From Deseret News archives:
Measure takes step in favor of home-schooled athletes
Sen. Mark Madsen, R-Eagle Mountain, wrote the bill in hopes of providing a statewide standard for how public schools determine whether home-schooled students are eligible to participate in extracurricular activities. Currently, home-schooled students can and do participate in public school programs with each school or district judging who meets academic requirements.
"This removes the last vestiges of discriminatory practices," Madsen told the committee Monday morning.
But members of the Utah High School Activities Association argued against the bill because they say it creates an entirely different type of discrimination.
"This creates a statutory exemption for one class of students," said Mark Van Wagoner, the UHSAA's attorney. "There is absolutely no barrier for any home-school student to participate in public school activities. That (option) already exists and has for a very long time."
While no one argues that home-school students are allowed to participate in high school sports and activities, there is sharp disagreement over how eligibility should be determined and by whom.
Madsen said his bill will eliminate the different standard from school to school. Instead, he said the bill will establish a single requirement, which is an affidavit from the parent or family member teaching the child saying the student is mastering the material or course in each subject that is taught and that the student is maintaining satisfactory progress.
Sen. Curt Bramble, R-Provo, made the motion to pass the bill out favorably. Before he did so, it was amended so that students who are deemed ineligible in a traditional school and then move to a home-school setting, will have to resolve the reason for ineligibility before they can be deemed eligible for activities.
E-mail: adonaldson@desnews.com
Recent comments
In most cases, children that are home schooled gain a higher degree...
Mom Who Homeschools | Jan. 31, 2008 at 11:02 p.m.
I was not homeschooled but if there was a survey done, I think you'd...
I like it | Jan. 30, 2008 at 8:45 a.m.
So when a kid is doing poor academically in school and knows that...
Whatadeal | Jan. 29, 2008 at 7:42 p.m.
- U. says it needs campus repairs 6:31 p.m.
- Ranking the bowl games 6:30 p.m.
- $2M error could mean layoffs 6:29 p.m.
- Stranded hikers rescued 6:24 p.m.
- Payson family loses home in fire 6:10 p.m.
- Teen's turbulent past outlined 6:00 p.m.
- Transactions 5:51 p.m.
- Utah couple dancing toward finale 5:50 p.m.
- 'Go, Dog. Go!' is bright, colorful 5:47 p.m.
- McCoy, Tebow on Heisman list 5:46 p.m.
- Letters: Liberal because LDS
277 - Y. profs: Beck not all-knowing
254 - TCU to play Boise in Fiesta Bowl
202 - Hate not limited to 1 in-state rivalry
191 - Aggies shoot past Cougars
179 - Cougars going back to Vegas
141 - N.Y. Senate rejects gay marriage
140 - Utah/BYU rivalry can be more civil
128 - Letters: Global warming a lie
127 - George lost in rivalry hatefest
119
Cal offensive tackle Mike Tepper had this to say about the Golden Bears'...
He's undeniably one of the toughest, fastest and most explosive running...
you all hate everyone...stuck in your little "dueling banjo songs" and never...
If these adoption are takingplace in states where the records are sealed then...
Peace, Love and Charity. President Monson and his counselors speak the...
The tempest in a teapot that is "Climategate" is a final pitiful effort by...
"2004 - Pitt vs. Nobody. BCS versus staying home. Huge edge Utah."...
Fewer bees mean fewer people will have the painful experience of being stung...
that the 5% referred to by both AD's are showing up on this board. In an...
what would jesus say..have a good day! i too went thru and it does help but...
RE: "Ute fan | 5:25 p.m. Dec. 7, 2009 Normally I would cheer for BYU...
The BCS is afraid that TCU or Boise State will defeat one of their teams....

