The Advanced Placement Program and Home Education

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TPA 2000 Workshops

Becky Elder & Tom Penning

Underused and misunderstood, the Advanced Placement program is a valuable resource for home educators. Among the many benefits are financial savings in college tuition, a loose framework that assists educators in planning their curriculum, and achievable goals that aid students in assessing their understanding of many subjects. In this workshop, Becky Elder and Tom Penning will provide home-schoolers with a discussion of the A.P. program’s benefits, advice on integrating A.P. into your student’s curriculum, information regarding resources available, and testimony from those who have used A.P. without sacrificing content or worldview.

The Benefits of Organizing a 4-H Club

Eric Otte, Sedgwick County Extension Office

There are many resources, programs and other opportunities available to homeschooling students and families through 4-H. In the session, Eric Otte, a veteran agent with the Sedgwick County Extension Office, will discuss starting and maintaining a 4-H club and examine the many benefits of getting involved with 4-H.

Budgeting and God’s Principles for Family Finances

Pete DeGraaf

Today there are many tools available to help you and your family learn what God has to say about finances. In this session, Peter DeGraaf, also known as "Doctor Checkbook," will familiarize us with some of the best of these tools, discuss a cash flow system that works, and give specific tips for homeschoolers.

Career Pathways: Tools for Discovering a Vocation

Pete DeGraaf

Larry Burkett’s Christian Financial Concepts Ministry has developed the Vocational Aptitude Testing tools, which have successfully evaluated on over 50,000 individuals nationwide. These tools are designed to help sort through and home in on specific careers, college majors, or technical schools matching an individual’s personality, likes and dislikes. In this session, Pete DeGraaf will discuss how these tools can help children discover and develop their God-given personalities, skills, and gifting, along with ways to help teens discern God’s will for their vocation as they transition into the work place.

Chores & More: Successfully Organizing Household Duties

Karen DeGraaf

"I can homeschool, but how will the housework get done?" If you have ever asked this question, come and hear homeschool mom Karen DeGraaf share how a simple 3x5 card system has brought peace and joy to her household. The system is easy to administer, and most of the needed materials can be found around the house. Learn the five keys to helping your family stay organized and get the chores done.

Classical Education and Home Education: A Natural Partnership

Tom Penning & Becky Elder

Classical Education is not merely learning Latin and studying people in togas. It is a methodology based on a student’s development and is intended to teach the process of thinking as well as the content of any subject. Home educators interested in high educational standards should investigate Classical Education as a tool, application and helpful guide. This workshop, led by Becky Elder and Tom Penning, will provide educators with a discussion of Classical Education, including its origins, development, philosophy of education, and benefits, along with practical tips on implementing Classical Education into a homeschool curriculum.

Conquering the Curriculum Confusion

Kathy Middleton, Y.B.H. Coordinator

Overwhelmed by the innumerable choices in homeschool texts and other materials currently available? Don’t know what to look for when choosing a homeschool program? Kathy Middleton, homeschooling mother of eight and co-coordinator of Y.B.H. homeschooling "how-to" classes, will investigate the advantages and disadvantages of the various types of curriculum, including programs available over the Internet.

Current Events: A Natural Learning Tool

Cindy Wiggers, Geography Matters

Daily events become more meaningful and memorable when you take the opportunity to learn about them while they are "in the news." Using the daily newspaper, TV or radio, the Internet, or any number of current events sources, your students can identify and understand history as it unfolds before their eyes. Simple to use guidelines and mapping ideas top off this session.

Establishing Excellent Student Notebooks

Cindy Wiggers, Geography Matters

Did you know that George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson all kept notebooks of what they were learning? Students remember better what they personally have recorded. From drawings and diagrams to essays to journaling ideas to vocabulary, your students can keep a permanent record of what they are learning this year. Cindy will share about several methods of establishing a student notebook.

Exploring Literature in Secondary Education

LuAnne Posson

This workshop will investigate the numerous options for literature selections at the secondary level and discuss the various instructional models used to study literature. In addition, sample projects and units of study will be available. LuAnne Posson holds bachelors and masters degrees in education from KSU and WSU, respectively. She taught Language Arts in the public schools for six years and has taught English classes through Central Homeschool Family Ministries for the past three years. She is a pastorÕs wife, homemaker, and mother of two children.

