The Great Education Struggle

On January 26, 2016, I watched live as the GED Testing Service announced major changes to the GED exam.  After two years of study, the Testing Service has decided to not just change the performance level indicators, but they also have determined the passing school was forcing GED graduates to actually met a much higher performance standard than their high school graduate counterparts. In this episode, I explain the details and show how the GED might just be a better indicator of college and technical schools readiness than today's high school diploma.

Hundreds of thousands have been fighting the official federal takeover of public, private, and in large part, homeschool curriculum through the Common Core State Initiative.  Many of them see the similarities between the 20th-century totalitarian government schools systems and CCSS.  But often they are dismissed as using rhetoric, and living in the cold Cold War. But what would you say, if someone who lived in China under Mao Tse-tung rule, who completed her education in China and said, yes Common Core is the same standards and expectations Moa demanded of her and her classmates? Yes, in fact, Lily Tang Williams has seen Common Core before!  It was the same education program she and her countrymen were forced to endure, and it has cost them and their country dearly.  Tune in this week, as we discuss Mrs. Willaiam's Chinese education roots and experiences and how they compare to what she sees in Common Core.   Lily Tang Williams Born in the wild west of China, Sichuan province near Tibet,  and raised with her two sibling brothers by illiterate working-class parents, Lily grew up facing poor living conditions, food rationing, political, and social chaos.  In this tumultuous environment, she quickly developed both street smarts and compassion as well as the values of perseverance and hard work. At 17, Lily graduated at the top of her high school class and placed near the top of the national exams (held once each year for three eight-hour days).  She did well enough that she was only one of three students from her province of 80 million people to be accepted to Fudan University law school that year, one of China's top five universities. Lily received her university law degree at Fudan University in Shanghai, practiced law and joined the Law faculty at Fudan.  She came over to the U.S. in 1988 to earn a Master's degree at the University of Texas at Austin, School of Social Work with a minor in Administration and Planning. After her Master's degree, Lily worked with troubled youth from dysfunctional families in Ivanson Memorial Hospital and Wyoming Home Health Care in Laramie, Wyoming as a social worker. Later, she worked for corporations in Hong Kong and the United States as a corporate executive. In particular, as "China Operations Manager" for PREL Inc., directly reporting to it's president, she was responsible for the overall management of China-based office performing Wal-Mart manufacturer certification, quality control, and inspection.  In that capacity, she also acted as a liaison between Wal-Mart's exclusive world buying agent at the time, PREL Inc., and vendors in China and Wal-Mart buyers. Lily became a Colorado small business woman and entrepreneur in 2000. She is currently the President and founder of ACM International Corporation, a consulting and trading firm in Colorado specializing in China-related business services. She and her husband John also own and manage their rental properties in Colorado and Nevada.

After a long a long absence away from the mic, The Great Education Struggle is back. Join Virgina attorney and president of Deconstructing the Collision, Kevin R. Novak as we discuss framers presupposition, the proper jurisdiction of the civil government, and the abolition of the civil government education system. Kevin R. Novak is a homeschool administrator, tutor and President of Deconstructing the Coliseum, LLC. Separate from Deconstructing the Coliseum, Mr. Novak is – as a member of the Virginia State Bar – a Virginia-licensed attorney who focuses on Education Law, including defending homeschoolers. Mr. Novak believes in defending homeschoolers because it is an offensive approach to advancing the gospel of Jesus Christ. Mr. Novak is a sole practitioner and is therefore, able to give his clients individualized attention. Prior to lawyering, Mr. Novak spent over seven years in the insurance business and many years in Christ-centered basketball ministry and inner-city homeless outreach. He hosts Deconstructing the Coliseum Radio show, which discourages the man-centered (humanistic) religion that arbitrarily excludes Jesus Christ from law and education. Deconstructing the Coliseum website: www.deconstructingthecoliseum.comEmail: kevin@deconstructingthecoliseum.comTwitter:@DtColiseum Kevin's weekday Briefs, are aired on WVGV (West Virginia) and WAMV (Virginia).

On June 19th, 2015 America and Great Britain celebrated the 800th birthday of the Magna Carta. This small piece of paper represents one of the two greatest documents westerns have, yet most know nothing about it.  We can tell you about Robin Hood, Russel Crow and Kevin Costner versions, but we cannot tell you where the backdrop of this fictional story came from. But, without it, we do not the Bill of rights or our Constitution.  We simply would not have the United States of America. Long, long ago, students were taught the principles of liberty in the school houses and homes, but that has long since passed away. While Common Core promises to equip today's children to be able to work in the 21st century, it does nothing to prepare them to live and operate as a free individual in a republic. Bring your family around and join returning guest, KrisAnn Hall, as we discuss the significance of the Magna Carta. KrisAnne Hall is  an attorney and former prosecutor who travels the country teaching the Constitution and the history that gave us our founding documents. She is the host of The KrisAnne Hall Show, she pulls no punches, puts Liberty First and gives no quarter to those who hide behind party labels. Like no other can, KrisAnne teachers tell what the founders had to say on today's relevant issues. KrisAnne is a disabled Army veteran, a Russian linguist, a mother, a pastor's wife and a patriot. She received her undergraduate degree in Bio-Chemistry from Blackburn College in 1991 and her J.D. from the University of Florida, Levin College of Law. KrisAnne lives in North Florida with her husband JC and their adopted son Colton.

Education reformers have, for decades, decried the achievement gap among students and espoused the inequality of education throughout the nation. This is one of the major justifications for the implementation for Common Core State Standards. All sorts of reasons are pushed forward in an exempt to explain the achievement gap between all classes of students. But, seldom if ever, do the reformers discuss why the achievement gap is 25% narrower in private schools over public school. In episode 63, Professor of Education at California State University, Long Beach and a Senior Fellow at the Witherspoon Institute, Dr. William Jeynes joins me as we examine the meta-analyses and relationship between the achievement gap in education and faith, Common Core, and the future of America. (Note: this conversation was originally going to cover really just the meta-analyses data analyst, and statistical analysis of the relationship between the achievement gap between public school and faith-based private schools. But, as it turned out we spent about the first 40 minutes talking aboutCommom Core.  For those who want to just listen to the analysis portion, you will want to fast forward to about the 4o minute mark.) Go to the show notes for a full bio on Dr. Jeynes.

