Spring 2014 - Indiana Association of Home Educators

Spring 2014
a publication of the Indiana Association of Home Educators
Keeping the Truths of
Established as a
Christian Nation
2014 IAHE
Convention Issue
in
the
IAHE 2014 Convention
1200 N. Minnetrista Pkwy. • Muncie, IN 47303
Hours: Mon.–Sat., 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Sun., 11 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
The Informer
Core Values
To be Christ-focused
To be Indiana-focused
To be encouraging
To be a resource
Contents
IAHE
The IAHE is a not-for-profit
organization founded in 1983 for
the purpose of serving the Lord
Jesus Christ by supporting and
encouraging families interested
in home education. We define
home education as parent-directed, home-based, privately-funded
education.
Our primary functions are maintaining visibility as home educators with civil government
leaders, influencing the legislative
process,
sponsoring
seminars for parent education,
and publishing.
The IAHE is governed by a volunteer board of directors. Sixteen
regional representative couples are
in direct contact with local support
groups across the state.
Our major source of income is
our annual convention. With the
growth of the home education
movement, both our needs and
responsibilities continue to grow,
and we welcome your tax deductible contributions.
Indiana Association
of Home Educators
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featured
Worldview Assessment
America: Established
as a Christian Nation
William J. Federer
IAHE Convention:
What You Need to Know
WRITING DIRECTOR
Tawnee Hinton
[email protected]
Copy Editors: Misty Armstadt
Cassie Bottorff
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR
Mark Bentley
[email protected]
COVER PHOTO
DepositPhotos.com:
Elena Malysheva #1351256
in
the
Tara Bentley
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on
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The I.R.S. & Your Homeschool
Organization
Carol Topp, CPA
One Thing at a Time
IAHE 201
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Karen Whitesell
in
the
BOARD MEMBERS
Steve & Penny Taylor
Phil & Debi Ketron
Frank & Jackie Franks
Mark & Tara Bentley
DESIGN DIRECTOR
Amanda Runge
[email protected]
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Stand with the IAHE
PO Box 217, Stilesville, IN 46180
317-467-6244
Fax: 317-467-6246
[email protected]
www.iahe.net
Find us on Facebook.com/IAHEfb
MANAGING EDITOR
Tara Bentley
[email protected]
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Israel Wayne
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in this issue
Editor’s Welcome…4
IAHE State Map & New Board Members…5
Meet Your New Regional Reps…6
Homeschool Time Out for Laughter…9
Legislative Update: Keeping the Truths of Marriage in Mind …21
Classifieds & Homeschool Business Ads…30
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a note from the editor
The Informer Magazine
The Informer is published quarterly by the
Indiana Assocation of Home Educators
(IAHE) to provide information, inspiration,
and support to homeschool families.
Subscriptions are FREE upon request. The
mailing list for The Informer is never sold
or rented.
The articles in this magazine reflect the
freedom of home educators in Indiana to
choose from a wide variety of homeschool
philosophies and teaching methods.
Opinions and attitudes expressed in
articles do not necessarily reflect the
beliefs of the Indiana Association of Home
Educators. IAHE does not endorse or
advocate any one method or philosophy.
The Board encourages each home
educator to seek God’s will in determining
what is best for him, his school, and his
students.
ADVERTISING
The beginning days of February may seem like an early kick-off to spring, but we are
already looking forward! There is something exciting about the thawing of winter.
Each day the sunlight is a little brighter and the days are a little longer. It won’t be
too long before small buds of green start to appear in the tree tops.
Spring also means convention season! As a self-professed homeschool convention
junkie, I look forward to gathering together with other families for encouragement
and support. Of course, I always look forward to the exhibit hall and the shopping
too.
This year, our youngest daughter is a high school senior. As a veteran homeschool
mom, I have no need to purchase curriculum and I truly don’t need another
workshop. But I am still looking forward to a wonderful convention!
Why?
Advertising is available on a first-come,
first-served, space-available basis. For ad
information and rates, please download
our Advertiser’s Packet on our website or
contact
[email protected].
We
appreciate the advertisers who help
us to bring this publication to you.
Please let them know that you saw
their advertisement.
Publication of
advertisements
does
not
signify
endorsement of items or services offered.
Because the core of the convention is bigger than a shopping bag of books. It’s
about joining together with like-minded people that have decided to educate their
children at home according to God’s Word.
ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS
As homeschool parents we will have rough days trying to accomplish everything
on our to-do list. But we’re reminded that the Lord is our strength. We do not have
to walk through those rough days alone. The IAHE Convention is a great way to
gather together with other homeschool parents and learn real and practical ways
to lean on that strength.
Please see The Informer’s Writer’s
Guidelines at www.iahe.net or contact
[email protected].
COPYRIGHT
© by the Indiana Association of Home
Educators. Permission is needed to reprint
any portion of the magazine, except
where noted. Please contact us at
informer@ iahe.net.
SCRIPTURE VERSIONS
Scripture quotations marked (NKJV) are
taken from the New King James Version®.
Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (NIV )
and (NIV1984) are taken from the Holy
Bible, New International Version®, NIV®
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica,
Inc.® Used by permission. All rights
reserved worldwide.
The Joy in the Journey theme for the 2014 IAHE Home Educators’ Convention is
taken from Nehemiah 8:10, “Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
(NKJV)
In this issue of The Informer, we’ve brought together some articles from a few of
our convention speakers. We also have an important message for you in the article
Stand With the IAHE, and much more. I hope this issue brings you encouragement
and inspiration as you look forward to the warmer days of spring with us.
IAHE Regional
Representative Map
Meet Your
NEWEST
KOSCIUSKO
Board Members!
Mark and Tara Bentley live in SE Indiana and first entered
the homeschool world in 2001 when they decided to
pull their oldest daughter from the public school system.
While their original plan was to homeschool for only
two years, they quickly realized that it is a privilege and
a blessing to educate your children at home and there
was no going back. Twelve years later, it’s clear to see
how God directed each step of their journey.
Region 1
Regional
Representatives
serve the homeschooling
community throughout
Indiana. Each representative is
a veteran homeschooler who
can help answer the questions
of a family just starting out.
They also communicate with
local support groups in their
region and keep them up to
date on changes in the
law and activities
throughout the state.
You can contact your regional
representative for information
about spelling bees, sport
clubs, book fairs, curriculum
advice, workshops,
standardized testing and
convention information. They
can also help you find a
support group in your area, or
if none is available, they’ll help
you start one.
Blair & Chelsea
Todd
219-689-6091
[email protected]
Region 9
Dan & Shawn
King
765-620-2820
[email protected]
Region 2
Region 10
Region 3
Region 11
Region 4
Region 12
Region 5
Region 13
Region 6
Region 14
Region 7
Region 16
Jason & Stacy
Hanaway
260-350-0993
[email protected]
Jeff and Lori
Bennett
765-461-8218
[email protected]
Pat & Kathy
Balke
574-594-3815
[email protected]
Warren & Karen
Whitesell
765-435-2206
[email protected]
Jason & Kimberly
Bean
317-679-2936
[email protected]
Shawn & Amy
Canaday
317-773-3855
[email protected]
Greg & Kimberly
Laskowski
812-508-9030
[email protected]
Dave & Eve
Drew
812-631-1603
[email protected]
Jeff & Millie
Leis
812-923-7807
[email protected]
Their oldest daughter is now a college graduate and
recently married. Their youngest daughter is finishing
her senior year of high school. Mark and Tara have
been active in leadership in their local homeschool
community since 2002 and have served as Regional
Reps for the IAHE since 2011. They also serve together
on the management team for The Informer magazine.
They consider it a blessing to serve other families as they
seek support and encouragement while beginning their
own homeschool journey.
Steve & Rebecca
Barnes
765-857-2330
[email protected]
Tom & Lisa
Heady
317-408-1775
[email protected]
Shawn & Theresa
Slinkard
812- 430-3115
[email protected]
Region 8
Bobby & Sherry
Love
812-290-5686
[email protected]
For all other regions,
please contact the IAHE Office at
[email protected]
317-467-6244
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B l a i r a n d C h e l s e a To d d
Jason and Kimberly Bean
Blair and Chelsea Todd are blessed to be raising five children.