Field Trips: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Lori Beckstrom

Field trips are an important part of learning and an integral part of the social interaction of support groups. However, unless carefully planned and organized, they can fail to educate students or stimulate a sense of group learning. Positive interaction can quickly turn to chaos where purposeful planning has been skipped and guidelines are neither set nor enforced. In this workshop, homeschool mom Lori Beckstrom will discuss the importance of careful planning, the essentials of setting up a field trip, tips on keeping the field trip organized and running smoothly, and will present guidelines that should be set and maintained.

First Aid for Weary Homeschoolers

Debra Vogt

A pep talk for the weary homeschooler, inspiration for those who are feeling inadequate. Debra Vogt, a 10-year homeschooling mom, will share her insights on the call to homeschooling as a mission from God and the importance of "finishing the race" in pursuit of that mission.

The Fundamentals of Writing Research Papers

Gail Moseley

Overwhelmed at the thought of guiding your students through writing a research paper? Gail Moseley, veteran homeschooling mother of three and headmaster of Maranatha Christian School, will examine the various aspects of writing a successful research paper, including outlines, notecards, resources, multiple drafts and editing, and much more.

Getting a Homeschool Started Successfully

Brian & Kathy Middleton, Y.B.H. Coordinators

No question is as daunting for new homeschoolers as "How do I get started?" Brian & Kathy Middleton are veteran home-schoolers with 17 years of hands-on experience homeschooling their own eight children. As coordinators of Y.B.H. homeschool "how-to" seminars, Brian & Kathy have helped hundreds of families over the "getting started" hurdle. Brian & Kathy will address the basics of establishing a successful homeschool.

Grassroots Political Action 101

Chris Meteren, Kansas Republican Assembly

Learn how to utilize the most effective political resource in this nation to become a deciding factor in an election. Learn the best way to make your political principles and objectives known. Whether you are a candidate, political activist, or concerned citizen, this session is a must for anyone desiring to have an impact on the present and future leaders of the nation.

History with a Heart

Debra Vogt

Debra Vogt, teacher and homeschool parent, will explore a variety of ways to make history come to life for students, including using family history and primary research related to Kansas history. Debra will specifically address how homeschoolers can participate in the statewide History Day Competition, sponsored by the Kansas History Museum.

Homeschool Fatherhood 101

Shawn Ammons

Regardless of your level of involvement in the actual teaching in your homeschool, as a homeschooling father, you have God-given rights and responsibilities that, if exercised, will reap great rewards for you, your wife, your children, and your community. Dads, ever ask yourselves what role, if any, you should have in your families’ homeschool journey? If so, come grow with us. Shawn is the father of five children (from 7 months to 8 years) and currently serves both as the Family & Youth Pastor at Emmanuel Church in Abilene and with Sonlife Ministries.

Homeschooling High Schoolers: Planning For Success

Deb Shelly & David Barfield

The high school years present significant additional responsibilities for homeschooling parents. Subjects become more varied and difficult. New challenges (e.g., Driver Education) appear. Preparation for adulthood (college, apprenticeship, courtship and marriage training) becomes an immediate concern. But with planning and preparation, the high school years can be the most rewarding for your homeschooling family. This session will feature two individuals currently homeschooling high schoolers who will share how their family is working to meet the challenges of homeschooling during the high school years: Deb Shelly, co-coordinator of Central Homeschool Family Ministries co-op, and David Barfield, CHECK Chairman and coordinator of TEACH, the Lawrence homeschool support group.

Homeschooling and the Church

Jim Farthing, TPA President

Many, perhaps most, homeschoolers have chosen this educational option largely due to reasons of faith, and thus it would seem that homeschoolers and the church would be natural partners. Alas, this is not always the case. In fact, some homeschoolers have found themselves at odds with their church leaders and fellow parishioners on a variety of issues. In this session, TPA President Jim Farthing will offer suggestions on how homeschoolers and the church can help one another and work together, along with a little philosophy on how even points of disagreement can provide opportunites for growth and understanding for both.

Homeschooling Out-of-Doors

Roland Stein & Diane Maddox, Kansas Dept. of Wildlife & Parks

Take advantage of this unique opportunity to experience activities from four award-winning environmental education programs: Projects WILD, Aquatic, Learning Tree, WET. This presentation will enhance your knowledge and awareness of the nature while increasing your confidence in utilizing the great outdoors as an effective instructional setting. Lots of hands-on activities will be available.

