Pardon my ignorance--while literally "parochial school" means something like "parish school" or some such, I thought in common shorthand, if a school were called "parochial" then it was a Catholic church school. What other types of schools are called "parochial"? What was your school?

Just because a parent gets a certificate doesn't mean they will suddenly go from zero to hero. For the parents who already give their kids a great homeschooling experience, the certificate is a waste of time. For parents who are, say, teaching their kids to be good little soldiers for Christ and using texts provided by the Creationists R Us, they will get the certificate and then go back to turning their kids into whatever it is they're trying to turn them into - a parenting technique that often fails, I might add.

The measure of education is in the child, not the parent. In order to continue their education in college, or to get a high school degree, these kids have to pass competency exams; most of them will be taking the PSAT and the SAT. Seems to me the crazies will get weeded out at this point.

Don't get me wrong - I'm a huge supporter of the promise of public education. But for those who have the time and inclination, homeschooling can be a great path to take. Of course there's been a lot of rhetorical spin by both sides in this thread. Homeschooling can be a great idea for really smart kids as well as problem kids; kids for whom school moves too slowly, as well as those for whom it moves too fast.

People say it's a crime (philosophically) to raise kids in a wacky right-wing religious environment. And it sure does seem a sad thing to do to the naturally open mind of a child. But when those kids grow up, there will be a time of decision. If they go to college, they'll end up being exposed to "real" science and education, plus they'll have to take the SAT etc. If they don't, they'll get a commensurate job and either be jerks or be awesome, or in between, just like everyone else. I've met great folks who have really wacky religious beliefs; great folks who are Communists or Objectivists. As long as these kids grow up into adults who are happy, what's the problem?

This from “Arnold” yesterday. And let’s be realistic. Where would CA put all theses students if they showed up for school one day? And who would pay> Right now CA gets a break because parents essentially foot the bill.

The governor said he would pass legislation if the ruling was not defeated elsewhere.

Gov. Arnold blasts homeschool ruling

“California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger today blasted a court ruling that endangered homeschooling and homeschoolers statewide.
"Every California child deserves a quality education and parents should have the right to decide what's best for their children," the governor said in a prepared statement. "Parents should not be penalized for acting in the best interests of their children's education."
The comments came after a state appellate court ruling essentially concluded California state law allows no option for parents to school their children at home. Homeschool and legal experts have expressed concern that the move puts all of the parents of the estimated 166,000 homeschooled children in the state at risk of both criminal and civil penalties.
"This outrageous ruling must be overturned by the courts and if the courts don't protect parents' rights then, as elected officials, we will," he said.”
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=...mp;pageId=58298

I think homeschooling is a good idea as long as those being homeschooled can be examined periodically to make sure their necessities are met.

2. Do you agree with the California Appeals Court ruling in this case?

I don't think that parents should be penalized unless children are being subject to maltreatment.