Blogging may be sporadic over the next week or so as the ZOE Conference looms. I did want to ask about something though. We have friends teaching in Davidson and Rutherford Counties who are really frustrated with the school system. Apparently, because of "No Child Left Behind" (that's another blog for another day), no teacher is allowed to give a student a failing grade. No child can earn less than 60% on any assignment or test. And, if he or she does not make the grade, the teacher must give endless opportunities to either re-take the test or do the homework over. Any child who is in special ed. cannot receive below a 70% no matter what.
For instance, a student was recently in juvenile detention for 2 weeks. Upon her return, the teacher was instructed to wave all of her assignments from that time and not count them against her...not even requiring her to make any of it up.
Similarly, when students are disrespectful or curse at the teacher, there appears to be little backing from the administration. "Write it up and keep a list" is what they're told. Maybe once a student brings a gun to school then someone might say something. Might.
Upon hearing these stories, I have been angered and disgusted. It appears the state is becoming more and more concerned with the technical "passing" of the student as opposed to them learning anything or having to face consequences. Because, after all, if a student fails, it can't possibly be their fault. What happens when the kid gets into the real world and expects 25 opportunities to get the assignment right? Haven't most of us learned more from our failures thatn our successes?
There's no way to say this is true across the board, but are any of you seeing the same things? A friend recently told me that if she were us, she'd think again about public schools. This was troubling because I believe deeply in public schools and want our kids to have a multi-cultural experience. However, I also value Christian education. I'm a product of both and had valuable experiences in both arenas.
How do you make a decision about this stuff? I'd love to hear you guys weigh in on this and I know there are a variety of opinions on this topic. I don't mean to open a can of worms. I just wonder if any of you are experiencing similar things or have had to wrestle with these issues.
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
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32 comments:
There are many strengths to both public and private education. I have worked in both and have experience as a student in both. This is a tough issue. The government is definitley getting more ridiculous is its decision making and procedures involving public education. Funding for the arts, foreign languages, physical education and technology classes is being cut in our public schools. There are incredible schools out there, both in public and private. It matters greatly on the teacher. They can only do so much when they are awesome people and teachers and then the state ties their hands on what they teach or how they teach. Districts that are telling their teachers exactly what to teach by writing all their lessons plans for them crosses the line. We can get to caught up in test scores and not put the emphasis where it needs to be. Christian education is not perfrect. Kids still mess up. They learn from their mistakes. it is an awesome opportunity to begin to teach grace to them. We are not ties to the governmental controlled test score scenario. We have our standards. We test kids . They have strong points and weak points. They have teachers that are Christians, that believe in our mission. Christian education is a huge mission field. There are many student sthat need the influence of the Christian teachers around them. There are parents that need to understand the importance of a relationship with Jesus. I am constantly in communication with families in this regard. We have seen families and students give their life to God because of the outreach of people at our school. It is a huge investment but one that I see if well worth it. My son is surrounded by people that love him and care for him, that love the Lord and want to impact him academically and spiritually. I love the time I had in both arenas. Education is vitral. Good teachers are needed no matter if they teach in public or private. Always pray long before you make these decisions. Go visit Christian schhols in your area to see what they have to offer. It is a lot.
This is my 19th year in public education and I still recommend it. We tend to hear about failures far more often than successes. I have worked with some amazing teachers in that time and I certainly plan on having my son go to a public school next year.
Having said that, the No Child Left Behind stuff is disturbing. Last week, we were told that by 2015, 100% of our students were expected to score Proficient or better on the state test. Well, not gonna happen. And it's not real motivating either. We work hard, a lot harder than most people think, and our motivation is those faces we see in our rooms every day.
And it is a ministry to teach in public ed too. We can affect students whose parents would never send them or be ABLE to send them to a private school. Ask about the successes, folks. Don't focus on the failures.
agreed--but with more and more legal and state mumbo jumbo, aren't the successes and failuers directly tied together? My point is, these teachers I am referring to can barely concentrate on the successes because of the riduclous demands. Not to mention having their classes hi-jacked by the students who have no intention of succeeding or even trying.
I do want to hear about the successes though...tell us more. It would be good to hear!
My wife Stephanie teaches at TCU in Fort Worth (please see Van Halen's Hot for Teacher video from their 1984 album for a reference). She see's the results of what you are describing everyday. Students do not earn grades, teachers give them.
Student: I don't understand why you gave me a C.
Teacher: You earned a C.
