The Frontline

Nathan Pierce from Family Protection Ministries shares about a new CHEA podcast, featuring his wife as the first guest. He also highlights the upcoming CHEA convention at Biola University, where he and his family will be participating, and encourages both new and experienced homeschoolers to attend.

He promotes his fall government class for high schoolers, offering a 50% discount for CHEA members. The class aims to equip students with a biblical understanding of government, economics, and civic involvement.

Finally, Nathan gives legislative updates on two bills. AB 1454, once concerning school HVAC systems, has been gutted and...

In this episode of The Front Line with FPM, Nathan Pierce breaks down key California bills that could impact parental rights and homeschool freedoms — including AB 563, AB 84, and AB 727. With government agencies coordinating to advance a "state vision" for children and families, it's more important than ever to stay alert, informed, and ready to engage.

AB 727 Committee Hearing:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9nZSobWDLA

AB 727 Clip At the Capitol:

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/I3ED-N30rqg

Corey Jackson's Opening Statement on...

In today's episode, Nathan Pierce goes over the Make Homeschool Safe Act (MHSA), Governor Newsom's new podcast, political shifts in legislative committees, and a legislative update. He encourages us to keep praying for our leaders and the work here at FPM. He also announces that FPM's government class is starting up again in the fall. Check the links below for more information:

Articles on MHSA:

https://hslda.org/post/a-new-model-bill-threatens-homeschool-freedom

https://fpmca.org/mhsa-is-coming-are-we-ready/

FPM's article on ESAs:

https://fpmca.org/esa-legislation-and-ballot-initiatives/

Governor Newsom's podcast on Spotify...

In this podcast episode, Nathan Pierce discusses California's recently passed bill AB 2999, which aims to limit homework for public school students, inspired by the success of homeschooling. Nathan also discusses the ongoing debates surrounding sex education in schools post-Roe v. Wade, and Governor Gavin Newsom's perspective on crime and homelessness in California. Additionally, listeners are informed about the legislative process for introducing new bills in the California State Legislature, including the role of the Rules Committee and the steps involved in getting a bill from idea to law.

Sex Ed Article: https://rewirenewsgroup.com/2024/12/23/legislators-are-targeting-sex-education-post-roe-advocates-say-it-will-worsen-childrens-health-outcomes/

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In this podcast episode, Nathan discusses several key issues affecting families in California. He particularly focuses on recent developments in the California Legislature. He highlights Governor Newsom's staff changes related to his opposition to Prop 36, which aims to redefine crime in California. Nathan also mentions a state of emergency declared by Newsom due to a bird flu outbreak in the Central Valley.

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around new legislation regarding school libraries, specifically a law that prohibits libraries from banning certain books. Nathan expresses concern over the centralization of authority, arguing that decisions about...

Nathan discusses recent political developments, including Trump's rumored $10,000 support for homeschoolers, which is clarified as a tax-free savings account proposal rather than direct funding. He also addresses California Governor Newsom's special legislative session aimed at countering Trump’s policies, particularly regarding education. Additionally, Nathan highlights a California bill targeting legacy admissions in private colleges, raising concerns about government influence on private education. He encourages community involvement in upcoming legislative sessions and events to advocate for homeschool freedoms in California.

Trump and Education Funding:

https://heav.org/president-elect-donald-j-trumps-pledge-to-homeschool-families/

Trump Ends Wokeness in Education:

...

In today's episode, Nathan discusses the recent election results, highlighting encouraging federal outcomes for conservatives but noting a lack of change in California's political landscape. He emphasizes gratitude for freedoms and God's sovereignty amidst political challenges. Nathan encourages vigilance and involvement in local legislative processes, particularly in response to potential liberal policies that could impact families and traditional values. He calls for prayer and awareness as new legislative sessions approach, urging the community to stand firm against proposals that threaten biblical values.

Capitol Day Page:

https://fpmca.org/event/capitol-day-2025/

Advocacy Page:

Today's episode centers on the ongoing challenges and historical context surrounding homeschooling freedoms, particularly in California. Nathan highlights past legislative attempts to restrict homeschooling. This includes proposals to ban homeschooling outright in the 1980s and to impose strict regulations in the 1990s, such as mandatory background checks and curriculum standards. These legislative efforts often intersect with broader issues of parental rights, religious freedom, and societal norms, particularly regarding the teaching of creationism versus evolution. Nathan emphasizes the importance of community engagement and collaboration among homeschooling families and organizations to protect these freedoms. Despite significant victories in the past, such...

Big-government proponents throughout America are considering new legislation that could erase homeschooling as we know it. Nathan Pierces explores the concerns about this latest proposal, which goes against decades of education research and threatens the traditional family structure. We'll briefly discuss some highlights and explore the broader societal shifts that are impacting family dynamics and education. Nathan will also show, in their own shocking words, how leaders in the movement for government control continue to push against parents regardless of the cost to children’s education or their safety and well-being.

This episode includes:

Melissa Ha...

Nathan discusses various topics including upcoming legislation, a special session focused on fuel costs, and the importance of family involvement in advocacy. He highlights the upcoming Capital Day in January and addresses concerns about new homeschool regulations. Additionally, he mentions a recent email from the California Department of Education regarding special education funding and warns against government entanglement. Lastly, he reports on a lawsuit from Huntington Beach against California's AB 1955, which restricts parental notification about children's gender transitions in schools, emphasizing the need for awareness and prayer for parental rights.

