In this informative and engaging talk, Will discusses the homeschool law in Pennsylvania. He covers what parents should know, relevant court decisions and legislation, and issues HSLDA has been working on, both legislatively and legally.

The progressive movement believes that all children should be trained in their value system. This is why there are multiple assaults on parental rights in education, medicine, religious upbringing, and more. The homeschooling movement has long been a flashpoint for parental rights clashes—and the groundwork is being laid for an increased assault on our rights and freedoms. We are not the only targets, but we will be the most effective force in fighting for the rights of all parents.

As one of the nation’s leading constitutional lawyers, and an activist for homeschooling, parental rights, religious freedom, and the right to life, Mike Farris has gained a lifetime of knowledge and insights. However, he has learned the key of communicating advanced truths in everyday language that will help both homeschooling parents and students to learn the key principles of the Constitution and how to have an effective role as a freedom-loving citizen.

Will draws on his 20+ years of experience as a federal lobbyist, federal bureaucrat, candidate for public office, and HSLDA attorney to discuss how homeschoolers can engage with their federal representatives. He shares tips on how homeschool families can effectively engage with their federal representatives, explains what HSLDA is doing on the national scene, and discusses UN treaties, future threats, and opportunities.

Education for the masses is a relatively recent phenomenon that grew out of a Christian desire to know God and His Word. The advent of government control of education, by contrast, was a distinctly anti-Christian project with roots in communism and a plan to build utopia. Men such as Robert Owen, Horace Mann, and John Dewey were all united in the push to radically transform society using education as the means. In this explosive talk, Alex Newman breaks down the hidden history of education that will shock you to the core and explain how society ended up in the mess it finds itself in.

Do you know what to do if Child Protection Services knocks at your door? In this workshop, Homeschool Idaho Board member, Melissa Nash will walk you through the Idaho Homeschool education requirements and the Idaho Department of Health and Welfares’ policies and procedures so you are prepared if your doorbell rings.

The Bible teaches more about government than it does about heaven. But for several generations, pastors and churches have remained largely silent on the issue, partly due to concerns about their tax exemption. This is inexcusable. The Bible calls on leaders to teach the full counsel of God. America’s founders understood the biblical view of government, and that is why Americans have been blessed for centuries with security, peace, prosperity, and liberty. In this talk, Alex will go into great detail on what the Scriptures teach.

This session covers everything you need to know about your state’s homeschool law so you can homeschool with confidence. It includes a thorough presentation of the basics with plenty of time for questions.

Learn about legislative changes that have occurred in 2025 and about legislative changes coming down the road. Also learn about Jeremy's role as the Homeschool Iowa lobbyist and why that role is important to homeschool families.

A group of adults embittered by their homeschool experience, and friends who sympathize with them, have coalesced into the most serious threat to homeschool freedom nationwide in decades. They are smart, articulate, and media savvy. If you believe it’s your job to rear and educate your kids, they have a name for you: “parental rights extremist.” Come find out who they are, what they have done, what they are planning on doing, and how to respond to their arguments.

We have worked for decades to keep homeschooling as independent as possible from government influence, and for good reasons! But now the idea that the government should fund homeschooling is gaining steam. Several states have already enacted laws, and several others may do it soon. It may be a so-called “education savings account” (which is not a savings account at all!) where government money is put into an account a homeschool family can use. Or it may be a refundable tax credit designed to give many families a “refund” that is greater than the tax they owe. Regardless of the feel-good names attached to these programs, the bitter fact remains that government funding inevitably leads to government strings and the loss of independence. Come to this session to hear an in-depth discussion of these and related issues.

Navigate the legal landscape of homeschooling in Michigan. Join experienced Michigan attorneys, Dave and Steve Kallman, as they walk you through the state’s homeschooling laws. Whether you're just beginning your homeschooling journey or are a seasoned educator looking for a legal refresher, this session will equip you with the tools and knowledge to homeschool confidently and legally. Dave and Steve Kallman will provide expert insights and practical tips to help you stay on the right side of the law. This session will also include time for Q&A, so come ready with any legal questions you may have about homeschooling in Michigan!