Stephanie has so many students with special needs (Dyslexia, ADD, ADHD, ASAP, KP, FAFF, LYLAS) that there is not enough time to meet them all and the school says they must be treated differently, given extra time on tests and assignments, etc. This is college! What are they going to do when they try to get jobs?
"Sorry (boss, client, patient), but you have to give me special treatment because I have a lazy eye."
Stephanie is dyslexic. She worked harder in High School than I did in college. She has a Master's Degree and never received special treatment.
We are becoming a society of money-for-nothing-chicks-for-free-don't-blame-me-don't-judge-me-cake-and-eat-it-too-finger-pointers and it does not bode well for our future. I don't have all the answers, but teaching so your students can pass a test and your school can get a good rating and you can keep your job is NOT working, but that is what we have forced our good teachers to do. Any yahoo can regurgitate memorized facts back onto a scantron. Hell, I'm living proof of that! Until we encourage our kids to hunger and thirst for knowledge instead of the highest grade in the class, their education will remain sub-par.
successes are there in both environments. kids learning, kids having needs met, happy children, a child who makes a 70 on an assignment that they knew they would fail, teachers praying for their students, helping parents understand their children more, seeing a child work through the divorce of their parents, scholarships to colleges, etc. The successes are there, it is just way too easy for the media to drown us with the negative about public and private education.
It sounds to me like it's more the districts than the No Child Left Behind deal. While I agree that NCLB is one of the more stupid things I've heard of, and just another example of people who aren't in the classroom telling us what's best for us, I don't know that this is entirely NCLB. Either that, or my district is doing things terribly wrong.
We don't give anything less than a 50 on failing papers. I think that's okay. Some of the kids really don't have the mental ability to make about a 50 on some things. I've got a little one in my class right now who just writes down random letters on spelling tests. Now, she's not doing this because she's lazy. She's doing this because she really doesn't understand, and her parents probably aren't working with her. Is it fair for me to give this little girl a zero on every test? I don't think so. With a 50 on the test, at least it won't completely bring down her final spelling grade, conisisting or tests and other assignments, at the end of the six weeks. Likewise, the kids who don't do anything, and make between a 50 and 70 on every assignment, still won't pass, so I don't see that in the end it really matters what grade they get on each paper.
Also, I'm almost positive that the discipline systems these schools are using has nothing to do with NCLB. Seems to me that these problems are indicative of an administration that isn't interested in supporting their teachers.
I am a product of Texas public schools, and from a completely Title I (low socio-economic) district at that. I went through 12 years of school in this district and am on my second year teaching there. You might have to ask the people around me, but I think I turned out pretty well. The only christian schooling I had was for 4.5 years at ACU, after my really formative years were long gone. I think it's great to have the christian education and influence that private schools can provide, but in my experience, my public school friends have turned out just as well as my private school friends. In my opinion, parenting accounts for more than education on the outcome of your child's ultimate character...obviously. Kids can make it whether they're in private or public school with proper parental guidance. You also raise a good point with the multi-cultural statement. Much love, respect, and understanding can be taught through being in a multi-cultural environment, perhaps as much as can be taught in a private school.
Administrators do play a key role in setting the tone or supporting their teachers, or not. If they don't have the backbone to do the right thing then the downward spiral goes fast and furious. There can be a system in many places that move bad teachers to become bad principals, to become bad district administrators. That needs to stop and the bad need to be sent packing.
I am thankful that there is a choice in the educational system for parents. I loved my public school education I received in middle and high school and I would not trade for one second where my child attends school now.
I am a long time reader of your blog, first time poster...this subject really gets to me!
My belief is that in the Elementary grades, kids should be given chances to re-take tests and re-do assignments. But not because of the "no fail" thing really...I think they should MASTER the material before moving on. They can't master it if they fail a test and that's the end of it. So much of "test taking" seems to be about test taking skills and not about the actual material. The goal of education shouldn't be "pass/fail, honor rolls"..etc it should be about teaching children about their world and what they will encounter in it! Sure kids need to learn responsibility! That is SO important but an EDUCATION is as equally important. The "learn how the world works" approach to resposnisbility can certainly wait until after the formative elementary years, in my humble opinion. And trust me, a child won't miss that lesson of responsibility in 3rd grade if they fail a test or do poorly on an assignment and the TIME is taken to work with the child until he/she "GETS" it! Conversely, they WILL be missing a step in their crucial education if they have to keep chugging along while not mastering an important step.
