WHEREAS, The state of Washington acknowledges the paramount significance and fundamental right of parents to proactively direct the education of their children; and
     WHEREAS, The state of Washington appropriately recognizes, by law, the right to home education as a legitimate and viable alternative to other forms of education; and
     WHEREAS, Homeschooling has grown from a handful of students in 1973 to more than two million students today in grades K-12; and
     WHEREAS, Five to ten percent of all school children have learning disabilities. The number of children with learning disabilities being taught at home could be as high as 50,000 nationally, not including children who may have severe special needs, such as those with cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, or medical reasons for not being placed in a school setting; and
     WHEREAS, Children educated in the home receive sound academic instruction, this instruction is bolstered by the at-home educational process; and
     WHEREAS, The state of Washington is committed to excellence in scholarship and exemplary student achievement; and
     WHEREAS, Studies affirm that children educated at home excel with distinction on nationally calibrated achievement tests, demonstrate healthy self-awareness and civic virtue, while being fully prepared to thrive in and contribute to society at large; and
     WHEREAS, This exceptional academic achievement among homeschoolers is consistent regardless of family income; and
     WHEREAS, In addition to outstanding academics, homeschool students participate in a variety of outside activities and opportunities for socialization including music and dance classes, volunteer work, church activities, field trips, group sports, dances, parties, and more; and
     WHEREAS, The instruction of children in the home was the preeminent means of education for much of America's early years; and
     WHEREAS, The United States has produced many prominent and noteworthy home-schooled students including George and Martha Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Abigail Adams, John Quincy Adams, Thomas Edison, Helen Keller, Susan B. Anthony, Franklin Roosevelt, Patrick Henry, Abraham Lincoln, Booker T. Washington, and Woodrow Wilson; and
     WHEREAS, Many parents of home-schooled students accept an additional financial responsibility to provide for their children's education, while also paying taxes that support Washington's public school system; and
     WHEREAS, Some parent educators devote innumerable hours to assist children in their pursuit and acquisition of academic excellence, profound patriotism, and civic responsibility in order to become productive citizens; and
     WHEREAS, It is appropriate that Washington's home education families be recognized for their sacrificial contribution to the quality of education in this great state;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Senate of the state of Washington hereby honor, thank, and celebrate the home education families in the state.