2026 Mid-Year Legislative Update with IAHE Action’s Kylene Varner | Episode 59

2026 Mid-Year Legislative Update with IAHE Action’s Kylene Varner | Episode 59

In this episode of Homeschool Indiana, Tara and Kylene explore recent legislative developments, including Trump's Big Beautiful Bill, the emergence of Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs), and the new Trump Savings Accounts. They discuss their implications for homeschooling families and how to navigate these changes while protecting educational freedom.   KEYWORDS IAHE, Homeschooling, SGOs, Trump Savings Accounts, Education Policy, Indiana, Federal Legislation, School Choice TAKEAWAYS * SGOs are expanding to include homeschoolers, but eligibility varies by organization. * Parents should research SGOs thoroughly before participating. * Government funding for homeschooling is controversial and can lead to increased regulation. * Trump Savings Accounts are still in development, with many details yet to be finalized.   Record a Question or a Comment for the Podcast >>> https://iahe.net/homeschool-indiana-podcast/ [https://iahe.net/homeschool-indiana-podcast/]  Support the work of the IAHE by becoming a member today >>> https://iahe.net/join/ [https://iahe.net/join/]  Join the conversation! >>> https://www.facebook.com/groups/IAHEchat/ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/IAHEchat/]  Stay informed about legislation that could affect homeschool families and see how IAHE Action is protecting those families>>> https://www.facebook.com/groups/931827063569402 [https://www.facebook.com/groups/931827063569402] Stay informed about current Indiana legislative sessions and bills - and contact your rep>>> https://iga.in.gov/ [https://iga.in.gov/]

Education Isn’t Neutral: Raising the Next Generation with Purpose | Episode 58

In this episode of Homeschool Indiana, Renton Rathbun shares his journey from secular educator to homeschooling advocate, emphasizing the importance of worldview in education and the role of faith in shaping the next generation. Discover practical insights on integrating a biblical worldview into all subjects and maintaining strong parent-child relationships in homeschooling.   KEYWORDS homeschooling, biblical worldview, education, faith, Christian education, IAHE TAKEAWAYS * Parents are the best people to teach their kids because they know their kids the best and are invested in their education.  * Education is not just data transfer - it’s about relationships and knowledge * Teaching our kids a biblical worldview teaches them that they need God for everything and He is in everything. * Relying on AI can lead to a loss of critical thinking skills. * Teaching our kids how to read the Bible and apply it is one of the most important things we can do.   Record a Question or a Comment for the Podcast >>> https://iahe.net/homeschool-indiana-podcast/ [https://iahe.net/homeschool-indiana-podcast/]  Support the work of the IAHE by becoming a member today >>> https://iahe.net/join/ [https://iahe.net/join/]  Join the conversation! >>> https://www.facebook.com/groups/IAHEchat/ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/IAHEchat/]  Explore resources for homeschool families>>> https://homefrontfamilies.com/ [https://homefrontfamilies.com/] Visit Renton’s website and listen to his podcast here>>> https://rentonrathbun.com/ [https://rentonrathbun.com/]

Defending Homeschool Freedom: Lessons from Connecticut’s Legislative Battle | Episode 57

In this episode of the Homeschool Indiana podcast, Tara interviews Timothy Knotts, a board member of Connecticut’s state homeschool association. Timothy shares insights on the recent legislative challenges faced by homeschoolers in Connecticut, the importance of defending homeschool freedom, and how community activism and political engagement can make a difference.   KEYWORDS homeschooling, homeschool legislation, homeschool freedom, Connecticut, education law, homeschool advocacy, homeschooling laws, homeschool community, legislative fight, IAHE   TAKEAWAYS * Staying informed about proposed legislation is important for protecting homeschool freedom and parental rights. * Connecticut passed legislation restricting homeschool freedom and requiring annual registration. * The new legislation raises concerns about due process for homeschool families. * Legislation like this can happen anywhere. * Critics of the legislation say this is about maintaining public school enrollment numbers. Record a Question or a Comment for the Podcast >>> https://iahe.net/homeschool-indiana-podcast/ [https://iahe.net/homeschool-indiana-podcast/]  Support the work of the IAHE by becoming a member today >>> https://iahe.net/join/ [https://iahe.net/join/]  Join the conversation! >>> https://www.facebook.com/groups/IAHEchat/ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/IAHEchat/]

Confessions of Second-Generation Homeschool Moms | Episode 56

In this episode of Homeschool Indiana, host Amy Bragdon and Amanda Runge reminisce about their own experiences growing up as homeschool students. They share memories and laughter as they reflect on what homeschooling looked like when they were kids and discuss how the homeschool world has changed over the years. Amy and Amanda also talk about what it’s like now that they’re homeschooling their own children, offering encouragement to today’s homeschooling families along the way.   KEYWORDS homeschooling, second-generation homeschoolers, homeschooling journey, homeschooling memories, homeschool challenges, homeschool community, homeschooling tips, homeschool success, IAHE   TAKEAWAYS * Homeschooling lets families tailor schedules and learning to their children’s needs * Homeschooled kids have many opportunities to learn beyond the classroom * The growing homeschool community offers co-ops, sports, and other activities not available in the early days of homeschooling.  * Homeschooling gives kids time to pursue their interests.   Record a Question or a Comment for the Podcast >>> https://iahe.net/homeschool-indiana-podcast/ [https://iahe.net/homeschool-indiana-podcast/]  Support the work of the IAHE by becoming a member today >>> https://iahe.net/join/ [https://iahe.net/join/]  Join the conversation! >>> https://www.facebook.com/groups/IAHEchat/ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/IAHEchat/]  Check out Cathy Duffy’s Homeschool Curriculum Reviews>>> https://cathyduffyreviews.com/ [https://cathyduffyreviews.com/]

A Better Way to Test? Inside the CLT | Episode 55

In this episode of Homeschool Indiana, host Amy Bragdon speaks with Kimberly Farley, Vice President of Operations at the Classic Learning Test (CLT). They discuss the purpose and philosophy behind the CLT, which serves as an alternative to traditional college entrance exams like the ACT and SAT. The conversation covers the structure and accessibility of the tests, the importance of analytics for homeschoolers, scholarship opportunities, and the shift in standardized testing. They emphasize the significance of reading and critical thinking in education and how the CLT aligns with the values of homeschooling families.   KEYWORDS Classic Learning Test, CLT, homeschooling, college entrance exams, standardized testing, scholarship opportunities, reading comprehension, critical thinking, IAHE   TAKEAWAYS * The Classic Learning Test (CLT) is an alternative to ACT and SAT. * The test includes timeless texts to assess reading, grammar, writing, and mathematics. * Homeschoolers find CLT beneficial as it aligns with their educational philosophy. * Analytics from testing can help parents identify strengths and weaknesses in their children's education. * Scholarship opportunities are available for high-scoring CLT students. * The mission of CLT is to reconnect knowledge and virtue in education.   Record a Question or a Comment for the Podcast >>> https://iahe.net/homeschool-indiana-podcast/ [https://iahe.net/homeschool-indiana-podcast/]  Support the work of the IAHE by becoming a member today >>> https://iahe.net/join/ [https://iahe.net/join/]  Join the conversation! >>> https://www.facebook.com/groups/IAHEchat/ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/IAHEchat/]  For more info on the upcoming homeschool conference or to register>>> https://iahe.net/events-page/homeschool-conference/ [https://iahe.net/events-page/homeschool-conference/] Learn more about the CLT>>> https://www.cltexam.com/ [https://www.cltexam.com/]