In this week's episode of The Frontline, Nathan talks about how a new bill by Senator Glazer places a new tax on tech companies to start a new government funded program for journalists. This bill will affect how journalism operates in California. The influence of journalism on the public perception of homeschooling is powerful, and we must remain aware of how homeschooling and parental rights are being represented to the general public. Nathan also talks about the upcoming CHEA Convention on May 9-11. Check out FPM's event page for more details.

In this episode of The Frontline, Nathan talks about the concept of school choice and education savings accounts. He explains that school choice refers to government-funded programs that provide alternative education options outside of traditional public schools. The term 'education savings accounts' (ESAs) can have different meanings depending on the context, such as individuals putting their own money into a government-controlled account or the government providing funds for education. Nathan highlights the confusion and controversy surrounding these terms and emphasizes the need to understand the specific context when discussing them. He also mentions two articles that provide further information on the topic. Overall, FPM urges parents to consider the range of educational options already available and to carefully evaluate the trade-offs between freedom and government funding in school choice discussions. Government money always comes with government control, and we must be wary of false funding promises that threaten homeschool freedoms. Links Should we take government money: https://fpmca.org/takegovt/ The reality of school choice: https://fpmca.org/govtfunds/ Homeschool Backgrounder on School Choice: https://homeschoolingbackgrounder.com/school-choice-expensive-ineffective-damaging-with-resource-restrictions-and-parent-dissatisfaction/ NHERI Article on School Choice: https://www.nheri.org/private-education-welfare-school-choice-and-tax-funded-esas-vouchers-and-refunds/

In this episode of The Frontline, Nathan provides a legislative update and discusses several bills. This week, we are focusing on two kindergarten bills (AB 2226 and SB 1056) that mandate kindergarten prior to entry into first grade in public schools. However, these bills do not apply to private homeschooling or private school enrollment thanks to FPM's amendment language. Nathan also mentions AB 2998, which allows students on public school campuses to carry drugs to reverse opioid overdose. He also talks about AB 1864, which clarifies pesticide use near schools and homes. Finally, don't forget to visit the FPM's website (https://fpmca.org) for more articles and information on upcoming events, including a training session on engaging in local district office visits. The importance of homeschool families engaging with legislators at the local level cannot be overstated. You are the best defenders that homeschooling has available! Webinar Registration: https://cheaofca.regfox.com/district-visits-101-from-advocacy-to-action

In this episode of The Frontline, Nathan discusses an opinion piece written in USA Today regarding homeschooling and the need to regulate it in order to prevent abuse. Nathan discusses some of the findings of researchers such as Dr. Ray and Dr. Shaquille regarding the likelihood of abuse in a homeschooling setting. Their findings directly contradict the dubious claims made in this opinion piece, and show the folly in focusing on homeschooling as "hotbed" of maltreatment of students instead of focusing on situations where abuse is much more common such as in the public school system. For more information on what Nathan discussed today, check out the links below: USA Today article: https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2024/04/04/homeschooling-child-abuse-reporting-laws/73178861007/ NHERI: https://www.nheri.org/ HSLDA: https://hslda.org/ US Department of Ed: https://www.ed.gov/ FPM Advocacy Webinar Registration: https://cheaofca.regfox.com/district-visits-101-from-advocacy-to-action

In this episode of The Frontline, Nathan discusses the facts of AB 659 and what it means for private school administrators and homeschooling parents. There is a great deal of confusion about what this bill does. Is it a vaccine mandate? Who does this bill apply to? How do I make sure I comply? Nathan answers all these questions and more in this Q&A episode of The Frontline. You can also find a summary of this bill's effects on our website at the link below. AB 659 FAQ: https://fpmca.org/2024/04/04/ab659/ Upcoming Events: https://fpmca.org/events/ FPM Bill Tracker: https://fpmca.org/billtracker/