FPM Capitol Day: https://fpmca.org/2024/09/03/cap2025/ <...

A Wall Street Journal article discusses how GenZ teachers are transforming classroom decor to create a more home-like, inviting environment, contrasting with the traditional sterile classrooms. This shift aims to enhance students' learning experiences, as studies suggest that children learn better in cozy, familiar settings. The article highlights a teacher in Idaho who has decorated her classroom with warm colors and comfortable furnishings, reflecting the idea that a homey atmosphere can positively impact learning. This trend reinforces what homeschooling parents already knew: kids learn best at home.

The South Carolina Supreme Court ruled a law...

Nathan discusses the importance of voting in the upcoming general election on November 5th, particularly for legislators up for re-election. He highlights Capital Day in Sacramento on January 29th and 30th, 2025, aimed at educating and engaging homeschool families with legislators. Nathan also addresses recent news regarding school policies on pronouns in Texas and a court ruling in South Carolina related to school misconduct, emphasizing the need for community engagement in educational issues and the benefits of homeschooling. https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2024/08/19/virginia-transgender-student-tennis-hanover/ https://www.foxnews.com/us/texas-school-district-adopts-policy-teachers-must-use-pronouns-consistent-students-biological-sex https://www.foxnews.com/politics/louisiana-governor-issues-back-to-school-order-banning-critical-race-theory-k-12-public-classrooms https://www.washingtonpost...

The discussion features Zan Tyler, a prominent figure in the homeschooling community, who shares her journey into homeschooling, which began in 1984 when she faced challenges with her son’s education. Initially skeptical, she became an advocate for homeschooling after navigating legal hurdles and realizing the importance of parental involvement in education. Zan emphasizes the need for vigilance in preserving homeschooling freedoms, especially as federal and state regulations increase. She highlights the significance of community and collaboration among homeschooling families, advocating for events like the CHEA Leadership Conference and Homeschool Freedom Day, where families can unite and share experiences. Zan al...

Will Estrada discusses his journey as a homeschool graduate and advocate for homeschooling rights. Growing up in a large family in rural Pennsylvania, he experienced homeschooling firsthand, which shaped his perspective. After attending law school, he worked as a legal assistant at the Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) and later became an attorney focused on federal lobbying for homeschoolers. He highlights significant achievements, such as ensuring homeschool diplomas are accepted for military enlistment and defeating a harmful United Nations treaty. Will emphasizes the importance of parental rights and the historical context of homeschooling freedoms, encouraging families to remain proactive...

In today's episode, Nathan goes over recent events and urges us to pray for our leaders. He also discusses many different ways to get involved in our government today.

Praying for leaders article: https://fpmca.org/prayforpoliticalleaders/

District office visits signup: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1eZwvBkT5yqeWwApW9-_hxXDgN7LJ31jC2vByBFXqeRg/viewform?edit_requested=true

Homeschool Freedom Day: https://fpmca.org/hfd2024/

Critical Bill Tracker: https://fpmca.org/billtracker/

Donate Page: https://fpmca.org/donate/

FPM website: https://fpmca.org/

Nathan reads from Romans 1 & 2 and discusses the wrath of God against ungodliness and unrighteousness, the consequences of suppressing the truth, and the judgment on those who engage in unrighteous acts.

Nathan gives an update on AB 1955. It has been signed into law by Governor Newsom and will be implemented beginning in January 2025.

Actions can be taken, such as introducing another bill to undo AB 1955, initiating a ballot initiative to stop its implementation, and challenging the bill in court. However, the likelihood of these actions being successful is low given the limited time before the bill...

Nathan gives an update on AB 1955 and provides new action items. Also discussed are recent Oklahoma Supreme Court decision on religious charter schools and CHEA Support Network renewal.

Mayhem on Assembly Floor Full Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpeWbW1IeiQ

AB 1955 Action Alert

https://fpmca.org/2024/06/27/action-alert-call-the-governors-office/

FPM AB 1955

https://fpmca.org/ab1955/

CHEA Support Network

https://www.cheaofca.org/support-group-network/

FPM Website

https://fpmca.org/

In this episode Nathan gives an update on AB 1955 and some background on the issue as well as updated action items for AB 1955.

FPM Website: https://fpmca.org/

Find your Legislator: https://fpmca.org/myrep/

Frontline Episode 39: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QrR1QqlZg4

More info on AB 1955: https://fpmca.org/ab1955/

In this episode, Nathan discusses upcoming events related to homeschooling advocacy. He shares details about events in Southern California, including Freedom Homeschool Expo in Oceanside on June 21st, meetups in Temecula and Irvine on June 22nd, and an informational event at Hope Chapel in Hermosa Beach on June 23rd. Additionally, he mentions the upcoming Homeschool Freedom Day in San Diego on August 24th, focusing on advocacy for homeschooling rights in California.

Nathan provides a legislative update on AB 1955, a bill that passed the state senate and is now in the assembly for concurrence. The bill...

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/

<...

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

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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:

...

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...

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 Sa...

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/8THyWzcB9Js

FPM Website: https://fpmca.org

Family Renewal: https://familyrenewal.org

Michigan Homeschool Organization: https://www...

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...

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...

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