Posted by Pauline on July 07 2008 at 16:42:53:
In Reply to: Need quick response ....Chartiers Valley School District... posted by Stacy on July 03 2008 at 18:06:50:
The PDE can be very helpful when a district tries to implement unlawful demands. I would call them and see what they say about the district´s requirements. (What kind of requirements are they? Do you mean specific topics that must be covered? Because that is clearly not legit.)
The PDE has said that families can use any version of an affidavit so long as it covers what is in the law. That said, it might not be worth arguing over that one this year if there are bigger fish to fry - just leave blank or cross out anything not required. Baby steps! Or call the PDE to back you up. Me, I´m cheap and wouldn´t want to have to get *another* affidavit notarized. :)
A four inch thick binder is overkill, IMHO. However, one can fill a four inch binder with all kinds of portfolio fodder if it really comes to that. If your friend is using a fairly structured curriculum, it´s just a matter of including 30 math pages instead of 3 or 4. (Overkill, IMHO, but some people do it.) If they´re more relaxed or eclectic homeschoolers, it may be more of a struggle; however much of what is in a typical 4" portfolio is not actual student work anyway, but things like programs to plays and concerts, brochures from ski trips and outings, and so on. Plus you´d be surprised how much space the sheet protectors take up. I´m not advocating this - I´m a big believer in a slim but effective portfolio - but it may help to reassure your friend that she *can* do it their way if she needs to - then once she gets rolling she can take the year to decide how best to proceed with the paperwork. It´s quite possible that the district could be pleasantly surprised at how effectively "appropriate education" can be conveyed in a few pages.
I would start by contacting the PDE (contact info to the left) and going from there.