Just Say No to HR 3221

Over decade ago, I called a journalist from the Wall Street Journal to discuss the expanding federal role in education and the move toward national curriculum and standards in America. He didn't want to hear about it. In fact, he laughed loudly in my ear and said, "It'll never happen. The American people would never stand for it." He was wrong.

This week, in the House of Representatives, is scheduled to consider and possibly vote on H.R. 3221, The Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act (SAFRA). HR 3221 expands the federal role in education by taking over the student loan industry and includes a provision which allows the Secretary of Education to develop and disseminate a free online national curriculum both for high school and post-secondary education (Section 505) and establishes Pre-K learning programs and standards (Section 401).

RedState calls the bill unprecedented and unecessary. Indeed, it is.

The Constitution provides for no federal role in education; Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan previously stated that education was a "state and local issue." When the Department of Education was formed ( 20 U.S.C. § 3403) the statute prohibited the department from "increasing the authority of the Federal Government over education" and did not authorize the Secretary to "exercise any direction, supervision, or control over curriculum." HR 3221 does both.

HR 3221 is a back door approach to the ultimate objective - national standards benchmarked internationally.

If the Department of Education is given half a billion dollars to create and disseminate a national online curriculum it will likely become the framework for a national standard. The money will be passed on to states which align their curriculum and standards to the new national online curriculum. Never mind that it violates the Constitution and usurps their authority, for many state politicians and Governors, that's an offer that's too good to refuse. And if they want to align those standards to the rest of the world, that's okay too. We're all citizens of the world who need to be prepared to compete in a the global economy.

These provisions are nestled in a larger proposal to help make college affordable for more Americans and to promote early-learning and "school readiness" for children from birth to age 5. That's not surprising.

HR 3221 streamlines federal financial aid and removes subsidies to private lenders for college loans. This consolidates the power to determine who gets a grant or a loan under the direct authority of the federal government and will eventually render graduates who did not complete the federally approved national curriculum ineligible for financial aid. (In 2006, even the New York Times saw the danger this posed to private and homeschoolers.) It will also allow the federal government to require community service for all students who receive a student loan or aid. Something that would be much harder to do if the money came from a private lender. Remember, Obama promised a civilian national security force

In the past, HSLDA has warned of the dangers of a national curriculum and standards to homeschoolers. In July of this year, they also encouraged strong opposition to HR 3221 because of the early learning provision. They rightly asserted that, "Parents, not federal or state officials should decide what is appropriate for their children." There have been no further updates.

Given that the House will debate and vote on the bill this week and Republicans lawmakers are struggling to come up with good arguments against the legislation, I hope that HSLDA and other homeschool advocates like Homeschool Legal Advantage provide more information, alert their members, and encourage strong opposition to HR 3221.

UPDATE: Since I posted early this AM, HSLDA has updated the link from July 20 and now has included information regarding the federal takeover of student loans. and linked funding to service programs.

H.R. 3221 will greatly increase the size and power of the federal government and fundamentally alter the student loan process by federalizing all student loans: Currently, many college students obtain student loans through private entities. H.R. 3221 will change this by federalizing all student financial aid. The U.S. Department of Education will be tasked with administering and supporting all student loans, which will greatly increase the federal government’s role and power in education.

They provide no information the Open Online Education provision which allows the federal government to develop and disseminate online and college curriculum.

- Spunky

Cross posted with permission from Spunky Homeschool.

 

 

 

OK heres my life in a nut shell( or single blog entry). Mack is turning 10 this weekend and I am a little sad about that. They grow up so quick. Hubby's birthday was last weekend, and he got a 'new to us' Harley. Its a nice bike, to bad I am scared to ride them! I think they should be called murder-cycles.

Anyway, the kids are REALLY ready to start school, and I am trying to hold them off  by letting them do work books. I am not ready to start and I havent ordered all the supplies yet. I will do that the 1st of Sept.  So, our first day will be prob. be the 7th. Did I tell you what I was using this year? I cant remember...ok I'll tell you again

Math= Systematic Math for Keagen and Sawyer-upton 5/6 grade for Mack.