Since 2005, the Todds have homeschooled their children for
the entirety of their education. The Todds chose to homeschool
out of a desire to have quality instruction with a Christian
emphasis, and began homeschooling at the suggestion of a
neighbor. As a result, the Todds are excited to return the favor
and help other parents who have questions about educating
their children at home.
Jason and Kimberly Bean have been married for fourteen years
and have two children; Ethan, 14 and Abigail, 11. In 2009,
they both felt God’s call on their lives to remove their children
from the public school system when they attended the IAHE
homeschool convention. They have both been educating
their children for four years. Jason works in the Information
Technology field and both he and Kimberly are active in
church ministries.
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Bobby and Sherr y Love
Bobby & Sherry Love are the parents of four awesome children.
They made the choice to home educate soon after their
first child was born. Over the years they have been actively
involved in Boy Scouts, 4-H, Young Voices, Panthers Basketball,
and volunteering in numerous capacities. For 10 years, the
Love family has also had the opportunity to foster over 45
children. They look forward to helping you learn and grow on
your homeschool journey as they continue to do so on theirs.
SAVE THE DATE! 2014 IAHE CONVENTION MARCH 28–29
Jeff
and
12 16
Millie
Leis
Shawn and Theresa Slinkard
Jeff and Millie Leis reside in Floyd County, Indiana. They are
parents of five children ranging in age from 5-15, and have
home educated their children from the very beginning. They
were Board Chairs for their local homeschool group and have
organized home schooling community events. Their desire is
to equip those who seek to be teachers at home.
Shawn and Theresa Slinkard live just north of Evansville,
Indiana (Vanderburgh County). They have four children
ranging in age from 4 to 15 and have been homeschooling
for 11 years. Their family is active in their church youth group,
and Shawn leads the youth praise and worship band. They are
involved in the local homeschool community through co-ops
and support groups. They are looking forward to serving
Region 16 families.
camp, a Foundation for Economic Education conference,
and Just the Beginnings Foundation’s Indiana Summer Legal
Institute. As a high school student preparing for college he is
undecided of his future school. He intends to study political
science and go through the Army ROTC program.
Jake Hibbitt
Jake Hibbitt serves as the IAHE’s legislative intern. He is a senior
in high school and has been home educated since the second
grade. He has competed with the NCFCA in speech and debate
for six years, achieving regional placement the past three years
of high school and national status in the past two. Additional
training Jake has received includes Teen Pact government
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the informer
7
2014
Convention
Speaker
Worldview
culture around them, will they be truly prepared to embark on such a journey? Now is the time to begin
thinking about the competing ideological forces at war for the souls of your children. While you can still
influence their beliefs, you must begin dialoguing with them regarding the important issues of life. There is
much more to equipping your child than simply giving them “head knowledge.” You must win their hearts by
establishing a loving relationship of trust and open communication. Character building and discipleship must
be central. You must encourage them to love God with all their being, and train them to be ministry-minded.
We must always strive to maintain a Godly balance, aiming for the head and the heart. Simply getting “all the
right answers” on a worldview assessment will not redeem a child, and just because your child has a biblical
worldview does not mean that he will necessarily live according to what he knows to be true. We aren’t trying
to create intellectually superior students, but rather Spirit-filled Christian youth who can live out the truth in
love, and win their hearers to Christ.
WHAT IS A WORLDVIEW AND WHY IS
IT IMPORTANT?
A worldview is a comprehensive set of
foundational beliefs regarding all of life
and reality. There are truth claims that
we accept as valid and, based on these
presuppositions, we build our philosophy
of life. We need to base our entire belief
system on the truth of God’s Word. Our
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worldview needs to be scripturally sound
if we intend to please God and obey His
commands.
WHAT ARE SOME ESSENTIAL
COMPONENTS OF A BIBLICAL
WORLDVIEW?
The following are questions you can
use to encourage dialogue with your
homeschooled students. As you discuss
these issues with your teenagers or older
children, you may be surprised to learn
how they respond. The purpose of a
worldview assessment is not to evaluate
what your child knows, but rather what
they believe. As much as possible, insist
on scriptural references for the positions
various members of your family take on
these issues.
SAVE THE DATE! 2014 IAHE CONVENTION MARCH 28–29
photo: sxc.hu, BlueVibe
Are your children equipped to face the “Real World”? When children
finish their home training and “leave the nest” into the secular
ECONOMICS
How do you define money? How much of our
wealth is ours and how much belongs to God? Who
should fund social programs like welfare, health
care, child-care, education, etc.?
EDUCATION
To whom did God give the responsibility to
teach children? Can a parent send their child to
a Christian or government school and still fulfill
their obligation to be in charge of their child’s
education? What is the primary purpose of an
education?
ETHICS
Does a human being ever have the right to take
another human life? Are there some moral truths
that are absolute in all cultures and nations,
regardless of whether or not they are believed and
accepted by the majority of people? Is it right for us
to impose our morality on other people?
HISTORY
How do you determine which historical events are
worth studying and which are not? Is it possible
to read historical truths that aren’t tainted by the
bias of the author? Has God directed all historical
events, or have some been beyond His control or
will? What is the most important reason to study
history?
determine the spiritual value of “great books” and classic literature?
How does reading fantasy literature affect your view of reality? What
is the main purpose of story-telling?
MATH
Can there be such a thing as Christian or secular math? What does
mathematics reveal to us about the nature and character of God? If the
earth was created by chaos, why do we see logical consistency in math?
SCIENCE
What are the substantial differences between biblical creationism and
Darwin’s evolutionary model? Is a belief in a literal six-day creation
important? Do mutations and variations within a species prove
Darwin’s theory of natural selection? Is it true that science is fact, and
religion is faith?
BECOME WORLDVIEW-MINDED
I hope this article will encourage you to discuss important issues
together as a family. The most important thing is not having all the
right answers, but learning how to search God’s Word for answers to the
questions that probe the mind. God cares infinitely about the process,
as well as the end result. Relationships are built by talking together and
listening to the ideas of those you love. Don’t miss the chance to “give
an answer for the hope that lies within you,” even if it is to your own
children. But, remember, do it with meekness and fear (I Peter 3:15)!
ISRAEL WAYNE is an Author and Conference Speaker. He and his
wife Brook are the parents of seven children and the directors of
Family Renewal, LLC. www.FamilyRenewal.org.
HOMESCHOOL TIME OUT
FOR LAUGHTER
Featured 2014 Convention Speaker
THE ARTS
How do we know if a certain art form pleases God?
Which is more important, the content or the form
of art? Does Scripture give us permission to be
entertained? Do the arts usually glorify God or
man? Why is this?
FAMILY MAN todd wilson
LANGUAGE ARTS
Why do we desire to communicate with others?
Why did God confuse our ability to dialogue with
other people? (Gen. 11:7) Why do you suppose God
has revealed Himself to us as the logos, or “Word”
(John 1:1), and what does this tell us about His
nature?
LITERATURE
What are the biblical principles we should use to
www.iahe.net |
the informer
9
2014
Convention
Speaker
The IAHE is pleased to
present Mr. William J.
Federer as one of our
Featured Speakers at
the 2014 convention. The
following article is an
excerpt from his book The
Original 13. You can read
Mr. Federer’s full bio and
workshop offerings on
page 15.
level rather than the Federal.
The U.S. Constitution went into effect June 21, 1788, when two-thirds of the States ratified it.
What was in the State Constitutions at the time the States ratified the U.S. Constitution?
DELAWARE
1st to ratify the U.S. Constitution, stated in its 1776 State Constitution: “Every person...appointed to
any office...shall...subscribe... ‘I...profess faith in GOD THE FATHER, and in JESUS CHRIST His only
Son, and in the HOLY GHOST, one God, blessed for evermore; and I do acknowledge the Holy Scriptures
of the Old and New Testament to be given by Divine inspiration.’”
PENNSYLVANIA
2nd to ratify the U.S. Constitution, stated in its 1776 State Constitution, signed by Ben Franklin:
“Each member, before he takes his seat, shall...subscribe...’I do believe in one GOD, the Creator and
Governor of the Universe, the Rewarder of the good and the Punisher of the wicked. And I do acknowledge
the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be given by Divine Inspiration.’”