With the implementation of Common Core, Islamic proxy front groups have infiltrated the American school system, including Christian and homeschool curriculums. This is especially can be seen in the CCSS aligned Advanced Placement History Standards and textbooks. Join Dr. Bruce Forrest and we examine What every American needs to know, but won't learn in school as well as attempt to answer the question, "Is Islam a religion of peace or is Islam a religion that is not practiced by the majority of Muslims? Dr. Bruce Forrest has been a student of Islam since the 1960's and for the last five years he has been serving as an Assistant Professor of Apologetics at Liberty University. He has earned his D.Min from Liberty University. His doctorate thesis was titled An Introduction to Islamic History and Theology. He has earned his M.Ed. degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Northwest Nazarene University, his M.A. in Biblical Studies from Western Evangelical Seminary (George Fox University), his B.A. in Religion from NNU, and his A.S. Associate in Criminal Justice and Administration, Umpqua Community College. Dr. Forrest has served as an Associate Pastor for 6 1/2 years, and has worked in Christian Education for 29 years. Go to www.edstruggle.com/62 for additional show notes, including the list of the resources, Dr. Forrest mentioned in this episode.  

With 93% of teens ages 12‐17 go online, 95% of teens have at least 1 social media account with 86% of those having a Facebook account, and 85% of  10-12-year-olds have a Facebook account, and even higher for those older, social media, parents rightfully are concerned. We live in the 21st century and regardless, whether we like it or not, a new world of technology is here and there is no escaping it. So what can a parent do to embrace the 21st technology and yet teach their children how to keep their family safe inline? Join John Wilkerson from The Wired Homeschool Podcast and blog as we discuss this and more in episode 62. John combines his professional experience in the computer industry with 17 years of homeschooling 7 children giving parents an easy to understand advice on the application of technology in their homes. John Wilkerson has been married to Lisa for 17 years and together they have 7 children. Their oldest has “graduated” from homeschooling and the other six continue to keep them very busy. John loves gadgets and other geeky things (like Star Wars, Doctor Who, and bacon) and sometimes wishes he could homeschool on the holodeck of the Enterprise.In the spaces between working full-time, being a husband and father, struggling to follow God, and fixing stuff around the house John tries to find time for his hobbies: podcasting, blogging, social media, backyard astronomy, and coaching soccer. The Wired Homeschool provides practical advice for homeschooling parents who use technology as part of their homeschool curriculum. Topics include Internet safety, responsible computer use, smartphones, tablets, e-readers, educational apps, social media, and more. In addition to instructional articles and podcasts you'll find articles on homeschooling philosophy, how the digital age influences our daily lives, and how parents can use technology to teach their children at home. John can be contacted through his podcast and blog, The Wired Homeschool Twiter & Facebook Wiredhomeschool episode mentioned: Finding the Sacred in the Secular with Michael T. Hansen – WHS 137 – The Wired Homeschool If you have teens that use social media, would you have them fill out this survey?

One of the major educational buzz words, today is "critical thinking." The proponents of the Common Core State Standards tought one of the major benefits of CCSS, is that it teaches critical thinking. By like I wrote in"Critical Thinking and Education Reform Called Common Core," critical thinking skills” is a term used in a number of different disciplines, but no one has a clue as to what it means. But it sounds good, which is why education reformers use it. While it sounds good and who would not want to get behind such an idea, the problem is that it is meaningless. The next time you hear someone from the education establishment start talking about thinking skills, ask him or her to define it. Ask them to give you an example of thinking skills program they would recommend. See what you get. In episode 60, James Nance, from Roman Roads Media, and I discuss the necessity of teaching real critical thinking skills through the study of formal logic. James Nance, curriculum development and teacher, received a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Washington State University in 1984, and after working for Boeing for 5 years, moved to Moscow, Idaho where he taught Logic, Rhetoric, Calculus, Physics, and Doctrine at Logos School for 25 years.  During that time, he developed several curriculums, including the award-winning Introductory and Intermediate Logic. He enjoys teaching, reading, acting, and playing games with my friends and family. He and his wife Giselle have four children: Jamie, Josiah, Jacqueline, and Jonathan.

Daniel Foucachon, from episode 30 and president of Roman Roads Media, joins me at the Spokane Christian Homeschool Conference to discuss the importance of studying the works of the Western canon, and in particular Christians  Join us as we address head-on, should Christians study the pagan writings? You may also want to read a recent blog post Daniel and I collaborated on called,  "Should Christians Study “The Great Books?”   Daniel grew up in Lyon, France where his family were church-planting with Missions to the World. He was homeschooled for most of his education, attending a Classical Christian School for two years in Lyon. He then moved to Moscow, Idaho in 2005 to attend New Saint Andrews College, and graduated with a BA in Liberal Arts and Culture in 2009.   While finishing school and working in his father's French restaurant, “West of Paris,” he ran a local media production company where he sub-contracted with Canon Press to create CanonWired. In 2010, he founded Roman Roads Media with the desire to equip homeschoolers with the tools to give their children a Classical Christian Education. He now lives in Moscow, Idaho with his wife Lydia, and four children.

Join Dr. Peg Luksik, Founder and Chairman of Founded on Truth, as we discuss the truth behind your state giving up its sovereignty and your freedom by implementing Common Core. Dr. Peg Luksik, Founder and Chairman of Founded on Truth, and is a Pennsylvania teacher with over 35 years of experience in both special education and elementary education. Dr. Luksik  has taught at every level from pre-school to college in regular classrooms, resource centers, self-contained special education classes, and in alternative educational settings.Dr. Luksik has trained teachers in curriculum and classroom management, written and evaluated curricula, authored several books on education issues, and hosted a nationally syndicated television program dealing with education in America. Dr. Luksik has trained teachers in curriculum and classroom management, written and evaluated curricula, authored several books on education issues and hosted a nationally syndicated television program dealing with education in America. Dr. Luksik served as an advisor to President Reagan's Commission on the Family and worked for the U.S. Department of Education, where her task was to review and evaluate education reform initiatives. Dr. Luksik founded a program to assist low-income single mothers complete their educations that was recognized by President Reagan and named as a National Point of Light by President George Bush. Dr. Luksik was a founding board member of the Pennsylvania Family Institute and the Pennsylvania Leadership Conference. Most importantly, Dr. Luksik and Jim, her husband of 35 years, have raised six wonderful children and are now proud grandparents.