The HiSET, formerly known as the CHSPE, is a proficiency exam that homeschool graduates in California can take. While it is not mandatory, it can be helpful for homeschool graduates who face discrimination when applying to colleges or state jobs. Recently, an HSLDA member family encountered a problem when trying to register for the HiSET. They received an automated message stating that they needed accredited transcripts from a public school, which was not required by law. HSLDA sent a legal letter citing relevant court cases and the family's homeschool transcripts, resulting in the California Department of Education updating their registration process to include homeschoolers. This outcome is seen as a victory for homeschooling rights in California. HSLDA also shared another example of successfully challenging a requirement for accredited diplomas for phlebotomy licenses. The work of HSLDA, CHEA and Family Protection Ministries in California is crucial in defending homeschooling freedoms. Why do homeschool graduates in California face discrimination when applying to colleges or state jobs? Homeschool graduates in California face discrimination when applying to colleges or state jobs because some institutions may not recognize homeschool diplomas as equivalent to traditional high school diplomas. This can create challenges for homeschool graduates who want to pursue higher education or certain careers. However, taking the HiSET exam can help homeschool graduates demonstrate diploma equivalency and potentially overcome this discrimination.

In this episode of the Frontline, Nathan offers some encouragement in times of persecution found in Psalm 18. He also gives an overview of some of the bills that FPM is dealing with currently, including bills dealing with mandatory kindergarten, minor consent to medical care, and school drinking water. These new bills address similar issues to bills we have dealt with in the prior year of this session, and we will notify you of any imminent threats to homeschooling or parental rights if they arise. To follow the most recent updates with these and other bills, check out our bill tracker at https://fpmca.org/billtracker

In this episode of the Frontline, get an inside look at some clips of our 2024 Capitol Day speakers. You can hear pieces of the speakers' larger discussions during FPM's training day before visiting the State Capitol the following morning.

In this episode of The Frontline, Nathan discusses legislative issues in California, focusing on bills related to mandatory kindergarten and minors' consent to medical care. Additionally, Nathan discusses the definition of "school of record" for those considering dual enrollment here in California. To learn more, visit the link to our article below.We here at FPM need prayer for wisdom in analyzing and understanding the many bills we are dealing with. Don't forget to sign up for FPM's email alerts to take action to protect family and homeschooling freedoms in California when the need inevitably arises. You can check out our daily-updated bill tracker on our website at the link below to stay up to date on legislation.School of Record Article: https://fpmca.org/2024/02/27/understanding-school-of-record/FPM Bill Tracker: https://fpmca.org/billtracker/Charter School Article: https://fpmca.org/california-chart-schools-what-the-law-says-pertaining-to-religious-instruction/

In this episode of the Frontline, Nathan discusses four key words: detect, analyze, monitor, and intervene. These words describe how Family Protection Ministries engages in legislation that impacts the family. They detect problematic bills, analyze their impact, monitor their progress, and intervene by proposing amendments or changes to the bills. Nathan and staff also work with legislators and committee staff to ensure their proposed amendments align with other proposed changes. Currently, we here at FPM are reviewing a large number of bills that have been introduced in the legislature as the introduction deadline arrives.Links:CHEA Con 2024: https://www.cheaofca.org/convention/2024-general-info/The Legislative Process: https://fpmca.org/life-cycle-of-legislation/FPM Bill Tracker: https://fpmca.org/billtracker/

In this episode of the Frontline, Nathan shares some verses of encouragement that will hopefully provide you with peace and security in God's control over the many conflicts we are seeing in government and culture today. Nathan also shares some of the newest resources that FPM has created to help you and your entire family get involved in advocating for homeschool freedoms. For more information, visit https://fpmca.org to access even more of our advocacy resources.

In this episode of the Frontline, Nathan explains this year's round of homeschool testing and the importance that these tests hold for the survival of homeschool freedoms. Follow this link to participate in this study: https://www.cheaofca.org/2024-academic-achievement-study/ The purpose of the testing is to collect data on homeschool students' academic performance compared to traditionally educated students in order to show legislators that homeschooling is effective and does not require further regulation, including required testing. You can read FPM's article about testing, titled "Beef Jerky and Bubble Tests" at this link: https://fpmca.org/2022/06/27/beefjerkyandbubbletests/ Additionally, you can read the Washington Post article Nathan discussed (with a subscription) at this link: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/01/15/home-schooling-best-fit-some-families/

In this episode of The Frontline, Nathan dives into an editorial from the Washington Post that calls for more regulation of homeschooling families on a state level. Nathan goes through a number of rebuttals to the claims in this article, and gives a Biblical explanation for FPM's position against state regulation of homeschooling. For more information on the philosophy behind this response and to learn more about FPM's work, visit https://fpmca.org