Having decided to homeschool a child, the parent's next job is to take some time to fully understand the homeschool laws. A family that does not do this runs the risk of a court intervening in their family's life. In this session, Attorney Scott Woodruff will fully explain first the Kansas homeschool law, then the Missouri homeschool laws. You can homeschool confidently once you are solid on understanding and following the homeschool laws!

Opening session, primarily Nebraska Christian Home Educators Association Board members. Review of speakers, history of NCHEA, thanking sponsors, Conference Committee members, etc.

The 2024 election season was the most divisive and slanderous in history, and many of us are breathing a sigh of relief that it's finally over. For many Christians, regardless of who’s in office, the future seems darker and more uncertain than ever. Don’t think for a minute that your homeschooled teens and youngers don’t see and feel it too. Your kids will find peace when they see you find peace - resting in the knowledge that, regardless of worldly politics and election outcomes, God is still on His throne and retains absolute, sovereign control. We will learn how this powerful Biblical truth can bring calm in the chaos. Parents will leave feeling confident about discipling their kids with a Biblical view of the heart- wrenching national trend toward evil and help them use it to impact the culture for Christ!

Dr. Pietersma discusses "school choice," the role of money and government control, and includes ESA's (Education Savings Accounts), Biblical precedents, statistical analysis, and draws very carefully considered conclusions - the government's concept of "school choice" is not something a Christian home educator should be in favor of. Please listen to this session!

In state after state, the School Choice movement is being pushed as the answer educational freedom for families. The reality is that School Choice initiatives not only don’t deliver on their promises, but they are a threat to homeschool freedoms. You have probably heard statements like these:
“We need school choice!”
“The money should follow the student!”
“They’re my tax dollars!”
“If you don’t want regulations, just don’t take the money!”
OCEANetwork Board member Tauna Meyer addresses these statements and shares why School Choice initiatives and government funding of private education is NOT the answer. Learn about the blessings of true homeschool freedom for families and how, by the grace of God, we can protect those freedoms for generations to come. 

School Choice Resources

School Choice Session Notes

Government, history, economics…these topics usually put students AND parents to sleep, yet they are some of the most important things we’ll teach if we expect the next generation to be good citizens and preserve the republic. In this presentation, Rick shares tips and methods for bringing history and civics to life, keeping it fun, engaging the students, seeking truth, and making the lessons count for generations to come.

This session covers everything you need to know about Iowa’s homeschool law so you can homeschool with confidence. It includes a thorough presentation of the basics with plenty of time for questions.

– Jeremy Vos is the Homeschool Iowa Lobbyist - Many states across the nation have opened Educational Savings Account funding to homeschooling families. While Iowa currently limits ESAs to parents using private accredited schools, the possibility of expansion is real. What are the potential effects and possible concerns?

Hear from our Homeschool Iowa Lobbyist, Jeremy Voss, about our efforts to keep homeschooling rights secure. Find out about proposed legislation and learn how you can be a partner.

Is the PA Homeschool Law a total jumble to you? Are you confused about the paperwork? What about all those requirements? Have your fears and confusion allayed as Ginger explains the process and the details of homeschooling in PA.

Will breaks down Pennsylvania’s homeschool law in easy-to-understand steps to help you homeschool with confidence. He also highlights legal issues and legislation that impact homeschooling and shares some of the ways he is advocating on behalf of homeschooling families.

In this informative talk, Will discusses the law in your state, and how homeschool families can take steps to protect their children from abuse and neglect, as well as from unnecessary and traumatic investigations by CPS investigators.

Do you know what to do if Child Protection Services knocks at your door? In this workshop, Homeschool Idaho Board member, Melissa Nash will walk you through the Idaho Homeschool education requirements and the Idaho Department of Health and Welfares’ policies and procedures so you are prepared if your doorbell rings.

