Free Range Families | Homeschooling Podcast

Episode 14: Learning from a PRO – Nicki Truesdell! Curriculum, "School Choice", ESAs and Vouchers, and Dismantling the Department of Education

Britt & Christina Season 2 Episode 14
Ok, CiCi, our Controversial Chicken should have been center stage for this interview. Seriously.  The reality is that all NEW and even seasoned homeschool families are always seeking advice on curriculum, how to homeschool, and generally navigating the scope of Educational Freedom for their families.  But all too often parents can become quickly overwhelmed by the plethora of curriculum options and chirping opinions about how to homeschool right!  So, if you want to block out the noise and get right down to it, you will want to learn from Nicki Truesdell, a seasoned homeschool leader of 24 years.  You DO NOT want to miss this interview.  Get out your pen and paper and take notes.

1983 – Yep, Nicki has been homeschooling for over 24 years!  She was homeschooled herself and is currently still homeschooling!

We picked her brain and her expertise about everything from CURRICULUM to “SCHOOL CHOICE” AND VOUCHERS/ESAs…….and DISMANTLING THE DEPARTMENT OF ED.

Curriculum: Start with teaching your kiddos to read.  Keep it simple.  And don’t rush this process.  Then work into the other subjects of Math, Grammar, Writing, History, and Science.  She gives her recommendations for curriculum that WORKS – so check out the video, but also makes sure to remind our audience not to follow Government Standards.

Autonomy - ESAs/Vouchers & School Choice: We understand this is a “touchy” subject, but it’s one that needs to be discussed, and others really need to listen from homeschool families that have seen government overreach firsthand.  So many of the leaders of homeschool fought for Autonomy.  If we don’t learn from HISTORY, we are doomed to repeat it.  We chat with Nicki about the logistics of ESAs – it’s NOT money following the child, its government following the child.  The idea of taking from your neighbor, how, legally you’re not “homeschooling” once you’re enrolled in the ESA program…and homeschool freedom does not apply to you. Bottom line, taking the money will only increase regulations.  Homeschooling families should not want that for themselves or for future generations.

And finally, we talk about the momentum of homeschooling and what the future holds for us all.  Her advice: “Keep fighting, stay politically aware, and ask yourself WHY you started homeschooling and what you want for your kids.  And, in a nutshell, the answer to BAD public school is NOT more public school.”

Check out – Nicki’s website: NickiTruesdell.com

Nicki’s Articles on tax credits and educational freedom: Tax CreditsI Told You So

Nicki’s Book: Anyone Can Homeschool


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