In this episode of The Frontline, Nathan talks about some of the latest threats and reminds us that even if the government wants to provide guidance on how to determine truth, we can be confident that God’s word is always reliable. He also talks about the freedom we currently have to teach truth without fear of persecution and the need to protect that freedom. He also gives two goals for advocacy in 2024 that anyone can participate in. Don't forget to apply for Capitol Day! Time is running out to reserve your spot to join us next week in Sacramento. Capitol Day Application: https://fpmca.org/2023/11/14/cap2024/ We can do more for freedom in 2024: https://fpmca.org/2023/12/31/we-can-do-more-for-freedom-in-2024/ Bill Tracker: https://fpmca.org/billtracker/ Sacbee Article: https://www.sacbee.com/news/local/crime/article281705383.html

In this second half of their two-part interview, Nathan and homeschool author Israel Wayne discuss the three waves of attacks that have been leveled against homeschooling over the past few decades. These attacks, typically perpetrated by media outlets, have sought to delegitimize homeschooling as both a practice and as a community. For more information about Israel Wayne, the attacks currently happening, or to watch Part 1, check out the links below.Part 1: https://youtu.be/8THyWzcB9JsFPM Website: https://fpmca.org Family Renewal: https://familyrenewal.org Michigan Homeschool Organization: https://www.michn.org WaPo Article About Homeschool Regulations: https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2023/12/06/michigan-homeschool-regulations-child-abuse/ WaPo Article About evil treatment of homeschooled child by their stepmother: https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/interactive/2023/homeschooling-child-abuse-torture-roman-lopez/?fbclid=IwAR27SdKiDBGV-xpEtOvHXaPlKwM4uJNPRk67tVRAFazozUD3B4wOc8zDgkw&itid=lk_interstitial_manual_5 WaPo Article about Dr. Brian Ray: https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2023/12/11/brian-ray-homeschool-student-outcomes/

In this first installment of their two-part interview, Nathan is joined by homeschool author and speaker Israel Wayne to discuss the recent barrage of attacks on homeschooling by major media outlets. There are numerous resources that can help dispel these claims made against homeschooling. These resources are linked below, along with FPM's website: FPM Website: https://fpmca.org Michigan Homeschool Organization: https://www.michn.org WaPo Article About Homeschool Regulations: https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2023/12/06/michigan-homeschool-regulations-child-abuse/ WaPo Article About evil treatment of homeschooled child by their stepmother: https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/interactive/2023/homeschooling-child-abuse-torture-roman-lopez/?fbclid=IwAR27SdKiDBGV-xpEtOvHXaPlKwM4uJNPRk67tVRAFazozUD3B4wOc8zDgkw&itid=lk_interstitial_manual_5 WaPo Article about Dr. Brian Ray: https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2023/12/11/brian-ray-homeschool-student-outcomes/

This week on the Frontline, Nathan is once again joined by Dr. Brian Ray, President of the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI). In this interview, they discuss some of the most recent accusations made against homeschooling families and the homeschooling community at large by outlets such as the Washington Post. Dr. Brian Ray shares some of the results from his most recent and now largest study on homeschooling and child safety. For more information on FPM, visit https://fpmca.org For more information on NHERI and their work, visit https://www.nheri.org

This week on the Frontline, Nathan is joined by his wife Betsy! They discuss the many ways that busy homeschool moms can still make a difference, even if they are unable to directly take part in advocacy. Being a sender can mean many things, whether it's writing letters, providing support for others to take part in advocacy, or even creating independent groups for advocating together! Betsy shares helpful tips and encouragement on all of these topics and more, and we hope this episode can serve as an encouragement to you and your homeschool groups. For more information and to read Betsy's full article, visit https://fpmca.org/sender/

This week on the Frontline Podcast, Nathan interviews Andrew Pudewa on homeschool freedom, along with some family tips and IEW history.

This week marks the first birthday of the Frontline Podcast !In today's episode, Nathan discusses Acts 16, and encourages us to remember that we still have many more freedoms than in nearly all of history, and that even in the worst of circumstances, God is still our refuge.