November 25, 2009: Jurgen and Rosemarie Dudek of Archfeld, Germany, were found guilty under the German State of Hessen’s criminal law that requires that all children go to school. Even as Judge Drier recognized that the family was doing a fine job in educating their children, he still imposed a fine of 120 euros on them.

Homeschoolers have reason to hope that a years-long effort by some state legislators to impose unnecessary, intrusive regulations has at last been thwarted.

It is well-known that homeschoolers excel in competitions like the Scripps National Spelling Bee and the National Geographic Bee. Earlier this month, the finals of another competition—the National Bible Bee—were held. Patterned after the spelling and geography bees, the Bible bee encourages students to learn more about the Bible.

November 20, 2009: On trial again for homeschooling their children, the Dudeks are hoping to avoid jail time despite the threats of the state prosecutor.

After hearing that homeschooled children were being denied swine flu vaccine, HSLDA contacted state health officials—who pledged to remedy the situation.

After being contacted by HSLDA, a public school official agreed to make it clear that district homeschool families who receive a school “census” form may choose to ignore it.

After being confronted by HSLDA, a public school official agreed to correct her unlawful demands regarding homeschool “registration.”

The U.S. House of Representatives will vote on its final version of the health care reform legislation sometime this week. HSLDA opposes this bill because it increases government intrusion into the home and could threaten parental rights.

The Virginia Department of Health recently sent HSLDA two memos for public distribution that relate to issues surrounding the H1N1 flu.

Christopher J. Klicka, senior counsel and director of state and international relations for the Home School Legal Defense Association, died Oct. 12 in Colorado Springs. His death is a tremendous loss.

A family who delayed reporting their intent to begin homeschooling mid-year was charged with truancy, even though they were well within the law.

When a Colorado homeschool graduate was told to obtain his GED to qualify for a job, HSLDA worked with his potential employer to obtain acceptance of his high school diploma and transcripts.

Homeschoolers are under no obligation to meet with public school officials beyond what is required by law. That includes “partnership” forums, such as the one proposed by the Brainerd district.

A truant officer threatened to involve social services with a homeschool family after insisting the family provide documentation indicating their children were enrolled in school.

So far this school year, HSLDA has received numerous inquiries from families who have been asked to participate in the Home School Inspection by Mail Program.

A memorandum from the Alabama state superintendent of education has sparked a controversy regarding the church school option employed by parents providing home instruction to their children.

With parental rights and homeschooling becoming more and more threatened by the growing power of the federal government, it is imperative that homeschool families become involved in the congressional process.

HSLDA was quick to respond when a television news broadcast wrongfully stated that some states require parents who wish to homeschool to be certified teachers.

HSLDA advised a member family to ignore a form sent to them by the local public school district that sought inappropriate information and authorization.

On October 11, 2009, Governor Schwarzenegger signed A.B. 66, a new law that will make it easier for private homeschool students who want to have a part-time job to get work permits.