This weeks episode consist of my conversation with KrissAnn Hall from Liberty First! KrisAnn and I discuss education, parental rights, and the United Sates Consitution in general and Common Core. If you have not heard KrissAnn before, I encourage everyone to listen to her podcast. Feel free to check out a couple of her episodes where she addresses our education system directly on the Recommended Podcast page. For those who are just interested in our conversation concerning Common Core, you can fast forward to about the 20 minute mark. KrisAnne Hall is an attorney and former prosecutor who travels the country teaching the Constitution and the history that gave us our founding documents. She is the host of The KrisAnne Hall Show, she pulls no punches, puts Liberty First and gives no quarter to those who hide behind party labels. Like no other can, KrisAnne teachers tell what the founders had to say on today's relevant issues. KrisAnne is a disabled Army veteran, a Russian linguist, a mother, a pastor's wife and a patriot. She received her undergraduate degree in Bio-Chemistry from Blackburn College in 1991 and her J.D. from the University of Florida, Levin College of Law. KrisAnne lives in North Florida with her husband JC and their adopted son Colton. KrisAnne's Website & Podcast Check her teaching events out HERE. Find her on Facebook, Twitter, Goggle+. Watch KrisAnn on YouTube.

For the biblical Christian parent, the current culture we live in clearly demonstrates Isaiah's warning, “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!"[1. Isaiah 5:20] But his warning should not be a surprise, for there is a real antithesis between the biblical Christian view of the world and the way the non-believer views this world. Join Professor Jason Truett Glen, Director of Worldview Formation at Bryan College as we discuss the Christian worldview and education. Professor Jason Truett Glen began serving as the Director of Worldview Formation at Bryan College in July of 2012. Jason also serves as Assistant Professor of Philosophy and Culture in the Christian Studies Department at Bryan College. Professor Glen received his MA in Christian Ethics from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina and a BA in Biblical Studies from Southeastern College at Wake Forest. Jason also studied theology at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary for two years and Political Science at Texas A&M University for four years. Professor Glen has ministered to college students for the past 16 years through such organizations as the Navigators, Baptist Collegiate Ministries, and local churches. He has academic interests in ethics, continental philosophy, postmodernism, social justice, and worldview studies. Professor Glen has been married since 1999 to Ashlee Glen. They met while they were both attending Texas A&M. They live with their four daughters in Dayton, TN. Jason and his family enjoy the great outdoors, playing and watching sports, reading, and watching movies. Professor Glen's Blogg   For more information on: [vimeo id="38643042"] Homeschooling at Bryan College Movement© A "Conference" Offered by The"Department" of "Worldview" Formation "at" Bryan"College, click Overview - Movement 2015 Worldview Initiative Youtube Account: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOj2MR-2xFtkag8xyS1Vu3Q Worldview Initiative Facebook Page Spring Break Homeschool Program Trip Worldview Formation Facebook Page Bryan Life is the official alumni magazine of Bryan College The Moralist William Jennings Bryan (pdf) William Jennings Bryans Impact on Education (pdf) Who is William Jennings Bryans?

Today's culture, we are so worried about our children being hurt, we ban activities such as dodge ball, and instead of teaching them to be tough, we bubble wrap them. Meanwhile, parents on the otherwise of the globe are training their children to kill ours.  While these children are learning how to shoot, behead, and burn their enemies alive, we indoctrinate ours into silence and compliance through our school system and its curriculum. How is this being done? Tune in as you meet the murder of your children.

We all have grown up the notion that public school was just a given. We have come to expected them to be available  just like our fresh running water from our sinks; services provided by an altruistic  government for the benefit of the people. But was it constitutionally permissible in the first place?  Is it now constitutional? Was it the parents, the state or the federal government responsibility?  What about Common Core? What did President Thomas Jefferson say about forcing parents to support ideas and opinions that were contrary to their conscience? Join my conversation with Herb Titus, Constitutional, and Common Law Scholar as we discuss this and much more from a biblical worldview. Herbert W. Titus is of counsel to the law firm of William J. Olson, P.C. where he is engaged in a general practice, with a concentration in constitutional, appellate, and administrative law. Prior to his association with this firm, Mr. Titus taught constitutional law, common law, and other subjects for nearly 30 years at five different American Bar Association-approved law schools. From 1986 to 1993, he served as the founding Dean of the College of Law and Government in Regent University, Virginia Beach, Virginia. Prior to his academic career, he served as a Trial Attorney and a Special Assistant United States Attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. and in Kansas City, Missouri. Mr. Titus holds the J.D. degree (cum laude) from Harvard and the B.S. degree in Political Science from the University of Oregon from which he graduated Phi Beta Kappa. He is an active member of the bar of Virginia and an inactive member of the bar of Oregon. He is admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, Ninth, Tenth, District of Columbia and Federal Circuits, the Army Court of Criminal Appeals, and the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces. In addition, his constitutional practice has taken him into federal district courts in Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Montana, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Wyoming, and the District of Columbia and state courts of Colorado, Idaho, North Dakota and Texas. He has appeared as a guest on radio and television shows and, for two years, hosted his own daily radio program, That's The Law, on the VCY America network. He has testified on constitutional issues before the U.S. Congress, and testified on state and federal constitutional issues before several state legislatures. His views on constitutional law and policy have received wide circulation on the Internet and other media, and among members of Congress, state legislatures, and public policy advocates and organizations. Mr. Titus serves as general counsel to the Michael New Action Fund. Mr. Titus has written numerous articles, book chapters and constitutional studies and analyses. He is the author of God, Man & Law: The Biblical Principles, a widely acclaimed text on American common law and is available for purchase at www.herbtitus.com. His e-books on the common law and constitutional liberty (co-authored with Gerald Thompson) are available at www.lonang.com. Mr. Titus lectures and conducts workshops on American legal and constitutional history for civic groups, church conferences, and college campuses. He is also engaged as an instructor in a home schooling consortium, teaching a course on world views. Mr. Titus and his wife, Marilyn, have been married 52 years and reside in Chesapeake, Virginia. The Tituses have four children and 15 grandchildren. Websites Mr. Titus mentioned Law and Freedom Law of Nature and of Natures God LawMart