The Ins and Outs of College Financial Aid

Tabor College

Especially designed for high school-age students and their parents, this seminar will answer questions such as: How do I pay for college? What grants and scholarships are available? What is financial need? How do I fill out the forms to receive financial aid? Holly Nickel, Admissions Counselor at Tabor College, will present valuable counsel and useful information for families facing the challenges of funding a college education.

Kansas Legal and Legislative Update

Jim Farthing, TPA President

Every homeschooler (not to mention friends, family members, public school officials, and social workers) needs to understand the legality of homeschooling in his/her state. In this session, TPA President Jim Farthing will discuss the current legal status of homeschooling in Kansas and review recent legislation and court cases affecting homeschoolers.

Learning With Units

Rachel Rogg

Unit studies are a great way to teach your children. Units permit multiple grades to be taught at once, allow a topic to be expanded across numerous disciplines, encourage further study, and make learning fun! Leading this session is Rachel Rogg, just finishing her sixth year of homeschooling. Rachel co-founded and co-directs Central Homeschool Family Ministries, primarily overseeing the elementary program. She graduated from Friends U. with a bachelors degree in Elementary Education and taught in the Oskaloosa and Wichita Public Schools for seven years.

Learning Without Curriculum: Homeschooling Younger Children

Mary Farthing

Young children (ages birth to 8) love to learn, but do they really need a formal curriculum? Long-time homeschooling mom Mary Farthing shares her family’s experience of learning without curriculum in the early years. From games to blocks & magnetic letters to reading aloud, there are lots of ways to make learning fun (and effective) using things around the house.

Managing the Risks: Balancing Over- and Under-protection

Paul Kurtzweil, Prairie View Mental Health Center

Homeschoolers are keenly aware that they are often accused of educating their children "in a closet," denying them socialization experiences that are valuable and even necessary for successful adult life. Yet homeschoolers, better than anyone, understand that socialization comes in both positive and negative varieties, and that our society’s predominant social incubator (public schools) provides much of the latter and far too little of the former. In this session, Paul Kurtzweil, staff psychologist with Prairie View, will discuss the concepts of over-protection (preventing a child from encountering a risk he/she is prepared to handle) and under-protection (exposing a child to a risk beyond his/her ability or level of maturity), the problems that result, and a method for Biblically steering a course between these extremes with the goal of developing genuine maturity.

Math: Who Needs It and How Do You Get There?

Susan Warner

What’s the best way to teach math in a homeschool? What’s the difference between math programs like Saxon, BJU, or Mortenson? What exactly are "manipulatives" and do they really help? If you are interested in useful information on teaching math and understanding math programs, then this session led by Susan Warner is for you. Susan holds a bachelors degree in math and taught for nine years with the Wichita public schools, during which she also served on USD 259’s textbook selection committee. She currently teaches Algebra I and Advanced Math for the Central Homeschool Family Ministries co-op.

Need a Little Encouragement? Recognizing Your Needs and Avoiding Burnout

Krista McQuery

Raising a family requires plenty of hard work and dedication. Homeschooling in addition requires even more! In this workshop, homeschool mom Krista McQuery examines the various aspects of encouragement that all homeschool moms need (e.g., validation, affirmation, understanding), both to help moms understand their own needs and to enable each of us to be an encouragement to others.

No Ordinary Co-op! Structure, Services and Lots of Families

Deb Shelly & Rachel Rogg

Central Homeschool Family Ministries is a tremendously successful co-op, serving over 100 homeschool families and offering classes with paid instructors in English literature and composition, mathematics, foreign language, and more. Based at Central Christian Church, it was established by homeschool moms Deb Shelly and Rachel Rogg, who sought to expand the educational opportunities available to their own children, and in the process, provided a tremendous benefit to their entire local homeschooling community. In this session, Deb & Rachel will discuss how CHFM was created, how it works, and how other families can set up their own co-op.

Organizing a Support Group: Two Successful Examples

Krista McQuery & Nancy Ritter

A successful support group can take many forms and provide many benefits: emotional and spiritual support for homeschooling moms, field trips, cooperative learning opportunities, and more. In this session, the driving forces behind two successful Wichita area groups will share the hows and whys of their group’s success: Krista McQuery, Five in a Row support group; Nancy Ritter, Home Grown Kids (which includes Girlfriends and Boys Adventure Club).

Organizing a Successful Homeschool Sports Program

Kenny Collins, WAHAA

Participation in organized athletics offers many opportunities for fostering valuable character qualities, such as teamwork, dedication, and self-sacrifice, not to mention sportsmanship and physical fitness. But establishing a succssful sports program presents many challenges. In this session, Kenny Collins, director of the Wichita Area Homeschool Athletics Association, will share his insights and experiences into building a successful homeschool sports program.

