46. History of Homeschooling in Wisconsin (5/06)

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Whereas the pioneers of the modern homeschooling movement in Wisconsin worked together despite their differences to ensure that the Wisconsin Legislature passed a homeschooling law that recognized the right of families to choose for their members an education consistent with their principles and beliefs; and

Whereas WPA has formulated essential principles and practices to ensure that our homeschooling freedoms survive-these include knowing what is required of homeschoolers in Wisconsin; doing only the minimum required by statute or regulation; not ignoring violations of our rights, even if they seem too small to matter; not seeking or accepting benefits from the government; not pushing for new homeschooling legislation; staying out of court if at all possible; understanding and applying the distinction between compulsory school attendance and compulsory education; and working with other homeschoolers; and

Whereas we cannot assume that freedoms and laws will continue in perpetuity once they are established and recognized but must be continually safeguarded; and

Whereas it is easy for people to be lulled into assuming that their freedoms will continue without any action or effort on their part; and

Whereas freedoms are often lost because people don’t notice when small bits are removed gradually over time; and

Whereas maintaining an accurate understanding of how we came to have the homeschooling freedoms we have is essential to informing succeeding generations about the principles and practices essential to their continuance;

Be it resolved by members of Wisconsin Parents Association (WPA) that WPA will work to ensure that its members and others understand the history of homeschooling in Wisconsin, the legacy they have received, and the principles and practices that have been used to ensure homeschooling freedoms in Wisconsin and will encourage its members to follow these principles and practices within their families, in their local communities, and throughout the state. 5/06