Can your students read between the lines? Decode advertisements? Interpret political cartoons? Make judgments about logic? Discern between inevitable biases and compromising agendas? Take counterarguments seriously? Pinpoint ideology? Contextualize events in history? Tease out nuance? Define subtlety? Take apart rhetoric? Account for psychology? Distinguish between intuition and reason? Assess the impact of the medium? Discuss images vs. text vs. video? Read laterally? Research reliably? Uncover original sources? Identify circumstantial evidence? Tolerate boredom? Frame and characterize charitably? Distinguish between facts, opinions, and value judgments? Distinguish between readily-available sources, well-financed sources, aesthetically-pleasing sources, and good sources? Breakdown satire? Unpack persuasiveness? Co-exist with misinformation, disinformation, and fake news? Literacy with today’s media requires a world of insights from history, philosophy, psychology, sociology, and media studies. Come learn how to structure a course that targets all layers of a student’s needs in today’s information and media environment.

Why do military families choose to homeschool? The last survey completed by Blue Star Families estimates that at least 6% of military families homeschool. This number is continuing to rise post-COVID as more military families choose to homeschool. This session will give an overview of these reasons and examine some of the challenges—and solutions—to homeschooling military-style.

In a rapidly changing world, it can be both scary and confusing to shepherd our kids through their years of homeschooling. Learn tried and true methods that will give you confidence and wisdom when you feel stuck or lost.

This session will be presented by Great Lakes Justice Center Attorneys Dave & Steve Kallman. In the 1990's, Dave Kallman represented the families who fought bravely to win our homeschool freedom here in Michigan. He will be giving us a thorough outline on how to currently homeschool in Michigan legally. His son, Steve Kallman, will also be presenting with him. Steve currently serves on the MICHN board as legal counsel.

An inspiring Biblical and historical perspective of God’s faithfulness in the past, present, and future, and a compelling look at the scriptural charge to be salt and light in our society. James will be joined by Joe Cecil, current president of Student Statesmanship Institute, for this powerful presentation.

Michigan has not always enjoyed the freedom to homeschool like we have today. Join attorneys Dave and Steve Kallman as they give a thorough review of the hard fought legal battle that has given us freedom to school and disciple our children at home.

Literacy in early America was at its highest until the responsibility for education was stolen from parents by the government. When nineteenth-century Massachusetts parents resisted new mandates to hand their children over to government schools, they were met swiftly with threats of violence. The long arm of the law won the battle by physically enforcing attendance, and literacy rates dropped like a rock after that. Where did education begin in the first place, and how did it end up on its downward trajectory of today?

Through a Biblical worldview lens, Professor Wagner looks at the unalienable right of parents to direct and control the upbringing of their children- especially in regards to their education.

Homeschooling in Idaho had a rough start and this quick look back reminds us how far we've come and how vigilantly we must guard our hard earned freedom

This session will provide updates related to the $6,000 Academic, CTE, and North Dakota Scholarship programs. Highlights include the requirements for each scholarship, legislative updates, and the transition and timeline from the traditional Academic/CTE Scholarship to the new North Dakota Scholarship aligned with Choice Ready. Specific emphasis will also be given to the procedures for home educated students to apply for and receive the scholarship.

In this session, Jeff and Wes discuss why a revival of Civics and Constitutional education for our children is key to a bright future for America. You will receive tools to immediately implement strategies and learning opportunities for your students.

This session covers everything you need to know about Iowa’s homeschool law so you can homeschool with confidence. It includes a thorough presentation of the basics with plenty of time for questions.

Sooner or later, we all have it: the most absolutely horrendous day of our lives. Maybe it’s a whole week! You know the story: Job goes through terrible suffering, God responds, and Job’s fortunes are restored. But there’s more to the story. In this session, Scott reveals the powerful, hidden tools within Job’s story that can help you not just survive, but overcome, when your day of testing comes. It could turn out to be your finest hour.

Parenting can bring out the worst in us. Every unresolved conflict and unhealed wound threatens to destroy us as soon as we enter on the perilous path of parenting. So why in the world could you possibly think you could adequately parent your child? Because a shocking, miraculous divine grace has chosen you. God knows every one of your failures and flaws, and He still picked you to be the parent of your child! In this session, Scott presents God’s plan of redemption as it is worked out through broken parents rearing chosen children. Parents who have bought into the pessimism of our age and are ready to give up will leave this session with powerful reason for hope, excitement, and confidence.

