Oklahoma Homeschooling Parents Skeptical of State Support

It was unsurprising that Collins along with other homeschooling families wanted the state government to remain out of their business, given that a large portion of the homeschooling movement is based on the desire to separate education from government oversight. 

However, Collins’ opinion on the suggested tax credit for home-school families to use on educational expenses likely raised a few eyebrows.  

Since the COVID-19 pandemic forced numerous educational buildings to close for several months, the number of students receiving instruction at home has increased substantially on a national scale. 

Some conservatives have also promoted the idea that public schools are indoctrination factories, leading parents to doubt what their children are learning. 

The rate of growth has been greatest in Oklahoma, in which one national estimate places the number of homeschool students at over 100,000. 

The increasing homeschooling community in Oklahoma has also become more diverse. The majority of families may no longer consist primarily of those pursuing home-based education for religious or anti-government reasons. 

Some view it as a convenience, particularly in light of the rise in remote work and the pandemic, which demonstrated to many families that they could educate their children at home.

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Refundable Tax Incentive for Families Homeschooling

This year, state legislators targeted the expanding homeschool community with a bold school choice package which provides families of private school students a $7,500 refunded tax credit and homeschool students a $1,000 tax credit.

Collins, who serves on the board of Homeschool Oklahoma, a Christian organization advocating for homeschool families, stated that his organization resisted the tax credits out of concern that it could lead to additional restrictions on how homeschool students are taught.

Several political watchers might scoff at the notion that Oklahoma’s Republican-controlled state legislature or education department might limit a parent’s ability to use a religious curriculum. 

State schools superintendent Ryan Walters has openly advocated for the adoption of Christian education and prayer in public schools.

However, some families chose to homeschool due to a profound mistrust of the government.

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Source: THEOKLAHOMANviaMSN