Angie Craig: “today I am introducing ``The Home School Non-discrimination Act'' (HONDA). This bill would clarify several existing…”

“today I am introducing ``The Home School Non-discrimination Act'' (HONDA). This bill would clarify several existing Federal statutes which inadvertently exclude home schoolers. I am pleased the Senator Allen is joining me in sponsoring this measure. All too often, Federal laws relating to education have left out the millions of children across the Nation who are benefitting from home schooling. For example, home schoolers generally cannot qualify for the education savings accounts, unless they live in one of 13 states where a home school is treated as a private school. Also, home schooled students have found themselves to be ineligible for student aid in some circumstances. Nearly 2 million American children were home schooled during the 2000-2001 school year. These are good students who frequently outperform their public school peers. For example, in 2002 home schoolers as a whole averaged over 70 points higher on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). Also, although home schoolers only make up about 2 percent of the U.S. school-age population, in 2003 they made up 12 percent of the 251 spelling finalists and 5 percent of 55 geography bee finalists. These students consistently score at the highest levels of achievement tests and get into some of the best colleges and universities in our Nation. They are hard working, intelligent, and active in their communities.”