An Act Concerning Interscholastic Athletic Participation By Home-schooled Students.
Impact
The proposed legislation would require local and regional boards of education to establish academic eligibility and residency standards for home-schooled students. These standards must align with existing constitutional provisions regarding home-schooling. By setting these requirements, the bill not only ensures equal opportunity for home-schooled students to engage in athletics but also establishes a framework to maintain certain educational standards. This framework aims to foster inclusiveness while ensuring that all participating students meet the necessary criteria.
Summary
House Bill 06807 aims to ensure that home-schooled students have equal access to participate in interscholastic athletic programs offered by public school districts. The bill seeks to amend chapter 170 of the general statutes in Connecticut to explicitly prevent local or regional boards of education from denying participation to home-schooled students. This change is intended to provide these students with the same opportunities as their peers in the public school system when it comes to sports and athletic activities.
Contention
The debate surrounding HB 06807 is likely to focus on concerns regarding oversight and the education quality of home-schooled students. Supporters argue that it promotes fairness and acknowledges the rights of home-schooled students, allowing them to compete alongside their peers. Opponents may raise issues relating to the potential lack of uniformity in educational standards and oversight compared to traditionally schooled students, questioning whether home-schooled students can meet the same levels of preparedness required for participation in interscholastic athletics.