So, I support some of NCLB if it is supporting MASTERY based eduction...no moving on until they KNOW the area that was tested! I DON'T support schools passing all children, teaching to the test, and so on to meet NCLB requirements. I support teaching a child responsibility through life but not from a pass/fail approach during their young years. Responsibility and "hard life lessons" can be taught in many other ways than a teacher trying to do that instead of fostering an academic education...their first role as teacher!
Public school vs. private: Either/both! DEPENDS on the child! Some children do MUCH better in private and some do wonderfully in public. Here's a question: what about homeschooling? That's also a great option...depending on the child! Parents should feel free and SUPPORTED to make any of those choices they feel best fits their child!
On a completely different note: thanks for your great blog! I really enjoy it!
CS
The short answer to a very tough question, "How do you make a decision about this?" is -- VERY prayerfully and very carefully.
My kids are currently in public schools and it has been a blessed experience for us. Public school may not always be right for my family, but today it is. Teachers have come to the house to bring bears and hugs 2 years ago when the kids' grandmother died. This year I am able to send Bible study material (shhhhh) for my son to work on since he finishes his work quite early. We're obviously in a special place. I do know, from teaching, then subbing, now working for a non-profit with the schools (I work with both public and Christian)-- failures most definitely happen all places and there are some CRAZY regulations out there. I think the ONE thing that I do know -- one size does not fit all and your decision for your family is just that -- your decision. What works for me may not work for you or your neighbor. But I feel very much at peace each new school year as I pray fervently for God to continue to lead me in this decision.
We had this debate last year while deciding where to send Gracie to Kindergarten. We chose the public school. We'll look at it again each year probably.
We have been very happy with Gracie's teacher this year. She is fantastic! I won't tell you that things are perfect. Her class size is larger than I'd like and Gracie is one of those who went into it already knowing alot so I worry about her being "forgotten" while the teacher works with those students who come in not even knowing the alphabet. However, I can honestly tell you that Gracie is learning soooo much and has gained so many positive experiences already this year.
I attended private Christian school for 17 years. I taught in both public & private. I had alot of "guilt issues" with not sending her to a Christian school. Part of our decision stemmed from not having one around here that we felt comfortable with. There were various reasons for us not feeling comfortable with it.
Chris & I are a good balance of each other. He helped me to realize that WE are responsible for our child's spiritual growth at this age. Not to say that having a support system at a great Christian school isn't worthwhile, but we weren't sure our daughter's spiritual growth would be increased much more by going to the school around here anyway. We also had issues with the academic parts of the school. We weren't going to send her to a "Christian" school just so we could say that we did it. We needed to believe in what that school stood for and in what they were teaching and in how it was being taught. If someone finds that, I think that's wonderful!
If we lived in Atlanta or Nashville (and truly had the money to afford it) we'd probably look more seriously at some of the Christian schools.
Parental involvement is absolutely one of the most essential components to a child's success in school. If you think about that 3rd grader mentioned above who is smearing poop on the walls....are his parents involved? If you think about the parent above who brought his attorney....is he involved on a day to day basis? Sure, he's involved when it comes to "saving his son's hide" but probably not on an everday basis.
I'm up at Gracie's every Wednesday for about 1-2 hours helping her teacher. I've most recently been tutoring students from her class while I'm there. I went to the Title I improvement meeting last week (see my blog for my frustrations over that). Chris has signed up to be a MENtor. Private school or public school...the teachers cannot be expected to do it all. Parents have to be involved!
I also tend to see where we are as a type of mission field. I have already had the opportunity to invite 2 "searching" individuals to our Life Group. I walk with one of them in the mornings and some afternoons. One day, I said something about church and she asked where I went. I told her "Aiken Church of Christ." She asked if that was non-denominational. I said yes and she said, "Because you know, I've really been looking for something like that." I invited her and told her about Life Group meeting at our house that she passes just about every day. The next day, she told me another lady was interested in it. Granted, they didn't come Sunday, but they've been invited and I'll follow up with that.
I'm not saying you can't reach out to people at a Christian school. Craig is right. There will be plenty of people there who need help and who aren't truly Christians. I'm just looking at what our town had to offer and what we chose and how we can make it the best experience ever.
We are constantly watching Gracie and how she acts and making sure she doesn't "turn evil" by being in the public school. You know what I mean. So far, so good. We talk alot about how she can help her new friends be sweet and she can be a good example, etc.