Hear from our Homeschool Iowa Lobbyist, Jeremy Vos, about our efforts to keep homeschooling rights secure. Find out about proposed legislation and learn how you can be a partner.

Homeschooling has gone mainstream and with its growth has come all manner of variations: pod, micro, bridge, co-op, and etc. The list seems endless. They all claim to be homeschool and each has their own benefits, drawbacks, and unique features. But what does homeschool really mean, particularly in Idaho? What are all the options out there and what do they involve? How do you decide which option best fits your needs? Learn the basics of them all.

This message comes from an all-star team. Learn how to legally homeschool in Michigan. Attorney Dave Kallman, who fought to legalize homeschooling in Michigan in the 1990's will join our Michigan HSLDA attorney to covers everything you need to know about our homeschool law, so you can homeschool with confidence. It includes a thorough presentation of the basics with plenty of time for questions.

One day a terrible parent in your state may do something criminal to a child-and the media may push the narrative that because the child was homeschooled, more restrictions should be placed on homeschooling families. This session will analyze some real-life situations where this has actually happened and equip you to give a compassionate, commonsense answer when family, friends, coworkers, or the local media assert that the problem is not enough homeschool regulations.

You don't know when it could be you. But knowing beforehand what to do when a caseworker knocks on your door can mean the difference between quickly resolving a child abuse / neglect investigation and watching helplessly as a caseworker takes your children away and puts them in a foster home. After helping more than a thousand families in abuse and neglect investigations, Scott offers wisdom based on experience. This presentation includes an easy-to-understand explanation of the 4th Amendment, six proven strategies, and instruction that may help you keep your family together should government agents appear on your doorstep.

When a social worker knocks on your door and announces you are being investigated for abuse or neglect, what should you do? A very innocent misstep could mean your kids are whisked away. Scott Woodruff will provide a short explanation of the 4th Amendment and then offer valuable tips and strategies he has developed while helping families for over 22 years.

A 50-minute crash course in the Constitution, including an explanation of the Constitution versus the COURTstitution and how we can restore our Constitutional Republic.

When good people don’t understand the homeschool laws, bad things can happen! Based on over 22 years of helping homeschool families around the country, Mr. Woodruff will give a thorough, but understandable explanation of the ins and outs of Pennsylvania homeschool law.

When Zan Tyler was threatened with jail in 1984 for teaching her son at home, she was forced to count the costs ofhomeschooling and decide if it was really worth it. Zan learned powerful lessons about fighting for freedom, family, and faith that remain pertinent today. Our nation is at a crossroads where the liberties we often take for granted are at stake. We are one lawsuit, law, or treaty away from watching our freedom erode. We must all work to preserve our homeschool freedoms, while intentionally raising up a new generation of freedom fighters. This session will encourage and equip you with powerful principles to share with your children and teens.

(This is a duplicate of Friday session 304) How to start, where to find curriculum, when to school, and what a typical day looks like are some of the areas discussed. Get an understanding of Rule 13 and gain valuable information for your homeschool journey. This workshop is a MUST for new homeschoolers.

From a Biblical perspective, this session explains when God instituted Government, the proper role of civil Government, and the Christian's role in the context of civil government. Hear about transforming biblical principles as they pertain to you and the governing authority that God has ordained.

In this session, join us as we discuss why a revival of Civics and Constitutional education for our children is key to a bright future for America. You will come away with tools to immediately implement strategies and learning opportunities for your students.

Dan breaks down Pennsylvania’s homeschool law in easy-to-understand steps to help you homeschool with confidence. He also highlights legal issues and legislation that impact homeschooling and shares some of the ways he is advocating on behalf of homeschooling families.

The first step in safeguarding your homeschool is knowing your state’s homeschool law. Dan regularly communicates with school officials, social workers, and others regarding the legal requirements and legitimacy of homeschooling. In this workshop, Dan makes sure you know what is legally required of you while equipping you to confidently handle interactions with government officials.