NEW JERSEY
3rd to ratify the U.S. Constitution, stated in its 1776 State Constitution: “All persons, professing a belief
in the faith of any PROTESTANT sect, who shall demean themselves peaceably under the government...
shall be capable of being elected.”
GEORGIA
4th to ratify the U.S. Constitution, stated in its 1777 State Constitution: “Representatives shall be
chosen out of the residents in each county...and they shall be of the PROTESTANT religion.”
10 the informer | www.iahe.net
SAVE THE DATE! 2014 IAHE CONVENTION MARCH 28–29
photo from sxc.hu: tpacific
The founders legally established America as a
Christian nation, they just did it on the State
MASSACHUSETTS
6th to ratify the U.S. Constitution, stated
in its 1780 State Constitution, written by
John Adams: “Any person...before he...execute
the duties of his...office...[shall] subscribe...’I...
declare, that I believe the CHR ISTIAN
religion, and have a firm persuasion of its
truth’....The legislature shall...authorize
the support and maintenance of public
PROTESTANT teachers of piety, religion
and morality.”
MARYLAND
7th to ratify the U.S. Constitution, stated
in its 1776 State Constitution: “No other
test...ought to be required, on admission to any
office...than such oath of support and fidelity
to this State...and a declaration of a belief in
the CHRISTIAN religion.”
SOUTH CAROLINA
8th to ratify the U.S. Constitution, stated
in its 1778 State Constitution: “No person
shall be eligible to a seat...unless he be of the
PROTESTANT religion...The CHRISTIAN
PROTESTANT religion shall be deemed...the
established religion of this State.”
NEW HAMPSHIRE
9th to ratify the U.S. Constitution, stated
in its 1784 State Constitution: “No person
shall be capable of being elected...who is not of
the PROTESTANT religion.”
VIRGINIA
10th to ratify the U.S. Constitution, stated
in its 1776 State Constitution, Bill of Rights,
written by James Madison and George
Mason: “It is the mutual duty of all to practice
CHRISTIAN forbearance, love, and charity
towards each other.”
NEW YORK
11th to ratify the U.S. Constitution, stated
in its 1777 State Constitution: “The United
American States...declare...’Laws of nature
and of NATUR E’S GOD...All men are
created equal; that they are endowed by their
CREATOR with certain unalienable rights...
Appealing to the SUPREME JUDGE of the
world...A firm reliance on the protection of
DIVINE PROVIDENCE’...People of this
State, ordain...the free exercise and enjoyment
of religious profession and worship, without
discrimination...Provided, That the liberty
of conscience, hereby granted, shall not be so
construed as to excuse acts of licentiousness.”
NORTH CAROLINA
12th to ratify the U.S. Constitution, stated
in its 1776 State Constitution: “No person,
who shall deny the being of GOD or the truth
of the PROTESTANT religion, or the Divine
authority either of the Old or New Testaments,
or who shall hold religious principles
incompatible with the freedom and safety of
the State, shall be capable of holding...office.”
RHODE ISLAND
13th to ratify the U.S. Constitution, retained
its 1663 Colonial Constitution till 1843,
which stated: “By the blessing of God...a full
liberty in religious concernements...rightly
grounded upon GOSPEL principles, will
give the best and greatest security...in the true
CHRISTIAN faith and worship of God...
They may...defend themselves, in their just
rights and liberties against all the enemies of
the CHRISTIAN faith.”
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Hugo Lafayette
Black wrote in Engel v. Vitale, 1962: “As late
as the time of the Revolutionary War, there
were established Churches in at least 8 of the
13 former colonies and established religions in
at least 4 of the other 5.”
John K. Wilson wrote in Religion Under
t he State Const it ut ions 1776 -180 0
(Journal of Church and State, Volume 32,
Autumn 1990, Number 4, pp. 754): “An
establishment of religion, in terms of direct tax
aid to Churches, was the situation in 9 of the 13
colonies on the eve of the American revolution.”
The Journal of the U.S. House recorded
that on March 27, 1854, the 33rd Congress
voted unanimously to print Rep. James
Meacham’s report, which stated: “At the
adoption of the Constitution, we believe every
State -certainly 10 of the 13 - provided as
regularly for the support of the Church as for
the support of the Government...Down to the
Revolution, every colony did sustain religion
in some form. It was deemed peculiarly proper
that the religion of liberty should be upheld
by a free people…Had the people, during the
Revolution, had a suspicion of any attempt
to war against Christianity, that Revolution
would have been strangled in its cradle.”
Also, numerous Federal Treaties make
specific Christian references (Treaty of
Paris, Treaties with Indians, etc.)
(Excerpted from The Original
13-A Documentary History of
Religion in America’s First Thirteen
States, by William J. Federer.
http://www.americanminute.
com/store/product.
php?productid=7&cat=1&page=1. See page 15 for
full bio. )
Featured 2014 Convention Speaker
photo from sxc.hu: ~ Sarej
CONNECTICUT
5th to ratif y the U.S. Constitution,
retained its 1662 Colonial Constitution,
which was established PROTESTANT
CONGR EGATIONA L, till 1818: “By
the Providence of GOD...having from
their ancestors derived a free and excellent
Constitution...whereby the legislature depends
on the free and annual election...The free
fruition of such liberties and privileges as
humanity, civility and CHRISTIANITY call
for.”
#10535
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SAVE THE DATE! 2014 IAHE CONVENTION MARCH 28–29
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IA
29th Annual Home
Educators’ Convention
March 28 & 29, 2014
Visit our website for updated information!
www.iahe.net
Indiana State Fairgrounds
Champion Building & Marsh Blue Ribbon Pavilion
FREE
Information Night
Thursday, March 27, 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Free parking (Thursday night only)
Early Bird {November 4th–February 15th}
$35/Individual, $60/Family
Pre-registration {February 15th–March 10th} $45/Individual, $75/Family
All pre-registration ends midnight March 10th.
“You CAN Homeschool”
“Homeschool Through
High School”
This special preview night is geared to
helping parents get answers to some of the
basic questions parents have about where
to get begin. These convention preview
workshops are free to everyone, but RSVP’s
are requested: [email protected].
After March 10th, registration is only available “At-the-Door” on-site at the convention
registration booth. For those who pre-register, simply pick up your registration packet when
you arrive and be on your way!
All pre-registered guests will receive exclusive access to the virtual “AHEAD Gift Basket” with
great gift items from some of your favorite homeschool vendors worth at least $200.
At-the-Door Pricing {March 28 & 29}
2-Day $55/Individual, $90/Family
1-Day $40/Individual, $65/Family
Questions? [email protected] or 317-467-6244
FRIDAY
8:00 Registration opens
9:00 Heidi St. John: R.E.A.L. L.I.F.E. Homeschooling
9:30 Exhibit Hall opens
10:00 Exhibit Hall opens to public
10:30 Workshop #1
11:30 – 1:30 Lunch & Shopping
1:30 Workshop #2
2:45 Workshop #3
4:00 William J. Federer: Change to Chains
6:30 Close
SATURDAY
8:00 Registration opens
8:30 Peter Heck: 414
9:45 Workshop #4
10:00 Exhibit Hall opens to public
11:00 Workshop #5
12:00 – 1:30 Lunch & Shopping
1:30 Israel Wayne: Homeschooling: Preference
or Conviction
3:15 Workshop #6
4:30 Workshop # 7
6:30 Close
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13
in
the
onvention
IAHE 2014 C
Heidi St. John Andrew Pudewa Israel Wayne
Peter Heck William Federer
2014 Featured Convention Speaker Information
Are you new to homeschooling? Do you have questions about where to begin? Perhaps
you are seeking encouragement and practical advice to carry you through. We are
excited to offer you the following speakers and workshops designed to help you find
Joy in the Journey. Join us!
HEIDI ST. JOHN
Heidi St. John has been married to her
husband Jay since 1989. Together they
have seven children from toddler to adult
and have homeschooled all the way through
high school. A favorite conference, radio
speaker, and author, Heidi approaches
marriage and parenting with humor and
grace. Her passion to encourage moms and set them free to be who
God has created them to be will bless and encourage you.