Outline Maps and Timelines: Great Hands-on Learning

Cindy Wiggers, Geography Matters

Maps and timelines are terrific tools for teaching a wide variety of subjects, including history, geography, Bible, missions, and even science. Cindy Wiggers of Geography Matters will share how to creatively incorporate mapping and timeline activities with these and other subjects in your homeschool.

Phun With Phoniks: An Overview of Phonics Programs

Kathy Middleton, Y.B.H. Coordinator

OK, your child is ready to read, but what’s the best method of teaching the mysteries of the English language? Long-time homeschooling mom Kathy Middleton will examine the pros and cons of the phonics and whole language methods of reading instruction, and review several major phonics curricula and their applicability to various learning styles.

Planning for College

Brenda Hicks, Southwestern College

Every high school student needs to plan ahead for college. This is especially true of homeschooled students who may face extra challenges. In this workshop, Southwestern College’s Brenda Hicks will present an overview of the college enrollment process, including such topics as finding resources and establishing a timeline for college planning, scheduling a campus visit, and making use of college fairs. Also discussed will be admission issues specific to homeschoolers.

Post-High School Alternatives

Brian Middleton

Homeschool students have a tremendous variety of alternatives available after completion of their high school studies: college (both on-site attendance and distance learning), vo-tech, mentorship, apprenticeship, volunteer work, etc. What are the benefits and challenges of each? How do you find and take advantage of these programs? What are the prerequisites? To answer these and other important questions, Brian Middleton will share his family’s experiences and the results of his research into post-high school options.

Premarital Relations: A Biblical Approach

Kent Vincent, Topeka

One of the toughest questions for almost all Christian parents is how to view and approach the vital issue of encouraging our relatively sheltered child to find and develop a proper relationship with a potential lifemate, whom most of us pray is out there somewhere. This session will focus on the Biblical principles for such relationships. It will also offer suggestions for application of those principles in order to nurture, encourage and counsel our teens and young adults in this second most important decision of their lives.

Preparing for the ACT

Doris Burgert, WSU

If your homeschool student is headed for college, more than likely he or she will need to take at least one of the college entrance exams: ACT or SAT. Most midwestern colleges utilize the ACT. In this session, WSU’s Doris Burgert will provide an overview of getting prepared for the ACT, including testing dates and locations, fees, prep resources and classes, and more, with time for Q&A.

The Role of the Community College During and After Homeschooling

Paul Kyle, Butler County Community College

BCCC’s Paul Kyle will discuss how community colleges can assist homeschooled students in achieving their educational goals and aspirations during and after their homeschool education, through co-enrollment during the high school years and traditional enrollment upon graduation, respectively.

Satellite Schools: Distinct Approaches

Panel

Satellite schools offer a unique resource for homeschoolers, providing outside structure, accountability and resources while preserving the most important benefits of homeschooling. There are a number of such programs available, and in this session, several homeschooling families currently involved with satellite schools will present an overview of the program they currently use, along with plenty of time for review of the program’s materials and Q&A. Currently scheduled: Christian Liberty Academy Satellite School, Bridgestone (Alpha Omega), Seton Home Study.

Sex, Dating and Relationships

Del & May Torkelson, Kansans For Life

Geared for teens but open to parents, this workshop will discuss the physical, emotional and spiritual consequences of premarital sex, comparing this with genuine love as understood in Scripture. The Torkelsons will describe appropriate boundaries for physical intimacy in a dating relationship, along with guidelines to make it easier to adhere to these boundaries. It is difficult to practice chastity in a world where sexual temptations abound. A decision to be chaste requires a daily recommitment, but with God’s leading, chastity is not only possible but worth the effort.

Social Entrepreneurship: The Need For Service-oriented Programs

Dr. Richard Robl, Sterling College

In this session, Dr. Richard Robl of Sterling College will examine the need for service-oriented and leadership development programs to develop a spirit of servanthood.

Spiritual Formation During and After the Transition to College

Dr. Steven Marsh, Sterling College

Many parents fear for their children’s continued spiritual development once they leave home for college, in many cases with good reason. In this session, Dr. Steven Marsh of Sterling College discusses the importance of spiritual disciplines and servant leadership as components of ongoing spiritual formation.