Science= Apologia

History= Mystery of History

English= Alpha Omega

Thats the basic 4 we also have Bible, Art and Music. Plus all the Co-op classes...will be  busy year and I can understand the kids eagerness! I am waiting for the weather to "feel" like school. That fall feel. I bet we get an early fall here, with all the extreme weather we've had this summer, the leaves started turning 2 weeks ago! That means a LONG winter...be prepared folks!

Have a good one and check out Hubbys murder-cycle.

Tanna

 

 

 

 

 

Homeschool moms/famlies....

I may be looking at using Switched On Schoolhouse for 6th grade math next year ( not for me, for my oldest), But I was wondering can I reuse the program for my youngest next year? Is there am option to print out work sheets or is it all computer work?

Thanks !

 

 

 

Blessed is the man who believes.......

Gloomy weather here for the past week or so!  I took the kids to the beach today anyway, we needed to get out of the house !  Ready to see the sun....

Not much else to report or to share, been really quiet here. We are house hunting still and still not finding anything to meet our needs,never mind our wants! We have even been looking in the 5 surrounding towns and still, nothing. We'll keep on until we find it, it has to be out there. I have a tech question for any of you in the know....how do i change a windows movie maker project into a windows media file? I want to post a video we made in movie maker but facebook only allows media files.....am stuck on this one.

Thanks and may the Lord bless you and keep you

Tanna

Keagen is really sick. Shes sicker then she has been in long time.  Shes been up till 3am the past few nights with vomiting and 'bathroom' visits.  Today she was finally able to keep down some toast and soup. She is very weak because shes dehydrated so she is complaining alot. She is a person who hates to be bed bound for ANY reason, but she literaly has to rest after coming down the stairs. Have you ever been so whiped out that lifting your arm seems to take all your strength? Thats her right now...poor thing. So, thats my life at the moment, tending a sick child and  trying to protect the rest of the house from getting it(as if thats even possiable).  Not much eles going on... I have gotten hooked on a TV series called McLeod's Daughters(http://www.amazon.com/McLeods-Daughters-Complete-First-Season/dp/B000GNOH82/ref=ntt_tv_ep_dpt). Its an Austrailan show and I have watched all of season 1 on netflix, their watch instantly feature. Anyway, I am waiting for season 2 to come tomorrow! If you like good TV drama,check it out.  

Hope you and yours are happy and healthy!

Tanna

Its rainy and 50 degrees outside, so theres stew in the crockpot and I will be making bread later for dinner. Wow, 50 in JUNE! Its got to be some sort of record low. Anyway, we are not doing much today I am going to help Mack make a mummy after lunch and Keag is playing a Nancy Drew game on the computer. We had a great weekend, we had a 'daddy date night' and we went out out for dinner, ice cream and a movie! I am hoping we can make it a monthly 'tradition'.

Just lazy summer(rainy and cold) days.. what are you up too?  Christine, how did the conference go?

Tanna

I've been spending alot of time looking at curriculum lately.. I have been a faithful user of My Father's World (www.mwfbooks.com) but am wanting to try something a little different this year. There are SO many options and choices it makes me want to stick with whats comfortable.  I cant help but feel overwhelmed, have youlooked at whats outthere? Its amazing. I really like this for Keag's math this year www.teachingtextbooks.com They have some great sample pages up which I let Keag try out and she loved them! Its a bit pricey for one child but the good news is I can re use the materials next year with Mack. So, for 2 years use it works out to $75 per year...I can handle that!

I was looking at www.themysteryofhistory.com Vol.2 for our history program. I like this one because I can get the history 'stories' on CD which Mack can listen to(she an audio/visual learner) after we've covered the topic. A friend of ours in the coop uses it and has offered to let us look at it! I am greatful because I like to actually look through the materials and see how a program is laid out.

I think we are going to go with Apologia for science (http://www.apologia.com) I have never used their stuff before, but I keep hearing rave reviews about it. I was exploring the web site and samples are provided,it looks like a great program worthy of the reviews.