This session is for anyone looking for information about evaluations. It is for those who are preparing to meet with an evaluator as well as those who might be interested in becoming an evaluator. We will look at the requirements in Pennsylvania Home Education Law for both. There will also be time for questions. Barb will share her experience in doing evaluations over the past 21 years.

Pennsylvania is one of the most regulated states for homeschooling. It is considered one of the “hardest” states to homeschool in, but it’s not as difficult as it seems. Come hear about how easy it is to meet the law requirements, see what a simple portfolio looks like, hear a description of what an evaluation looks like, and ask all your homeschool law related questions.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, homeschooling has exploded. Millions of new homeschool students are experiencing the benefits of a customized education at home. But the growth of homeschooling has also caught the eye of policymakers who want to help—and those who don’t. Dan will bring you up to date on homeschooling trends and equip you to advance homeschooling freedom into the future.

HSLDA membership? That’s some kind of legal thing, isn’t it? If you think you know what membership in HSLDA is all about, think again! From one-on-one advice from our educational consultants to nationwide store discounts, HSLDA provides so much more than legal peace of mind for your homeschool. Discover the ins and outs of HSLDA and why your membership might be the best $12-a-month investment around.

Looking for ways to engage your student in the political process, but don’t know where to start? Generation Joshua, HSLDA’s offshoot for youth engagement, assists parents in raising up the next generation of Christian leaders and citizens by equipping them to positively influence the political processes of today and tomorrow. As an HSLDA attorney and GenJ alumna, Amy will share how GenJ empowers through relationships and how it will inspire your student to engage in the political process.

The moment every parent dreads: a social worker knocks on your door. What do you do? Knowing beforehand how to respond can mean the difference between quickly resolving a CPS investigation and being subjected to the difficulty of an unnecessary, potentially traumatic experience. During this talk, Amy will equip you with an easy-to-understand explanation of the 4th Amendment, preemptive strategies, and instructions for how to respond if an official shows up at your door.

Between a worldwide pandemic and a new administration, the face of homeschooling looks dramatically different than it did even a year ago. Amy will talk through what you should expect for homeschooling freedom, potential influences from the federal and state legislation, and why there are so many reasons for hope.

With passion and humor, Rick outlines the timeless principles of liberty which allowed America to become the most successful nation in history; not perfect, not infallible, and certainly not indestructible, but something exceptional and extraordinary… truly unique in all of history. Rick and his kids will share powerful stories and principles from Legends of Liberty throughout history and then leave the audience with specific action steps for applying those principles to our personal and family lives while preserving them for future generations.

In this powerfully moving presentation, Rick Green and his four children use the stories of great world-changers to inspire each of us to discover our passion, plan our purpose, and execute our plan. With just a little sacrifice on our part, we can preserve liberty for future generations by living out our freedom with purpose and passion.

What does the 2nd Amendment really mean to your family? Most important, how do you practically live out your rights & defend your family? Is it Biblical to use force to stop violence against your loved ones? Rick & his family will share the history of the 2nd Amendment and how they, as a family, have enjoyed learning together how to defend themselves and others. You will learn how to intellectually defend the Constitution, but also get some practical and powerful tips on the actual, physical defense of your family.

Are Quarantines and other Covid restrictions Constitutional? In this presentation, Rick answers the questions raised as we are living out what seems like a dystopian novel. How far can the government restrict your movements, your church gatherings, and your ability to work? What criteria must be met for a public health emergency to trigger the things we are seeing across the Nation? Where do you go for due process if government overreaches it’s constitutional authority? What can we do to restore rational, scientific, constitutional responses to this and future situations?

Politicians and bureaucrats across the country are getting ready right now to push a new vaccine on children, even when parents object. This could result in a tidal wave of attacks upon many homeschoolers across the country. As an experienced parental rights attorney, Heritage Defense attorney Bradley Pierce will discuss what parental rights challenges lay ahead and the three things every family should be doing right now to prepare for them.

Mrs. Deckert will cover the North Dakota requirements for home schooling. She will also give many practical hints including suggestions for lesson planning and record keeping. This is the place to start if you are just beginning the home education journey or are just “checking it out.”