R.E.A.L. L.I.F.E. Homeschooling
M Busy Homeschool Mom’s Guide to Daylight:
How to Fit Your Size 16 Day into a Size 10
M The Busy Homeschool Mom’s Guide to Romance
M 10 Marriage Myths That Will Steal Your Joy
BH The First Three Years: A Workshop
for Homeschool Rookies
BH Multi-Level Teaching
ANDREW PUDEWA
Andrew Pudewa is the director of the
Institute for Excellence in Writing and
a homeschooling father of seven. He
addresses issues relating to teaching,
writing, thinking, spelling, and music
w ith clarit y and insight, practical
experience and humor. He and his
beautiful, heroic wife, Robin, currently teach their two youngest
children at home in northeastern Oklahoma.
CE A Classical Approach in a Modern World
Conquering Corrupt Culture by
Raising Christian Communicators
Teaching Boys & Other Children Who
Would Rather Make Forts All Day
CE But…but…but…What About Grammar?
SL Reading Strategies for the Non-Reader
The Profound Influence of Music on Life – Part 1
ISRAEL WAYNE
Israel Wayne is an author and conference
speaker who has a passion for defending
the Christian faith and promoting a Biblical
worldview. He is the author of the books
Homeschooling from a Biblical Worldview and
Full-Time Parenting: A Guide to Family-Based
Discipleship.
Homeschooling: Preference or Conviction
What About Socialization?
Being Salt & Light Families
SL Inside the Brain of a Hyperactive Homeschooler
T The Second Generation Homeschooling Movement
(seating may be limited)
BH
WORKSHOP TRACKS KEY
Key
Note
Speaker
Session
BH
HSP
SGL
Beginning Homeschooling
High School Parents
Support Group Leaders
CM
CE
SL
Charlotte Mason
Classical Education
Special Learners
D Dads
T Teens
M Moms
PETER HECK
414
T Me: America’s Deadly Obsession
T The Sinking Sand
T Purity in a Culture of Decadence
KATHY BALKE
K at hy B a l k e a nd he r
husband Pat began
homeschooling in 1986
when their firstborn turned five. They
have since graduated five children from
their homeschool and have one student left.
Kathy loves to help new homeschoolers get
started in this wonderful endeavor. She has
given workshops for new homeschoolers,
and has also spoken on Charlotte Mason
education, as well as leading a small support
group for moms.
BH
Homeschooling 101
STEVE BARNES
Steve Barnes has been
married to Rebecca
for 26 years and has 4
d aug hter s . T he y h ave
been homeschooling for 14 years and will
graduate their second child this spring.
Steve is an Elder in his local church body and
William J. Federer is a nationally
k nown speaker and author. His
A M E R IC A N M I N U T E r a d io
feature is broadcasted daily across
America, and read by thousands via
the Internet. His daily Faith in History
TV program airs via the TCT Network
and DirectTV. He has appeared on major news programs and
has been interviewed and quoted by well-known media outlets.
Bill has authored multiple books. His first, America’s God and
Country Encyclopedia of Quotations has sold over a half-million
copies. Bill had worked in real estate and in the oil & gas
industry (Santa Fe Industries `81-`84). Bill married his high
school sweetheart, Susan Maria Misko, in 1981 and they have
four grown children.
Change to Chains: The 6000 Year Quest
for Global Control
The Original 13 – Documentary History
of Religion in America’s First Thirteen States
Miracles in American History–
Amazing Stories of Answered Prayer
enjoys mentoring young husbands to be the
leader of their homes. Professionally Steve
is a Computer and Networking Specialist.
D Dads’ Panel
RON & VICKY
BROADFIELD
Ron & Vicky Broadfield,
co-founders of JoyQuest,
Inc., have been enjoying the homeschooling
journey for the past 14 years. W hile
ministering to their younger daughter who
has learning challenges and special needs,
the Broadfields desired to minister to
other families by sharing encouragement,
practical help, and hope through the
ministry of JoyQuest (based on Psalms
16:11). They currently live in Region 14.
SL Homeschooling Special Needs
Children in Indiana – What Help
is Available?
CINDY
BRUMBARGER
Ci ndy Br u mba rger is
t he c u r rent Prog ra m
Director of The Master’s Study, a private
classically-minded homeschool tutelage
in Indianapolis. A home educator of two
sons of her own, she is driven to provide
resources to other home-based educating
families who embrace a classical approach.
Cindy is committed to academic excellence
which embraces the learning process with
a mastery approach, stands on a Christian
worldview, and fosters a love of learning.
CE Classical Education—
Moving Beyond the Plaid
HSP CE Classical Education vs. the SAT
2014 Convention Speaker Information
WILLIAM J. FEDERER
Peter Heck is one of the most engaging and
energetic speakers in the country. With a
powerful blend of humor and passion, Peter
is entertaining and enlightening audiences
across the United States. An author of two
books, an opinion columnist published in
The Washington Times, and a talk radio host
who has been heard on over 200 radio stations throughout America;
Peter Heck has shared the stage with some of the country’s most
recognizable names – from best-selling author and television
personality Glenn Beck to comedic genius Tim Hawkins. With a
style that can be described by audiences as like trying to take a drink
from a fire hose, prepare for one of the most inspiring, motivating and
uplifting speaking talents in the country.
BECKY COOKE
Beck y Cooke a nd her
husba nd Ji m l ive i n
Northern Virginia where
they homeschooled their three children
www.iahe.net |
the informer
15
2014 Convention Speaker Information
from kindergarten until college. Becky now
enjoys equipping parents to teach their
children through the high school years
and to encourage them in the process. As
an HSLDA High School consultant, Becky
primarily provides personal consultation
and friendly advice with a listening ear to
HSLDA members who have homeschool
questions and concerns.
HSP Building on a Sure Foundation:
Staying the Course through High
School (Thursday Night ONLY)
HSP Developing a Plan for High
School: Sample 4-Year Plans
HSP High School Transcript Clinic with
Recordkeeping Tips
HSP Scoop on Tests for Teens
HSP Important Pit Stops during
High School
HSP You Can Homeschool High
School…If You Can Make It
through Tomorrow
SANDRA FRAZER
Sandra Frazer is a member
of the Legislative Team for
the IAHE. Through home
educating her own children and through
coaching students in speech and debate,
Sandra became passionate about studying
our country’s history, governing documents,
and foundational laws. Seeing life from the
perspective of a Christian worldview, Sandra
realized the crucial importance of Christians
being involved in our government to ensure
that home education continues to be legally
supported.
D SGL Legislative Panel
LISA HEADY
Leaving suburban life twelve
years ago, Tom and Lisa
settled in rural Arlington
(Rush County) where they are happily
enjoying country living. Currently in their
20th year of homeschooling, the Headys
have graduated three of their six students.
BH You CAN Homeschool (Thursday
Night ONLY)
DARREN JONES
Darren Jones is a
homeschool graduate who
received his J.D. from Oak
Brook College of Law. While enrolled in
law school, he first worked for Christian
Solidarity International, a human rights
organization assisting persecuted Christians
around the world, and later came to work
for HSLDA as a legal assistant. Today, as a
litigation attorney, Darren assists Jim Mason
in preparing cases and defending members
who are experiencing legal difficulty.
Support Groups & Discrimination:
ADA, Membership Requirements,
and Religious Statements
CE Teaching a Christian Worldview
Through Literature
The History of Homeschooling
T Why Homeschool? A Homeschool
Graduate’s Perspective
SGL
JODI SMITH
Jod i Sm it h ha s been a
practicing nutritionist for
the past 35 years. She is the
author of A Gift of Health
and the video series Steps to Better Health.
Jodi also hosted Jodi’s Cupboard, heard on
WBRI and WXIR for 25 years, and was seen
on WHMB TV 40 on her show Steps to Better
Health. She has homeschooled since 1980
and has five homeschooled children.
M Hope for Tired Moms
M What is Good Nutrition? Find the
“YOU” Diet Perfect for You!
Tasty
Nutritious Meals and Health
M
Tips for Busy People on the Go
DELAINE THOMAS
Delaine Thomas has a Master’s degree in
Elementary Education. She taught ten years
in public and private schools, the last two
being in a school for children with dyslexia
and other related learning differences.
Delaine has a heart for children with learning
differences and desires to encourage and
equip their parents with skills that will
enable them to instruct their children.