Teaching a Foreign Language (Even If You Don’t Speak One)

Brian Middleton

Learning a language that you don’t speak is tough enough, but can homeschoolers really teach a foreign language without years of training? Yes, according to Brian Middleton, whose family has successfully incorporated foreign language instruction into its homeschool. Brian will relate both the positive and negative experiences his family has encountered in its attempts to teach German, French, Spanish and Latin courses. In addition, he will provide guidelines on what language you might want to teach and how to evaluate a foreign language course.

Teaching Science at Home

Darla Mill & Kristey Williams

This session will address the fears and concerns of homeschooling families that often accompany teaching science at home. Darla & Kristey will discuss what types of science are appropriate for different age levels, offer suggestions for curriculum and resources, and most importantly, provide suggestions for making science fun. A time for Q&A will be available. Both moms hold bachelors degrees in science and currently teach science for Central Homeschool Family Ministries.

TPA Elementary Sports Program: Organization and Opportunities

Valeri Zerger

A new opportunity for area homeschoolers is currently forming: Boys & Girls Elementary Sports. Spearheaded by Valeri Zerger, this program seeks to teach fundamental sports skills in a fun and solidly Christian environment without being excessively competitive. Preliminary organizational meetings have been held and summer programs are being planned, but there is still time to get involved. If your elementary age homeschool students are interested in sports activities, then this workshop is for you. Valeri will provide an overview of the program’s activities to date.

Training Your Children and Teens for Financial Responsibility

John Wickham

In our culture of "buy now, pay later," there is no greater need than for children to learn Godly principles of finance. John Wickham, homeschool dad and lecturer for Crown Ministries, will present an overview of several resources for teaching the Biblical view of money and Godly principles of financial management.

Using the Internet for Education and Information

Tonya Witherspoon, Forays Technologies

Is the Internet really the greatest educational tool ever invented? OK, it might not replace books or pencil and paper, but if used wisely, the Internet can enhance any educational program. In this session, Tonya Witherspoon will review a variety of search engines, evaluate web sites and online information, and discuss how to take effective notes and correctly cite digital sources. She will also share many sites with information, lesson plans, free software to download, and interactive opportunities for all subjects and ages. Tonya owns Forays Technologies, which provides education and technology consulting and instruction, and professional web and multimedia design services. She has over ten years experience in computer and software instruction.

Why Wait For Trouble: Being Proactive in Your Community

Jim Farthing, TPA President

After years of battles with the legal authorities and public opinion, most everyone acknowledges that homeschooling is a legitimate educational choice for families. But the potential for problems still exists. A number of the opponents of home education are simply waiting for a problem homeschool family to surface, one that can be exploited in the media and the legislature to stump for regulation of all homeschoolers. Such an occurrence becomes more likely every day as more and more families with significant difficulties are nonetheless opting to homeschool. As a result, homeschoolers and especially support groups cannot afford to sit back or hide out. We must be proactive. In this session, aimed at support group leaders and community-minded homeschooling families, TPA President Jim Farthing offers practical suggestions for building good community relations and showing homeschoolers in a positive light.

Wichita E-School: Online Education Options

Shawn Morris, Wichita Public Schools

This fall, Wichita Public Schools hope to introduce a tuition-free online school. This innovative e-school will offer online lessons, resources, and teaching support while keeping parents in charge of their child’s education. In this hands-on session, Shawn Morris will provide participants a first-hand look at the new e-school, including sample lessons, quizzes, online resources, worksheets and more. Learn how parents can pick-and-choose lessons, adapt skill-builders to their favorite books, and tap into a research bank of learning activity suggestions.

Writing as a Process: Teaching Composition

Lori Beckstrom, Wichita

In this session, homeschool mom Lori Beckstrom will discuss writing as a process and suggest ways to successfully teach the writing process in your homeschool, using actual examples of writing done by children of varying ages and making suggestions to try with your own children. Topics to be covered include: The Importance of Writing; The Gentle Approach to Writing; Ways to Stimulate Students of Various Grades and Ages to Write; What Types of Writing Should Be Required of Students; Critiquing A Student’s Writing; Three Major Parts of Writing (Mechanics & Punctuation; Grammar & Syntax; Content); What Resources Are Available. Lori is a graduate of Friends U. and holds degrees in English and Journalism. She has taught in a variety of educational settings and is currently teaching with Central Homeschool Family Ministries and homeschooling her own children. Lori’s published writing is mostly for children and has appeared in children’s magazines. She has also written for various newspapers.