Alberta Education has released their 2017 Standards for Home Education Reimbursement document. The changes AHEA informed home educator's about on June 17 ( Alberta Education Review of Home Education Reimbursements ) have been made.

Both the document and a summary of significant changes to the document are included on Alberta Education's website. Many of the changes AHEA and home educator's advocated for have been incorporated.

Changes worth noting are:

• 50% off music lessons may be reimbursed. This includes private music lessons.
• Musical instrument rental may now be reimbursed (to a max of 50% of parent's funding).
• The complete admissions to recreational activities (such as ski passes or multiuse facilities) may be reimbursed. Family passes are reimbursable if it is less expensive than individual student rates.
• 50% of internet services may be reimbursed for the entire year (not just September to June)

You may view the document and the explanation of changes on the Alberta Education website https://education.alberta.ca/home-education-blended-programs/responsibilities/everyone/resources/

On June 16, AHEA president, Patty Marler, along with school board associations and another home school advocacy group were invited by Alberta Education to discuss the Standards for Home Education Reimbursement. Alberta Education remained true to their word in reviewing and revisiting the document by the end of the school year.

AHEA initially met with Alberta Education in September, 2016 regarding this document. At that point and in subsequent meetings, we outlined many concerns, concerns which you later confirmed in feedback to Alberta Education. All the work undertaken has had a positive impact!

AHEA is pleased that many of the concerns identified by AHEA and home educators were addressed in a revised draft version of the Standards document. The document continues to be 'a living document' with some of AHEA's recommendations from today's meeting being considered for the 2017/2018 document or the 2018/2019 document.

AHEA advocated for parental decision making in all educational reimbursements. However, due to abuses that have occurred over the years with home education funding reimbursements, the government was clear that guidelines will continue to be implemented.

While both home education advocacy groups did not agree on some of the change items being advocated for, Alberta Education did indicate that they would meet further with AHEA to discuss our suggestions for eligible resources.

AHEA also advocated for the release of this document prior to the start of the school year, as the October 2016 release date caused challenges for both parents and home education administrations. Assistant deputy Minister Boje and Minister Eggen's chief of staff Jeremy Nolais assured AHEA that the document would be finalized and released soon.

Minister Eggen's chief of staff indicated that the finances of all school administrations - not only home education administrations - are being closely scrutinized and reviewed. The Standards for Home Education Reimbursement reflect an outcome of the review of the home education component of education in Alberta.

As always, AHEA's Patty Marler advocated for a notification only option for home educators.

Patty Marler

AHEA President

The AHEA board has selected a new executive and redistributed board duties.

The new executive is as follows:

• President: Patty Marler
• Vice-President: Richard Yaceyko
• Secretary / Communications: Terry Yaceyko
• Treasurer: David Provins

Special board positions include:

• Media Relations: Paul van den Bosch
• Support Group Liaison / Convention Team Liaison / Special Needs Liaison / New Homeschooler Liaison : Tracy McNichol
• Government Liaison: Team of board members

We all look forward to our new board duties and responsibilities.

Minister Eggen became aware of some board redistributed and has responded:

"Dear Ms. Marler:

I would like to extend my congratulations to you on becoming president of the Alberta Home Education Association (AHEA).

As you know, our government believes all students should have a great education and a bright future. Even in challenging economic times, we are continuing to provide stable funding for education – whether it takes place in a public, separate or Francophone school, a charter school, a private school or at home.

Alberta Education is committed to working with our education partners, including parents, in the best interest of students. My department values the input and insight provided by the AHEA on behalf of home educating families. Your commitment to your membership is laudable, and I appreciate your willingness to collaborate on issues pertaining to the home education community.

I look forward to a continued productive relationship with the AHEA under your leadership.

Sincerely,

David Eggen
Minister"