Why does the average U.S. college freshman reads at a seventh-grade level, according to an educational assessment report? How have we gone from Noah Webster's public school system to a socialist/progressives taken over the public school system? What happened to the proper teaching of phonics? How does Common Core fit into the current scheme of things? This and more with my conversation with Dr. Samuel L. Blumenfeld in episode 53. Dr. Samuel L. Blumenfeld was born and educated in New York City. Dr. Blumenfeld graduated from The City College of New York in 1950 and worked for ten years in the book publishing industry. He has also tutored and taught in private schools and as a substitute in public schools. Dr. Blumenfeld is one of the world's leading authorities on the teaching of reading and in 1986; he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree by Bob Jones University. Dr. Blumenfeld has spent much of his career investigating the the decline in American literacy, the reasons for the high rate of learning disabilities in American children, the reasons behind the educational establishment in America's support for sex and drug education, the reasons why so many children are labeled ADD, and why the school system refuses to use intensive phonics in reading instruction and memorization in mathematics instruction. He has spoken on education all over the world and is recognized internationally as a leader in the intensive, systematic phonics movement. Dr. Blumenfeld has authored of 11 books on education, including: "Is Public Education Necessary?" "NEA: Trojan Horse in American Education," "The Whole Language/OBE Fraud" and "Homeschooling: A Parents Guide to Teaching Children" among many others. Dr. Blumenfeld has had articles published in in the New York Times, Herald Tribune, Commentary, American Opinion, Ideas, Reason, Inquiry, American Education, Vital Speeches, Education Digest, American Legion Magazine, Conservative Digest and  Boston Magazine. Books by Dr. Blumenfeld Alpha-Phonics: A Primer For Beginning Readers How To Tutor NEA: Trojan Horse in American Education Homeschooling: A Parents Guide to Teaching Children The Victims of Dick and Jane Is Public Education Necessary? New Illiterates and How You Can Keep Your Child from Becoming One The Whole Language/Obe Fraud: The Shocking Story of How America Is Being Dumbed Down by Its Own Education System

This week I discuss the several topics including the current educational climate, Common Core, liberal arts, Hillsdale Academy, and the educational reforms Hillsdale is proposing and offering to anyone for free. If you are looking for a classical liberal arts educational plan our founding fathers would have recognized, then look no further. Dr. Calvert arrived at Hillsdale College in 1996 from Miami University of Ohio where he had completed his Ph.d. in Ancient History.  Dr. Calvert earned his undergraduate degree from Wheaton College as well as Masters Degrees from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and Harvard University.  In 1986, Ken lived in Pakistan working with Afghan refugees where he developed an abiding interest in Afghanistan and Islamic History.  In the 1988-1989 academic year Dr. Calvert pursued studies as a visiting scholar at Bristol and Oxford Universities in England. As a Hillsdale college professor, Ken has taught Freshman Honors History, upper division courses in the Ancient World including Greek, Roman and Mesopotamian History, as well as in the History of Christianity.  Ken also directs the Hillsdale College Oxford programs – sending a dozen Hillsdale students to Oxford University each year. In 1999, Ken received the Emily Daugherty Award For Teaching Excellence from Hillsdale College and in 2000 was voted “professor of the year”– the very first year he was eligible for that distinction. In 2001, Dr. Calvert was asked to serve as Interim Headmaster of the Hillsdale Academy. and then, in 2003, he accepted the position of permanent headmasterKen enjoys traveling, especially with his wife, Beth, and their three children, Joel, Claire and Ian.  Claire and Ian attend Hillsdale Academy while Joel, a graduate of Hillsdale Academy, is now a sophomore at Hillsdale College. Ken enjoys traveling, especially with his wife, Beth, and their three children, Joel, Claire and Ian.  Claire and Ian attend Hillsdale Academy while Joel, a graduate of Hillsdale Academy, is now a sophomore at Hillsdale College. Website: Hillsdale AcademyDr. Calvert's email: kenneth.calvert@hillsdale.edu Hillsdale Academy Reference Guides Lower School Guides (K-8) Upper School Guides (9-12)

How does Common Core and its associated assessments affect students? It's a major psychological issue for many. Join this weeks' guest, Mary Calamia, a licensed psychotherapist who has witnessed first hand the mental burdens placed upon New York students and the results thereof. Mary Calamia is a psychotherapist practicing on Long Island. After testifying to the New York State Assembly Forum on Education about the mental health consequences of the Common Core, Mary took on a leadership role in the grassroots fight against the controversial CCSS initiative. Mary speaks at educational forums and advocates tirelessly with legislators to eliminate Common Core. She is also one of the contributors to the book, Common Ground on the Common Core. United Nations education initiative mentioned: Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)

Are you looking for a college that doesn't use the Common Core aligned SAT or ACT as part of their entrance requirements? Well then you will want to listen to this week's conversation with James Bowers, Admission Director of Shimer College for they do not care what Common Core architect David Colman thinks. James Bowers grew up in the mountains of East Tennessee. He earned his BA from Duke University, worked in professional school admission for Duke, and then earned a law degree from Duke as well. After spending almost a decade in New York City practicing law, he decided to return to working with students. Shimer CollegeLocated minutes from the Loop in Chicago, Shimer College is an independent, four-year liberal arts college that enrolls approximately 150 students. Founded in 1853 as the Mount Carroll Seminary, Shimer today provides a comprehensive, regularly-reviewed core curriculum that brings foundational books of the liberal arts to bear on the pressing problems of our time. Shimer College is committed to a primary-source, textbook-free curriculum, seminars of twelve or fewer students, and an ethos of community and service within a diverse group of students, teachers, scholars, and staff. Email James: j.bowers@shimer.eduPhone: 312-235-3543 Article mentioned in the program: Shimer College Doesn't Give a ***** About what David Coleman Thinks?