 For language arts I am looking at something cheap that hits the basics and doesnt have a lot of fluff or time consuming projects. Both the girls got perfect scores on the CAT tests in the LA section so I can be a little lenient in this area. I still havent found what I am looking for, I may just go to the book store and grab one of those workbooks that 'meets standardized test requirements'.

For our Bible study I really want to focus on character, so I think I will come up with my own tailor-made study.

But so far, thats all I've come up with and havent commited to! Its in progress...

Have a great day

Tanna

Hot one here today! Its real quiet at my house right now...my children are being corrected for a recurring behavioral issue (thats means they were fighting again). They are now coping Philip. 2:14-15 50x. A bit harsh maybe, but if anything, they will have memorzied the verses! During this time they are not allowed to talk to each other, and can only leave the table for bathroom breaks and to sharpen pencils. I REALLY don't like doing this, because I used to hate it as a kid too. As a parent sometimes you feel like your hands are tied, and you run out of 'creative' ways to get the point across. To be honest, I am disgusted with the bickering and nit picking. Nothing drains me(or any parent I know) like have to correct or discipline over and over for the same issue! Most of you know what I mean...

Anyway still no test results and we are planning to just hang out this weekend, maybe get some yard work done. Remember our heros...

Tanna

Monday...I stayed in my PJ's until 11:15 this morning! That was a nice change, tomorrow we are headed to the park for  lunch with friends, Wednesday we are going to the library to finish the lapbooking class, Thursday I am headed  to my friends house so I can mop her floors(she had hip surgery)and Friday is grocery shopping day. So yeah...I decided Monday was my day!  I did get laundry done, made an amazing dinner(lemon/dill chicken,peas, sliced veggies,rolls) and will be making an apple pie for tomorrows picnic. So even though I PJ-ed the morning away, I still got somethings done.

The girls are doing ok, still on pins and needles waiting for their CAT test results. Keagen has discovered the Honeymooners and LOVES them. She has borrowed all the library has! She really enjoys the old TV shows like I love Lucy, the Honeymooners and Beverly Hillbillies. She also likes Bonanza and any of John Wayne's movies.... I dont mind her watching those shows, they have good clean humor and arn't graphic. Why cant TV be like that now? I remember as a child on Saturday mornings my dad and I eating breakfast at my little table watching the Andy Griffith Show. I loved that more then cartoons! Now kids watch shows with little or NO moral meaning, and hardly ANY entertainment value. Its mind numbing TV and its sad.

Ok off my soap box! Have  fab. weekend and

Till then or heaven

Tanna

Dont ya just love the sun? Even more so after a series of gloomy days? I have opened up the house and am letting breezes blow fresh air from room to room. LOVE IT. There are more gloomy days in the forecast so I am absorbing as much warmth and light as I can today. There is something about the sun that makes even bad days seem better. Easy going day here, did the grocery shoping(discovered food prices are on the rise again!...breakfast bars last week were$1.88 this week they are $1.93) got some laundry done, sat in the sun for a few minutes, just a nice day!

This weekend we are going to my nephews b-day party, he will be a sweet 4 on Saturday! Other then that, life as usual. OH forgot...promised to ttell you my stone soup story.

 Ok, we were in the drive through and ther was a couple be hind us and I told the cashier to put thier bill on mine. She did as I was grinning ear to ear. I watched in my rear view mirrior as there were some words spoken, a confused look in my direction and then a big smile from both the man and woman. I pulled thru with the kids happy meals and my coffee and proceeded acoss the street to the little shopping mall. We parked and the girls ate and I enjoyed my coffee. As we were eating a man walks up to my window and knocks. I opened he window and he said "why did you do that? Do I know you?" I thought I had upset him. So, I said "I am sorry I didnt mean to upset you I just wanted to do something nice and sort of share a meal...." He looked sort of baffled and said " you didnt upset me,just suprised me...thank you" I said "have a good day" and he walked back to his car, shrugged his sholders at his wife,got in and drove away.