It is truly a hard decision and like I said, one we will re-visit each year I'm sure. For now, we're happy where we are. From place to place, if we move, we'll re-visit the issue, also.
Good luck and PRAYING is definitely the key!
WOW!! These are some GREAT comments! Thank you and keep them coming. I should have clarified that our teacher friends teach 8th grade--not elementary school. An eighth grader is old enough to be accountable for his or her actions, in my opinion.
I really, really appreciate these insights. We have 2 more years since Maddie will go to Otter Creek's Kindergarten next year. We really like the school we're zoned for--Granbury. (Karen, do you know it?) But we want to make wise decisions.
I also feel like I have some prejudice. While there are SOME private schools in Nashville that we'd really love to send the kids to, we could never afford them. And, in my experience watching kids over the last ten years here, many of the Christian (or CofC) schooled kids tend to have little to no interest in church stuff. They get it all day long at school and are tired, I guess. It's a weird dynamic. There are a few incredible exceptions in our youth group--some amazing kids, but overall, it seems like those kids are generally less than interested in spiritual matters. Huge judgment call on my part, but I've seen it now for 10 years straight. It's not a group, or a clique, there's something to it. I know every parent deals with that to some degree, because it's the wonderful horror of adolesence. But--it gives me pause, it really does.
I have always been a proponent of public schools. Always. I feel like it really shaped my faith and made me stronger. There were also some really lonely times. I remember telling my parents that ACU seemed like Camp that never ended. I was in heaven being around people who were believers and loved Jesus. In that regard, I loved the bubble. But it really was a bubble. But,a s Craig wrote, that bubble can really mean the difference for some children. AS I told him today, if he were a principal here, there's be no question.
As I re-read all of what I wrote, I see my own confusion and my contradictions. We want to be the parents like Jacinda and Chris who are present at the school and affecting lives--our kids' and their friends'. I want to encourage our kids to be a light and watch them grow in their faith as they minister to their friends.
I guess what I'm seeing and hearing is that process is important. You'd think I'd know that by now. Prayer, discernment, wise decisions--all these are important and may mean different things for each child. It's easy to want to rush the process and when I hear about things in the school system that irritate me it's easy to react--or overreact as the case may be.
Thanks for the encouragement to take it where it needs to go.
Matt Elliot had this topic on his blog last year before Seth went to Kindergarten. I think schools are changing. I know in Texas, or at least in our little school district teachers are not forbidden or afraid to give failing grades when earned. Sadly allthese attempts to insure equal education nation wide seem to have brought out the worst in public education. Private education is not in our budget, and having seen the products of some of the private schools here, I think we are better off in public school. I have known all of Kolby's teachers so far. They are great women and wonderful Christians who love and pray for their kids. I am very involved at Kolby's school and I am keeping my eyes open. For now this is where we need to be.
Thanks, Josh. You know you're one of my heroes.
PS: You guys please pray for Sheryl and Sam. Sheryl is in a lot of pain right now and Sam has the most pitiful sounding croop (sp?). He actually barks. So sad!
Brandon,
I would love to visit with you about the public schools in our area. School policies are like budgets, they are plans/goals whose results are only as effective as the people who implement them. I recommend talking to the principal at Granbury, find parents whose children have recently gone thru the school and talk to them. We have been very pleased with the public schools in Williamson County.
Julie
My children are being homeschooled right now. My older daughter is a "5th-grader" and my younger is in "kindergarten". (in quotes because they are not exactly at that level across the board - far above in some areas, not there in others)
One driver for us in this decision was, "Who do we want to be the primary 'peer' influence on them at this foundational time? A bunch of 6-year-olds, or us?" We decided that the home environment was what we wanted to be the driving force in their worldview formation. (Please understand that I'm using terms that are more 'black and white' than really fit, but I don't know how else to express it.)
The biggest driver, though, was simply that we felt called to do it. MUCH prayer went into the decision - and a lot of resistance! My wife, in particular, tried to throw up roadblock after roadblock to the idea, but it seemed that God knocked each one down, and one at a time (so we could keep up!).
Finally - it is SO rewarding to see the kids take on new skills (especially reading!). The idea of "public education" is relatively new in the grand scheme of the world. Most of the "fathers of our country" were homeschooled, at least early on in their educations.
The multi-cultural aspects of their educations are in YOUR control, if you want it. You do not have to rely on school to provide it. I would say that if this is a driver for you then you should not rely on the school to provide that, but model it as a lifestyle (which I'm guessing you already do).