So often I hear "religion" has not place in public school. Those who hold to this belief espouse academics can be taught apart from a theologic perspective. What they admit to is that everyone comes into the classroom with certain presuppositions about the world around them. There is no escaping this fact and how you see the world, determines your outcomes. Join public school teach Bill Barr as he explains how science is a slave to philosophy. Bill Barr is a former atheistic and a current 30 year public school science teacher veteran. He has been married for 28 years and had three children. Bill has earned three degrees and coaches multiple sports. For a copy of Bill's notes on the Laws of Thermodynamics, the Law of Entropy, the Scientific Method, and the Six Basic Concepts of Evolution for FREE click HERE. For more on the prevailing worldviews and how these presuppositions affect curriculum, including private Christian and homeschool curriculum, request the free eBook, The Great Education Decision.      

This weeks episode is a continuation from last weeks where Israel Wayne and me discussed the history of socialization and what that term really means.  This week we discuss how it is positive family relationships beginning with securing your child's heart should be the focus and how to use the following four steps in accomplishing this task. Do activities that are pro-spiritual. Do actives that are pro-family. Do activities that are pro-relational with all ages (not age segregated groupings). Do activities that are pro-educational. 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, Full-Time Parenting: A Guide to Family-Based Discipleship, and The Questions God Asks. He is a former regular columnist for Home School Digest magazine. He is also the site editor for ChristianWorldview.net. Since 1995, Israel has traveled the nation speaking on family, homeschooling, revival, discipleship, and cultural issues. Israel has written articles for the following magazines and websites: Answers (Answers In Genesis), Biblical Worldview (American Vision), Revive (Life Action Ministries), UnChained (Pure Life Ministries), The Baptist Banner, Above Rubies, Homeschooling Today, CrossWalk.com, ChristianPost.com, ChristianBook.com, Christianity.com, HonorBound.com, WorldviewWeekend.com and many others. He is a frequent guest on national radio and television programs. Israel's family began home educating in 1978 and has been featured in national and international publications including TIME Magazine, The Arizona Republic, WORLD Magazine, Court Report and the Wall Street Journal. Israel has been featured as the keynote speaker at various conferences, with over 5,000 in attendance. Connect with Israel Wayne Israel's apologetics website: ChristianWorldview.net Israel's blog: ChristianWorldview.net/blog Family Renewal Facebook Page: Facebook.com/FamilyRenewal Israel's Facebook Page: Facebook.com/IsraelWayneAuthor Connect with Israel on LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/in/israelwayne Follow @israelwayne on Twitter: Twitter.com/israelwayne Family Renewal website: http://www.familyrenewal.org/ I highly recommend Israel's podcast on iTunes.       If you use iTunes, search for The Great Education Struggle in the iTunes podcast directory, and give the show a rating or review. Likewise if you use Stitcher-Radio on Demand, search for in their directory and give the show a rating there as well. Follow the program on Twitter @ed_struggle. Thanks for the interaction, favorites and re-tweets.

For those who oppose homeschooling, the arguably the question brought up the most is that of socialization of the child?  For homeschooling parents, one of the top concerns is that of the socialization of their children. Where did this concern come from?  What does it mean to be "socialized?" Do you want your child to be "socialized?" Join author, speaker, and homeschooling father of 8 as we discuss the history of socialization in this two part episode. 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, Full-Time Parenting: A Guide to Family-Based Discipleship, and The Questions God Asks. He is a former regular columnist for Home School Digest magazine. He is also the site editor for ChristianWorldview.net. Since 1995, Israel has traveled the nation speaking on family, homeschooling, revival, discipleship, and cultural issues. Israel has written articles for the following magazines and websites: Answers (Answers In Genesis), Biblical Worldview (American Vision), Revive (Life Action Ministries), UnChained (Pure Life Ministries), The Baptist Banner, Above Rubies, Homeschooling Today, CrossWalk.com, ChristianPost.com, ChristianBook.com, Christianity.com, HonorBound.com, WorldviewWeekend.com and many others. He is a frequent guest on national radio and television programs. Israel's family began home educating in 1978 and has been featured in national and international publications including TIME Magazine, The Arizona Republic, WORLD Magazine, Court Report and the Wall Street Journal. Israel has been featured as the keynote speaker at various conferences, with over 5,000 in attendance.   Connect with Israel Wayne Israel's apologetics website: ChristianWorldview.net Israel's blog: ChristianWorldview.net/blog Family Renewal Facebook Page: Facebook.com/FamilyRenewal Israel's Facebook Page: Facebook.com/IsraelWayneAuthor Connect with Israel on LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/in/israelwayne Follow @israelwayne on Twitter: Twitter.com/israelwayne Family Renewal website: http://www.familyrenewal.org/ I highly recommend Israel's podcast on iTunes.

Join Pamela S. Clark, director of The New Heights Educational Group, Inc.  as we discuss their effort in providing hope, answers, and resolution for both children and parents in regards to their education struggles. The New Heights Educational Group, Inc. promotes literacy for children from public, private, and homeschools, and adults by offering a range of educational support services. Such services include: assisting families in the selection of schools; organization of educational activities; and acquisition of materials. They promote a healthy learning environment and enrichment programs for families of preschool and school-age children, including children with special needs. New Heights have been awarded the 20013 & 14 Top-Rated Nonprofit rating, awarded the Gold Rating from Guide Start Exchange, the Bronze Star Award from State of Ohio, recognition from the Ohio Senate, and Senator Sherrod Brown, among many others. Pamela can be reached at: Phone: 419-786-0247Email: newheights@yahoo.com Web Site: http://www.newheightseducation.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/NewHeights1/ New Heights Educational Group, Inc.14735 Power Dam RoadDefiance, Ohio 43512

