about government or public entities ruling our lives.
Please pay closer attention to your own lives and leave those of us who strive for the best of our children alone. Let me remind you that in all of this, we are not telling you how to run your lives. And by the way...no matter how hard you try to say otherwise...you do not have the best interest of our children in mind. If you represent the public school interest and their striving for money, control and power, you only have it's agenda and your jobs in "your best interest". Enough of the bashing and insulting remarks. Your arguments are lacking.
"

" For the record, I was homeschooled from 3rd grade to 8th grade. I have nothing against homeschooling and there are kids who benefit greatly from it. In fact, I might homeschool my own children someday. However, there are other children who do not benefit at all.

My mother did not even graduate high school, and yet she