Remarks of Gov. JUDY MARTZ
At the Montana Home Education Legislative Day
10:00 a.m., Wednesday, February 28, 2001
Capitol Rotunda

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For home schooling families, it is a shared belief that God intended parents to take the ultimate responsibility for the education and development of their children.

Through the home school format, parents may reinforce biblical teachings as fundamental to building character along with scholastic achievements. Home schoolers believe education involves not only academics but also development of moral character, discipleship, apprenticeship and stewardship.

Home schoolers believe that giving children the reason WHY they should “Just say no” to drugs is important.

Home schoolers believe that giving their children reasons WHY they should abstain from sexual activity before marriage. All of the reasons WHY are grounded in religious principles. Our public schools are not allowed to share these important reasons WHY. I understand that. We all understand that. However, it doesn’t make the reasons WHY any less important.

The reasons WHY are the most important lessons a parent can teach a child. And home schooling allows the parent to teach the lessons and the reasons why, simultaneously.

Montana has a strong home schooling tradition. Montana home schoolers, you can be assured that I will defend your right to teach your children according to the principles that matter most to you.

I want to congratulate the home schoolers for demonstrating a commitment to high scholastic standards. Your overall test scores show home schooled children are learning and learning well.

I want to encourage school districts to find ways to involve home schoolers in more activities and programs. Many schools are doing that and I commend them.

Thank you for the opportunity to join you here for this special celebration. May God bless each and every one of you as you train your child in the way he should go, so that when he –or she—becomes older, he will not depart from it.

Thank you. Good day, and God bless.

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