Every child deserves an education tailored for their learning needs.  In some instances, the best option for a family is to choose home schooling for their student.  Today, the more than one million Americans who currently go to school at home face many disadvantages.  We need to level the playing field for all America's students. 

That is why I am cosponsoring the Home School Education Non-Discrimination Act (HONDA).  This bill clarifies that the federal government has no control over home schooling and corrects several federal practices which negatively impact home education.  It will make the following reforms:

           -Make sure home school graduates and the institutions that enroll them are eligible for federal financial aid

           -Guarantee home educators in all states access to Coverdell Education Savings Accounts;

           -Improve protection of home school student records;

           -Allow home-educated students to work during traditional school hours;

           -Clarify that home school students not be evaluated for special education services if they are not seeking the service under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act;

           -Grant application eligibility to all home school children for the prestigious Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program;

These reforms are necessary for the education of our children.  I will continue to work to protect the rights of home-educated students and their families.