Join Bob and Geri Boyd, from Issues in Education, as we discuss the all out attack on Christians in public school. Bob and Geri are the host of the nationally syndicated program, Issues in Education for past 28 years and recipients of the 2010 Dr. Robert Dreyfus Courageous Christian Leadership Award. Bob is also the current President of the National Association of Christian Educators.  They have dedicated their lives in educating Christian parents in regards to what God's word has to say about the education of the children God has blessed them with. Bob & Geri can be reached at: Issues in Education website

Join Ray Fournier and me as we discuss why the institution of the american evangelical church should be supporting homeschooling. Ray was my guest in episode 31 where we discussed the biblical mandate of all Christians in providing a theocentric education to their children. Ray Fournier is a Public School Teacher with 15 years of experience teaching high school Biology and Earth Science. His personal experience as a public school teacher as well as what the Word of God says concerning education led him to write his book Education Reformation. Education Reformation presents a gospel centered, Great Commission focused, Biblical case against public education and calls for Christian parents, pastors, and the American church as a whole to return to the Word of God for how to educate our children. Ray Fournier encourages Christian parents to abandon the public schools and to provide for them a Biblically Christian education either in a home-school setting or at aChristian School dedicated to teaching a purely Biblical worldview. In the public school classroom, Ray Fournier bases his teaching on the scientific method; on what is observable, testable, and repeatable. All knowledge that has been derived in this way is consistent with the Bible and a Biblical worldview. But sadly, he is prevented from teaching a Biblical worldview as a public school teacher. Outside of school, Ray Fournier is a local evangelist and “Watchman” for the church as he preaches the gospel and warns the church of the spiritual dangers of public education. Ray would like to invite each of you to read Education Reformation for free. To download your e-book version, click HERE. For a print version, click HERE and use discount code: DYRAD29C (for $12.99) Book Description: A public school teacher's call for Christian parents to abandon the public schools that is: Gospel Centered Great Commission Focused Committed to the Inerrancy, Authority, and Sufficiency of Scripture In This Book You Will Find… A Biblical case against public education from a public school teacher's point of view The 6 commands and principles of a Biblical education A complete law and gospel presentation A rebuttal of the "Salt and Light" argument including the issue of true and false conversion This Book Is Perfect For... Every Christian who is currently sending their children to   the public schools Pastors so they can warn their congregations Sunday School classes and small group Bible studies Parents needing a Biblical defense for their rejection of public schooling

Join Dr. Duke Pesta, one of the foremost experts  on Common Core, and me as we discuss Common Core State Standards and our right to question the designers and implementer's of the fundamental transformation of America. Dr. Pesta received his M.A. in Renaissance literature from John Carroll University and his Ph.D. in Shakespeare and Renaissance literature from Purdue University. He has taught at major research institutions and small liberal arts colleges and has been active in educational reform, developing and implementing an elective Bible course that is currently available for public high school students in Texas. He is a professor of English at the University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh, and the Academic Director of FreedomProject Education  

Join Connor Boyack, founder and president of Libertas Institute, and me as we discuss the importance of parents teaching the principles of liberty to their children. Connor Boyack is founder and president of Libertas Institute, a libertarian think tank in Utah. In that capacity, he has spearheaded important policy reforms dealing with property rights, civil liberties, transparency, surveillance, and education freedom. He is the author of several books, including The Tuttle Twins series which teaches children about the principles of liberty. Tuttle Twins Learn About The Law can be purchase by clicking HERE. Connor can be contacted through:Website: Libertas InstituteLibertas Institute Twitter: @LibertasUtahLibertas Institute FacebookPersonal Twitter: @cboyackPersonal Facebook

Join Aaron Walker from View From the Top and me as we discuss male leadership and the family. Businessman and Life Coach, Aaron Walker, has inspired many through his leadership, mentorship, and consistent pursuit of excellence. He enjoys helping others and believes experience is a great teacher. Thirty-five years of entrepreneurship and marriage have given Aaron a wealth of experience. Aaron continues to reach new heights and broaden his perspective of the terrain by examining his experiences and growing from them. For 19 years and counting, Aaron has taken classes from and has been coached personally by his friend, financial guru, Dave Ramsey. Spiritual mentors David Landrith and Bob Warren have impacted his spiritual life beyond measure. Two other disciplined mastermind groups, 48 Days led by friend Dan Miller and The Torch have played a role in his understanding of how to live a significant, successful life. Aaron can be reached at aaron@viewfromthetop.comWebsite: http://www.viewfromthetop.comTwitter: @VFTCoach

Is there a  scriptural mandate for education for Christians and if there is, is public school the antithesis of this mandate? Join public school teacher, and author Ray Fournier as we discuss this very important topic. This is the delayed episode I mentioned back in episode 32.  It was delayed for reasons I am choosing to disclose at this time however, I do hope I will be able to discuss it later. Ray Fournier is a Public School Teacher with 15 years of experience teaching high school Biology and Earth Science. His personal experience as a public school teacher as well as what the Word of God says concerning education led him to write his book Education Reformation. Education Reformation presents a gospel centered, Great Commission focused, Biblical case against public education and calls for Christian parents, pastors, and the American church as a whole to return to the Word of God for how to educate our children. Ray Fournier encourages Christian parents to abandon the public schools and to provide for them a Biblically Christian education either in a home-school setting or at a Christian School dedicated to teaching a purely Biblical worldview. In the public school classroom, Ray Fournier bases his teaching on the scientific method; on what is observable, testable, and repeatable. All knowledge that has been derived in this way is consistent with the Bible and a Biblical worldview. But sadly, he is prevented from teaching a Biblical worldview as a public school teacher. Outside of school, Ray Fournier is a local evangelist and “Watchman” for the church as he preaches the gospel and warns the church of the spiritual dangers of public education. Book Description: A public school teacher's call for Christian parents to abandon the public schools that is: Gospel Centered Great Commission Focused Committed to the Inerrancy, Authority, and Sufficiency of Scripture In This Book You Will Find… A Biblical case against public education from a public school teacher's point of view The 6 commands and principles of a Biblical education A complete law and gospel presentation A rebuttal of the "Salt and Light" argument including the issue of true and false conversion This Book Is Perfect For... Every Christian who is currently sending their children to   the public schools Pastors so they can warn their congregations Sunday School classes and small group Bible studies Parents needing a Biblical defense for their rejection of public schooling Ray would like to invite each of you to read Education Reformation for free. To download your e-book version, click HERE. For a print version, click HERE and use discount code: DYRAD29C (for $12.99) What others are saying; Convincing a Christian family to get out of the public schools is an uphill battle all the way, but Ray Fournier is willing to take the challenge. In this book, Ray lays out the case complete with Biblical texts. If this will convince and convict one family to give their children a Christian nurture and discipleship, it will be worth every printed word.~ Kevin Swanson: Pastor and Elder of Reformation Church, OPC, Director of Generations with Vision, and host of Generations Radio – the world's largest homeschooling and Biblical worldview program that reaches families across the US and in over 80 countries. The government school system is imploding, as all humanistic institutions sooner or later do. At the same time, the rapidly growing home-school movement is giving hope to civil and church leaders, parents, grandparents, and God-fearing men and women all over the nation, that there is still a vibrant future for the church in America. I find it especially hopeful to see public school teachers and administrators speak out against the system they once dedicated their lives to, calling others to abandon it altogether. This book is such a call. I pray parents will heed it carefully and prayerfully.~Joaquin Fernandez: Award-winning filmmaker, IndoctriNation: Public Schools and the Decline of Christianity in America. An important message for Christian parents with children in the public schools. The aim of these atheistic schools is to deChristianize your children and lead them into a life of sin and enslavement to Satan. Parents who permit this to happen to their own children will suffer the consequences. Read this book and save the souls of your children.~ Samuel Blumenfeld: Best Selling author of several books on education including: NEA: Trojan Horse in American Education and Is Public Education Necessary. Education Reformation Book Video Trailer Click HERE