SL Teaching Strategies for Your
Special Learner
16 the informer | www.iahe.net
SL Math Strategies for Your
Struggling Learner
CAROL TOPP
Carol Topp, CPA, is a
retired homeschool
mother, an accountant,
and author of the Micro Business for Teens
series, The IRS and Your Homeschool
Organization and Homeschool Co-ops: How
to Start Them, Run Them and Not Burn Out,
as well as several ebooks and magazine
articles helping homeschool families. She
is also the host of the PBS television show
Starting a Micro Business.
SGL The IRS and Your Homeschool
Group
SGL Homeschool Leader: Are You
Burnt Out?
D T Starting a Micro Business
(for teens and parents)
SGL How To Teach Kids About
Managing Money (When You’re
Not Doing So Great Yourself)
Homeschool Co-ops: Tips and
Traps for Leaders
We’re Not Raising Children,
We’re Raising Grown-Ups
CINDY WEST
Cindy West has many years
of ex perience teaching
both gifted and struggling
children using a Charlotte Mason approach
with a bit of Classical education and unit
studies thrown in for good measure. Her
workshops are fast-paced and highly
practical, which means you’ll go home
with tons of easy-to-implement ideas for
your homeschool. Cindy is the owner of
Shining Dawn Books, where she publishes
the popular NaturExplorers studies, among
other books.
SL Brain Training
CM Charlotte Mason Style
Homeschooling
SL CM Homeschooling Gifted Kids
CM Homeschooling with Unit Studies
Children are welcome throughout our
convention. Please be sensitive to the other
attendees and try to sit toward the back of
the room so that you can easily take your
children out if they become disruptive.
Please be aware that sessions are recorded.
We also ask that you keep seats available
for adults and allow some of your little ones
to sit on your laps or on the floor by you if
additional seating is needed. All children in
the Exhibit Hall age three (3) and younger
must be carried or in a stroller. This is for
their safety and the safety of others.
The I A H E encourages grandparents
to become knowledgeable about home
education. We value the support and
contributions they offer to busy homeschool
parents. Therefore, grandparents may attend
for free when registered as part of a family
registration. The grandparent’s name(s)
must be included on your registration form.
There is something for everyone!
photos from sxc.hu: parking lot ~penywise/ burger ~locktockb/ handicap ~andrewatla/ hotel ~lotushead
Your children will love the Learning
Express! See page 19 for more details!
FOOD
We have expanded the concessions available
at the Fairgrounds! In addition to the Barto’s
Concession stand in the Marsh Blue Ribbon
Pavilion (Exhibit Hall), open during all
convention hours, extra concession stands
will be open during the lunch break each
day. The complete Barto’s concession menu,
including gluten free options, is available on
our website. You may also bring your own
food in coolers, stocked with food from
home, or picked up from grocery stores or
restaurants on the way!
PARKING
The Indiana State Fairgrounds charges $5/
day per vehicle. Please be advised that there
is no re-entry without charge. Plenty of
parking is available and a free shuttle service
is available both morning and evening for
those parked at a distance.
AUDIO TAPING
All General Sessions and most workshops
will be recorded so that you may review or
Teens are invited to attend the convention
with their families and are welcome to
attend any workshop listed on the schedule.
We’ve also selected a handful of workshops
that we think teens will enjoy and have
marked them as a part of our teen track.
Teens can visit our exhibit hall, talk with
college representatives, attend workshops,
hear from homeschool graduates and much
more.
share the messages with others long after
the convention. Please check the program
book for the location of the booth where
recordings are sold.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Registration fees are nonref undable.
Unredeemed registrations are considered a
tax-deductible contribution to IAHE and,
upon written request, we will provide a
receipt for tax purposes.
HANDICAP ACCESSIBILITY
The convention workshops and Exhibit Hall
are handicapped accessible.
VOLUNTEERS
The IAHE is an all-volunteer organization
and we appreciate volunteer help with
many tasks and events throughout the year,
including our Convention. This year, we
have merged our volunteer program with
a new teen/young adult staffing program.
(Information on this new teen program
is available on the website.) If you enjoy
being involved through serving, please send
an email to [email protected] for more
information.
HOTELS
Room blocks with special pricing have been
arranged with nearby hotels, all located
within 8 miles of the Fairgrounds. To receive
our special group rate, you must mention
the IAHE Convention when you make your
reservation.
Hampton – Castleton ~ $94/night
Hampton Inn Indianapolis-NE/Castleton
6817 E. 82nd Street
Indianapolis, Indiana 46250
(317) 576-0220
Courtyard – Castleton ~ $99/night
Allisonville Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46250
(317) 576-9559
Hilton NE Indy* ~ $104/night
8181 N Shadeland Ave.
Indianapolis, IN, 46250
(317) 849-6668
*Pssst… Hey, Dads! Planning a getaway
with your wife for this year’s IAHE 2014
Convention? The Hilton NE Indy Hotel is
offering a very special rate just for couples.
www.iahe.net |
the informer
17
Learn, Shop, and Fellowship!
Exhibit Hall
Many organizations, publishers, and businesses serving the homeschooling community will be represented, displaying
textbooks, teaching materials, and enrichment aids for examination and purchase. Your convention registration includes
unlimited access to the Exhibit Hall, open Friday and Saturday 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM. Please support our exhibitors with
your patronage, your onsite purchases at the convention help ensure our vendors’ participation year after year.
“Exhibit Hall Only” Pass
This pass allows access to the Exhibit Hall only and is available only at the Registration Booth beginning at 10:00 A.M.
each day and valid only on the day of purchase. The pricing per day is $30/individual and $50/family. A family is defined
as Parent(s) or Guardian(s) and any children currently residing at home. Toddlers three (3) years of age or younger are
free but must be carried or in a stroller. A grandparent is welcome to attend free with a paying adult.
The following list of exhibitors is confirmed as of December 31, 2013.
For an up-to-date listing, be sure to visit our website: www.iahe.net.
A Beka Academy
Home Pasture Essentials
A Beka Book
Home School Foundation
A+ Interactive Math (by A+ TutorSoft, Inc.)
HSLDA
Alpha Omega Publications
Indiana Adoption Program
American Heritage Girls
Indiana Caverns
Antonio Violins
Indiana Creation Science Association
Apologia
Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus
Apprentice University
Indianapolis Children’s Choir
ARKY’s Bookstore
Institute for Excellence in Writing
Athanasius College
IUPUI-SPAN Division
BJU Press/HomeWorks by Precept
Jim Hodges Audio Books
Bows By Lisa Luann
Juice PLUS+ & the Tower Garden
Brain Balance of Indianapolis
Lamplighter Publishing
Cat and Dog Theology/UnveilinGLORY
Landmark’s Freedom Baptist Curriculum
Christian Liberty Press
Larry Winkleman Microscope Service
Christian Light Education
Learn-To-Play
Classical Conversations
Lions Home School Football Inc.
CollegeChoice529
Master Books
Conner Prairie Interactive History Park
Math-U-See/Demme Learning
Covenant Christian High School
Memoria Press
Doc’s DISCOVERY BOOKS
Miller Pads and Paper (Art & Educational Supplies)
Doorposts
Minds-in-Motion
Firefighters Survive Alive!, Inc.
MLJ Adoptions
Generation Joshua
Nature Friend Magazine
Grace College Indianapolis
NatureBug
Haan Crafts
Nature’s Workshop Plus!
HALF PRICE BOOKS, RECORDS AND
New Tribes Bible Institute
MAGAZINES
18 the informer | www.iahe.net
Notgrass Company
Nurture The Child through Kindermusik
Oakland City University
Ohio Christian University
One Mission Society
One Year Adventure Novel
Patrick Henry College
Rainbow Resources
ReformationKidz
RightStart Mathematics by Activities for
Learning, Inc.
