Carroll County 9/5/24
HEAV took immediate action after hearing from several concerned parents related to calls received from a district employee who indicated homeschool parents were “required by the state” to set an appointment and take the Virginia Language & Literacy Screening System (VALLSS) test. In addition to posting a priority news alert on HEAV’s social media page and groups, HEAV contacted Carroll County’s assistant superintendent to investigate.
HEAV learned two misunderstandings had occurred in the district. There was, apparently, a communication received from the VDOE relating to the VALLSS program, and district personnel interpreted the communication to apply to homeschoolers. The second misunderstanding occurred as a district employee thought homeschoolers had to take the VALLSS test rather than simply being offered the option to do so.
HEAV is pleased to report that Carroll County’s assistant superintendent worked quickly to address the concern with district personnel. He also agreed to ensure that all parents who received inaccurate information would be contacted to rectify the situation. HEAV is thankful to Carroll County for taking swift and effective action to resolve these concerns for homeschool families.
What You Should Know:
- Parents are required to comply with the home instruction law. In Sosebee v. Franklin County School Board, the Supreme Court of Virginia concluded school districts cannot add requirements to the law; only the state legislature may do so.
- Parents who know the law are essential to ensuring it is implemented correctly in their districts. Do not fear. If you are unsure of your district’s compliance, we implore you to bring it to HEAV’s attention so that we may provide accurate information on Virginia’s education laws.
- To assist parents in ensuring their compliance with the compulsory attendance and home instruction laws, we encourage use of HEAV’s Notice of Intent form. It is consistent with the law, case law, and VDOE guidance. Additionally, the guidance found on our website, heav.org, can help protect you from unnecessary compliance challenges.
Get Involved! Sign up for HEAV Communications so you can stay up-to-date on HEAV’s efforts to protect your homeschool freedom.
Resources:
- HEAV Resource: HEAV Communications
- HEAV Resource: Compliance Cautions
- HEAV Resource: Law Flowchart
- HEAV Resource: 2024 Letter to Superintendents
- HEAV Resource: HEAV’s Notice of Intent to Provide Home Instruction Form (free for use)
- Virginia Code: § 1-240.1, Rights of Parents.
- Virginia Code: 8VAC20-490-10, School Officials Familiarity with the Law
- Virginia Code: § 22.1-254, Compulsory Attendance Law
- Virginia Code: § 22.1-254.1, Home Instruction Law
- Case Law: Supreme Court of Virginia, Sosebee v. Franklin County School Board
HEAV is always available should you ever have questions or need assistance. Please contact us anytime at 804-278-9200 or via our contact form.
Patricia Beahr
HEAV Assistant Director of Government Affairs
NEWS ALERT
ATTENTION CARROLL COUNTY HOMESCHOOLERS: Several concerned parents contacted HEAV regarding a call from a local elementary school employee who indicated it was “required by the state” to set an appointment and take the Virginia Language & Literacy Screening System (VALLSS) test.
HEAV assures parents that this information is incorrect. Parents are not required to respond.
HEAV contacted the Assistant Superintendent. We are in agreement that this test is not required. It seems that these calls resulted from a misunderstanding that occurred on the local public school level. We have asked the district to communicate directly with the homeschool families who were contacted to provide correct information and resolve concerns.
For immediate assistance, please call the HEAV office at 804-278-9200. Ask for Patricia Beahr, HEAV’s Director of Government Relations.