Can the public school system be reformed or fundamentally transformed; should it be? What right does the government have in operating a school system? Should the public school system be abolished? Join our conversation with Education Attorney, Kevin Novak-President of Deconstructing the Coliseum, LLC. as we discuss the legal right of the civil government operating a school system and the proper sphere of control between the family and government. Kevin R. Novak is a homeschool administrator, tutor and President of Deconstructing the Coliseum, LLC. Separate from Deconstructing the Coliseum, Mr. Novak is – as a member of the Virginia State Bar – a Virginia-licensed attorney who focuses on Education Law, including defending homeschoolers. Mr. Novak believes in defending homeschoolers because it is an offensive approach to advancing the gospel of Jesus Christ. Mr. Novak is a sole practitioner and is therefore able to give his clients individualized attention. Prior to lawyering, Mr. Novak spent over seven years in the insurance business and many years in Christ-centered basketball ministry and inner-city homeless outreach. He hosts Deconstructing the Coliseum Radio show, which discourages the man-centered (humanistic) religion that arbitrarily excludes Jesus Christ from law and education. Follow Kevin at: Deconstructing the Coliseum website: www.deconstructingthecoliseum.comEmail: kevin@deconstructingthecoliseum.comGodtubeTwitter: KRN@DtColiseum Kevin's weekday Briefs, are aired on WVGV (West Virginia) and WAMV (Virginia).  

Join author, speaker, homeschooling father of 8, Israel Wayne as we discuss biblical homeschooling, male leadership, the current condition of the American church. 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, Full-Time Parenting: A Guide to Family-Based Discipleship, and The Questions God Asks. He is a former regular columnist for Home School Digest magazine. He is also the site editor for ChristianWorldview.net. Since 1995, Israel has traveled the nation speaking on family, homeschooling, revival, discipleship, and cultural issues. Israel has written articles for the following magazines and websites: Answers (Answers In Genesis), Biblical Worldview (American Vision), Revive (Life Action Ministries), UnChained (Pure Life Ministries), The Baptist Banner, Above Rubies, Homeschooling Today, CrossWalk.com, ChristianPost.com, ChristianBook.com, Christianity.com, HonorBound.com, WorldviewWeekend.com and many others. He is a frequent guest on national radio and television programs. Israel's family began home educating in 1978 and has been featured in national and international publications including TIME Magazine, The Arizona Republic, WORLD Magazine, Court Report and the Wall Street Journal. Israel has been featured as the keynote speaker at various conferences, with over 5,000 in attendance. Connect with Israel Wayne Israel's apologetics website: ChristianWorldview.net Israel's blog: ChristianWorldview.net/blog Family Renewal Facebook Page: Facebook.com/FamilyRenewal Israel's Facebook Page: Facebook.com/IsraelWayneAuthor Connect with Israel on LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/in/israelwayne Follow @israelwayne on Twitter: Twitter.com/israelwayne Family Renewal website: http://www.familyrenewal.org/  Dont forget to SUBSCRIBE to The Great Education Newletter newsletter!

Join best selling author and researcher, Trevor Loundon as he sounds the alarm concerning the influences of the hard left in regards to the American education system and ultimate purpose of Common Core. Trevor's latest book: “The Enemies Within” is designed to show American voters exactly how modern communism works and how it impacts on your life, every single day. Just how do the communists win big on things like Obamacare and immigration “reform,” which go completely against the wishes of the American people? Trevor Loudon's research has been cited by Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh, countless articles, blog posts and in books by well known authors Paul Kengor, Aaron Klein and Jerome Corsi. “The Enemies Within” profiles fourteen Senators and more than fifty Representatives. Their ties to Communist Party USA, Democratic Socialists of America, Workers World Party, the Institute for Policy Studies, Council for a Livable World and other radical anti-American organizations. Trevor's book: The Enemies Within: Communists, Socialists and Progressives in the U.S. Congress. Trevor's website: Trevorloundon.com Book mentioned by Trevor: American Betrayal: The Secret Assault on Our Nation's Character Trevor's Speaking Schedule Crowd Funding The Enemies Within Documentary