Rod & Staff Publishers
Rose Publishing
SimplyFun
Sir Brainiac Books
Sonlight Curriculum
State History by A Helping Hand
Teaching Textbooks
TeenPact
Teens for Life/ Right to Life of Indianapolis
The Etiquette Factory
The Indianapolis Public Library
The Medical Transcription Service
The Porch/Consignment Books
Total Language Plus
United Art & Education
Usborne Books & More
Verity Institute
YWAMpublishing.com
Zeezok Publishing
Learning
Express
with JandY
Ministry
“DIGGING FOR THE
TRUTH”
photo: sxc.hu ~ilco
Stop by and visit the Learning Express as we explore...
the people and the places of the Bible. You will discover
God’s truths by examining the Biblical, Archaeological,
and Historical evidence! Gospel Illusions, Balloon
Creations, Comedy Skits and Puppets will be used to
educate, empower, and entertain young students with
the knowledge and truths from God’s Word. There will be
sessions about the Garden of Eden, Babylon, Bethlehem,
and much more!
Located inside the Exhibit Hall
Included with the price of your family registration
Designed for children 5-12
Educational and entertaining for all ages
Children should be accompanied
by an adult or older sibling
Crew 412
Young adults ages 13 thru 20 are invited to participate in
the Crew 412 teen staff program, which is a three part mix
of working essential Convention jobs, attending motivating
and educational workshops, and participating in leadership
and team building activities. Crew 412 is a two-day staff
commitment in which teens are expected to conduct
themselves in a responsible manner as serving the Lord,
as well as representing the IAHE, convention leaders, and
speakers.
$10 per person
Includes lunch Friday and Saturday
Includes a Crew 412 t-shirt
www.homeschoolfoundation.org
www.iahe.net |
the informer
19
Save a stamp by registering
online at www.iahe.net.
29th Annual IAHE
at the Indiana State Fairgrounds
March 28th–March 29th, 2014
Registration Type:
Individual
Family
Please print clearly.
Name
First
Spouse’s Name
Last
First
Last
Total Number of Children Attending #
Names of Children Attending (ages 4 and up)
First
Last
First
Last
First
Last
First
Last
First
Last
First
Last
First
Last
First
Last
First
Last
First
Last
First
Last
First
Last
First
Last
PAYMENT
INFORMATION
Total:
Amt Enclosed:
Check #:
Participating in
TEEN CREW
412
(ages 13–19)
Attending Grandparents’ Names
Must not be the primary home educator.
BEFORE
FEB 16
BEFORE
MAR 11
AT THE DOOR
1 Day
2 Day
TEEN CREW
412
$35
$45
$40
$55
$10 per child
$60
$75
$65
$90
Lunch for both days & shirt
are included in price. Two day
option only.
A family is defined as Parent(s) or Guardian(s) and any children,
currently residing at home, as well as any grandparents who are
not the primary home educator.
Please complete all information on this form and mail, along with payment, to:
IAHE, 2014 Home Educators’ Convention, P.O. Box 217, Stilesville, IN, 46180
20 the informer | www.iahe.net
SAVE THE DATE! 2014 IAHE CONVENTION MARCH 28–29
Keeping the Truths of
photo: jimmy rice, dearborn county
in Mind
Without question, the biggest issue before
the 2014 Indiana General Assembly is the
battle over the future of marriage. Those seeking to unravel the logical,
time-tested boundaries of marriage are entering the legislative arena with
a full head of steam. Homosexual activists have hired eleven lobbyists
from five of the largest Indianapolis law firms for the sole purpose of
defeating the Marriage Protection Amendment. They have millions of
dollars at their disposal and a sympathetic media that seems to give their
side favorable coverage every time.
Here are some points to keep in mind this
year when considering this issue:
PURPOSE
Marriage has both a public and a private
aspect. The public purpose of marriage is
to unite men to women and both to any
children they produce. This is the basis
for the marriage laws and the Marriage
Protection Amendment. Indiana has an
Home educating families should understand the importance of natural marriage in many
interest in upholding the ideal of marriage
1
between a man and a woman because
found that thirty-three percent of children from intact married homes ranked as high
no other relationship benefits society
academic achievers, compared with seventeen percent of single-parent homes. Children
like marriage. Marriage is not just any
need both a mom and a dad. Whatever two men may be, they are not a mom.
relationship; it is the special union of a man
ways, including education. A 1993 study by the National Association of School Principals
and a woman. Homosexual activists tend
Even so, The Informer readers will be inundated with all sorts of misleading rhetoric about
to ignore the public purpose of marriage
same-sex marriage and the Marriage Protection Amendment. Homosexual activists are
by focusing exclusively on the desires of
claiming that they will raise $15 million to defeat the measure. By comparison, in his run
individuals. Yet, the established needs of
for Governor, Mike Pence spent $11 million on his campaign. If the legislature passes the
children and society should take precedent
amendment, thereby allowing Hoosiers to vote on this issue in November, very few home
over the variable desires of a few vocal
educators will be able to avoid television, radio, and newspaper ads on this topic.
adults.
1
h t t p : // w w w . f r c . o r g / s p e c i a l p u b l i c a t i o n / r i s i n g - i l l e g i t i m a c y - a m e r i c a s - s o c i a l -
catastrophe
www.iahe.net |
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21
LIBERTY
Homosexuals are free to live as they choose. In all 50 states,
There is a great deal of confusion about liberty and freedom
homosexuals can live together, buy property together, choose a
today. Our founders were strong proponents of liberty, but not
workplace that grants them benefits, visit partners in hospitals,
licentiousness (the misuse of freedom). They believed in morally
and even have a liberal church bless their union. The Marriage
ordered liberty. The right to do whatever one desires is moral
Protection Amendment doesn’t ban anything. What is at issue
anarchy, not liberty. If marriage is redefined, it loses its meaning
here is whether the state of Indiana will recognize homosexual,
and becomes anything any group demands. Moreover, if marriage
polygamous, or bigamous marriages and force others to affirm
is redefined, people of faith will be the first to lose their freedom
them.
of speech and religious liberty.
POLICY
FAIRNESS
The Marriage Protection Amendment is a policy statement about
Marriage is a standard. As such, it is not always “fair” to everyone.
marriage. If passed by the legislature and approved by voters,
Such is the reality of a policy standard or an ideal. Indiana has a
it does not change a single state law. It affirms and protects the
legal standard for driving an automobile that some could argue is
policy of marriage. It places the issue in the hands of voters, and if
not “fair” to the young, elderly, blind, or intoxicated. Such laws
passed, keeps it there. The future of marriage belongs in the hands
are still in the best interest of the majority of Hoosiers. Again,
of voters, not unelected judges, the liberal media, special interests,
homosexuals are free to live as they choose, but when it comes to
or Hollywood.
the fairness of marriage we need to remember that the ideal of a
mom and a dad is what is fair to children.
FORCE
Passage of the Marriage Protection Amendment does not force
FEAR
anything new upon anyone. However, if homosexual activists have
Citizens in thirty-six states have been allowed to vote on the future
their way, churches, businesses, schools, and individuals could be
of marriage. Some of those who see marriage like Silly Putty, to
forced to embrace a new view of marriage that defies the truth about
be twisted as any group demands, have realized that most people
men and women. Those who disagree with homosexual marriage
still know the truth about marriage. For this reason, opponents
would be treated as bigots. Understanding that gender differences
often resort to scare tactics about marriage amendments. The
matter to children and society is not bigotry, it is biology.
most common is economic fear. Contrary to such claims, the most
22 the informer | www.iahe.net
SAVE THE DATE! 2014 IAHE CONVENTION MARCH 28–29
photo: amanda runge
FREEDOM
recent state to protect its marriage statutes, North Carolina, found
that in the year following their vote, the state added 42,699 new
jobs. Various studies have found that nearly all of the top states for
job growth, personal income growth, or best business environment
have marriage protection amendments.
CONFUSION
Some opponents of natural marriage want to muddy the
waters with alleged confusion over the wording of the Indiana
amendment. The Indiana amendment was purposefully chosen
to avoid such confusion. It is identical to the wording of Kentucky
and Wisconsin, which have had amendments since 2004 and 2006
without negative consequences or legal confusion.
GOVERNMENT
Some want to claim that passing a Marriage Protection Amendment
is a big government effort. Natural marriage is one of society’s best
guarantees of a government that stays out of family life. When
marriage breaks down in society, government steps in (grows)
to fill the void. Preserving natural marriage actually will reduce
the role government would play in fulfilling the role that a mother
or father uniquely provides. It is no coincidence that throughout
history those who want to grow government have tried to eliminate
or devalue the nuclear family.
