Homeschool parents, if you've ever sifted through conflicting homeschool research studies, wondering which ones hold water – or dreamed of guiding your child toward a winning homeschool science fair project – this episode of Vintage Homeschool Moms is your essential guide. Host Felice Gerwitz reunites with Dr. Brian Ray, president of the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI), for their third discussion. They dissect fun topics, such as quantitative homeschool research, and confront challenging topics, like myths surrounding abuse and neglect in homeschooling. Listen in!
This episode sponsored by CTC Math, True North Academy, and Math Mammoth in honor of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast's 12th Birthday.

Demystifying Homeschool Research: Insights from Dr. Brian Ray
Vintage Homeschool Moms Podcast Episode 570: Navigating Homeschool Research – From Hypothesis to Headlines
Homeschool parents often encounter various research studies on homeschooling, and it can be challenging to determine which ones are reliable and credible. This episode is useful for parents who follow homeschool academic outcomes, deal with legal challenges, or want to learn more about education based on evidence. It shows the hard work that goes into creating statistics and the excitement of learning new things. You will hear about how NHERI's research helps protect family rights in education. It also explores why a watchful home setting can sometimes offer better safety and success than traditional schools. The discussion includes ways to review studies independently and how to turn your children's questions into more in-depth explorations.
To get the full conversation, including the natural back-and-forth and key moments, visit vintagehomeschoolmom.com or open your favorite podcast app.

Spotlight on Dr. Brian Ray: Architect of Global Homeschool Insights
Dr. Brian Ray stands as a cornerstone in the homeschooling landscape, serving as president of NHERI (nheri.org) since co-founding it in 1990. A trailblazer with over 35 years of experience in home education studies, he has elevated the field from a fringe curiosity to a powerhouse of empirical evidence. His academic credentials include a Ph.D. in science education from Oregon State University, an M.S. in zoology from Ohio University, and a B.S. in biology from the University of Puget Sound – qualifications that have fueled his transition from classroom teaching to research leadership.
Felice praises NHERI's donor ethos: Funds target specific areas, such as survey recruitment or publication fees, with transparent updates on milestones – turning even modest contributions into tangible victories. For families researching homeschooling organizations or seeking ammunition against skeptics, nheri.org offers free resources, synopses of studies, and a newsletter brimming with fresh insights. It's more than support; it's stewardship for the movement's future.
Explore Dr. Ray's Profile and NHERI Resources | Sign Up for NHERI Newsletter

Chasing Certainties: The Core of Scientific Inquiry in Homeschooling
People sometimes talk about "your truth," but Dr. Ray and Felice focus on quantitative truth, which comes from evidence that can be measured and observed, not just personal ideas. They refer to Webster's 1828 dictionary, where "science" means "certain knowledge" and refers to understanding facts through the mind. This approach is based on a biblical view that there is an objective reality....