I will say this - homeschooling allows flexibility with time that other avenues do not. We are able to take vacations, for instance, when everyone else is in school - which makes for MUCH shorter lines, etc. We can do family visits (which are NOT vacations!) whenever we choose, and can even take school with us, as well as making "touristy" things into field trips that count as school. Can you imagine a better field trip than going to the zoo with your grandparents?
Anyway - every choice available to you is valid. There is no one "best" answer to this question. I am personally sceptical about a lot of the psychobabble that seems to drive a lot of teaching theory and/or public policy. (Please, teachers, I'm not disparaging ANY of you - but you are given some seriously stupid policies to work under!)
It is certainly good that you're assessing this at this time! God bless!
Well, don't get my started on the "No Child Left Behind" bit! Now, I agree with it in a sense, but being a choir teacher in the state of Texas is becoming a punishment. We're not getting the kids that want to be in our class. Even if the kids choose choir or band, or orchestra, they still pull them out at least 2 or 3 times a week for TAKS tutoring. So, the kid thinks he's in an elective and then is thrown into a tutoring class. What about music preparing kids for life? I mean come on! My school is a great school with pretty good administration. They support me whenever needed. I think they do that because they don't want to lose another choir teacher. But, it's very upsetting to me that some of these kids who need music in their lives can't have it because they can't "score" high enough on the "standardized" test. Our poor core teachers have a "given curriculum." No teacher is allowed to put their own flare in their classroom. They have too keep up with the state's curriculum so that the kids will pass the test, and the school won't' get a bad rating!
We're planning on sending Julia to Granbery next year (1st grade) and basically take it one year at a time from there out. Most likely she will stay there until middle school which is when we anticipate the real decision will be made of public vs. private. As I'm sure you know there are several Otter Creekers at Granbery so we can all be involved parents together!
Sorry BST, I didn't realize you were talking about older students...yes, I agree that children should certainly be held responsible as they get older. But, you would be shocked at the amount of 8th, 9th, 10th graders (and up) that are truly LOST in the material. Behind and stuggling! I couldn't care less about the pass/fail thing...they need the benefit of a good education and the extra time it will take to get them up to the other kids!
Justin: I am sorry but I have to say that the ONE homeschooler you are speaking of is the exception and NOT the rule!! That can happen in ANY setting! Sadly, most people don't even know what "socialization" really means. Socialization is the ability to get along with all types of people (age, gender, race, etc) in all types of situations. Not just in a class of 30 age mates :)
My children are homeschooled. I had so many of the stereotypes that most people have before I prayerfully started looking into this option. I will just say this: my son went to public school (in TX) through 3rd grade. After Kindergarten they no longer had recess...lunch was 25-30 minutes at the most. There was NO play time or what most people would call "socialization"...what a joke! I took my son out of public school to protect him. He has some physical problems that make him stick out like a sore thumb in a class of 30 age-mates. He was starting to get picked on. Now, there is not ONE day that he is not around children!! Children of ALL ages, shapes, sizes...He has the benefit of REAL play time with said children! We have school in the mornings from 8-12 and the REST of the day is FREE! Free to be that "light" and "salt" in the world...and believe me, there are just as many non-Christians in the homeschool world as there are in public school! We will start volunteering this year at soup kitchens, because we have TIME. We are praying God shows our son a place to be the "light" in those settings...the benefit, he will have Mom there to help train him. He has friends that are in public school, friends in private school and of course homeschool friends! This is the best decision I have ever made and I am so sorry people have such negative stereotypes like "I don't think there's any way to learn how to socialize than to be around people all the time, and that's a skill you really have to have to be in the workplace." I encourage you and others to research homeschooling and see just how successful past homeschoolers ARE in the workplace and everywhere else in life! I know most won't ever consider homeschooling their child because of these stereotypes but please educate yourself...my child can read and hear. When he reads and hears things like that, he first doubts what we are doing but fortunatley quickly realizes that is hogwash! Just please don't teach your children these same generalizations! My kids are just as fun to play with as any of their 30 class mates :) They are in no way "weird"...they have a different educational setting and what is wrong with difference? Nothing of course!
