The Frontline

Latest Episodes:

Episode 65: AB 1955 California Bill to Protect Student-Teacher Secrets from Parents! May 30, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Nathan talks about AB 1955, a new bill that protects teachers and school administrators who choose not to inform parents when a student identifies as transgender. Since this bill applies to all types of public schools, it has implications for the broader culture and how we look at gender and the family. This bill goes to the heart of our homeschool freedoms which find their foundations on the two pillars of religious freedom and parental rights.

Mark your calendar for August 24th for Homeschool Freedom Day SanDiego!!!

https://fpmca.org/hfd2024/

AB 1955 Bill Text

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240AB1955

FPM Bill Tracker

fpmca.org/billtracker

FPM Bill Summary and Action Item

fpmca.org/AB1955/

Episode 64: Mission of CDE Vs Homeschool Parents May 22, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of The Frontline, Nathan discusses Ecclesiastes 12:13, President Trump's policies and their potential impact on the judiciary. He also details Governor Newsom's stance on democracy, climate change and moral authority. Finally, he explains the mission and focus of the California Department of Education and how it differs from that of individual homeschool families.

LA Times Article on Governor Newsom: https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-04-29/newsom-to-travel-to-the-vatican-for-climate-summit

CDE Roles & Responsibilities: https://www.cde.ca.gov/eo/mn/rr/

FPM Website: https://fpmca.org

Episode 63: New Bill Redistributes Money from Big Tech to California Journalists May 03, 2024

Show notes

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.

Episode 62: Parental Rights, Education Freedom, and School Choice Apr 26, 2024

Show notes

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/

Episode 61: Legislative Update with Bills to Watch and Need for Volunteers - Free Webinar Apr 19, 2024

Show notes

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

Episode 60: Does This Fit Reality? Apr 12, 2024

Show notes

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

Episode 59: New Vaccine Law Q&A and Event News Apr 05, 2024

Show notes

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/

Episode 58: Happy Easter and CHSPE/HiSET Update with Will Estrada Mar 29, 2024

Show notes

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.

Episode 57: Legislative Update and Words of Encouragement Mar 22, 2024

Show notes

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

Episode 56: An Inside Look at FPM's 2024 Capitol Day Mar 08, 2024

Show notes

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.

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