In episode 37,  Common Core insider, teacher, and author Brad McQueen (The Cult of Common Core)  and I continue our discussing where we left off in episode 36. If you're searching for teachers who have inside knowledge of Common Core who oppose it, then you will want to tune in. This is part 2 of 2 episodes. Brad McQueen is a former Common Core insider and is a current elementary school teacher in Tucson, Arizona. His anti-Common Core book, “The Cult of Common Core” is an Amazon bestseller and he has authored over 40 articles since his book's publication in March 2014. Click link before for Brad's book. "Brad's book is an easy read and written so the average busy parent can understand and consume in just a few hours. I highly recommend it."~IsaacThe Cult of Common Core: Obama's Final Solution for Your Child's Mind and Our Country's Exceptionalism

In episode 36, Common Core insider, teacher, and author Brad McQueen (The Cult of Common Core [2014]) and I discuss his journey of discovery and his opposition to Common Core. If you have been looking for teachers who have inside knowledge of Common Core who oppose it, then you will want to tune in. This is part 1 of 2 episodes. Brad McQueen is a former Common Core insider and is a current elementary school teacher in Tucson, Arizona. His anti-Common Core book, “The Cult of Common Core” is an Amazon bestseller and he has authored over 40 articles since his book's publication in March 2014.The Cult of Common Core: Obama's Final Solution for Your Child's Mind and Our Country's Exceptionalism

What does Common Core, the movie Divergent (2014), educational psychology, and the purpose of schooling have in common?  Join Britton LaTulippe, author of More Blood (2014) and find out!

Join Eric Burges as we discuss Eric's and his wife's journey into homeschooling as an African-American's and the development of the National Black Home Educators Association.

Join special education teacher Levi Cavener and English teacher Travis Manning as we discuss the reamification of Common Core State Standards and its associated features upon the special populations in public and private schools.

Join me, Stephanie Zimmerman and Stacey Knudson from Idahoans For Local Education as we discuss the Common Core Status in Idaho and its potential effects upon homeschooling. For more on this epiosde, visit www.edstruggle.com/32

Join Daniel Foucachon, from Roman Roads Media, as we "Old Western Culture" video-based literature program, Western Civilization, the Classics, and the idea of being educated.

Are you single and wanting to homeschool, but do not think you can? Join Heather Thomas and me as we discuss how she homeschools her six children and works. Heather, oldest of 4, was born and raised in WA. She had a taste of public school and homeschool growing up. At age 12 her parents divorced. She became a dropout in 9th grade. Married at age 17 and became a stay at home mom. Six children later and after 17 yrs of marriage she found herself divorced and still determined as ever to continue homeschooling her children, while working. Sign Up for the free single parent webinar with Heather

What does more than 90% of all American parents have in common? They send their children to government run schools. Join my conversation with Dan Smithwick of the Nehemiah Institute as we discuss the consequences of that decision, in particular upon the "Christian" child. Dan Smithwick founded the Nehemiah Institute in 1986, a nonprofit ministry providing Biblical worldview training and worldview assessment programs. Dan authored the PEERS Test; a tool designed to reveal an individual's worldview on politics, economics, education, religion and social issues (PEERS). The PEERS Test and Nehemiah's worldview training materials have received critical acclaim from organizations such as Focus on the Family, Christian Film & Television Commission, Answers in Genesis, and the Foundation for American Christian Education and Christian Broadcasting Network. SPECIAL OFFER FOR LISTENERS! 25% off of everything the Nehemiah Institute has to offer in their store.  Just mention you heard about them on The Great Education Struggle Podcast.

Join The Great Education Struggle as we talk with Levi Cavener  of Idaho's Promise concerning Common Core, Standardized Testing, it's affects upon special populations, and the development of human capital.

Join E. Ray Moore of the Exodus Mandate and Frontline Ministries as we discuss biblical education, public schooling, and the battle for your children.

Join Dr. Peter Vander Brake and I as we discuss the issues of Common Core and its ramification upon the human soul. Dr. Peter Vande Brake grew up in Georgia and Tennessee, but attended Calvin College in Grand Rapids, MI where he was a 4-time All-American decathlete. He attended seminary at Union Seminary in Richmond, Virginia and then completed his doctoral work at Calvin Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, obtaining a Ph.D. in systematic theology in 2000. He was ordained as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church in 2001. In July 2009, he completed the Van Lunen Fellows Program for Executive Leadership. He taught, coached sports teams, and administrated at North Hills Classical Academy from 1996-2010 and served as the headmaster there beginning in 1998. He is a leadership consultant for the CiRCE Institute and works at The Potter's House, an urban Christ-centered school in Grand Rapids, MI. He is married and has two daughters. You may contact Dr. Vander Brake at pvanderbrake@gmail.com or at 616-481-9251

From public school programming to living out her purpose in life, join Stephanie O'Brien, from Moved By Purpose, as we discuss how schooling and our culture deceives the young away from their divine purpose of life with an empty bag of promised happiness.

In episode 23 we examine two opposing debates concerning voting between John Dickinson-delegate from PA, and John Adams-delegate from MA. We examine the meaning of the Pledge of Allegiance, and the National Anthem.

In episode 22, I speak with award-winning writer/director/producer and accomplished animator, Collin Gunn concerning America and her education system. For a chance to get his documentry Indoctrination for free, go to www.edstruggle.com. Click Podcast, and click on Episode 22 for more information.

Join my conversation with Alexandria Kincaid, a former elected District Attorney concerning school violence in America.

Join this week's conversation with Laura Hazelip, board member of Christian Homeschoolers of Idaho State, and founder the Excelsior! Home school Co-Op concerning homeschooling, education, in general, and the challenges facing homeschoolers due to Common Core.

In episode 19 join in the conversation with four homeschooling mothers, Heather, Linda, Jeannie ,and yes another Heather. we discuss their reasons for homeschooling, their experiences, and how Common Core will effect them.

In this episode, we continue our conversation with constitutional advocate Tom Munds where we discus the constitutionality of the American education system, Common Core, and other areas of our life the federal government are involved in. This is part 2 of a 2 part conversation. Please see episode 17 for part 1. Dont forget to leave a review in iTunes and Stitcher Radio, and like us on Facebook. You can also follow on Twitter @ed_struggle

In this episode, constitutional advocate Tom Munds joins me in studio to discus the constitutionality of the American education system, Common Core, and other areas of our life the federal government are involved in. This is part 1 of a 2 part conversation.