One more note: "if parents are good teachers": God equipped all of us to be the best teachers! AND, thank God for curriculum writers! Homeschool parents get the same Instructor's Manuals "real" teachers get with the same SCRIPTS! I didn't get a degree in education but I certainly got an education and can tackle elementary and middle school subjects and yes, even high school! Many homeschoolers even start college classes at 15-16 yrs old...the parents manage just fine!CS
good word, CS. Actually, I've had similar experiences with some homeschooled kids...that they find interaction among their peers awkward and hard. However, over the last few years my opinions have changed as I have met some families and kids who are really doing an amazing job of homeschooling. The Griffith family for one--they are a part of a co-op. Alice teaches music to the kids and these kids can sing like you've never heard! Also--Shelli Meador. Those kids have been homeschooled and are now in public schools. They are the most well-adjusted and Christ-like kids around. Once they felt their kids had their core solid, they sent them on to public schools.
Yes, each situation is unique. However, when you look at the Griffith and Meador kids, you cannot make any judgments about the lack of social skills that homeschooled children supposedly have. Again, it's about being intentional...whether it's homeschooling, public or private. We parents can never hand over the role of parenting to schools or youth groups.
Thanks,
I have to wonder if many times the "awkwardness" one feels is just THEM and not a result of their educational setting. Could be! As mentioned, my son has some problems that drove us to this decision. He has always been a little bit different...ALWAYS, not since starting homeschooling. He is amazing, wonderfully intelligent, loving and just about perfect to me but I see and have ALWAYS seen he is different than other kids. It's just the way God made him :) and I am ever so thankful! I KNOW we all can think of MANY kids that seem "awkward" in the public and private school setting too...it's just the way they are!
I have to point out, I don't think homeschooling is the only choice or even the best choice for some. I just hate the stereotypes. Brandon, you are an involved and loving father. It is great you are prayerfully considering all of your options for your children. I know whatever you decide, your children will be fine because they have a great home to come to everynight! Assuming you are as you seem on the internet ;) (and from people who've met you, etc)
Sorry I ranted on your blog! :)
CS
HA--NO PROBLEM, CS!!! I guess it took something you were passionate about to make you come out of hiding. I'm just glad to know you're out there. Thanks for your contribution. It's really appreciated and not viewed as ranting at all--by me.
thanks again. I have read your blog for quite some time. Found it from Mike Cope's blog. I have a suspicion we know some of the same people from Abilene. I had some friends at Abilene Christian I bet you knew. My mom LOVES The Zoe Group and so I had heard of you from her, too. There have been many of your blogs I have learned from. Keep 'em coming! Now back to homeschool :)
CS
It's important, I think, to thoroughly check out the public schools for which you are zoned. Lots of folks can have opinions about public schools, but it's kinda like giving your opinion on the Churches of Christ based on your experience in rural Georgia -- it doesn't mean Otter Creek will provide the same experience! (Or vice versa, of course...) I worked for a private Christian school for eight years, but we chose to send our son to public school. We gathered tons of data, observed in their classrooms the year before enrolling him, and asked about 4 million questions. We feel great about the decision and can't imagine doing anything else, although we'll definitely continue to re-evaluate as we go along. HOWEVER, if lived two neighborhoods over -- literally! -- our decision might have been completely different. The school system for which we're zoned is one of the best in the state, and the one two neighborhoods away isn't nearly as good.
One other thing -- volunteer as much as possible, and I don't just mean Sheryl. I'm in Isaac's school all the time, and the administrators & teachers love having a regular male volunteer at their school. I'm sure OC would be happy to give you all the time you need to have a presence at your child's public school. It's great for your kid, great for your school, great for the other kids, and great for the Kingdom, too.
That's my $.02!
I just sat here for about the last 20-30 minutes commenting some more about these topics. Somehow, it all disappeared! I am very frustrated but maybe that was God's way of telling me I'd said too much. I was a little worried about stepping on some toes with some of what I'd written.
Anyway, this topic is of great interest to me. I look forward to seeing what others write.
One other homeschooler follow up to Justin -
While I have certainly seen some odd kids that were homeschooled, I've also seen some odd kids in every school situation.
I know that generalities are (generally) dangerous, but...
One of the traits that I saw in a lot of homeschool kids, that I have found to be VERY RARE in public school kids, is a comfort with interacting across age groups. In other words, I have seen many homeschool kids who are comfortable conversing with grown-ups and with kids much younger than themselves. I have seen this trait in far fewer public school kids - especially talking with grownups.
