HLS Recap: Education Day
8/14/24
We had a wonderful time at last month’s Hoosier Leadership Series class learning about education in Indiana. We were joined by several field experts who shared on topics ranging from homeschooling to educational freedom.
Former Indiana State Representative Cindy Noe kicked off the day with an overview of the history of education in Indiana – where we’ve come from, and where we are today. During her time as a representative she served on the Education, Family, Children, and Human Affairs Committees, and the insight she provided into our discussion on education was illuminating.
We also heard from Senator Jeff Raatz, chair of the Education and Career Development Committee, who spoke about fighting on the frontlines for educational freedom and parental rights. President and CEO of the Institute for Quality Education Betsy Wiley also spoke about educational freedom and school choice in Indiana.
As public school systems around the nation continue to grow more secular and pose a threat to parental rights, many families are turning to homeschooling so they can direct their children’s education and upbringing. Kylene Varner of the Indiana Association of Home Educators spoke about the growing movement and how to become involved in home education in Indiana.
Although it may be an uphill battle, we have seen incredible progress in the Indiana education system through a bill passed in the last legislative session that requires principals at public schools to allow students to attend religious classes during the school day, off school grounds, with parental permission. We have partnered closely with LifeWise Academy to promote their Biblical education program during school hours. Senior Advancement Representative Brandon Exford joined our HLS class to share more about LifeWise’s mission and why religious education is so essential in the public school system.
HLS students also continued their leadership training that delves into their individual strengths under the direction of B23 Strategies.
As always, we are incredibly grateful for our sponsors, who help make the Hoosier Leadership Series possible: The Heritage Foundation, B23 Strategies, Vertical Immersive, Americans for Prosperity, Adler Law Firm, Ash and Oak, and Samaritan Ministries.
If you’re interested in taking part in next year’s Hoosier Leadership Series, you can apply here, or email HLS Director Valerie Swack with any questions: valerie@hoosierfamily.org. This class is an excellent way to learn how to apply your faith in a more effective way within the public square. We highly encourage you to consider participating next year!