I felt so great! Even if that couple doesnt understand why I wanted to 'share a meal' they will likely never forget a stranger buying them a meal.

So thats one tale...please share yours!

Till then or heaven

Tanna

 

Today is chilly and rainy. The kind of day you just want to snuggle up in bed and not get out. As worn out as I am, I guess I didnt realize the girls are worn out too. Keagen woke up today and said "I am so glad we dont have school, dont have to go anywhere and thats its warm in here and that I can just stay in my PJ's today." There was a big sigh after that sentence. I think we all need to catch our breath and get refreshed. Usually, by now I have the next school years planning under way, but I cant even bring myself to open a curriculum catalog; my eyes just sort of glaze over.  Maybe I should plan a summer vacation...yes, a get away would be good! Ya know, we havent been camping in a while, and we have friends in Ohio...road trip? Camping in VT sounds great too, I love the state parks with lakes and ponds. I am feeling better just thinking of a break!

Anyway, please read yesterday's post and REALLY consider it ok? Tomorrow I'll share a story of what happened when I bought the meal for the couple behind us in the drive thru!

Till then or heaven,

Tanna

 

PS

read this... http://phibetacons.nationalreview.com/post/?q=ZmY4MDg0ZGE1MTQyNWU4MmEyNDBkZjkyMTgzZDJhZDc

WOW is all I can say

 Did you know that 1 in 5 adults has to deal with hunger everyday and that 17% of children under thae age of 5 go hungry? And America is the richest nation(or was)in the world. Do you know the story of "Stone Soup"?  (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stone_soup) How when everyone brought a LITTLE something to the pot everyone ate? I would like you to help me create a "Stone Soup Nation". Heres what you have to do....pledge to do at least one of these and then share your story here!

 

1. Share a meal with someone other then family

2. Buy the meal for the guy behind you in the fast food lane

3. Bring a lunch for the co worker who never seems to eat lunch

4. Come up with you own way to share a meal with someone..(maybe do a neighborhood stone soup party?)

5. Join the Stone Soup Nation over at facebook  http://apps.facebook.com/causes/258166/52330054?m=6d54c0aa

 

 It was interesting to me to think about ADULTS going hungry. I mean, you see the feed children ads all the time, but it never occured to me that my neighbor or co-worker may not REALLY be on a diet; but is in fact, going hungry for one reason or another. As a person whos lucky enough to walk into any store and buy food, thank you for helping me with this.

Tanna

 

It is chilly here today...only 60! Wish it would warm up soon.

 We finished the CAT tests today...thank the Lord school is over for the year! I have a pre teen daughter who is emotional about EVERYTHING. Sometimes I feel like shes sucked the life out of me! This school year has been very draining fro me and probably for her too. One day it was so bad my youngest slammed her book shut and said "I am going upstairs to work...you two sound like fighting cats!"  I laughed  because she was right! That was all we seemed to be doing to each other was screeching in these voice no one would want to hear. I have since made a huge effort to speak softely even when no one else does. It makes a huge difference! There were days I wanted to bring her to the local school just to get a break from her! I understood why some parents would rather just let the schools raise their kids....theres much less stress involved!

But I also know she needs me now more then ever as she becomes the young woman God intended for her to be. She is a work in progress,as am I. I think God gave me this child and the chance to homeschool for my growth as well as hers. I need to remember that on the days my house sounds like cats and I want to drive to the local school.

Here's a rundown of my day...

1st thing...coffee witha new chocolate creamer(wow! sooo good)

Shower & dressed

 Breakfast.....Bagel

Headed to town for some new candles and tarts(for tart burner)

Came home and started CAT testing with the girls

Lunch...grilled cheese

Drooled over some cook books from my dad...found some great new foods to try

Snack..chocolates left over from Mothers Day

Did some more CAT testing and got dinner ready

Dinner...tortilla casserole

Now the kids are outside playing, and I am trying to decide to have some wine and fruit now or to save it for later during my TV time.  Think I'll wait....

SO that was my day, I did nothing of importance,ate rather unhealthy and am determined not to do it again tomorrow! :)