Also, with regards to socialization - we work hard to have our kids in MANY social situations - CBS (Community Bible Study), our church, dance class, gymnastics, and some others (perhaps too many, Mike Cope? (grin)). Honestly, I don't think my kids are lacking in this regard at all.
As a child who grew up in a education family, I feel very strongly about public education as well. I was also on the Board of Directors for the TX PTA for four years, lobbying and advocating for education from that direction. My ultimate career goal involves working in the non-profit sector advocating for public education. For me (a single woman who has no children) my bottom line is this: You can't count on the school to raise your children, or fully educate them. You are your child's first and best teacher. You also can not help be part of the solution for something that you will not be a part of. The schools need help, public education needs advocates and people willing to change things that don't work- whether you are a teacher, parent, or jsut a concerned citizen. None of that will happen if you are not a part of it. To me, public education is something that is vital to our livelihood and the system deserves our time and efforts to better it.
I echo what Amy said and add that Kolby's principal is the first to say that PARENTS have the voice to change and guide the public school process...if they would only use it!
AMEN! Amy, I've often felt tempted to move back to Abilene so that the kids acn experience Wylie. It was a great place to grow up.
What a great discussion. Thanks, everyone! I'm not cutting it off--keep 'em coming. Just wanted to say thanks.
Hello Brandon. First let me say thanks for all of the good work for the Lord you and the Zoe Group do for our fellowship and beyond.
I’m a middle school math teacher in Florida with 24 years of experience, all in Florida. With respect to the No Child Left Behind Law (NCLB) there apparently is quite a bit of latitude as to how the individual states will observe it. What you describe with what is apparently going on in the Tennessee school system is foreign to us here in Florida. The only “floor” we have in Florida is the lowest “F” one can receive for a nine-week grading period. If a student in Florida went an entire grading period without turning in any work he would receive a grade of “F” with a numerical score of “39.” This grade is still an “F” but it’s not quite as bad as a zero. The intent is to not have a student with such a low grade numerically for a grading period that even a 100 for the 2nd nine weeks would not give a student a chance to pass for the semester.
As far a NCLB, the one criterion is that a school must meet 100% of the guidelines in order to meet the requirements of NCLB. It sounds like Tennessee is trying to make it easy for school to be in compliance with NCLB. That is not the case here in Florida.
I hope you still consider sending your kids to Public School. My son is now a sophomore in high school. He has attended public school since entering kindergarten. He is still a vital member of our church’s youth group and he has brought many of his unchurched friends to worship throughout his life.
By the way, 10 of us from our church here in Cocoa, Florida are coming to the Zoe Conference for the first time. We're excited. We'll continue to keep all of you in our prayers.
We've just decided that all things put together -- administrative apathy, NCLB, increased pressure to label children and the possibility of federally mandated mental health screenings, the (imo proper) neglect of religion training in schools -- that we would homeschool our children. It's just too hard to fight all that in the 5 or so hours a day we have left with them after school, retraining and helping them with schoolwork they didn't get time to do or understand at school. I might as well spend 5 hours a day, teaching and training them the way I see fit, then have the rest of the day to just enjoy them. That is NOT to say that I don't know that there are incredible teachers out there, struggling to do the same thing for the children in their classrooms who don't have the opportunities to learn with their parents that mine do. I pray for those teachers every day, I know that job is thankless and made more difficult by beaurocracy and the teachers unions (ironic, huh?). God bless and help them!!!
Thanks Gem. It is a very personal decision as to how one will "school" their children. I respect your decision to home-school your children and may God bless your efforts as well.
Alice Griffith rocks my world...in the purely platonic way, of course.
If you guys could see those kids. Oh my word. For one thing, they're brilliant. For another thing, for someone who doesn't believe in socialization, they are completely well-adjusted (whatever that means anyway). They are well liked by their peers. They are "cool" kids and they are some of the most polite and friendly kids you'll ever meet. (Same goes for the Meador children I mentioned earlier.)
Seeing these kids in action is like watching the family Von Trapp. Seriously...they performed in our Otter Creek talent show this year and they did everything from singing BEAUTIFULLY to playing the violin anhd other instruments.
Alice directs a choir of homeschooled children (am I right about that, Alice?? --She will HATE me for writing all this!). These kids sing in 4 part harmony and on pitch. It is AMAZING. No matter where Maddie and Ella end up I have BEGGED that she let them participate in it.
The point being...as several of you have suggested, there are issues no matter what form of education you choose. I appreciate all who are working for the children's benefit in all this and not some political agenda.
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