Conference Details Register Now Presentations Exhibitors
Dr. Brian Ray is a leading international expert in research on homeschooling and president of the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI). He has published numerous articles and books, is regularly interviewed by major media, serves as an expert witness in court cases, and testifies to legislatures regarding education. Dr. Ray is a former university professor and public and private school classroom teacher. He holds a Ph.D. (science education, Oregon State University), a M.S. (zoology, Ohio University), and a B.S. (biology, University of Puget Sound), and is a church leader. Brian and Betsy have been married 46 years, have eight children who were all home educated, run a small farm, and have 21 grandchildren. Dr. Ray really enjoys wandering with Betsy, his wife, and being out in the forests and mountains and on adventures. See research at www.nheri.org.
Talk Descriptions
Let’s Flip the Question: Why Would You Ever Stop Homeschooling, Not Why Would You Homeschool?
Friday evening, April 4, 2025
Dr. Ray takes you straight to philosophy, but you won’t groan over it. Asking the right questions about what is real, how we come to know truth, and what is of value regarding education soon leads you to the right place as an adult or for your children. Dr. Ray will mix history, philosophy, your possibly self-unrecognized biases, research facts, and pragmatic applications about education and each child’s, family’s, and society’s future to challenge you and encourage you, whether young or old, new to homeschooling or a veteran.
Know Yourself and Know That Homeschooling Works: Charting a Course Part 1
Dr. Ray will build your confidence about your future by first building your certainty about parent-directed home-based education, as opposed to institutionalized schooling. He will give you some educational history and then pack your head full of research facts and statistics on the learner outcomes of homeschooling. The goal is for the information to go beyond your head to touch your heart, give you conviction about the future, and point you in a positive direction. There will be plenty of time for discussion and Q and A.
There is No One Best System But There Is Your Future: Charting a Course Part 2
Dr. Ray has many formal education degrees but he knows that those are not necessary for the pinnacle of the good life. What pressures are on you as teenagers for your future? What are Dad and Mom saying? Your friends? Your culture? Dr. Ray will help you step back, assess some options and realize that the sky and wide-ranging field are the limit. One of the beauties of home education is diversity, options, alternatives, efficiency, relaxation, and being out of the norm. Why go to college, why not? How is debt good, or bad? How might you capitalize on the advantages of home education? Dr. Ray has some ideas for you based on 40 years of doing research, raising 8 children, and meeting homeschoolers all over the world. Bring your head, your heart, a notepad, your parents, and some laughter. There will be plenty of time for discussion and Q and A.