RACE
Some opponents claim that the marriage amendment is similar to
racial marriage laws years ago. Yet, those laws were about keeping
men and women apart. Marriage amendments are about keeping
men and women together in marriage. Children need moms and
dads regardless of their race. Marriage can be color-blind but not
gender-blind.
We should keep the truths of marriage in mind this year. Marriage
is a fundamental building block of society that needs to be
upheld, respected, and restored—not redefined. It should not be
undermined or changed for everyone due to the desires of a vocal
few, or falsehoods in the media.
Do you communicate regularly with your state Legislators? Let
them know how you feel.
Micah Clark and his wife, Cherie, have two home-educated
children, nine-year-old Ben and ten-year-old Olivia. Micah is
the Executive Director for the American Family Association of
Indiana and the Legislative Advisor for the Indiana Association
of Home Educators. Micah works with various issues before
the Indiana General Assembly and in the culture, which
impact Hoosier families. You can learn more about AFA at www.afain.net.
www.iahe.net |
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23
~ Proverbs 29:18 (King James Version)
2013 was a great year for the IAHE!
You probably know about our convention. If you’re reading this, you’re already familiar with The
Informer. Chances are you’ve also seen the information about our yearly convention.
WHAT ELSE DOES THE IAHE DO?
The IAHE is a full-time, year-round ministry with a lot of action that goes on behind the scenes.
Perhaps you talked with one of our 16 Regional Reps when you began homeschooling. Through our
reps, we work to connect families with local support groups and help answer questions about how to
get started. We are often asked to provide help to families that are struggling in withdrawing their
student from the public school system. Frequently, families are given misinformation from school
personnel regarding Indiana’s law on home education. We provide clear answers on what is required.
The IAHE monitors an average of 1,600-2,000 bills each year and targets the ones that may affect
homeschool freedom. We monitor the State Board of Education and Indiana’s legislative committees,
and watch for bills that impact parental rights and more. IAHE follows these bills through the
process and watches for amendments. We also meet with state officials to give them a homeschool
perspective, and when necessary, send out Action Items to our Indiana families. The IAHE is your
24 the informer | www.iahe.net
SAVE THE DATE! 2014 IAHE CONVENTION MARCH 28–29
header image: tara bentley, dearborn county
Most Indiana homeschool families know that the IAHE just celebrated our 30th
Anniversary. But, many people don’t understand what the IAHE has been doing
for all of that time.
homeschool voice in the statehouse.
IAHE was one of the earliest groups to take a position against
Common Core in Indiana in January 2012. We have worked to
educate the state about the dangers inherent in nationalized
education standards. We were sought out and recognized nationally
as one of the key organizations in the opposition movement in
Indiana.
Occasionally homeschooling receives negative attention in the
media. We conduct media interviews throughout the year to
ensure that the public understands what true homeschooling looks
like. We were also present at the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals in
Cincinnati in support of HSLDA and the Romeike family. For
30 years, we’ve held annual events at the state capitol to bring
legislators and homeschoolers together.
photos: sxc.hu ~mzacha
In spite of home education proving to be very successful over the
years, the challenges to our freedoms have only grown. Indiana is
not a homeschool friendly state by chance… we have the freedom
to homeschool our children because Indiana families and IAHE
leaders have been vigilant for decades.
Each year, we see an increase in the attempts to legislate families.
Occasionally, we are called upon to testify before House or Senate
committees regarding proposed legislation. Our organization’s
visibility at the statehouse, our attendance numbers at the
convention, and our subscriber lists, are each critical and vital
pieces that make sure that your voice is heard. There is strength
in unity. The more Indiana homeschool families stand together,
the louder our voices will be heard.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Your convention attendance matters. Not only is the
convention our main revenue source, it is also a vital way to showcase
our community to the public. Each year, Indiana state legislators are
invited to attend the IAHE’s Home Educators’ Convention. The
size of our convention is one way the IAHE is able to demonstrate
to legislators the strength of our homeschool community. Your
convention registration and your family’s presence impacts our
ability to advocate for you all year long. Convention proceeds
are also responsible for providing the Informer magazine for free
throughout the year. Your purchases in the exhibit hall also matter.
Our exhibitors invest time and money to travel to our state. They
depend on sales at the convention to cover their expenses. Do
you want more to see even more exhibitors next year? Be sure to
purchase your curriculum on site vs. online.
Volunteer. Due to the impact from nearby for-profit conventions,
our convention income dropped so dramatically in recent years
that we were forced to to lay off all IAHE staff and close our office.
We depend on volunteers to accomplish our mission as we work to
protect homeschool families. If you have a servant heart, visit our
volunteer page for details.
Donate. Just like all non-profit ministries, we depend on the
donations of our supporters. We accept donations year round from
individuals and corporate sponsors.
WILL YOU STAND WITH US?
Attend. Volunteer. Donate.
And Share.
Your support enables us to protect the freedom to home educate
for future generations. Share information about the IAHE on your
Facebook page. Pin our information. Grab our button and add it to
your website. Talk to your friends and local support group about
why Indiana needs a strong state organization.
We understand there are other convention choices for families.
For-profit conventions have big marketing budgets that reach
across state lines. Stand With Us and let others know that you
support the IAHE’s mission to Encourage, Protect, and Serve
Indiana families interested in home education. When you share
about the IAHE, you become an important part of our team.
Do you have a support group meeting in need of a speaker? Contact
the IAHE to have a member of our organization visit your group.
Attend. Volunteer. Donate. Share.
Stand With The IAHE.
www.iahe.net |
the informer
25
2014
Convention
Speaker
Organization
to be paying taxes to the IRS?” They are unsure if their homeschool group is a business or a nonprofit
organization and question whether being a nonprofit means they do not owe any taxes. Ultimately,
homeschool leaders wonder what their involvement should be with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
HOMESCHOOL CONTACT WITH THE IRS
There are several situations when a homeschool organization
should be in contact with the IRS:
Your homeschool group opens a checking account and needs
a tax identification number.
Usually, the first contact a homeschool organization has with
the IRS is getting an Employer Identification Number (EIN).
Most banks now request an EIN when a group opens a checking
account. An EIN is similar to a Social Security Number for a
business or nonprofit organization. They are available from the
IRS at no charge at www.IRS.gov.
Your nonprofit homeschool organization brings in income
of more than $5,000 in a year.
If your gross revenues are more than $5,000 a year and you
have an educational, religious or charitable purpose, your
organization should file an application (Form 1023) with the
IRS for tax exempt status. Approval of tax exempt status by
the IRS means that your group will not pay income tax on its
26 the informer | www.iahe.net
financial surplus. Your organization is also eligible to receive
tax deductible donations and may participate in fundraisers
only open to 501(c)(3) organizations, such as Box Tops for
Education.
If your organization’s gross revenues are under $5,000 a year,
you are granted an exception from filing the application
paperwork for 501(c)(3) status. You are automatically granted
501(c)(3) status without applying. In a nutshell, a homeschool
group has three choices:
Stay under $5,000 annual gross revenues. Gross revenues
includes all your income, even if it goes right back out.
File the application for 501(c)(3) tax exempt status (Form
1023).
Pay income tax on any annual surplus.
Your homeschool group pays a worker.
Your worker may be an independent contractor or an employee.
Either way, there are forms to file with the IRS at the end of
the calendar year (typically a 1099MISC or W-2, respectively).
SAVE THE DATE! 2014 IAHE CONVENTION MARCH 28–29
illustration: amanda runge
Homeschool leaders frequently wonder, “Is my group supposed
The IRS requires all nonprofit organizations
to begin filing an annual information return
called a Form 990.
photo: from sxc.hu ~geezerpk
Your group makes money from fund raisers, selling T-shirts
and other merchandise, or selling advertising on your website.
Homeschool groups often make money from activities not
related to homeschooling. The IRS calls income from these
activities “unrelated business income (UBI)” and will tax the
profit from these activities. Usually homeschool groups avoid
the UBI tax by using one of the IRS exemptions which include
using all volunteer labor, selling donated merchandise or having
unrelated business income of less than $1,000 annually.
Your homeschool group is run as a for-profit business.
