Bill opens classes, sports to home-schooled students

April 22, 2005, 10:51AM (Austin Chronicle)
Author says it's fair because their parents pay taxes
By APRIL CASTRO
Associated Press

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AUSTIN - Home-schooled students would be able to participate in public school classes and sports of their choosing and the state would reimburse the district for the cost under a billbeing considered in the House.

The proposal, which would be optional for districts and students, would be limited to about 2,000 students statewide.

Rep. Brian McCall, a Plano Republican who authored the bill, said the measure would give home-schooled students access to classes that parents might not have the resources for, such as a chemistry lab.

"The home-school students are paying property taxes to fund public schools anyway," McCall said. "How can we discriminate? It's only the right thing to do."