Most homeschool organizations are operated as nonprofit
organizations governed by a board and bylaws, but increasingly
some homeschool groups are for-profit businesses. The owner
will need to have a tax number (called an Employer Identification
Number or EIN) and file tax returns, such as the Form 1040
Schedule C Business Profit or Loss.
NEW IRS FILING REQUIREMENT FOR ALL
NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS
As of 2006, the IRS requires all nonprofit organizations (except
churches) to begin filing an annual information return called a
Form 990, even if they have not yet applied for tax exempt status or
were granted tax exempt status automatically. The annual return
is either Form 990, 990EZ or the new electronic postcard Form
990N. The Form 990N is for nonprofit organizations with annual
gross revenues under $50,000. It is a very simple online form with
only six questions. No financial information is given.
Calendar year or tax year dates
Check if gross revenue is $50,000 or less
Name and address of the organization
Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Website
One officer’s name and address
The Form 990N is filed online at http://epostcard.form990.org
and is due 4 1/2 months after the end of your fiscal year, so May
15 for groups that run on a calendar year. The difficulty in filing
the Form 990N if you have not yet received 501(c)(3) tax exempt
status is that your organization is not in the IRS database. You’ll
have to call the IRS Customer Account Services at 1-877-829-5500
and be added to their database so you can begin filing the Form
990Ns. It typically takes 6 weeks to be added to the IRS database.
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOUR ORGANIZATION DOESN’T
FILE THE FORM 990N
There is no penalty for late filing, but failure to file the Form
990N for three consecutive years means automatic revocation
of tax exempt status. Lately, I have helped several homeschool
organizations that did not file their 990Ns for several years (most
did not know about the requirement) and had their tax exempt
status automatically revoked. They now have to pay income tax for
the years they were not tax exempt and apply for the tax exempt
status to be reinstated.
If all this seems confusing or overwhelming, please visit
www.HomeschoolCPA.com. On the blog page, type “990N”
into the search box and read the blog posts about this IRS filing
requirement. Additionally, my book entitled The IRS and Your
Homeschool Organization can give you details on applying for tax
exempt status.
CAROL TOPP, CPA is an author, accountant and retired
homeschool mom. She is the author of Homeschool Co-ops:
How to Start Them, Run Them and Not Burn Out, The IRS and
Your Homeschool Organization and Money Management
in a Homeschool Organization: A Guide for Treasurers.
She shares her experience as a CPA, homeschool mom and
co-op treasurer in her books, at homeschool conventions and on her podcast
DollarsAndSenseShow.com. Carol offers consulting services to homeschool
leaders. Contact her on her website HomeschoolCPA.com.
Featured 2014 Convention Speaker
Additionally, there are employer taxes, such as Social Security or
Medicare taxes, to pay in addition to employee wages.
See Page 16 for Carol’s 2014 IAHE Convention workshop
titles!
Are you a support
group leader?
Make sure the IAHE has your correct
contact information.
http://www.iahe.net/about/
support-groups
www.iahe.net |
the informer
27
One Thing at a
Whether you are new to homeschooling, a veteran homeschooler,
or even a retired homeschooling mother, it never seems like
there is enough time in a day. Many of us would like to learn new skills in addition to completing the
daily tasks that must be accomplished. However, our to-do list is often daunting compared to the time
that we have. Sometimes it is a struggle just to clean the house or to put a healthy meal on the table, let
alone learning some new practical skill for fun, for educational purposes, or for self-development.
I learned early on that you need to start where you are and move
forward from that point. For example, if you can never seem to
get the laundry out of the dryer, make it your goal to get it folded
every time the dryer buzzes. If you can get it folded but never put
away, make it your goal to have everything put away by the end
of the day. Determine your weaknesses in daily tasks, and every
month set a goal of one area to master until house management is
under control.
Once you have accomplished this, you will be able to develop new
skills that you have always desired to learn but for which you never
had the necessary time. Some examples of the things my family
and I have learned include gardening, using herbs, making maple
syrup from sugar maples in the backyard, milking cows, making
cheese, raising and butchering meat chickens, making homemade
soap, and more. When we first moved to a place where much of this
was possible, the list of things we desired to do was overwhelming.
28 the informer | www.iahe.net
However, we started slowly, gradually adding new things as we felt
comfortable with what we had learned. Once you know how to
perform a skill or have disciplined yourself in a certain area, it is
always easier to execute than when you first started, allowing you
to accomplish it without much thought or effort.
Many people shun learning to do things like this because they
simply do not k now where to even begin learning. As
homeschoolers, however, we should be setting good examples to
our children by demonstrating how to learn. Learning something
new in life is not always as simple as pulling out a textbook and
reading an assigned portion. Sometimes it takes time, research,
and trial and error. Try to make connections in your church or
homeschool group. Be on the lookout for skills others can teach
you and your children—and if they offer to do so, jump at the
opportunity! Do not be afraid to fail. Your children will learn
a great deal from you if they see that you are unafraid of doing
SAVE THE DATE! 2014 IAHE CONVENTION MARCH 28–29
new things. In fact, this is what our country and churches need—
people who are active and unafraid of being entrepreneurial,
adventurous, or different.
Another common deception is that we have to do these things
on our own. However, as homeschoolers, teaching our children
a variety of life skills should be part of the curriculum. Kids need
to learn responsibility in daily matters, not just a book education.
Do not forget to include them in everyday chores to help your
homeschooling run more smoothly. Even a three-year-old can
be taught to fold washcloths and put away their own clothes.
Your standards may have to be lowered a bit, but what the child
is learning will outweigh any inconvenience. As they get older,
they can add skills to their repertoire. A ten-year-old can brown
hamburger for supper, and the thirteen-year-old can make an
entire meal. Call it home economics and give them school credit for
it. As they become responsible in small areas, they can participate
in more demanding areas. Perhaps they might like learning to sew
or having their own garden plots or animals. We have found as a
family that as I introduce a new skill or activity, different children
become interested, help, and perhaps eventually take over that
area. There are some jobs that everyone should help with (like
weeding the garden) but allow them to explore their interests and
expand their skills simultaneously.
Sometimes laziness causes us to accomplish less. I find that if I
make a list, I have more motivation to get things done and receive
a rewarding feeling from crossing things off the list. Sometimes it
helps to be accountable to a friend. Just knowing that they will ask
you if you finished a task you mentioned will provide motivation to
complete it. Do not hesitate to ask a friend to hold you accountable.
For me, the most daunting task is a new one. My husband calls it
“paralysis by analysis” because I analyze everything that could go
wrong instead of just doing it. If I can just get started, I usually find
it was not as hard as I originally anticipated. By doing it repetitively,
I can master it until I am ready to take on something else. By adding
one thing at a time, we can become very skilled and accomplished.
We have seasons to our lives. Just as you learned how to take care
of your first child, or taught your first child to read, you can learn
new practical skills by adding one thing at a time.
KAREN WHITESELL and her husband Warren have been
homeschooling their five children for fifteen years. She enjoys
gardening, milking, cheese and soap making, bee keeping,
and preparing healthy foods. Aliesha, a homeschool graduate,
is earning a BA in music through CollegePlus! while helping at
home, teaching piano lessons, and pursuing other interests.
So students at Anderson University begin reaching out
into the world as soon as they step on campus. From
a workday in the city during new-student orientation
to an internship at the Flagship Enterprise Center,
AU students work to build meaningful relationships,
gain practical experience, and share the love of God
through service. Come discover AU!
Anderson, Indiana • 800.428.6414
www.anderson.edu
www.iahe.net |
the informer
29
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family-owned business, place a classified ad, or advertise a
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BETHEL COLLEGE is an accredited Christian college of the arts and sciences,
affiliated with the Missionary Church. We offer more than 50 areas of study in arts and
sciences, business and social sciences, education, nursing, religion and philosophy, as well
as graduate, nontraditional and online programs. Bethel has more than 2,000 students
from 25 denominational affiliations, 34 states and 19 countries. More than 10% of our
students are home school graduates.
1001 BETHEL CIRCLE s MISHAWAKA, IN s 574.807.7551 s BETHELCOLLEGE.EDU
Indiana Association of Home Educators
NON PROFIT ORG
US POSTAGE
PAID
INDIANAPOLIS, IN
Permit No. 9395
P.O. Box 217
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Encourage
Protect
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Since 1983