The topic of education always seems to spark controversy, so let me begin by saying that this will not be an exhaustive discussion regarding this subject. More than anything, I just want parents to recognize that we need to be purposeful when it comes to educating our children. The responsibility lies squarely with us. Not the government. Not the school. Not the community. Not the church. Sobering, isn’t it?
Now, that is not to say that we can’t have any realistic expectations of any institution that we choose to help us in this process. But that is a whole other area that I do not wish to get into today.
This whole business of education can be incredibly overwhelming. Will you send your kids to public or private school? What about a charter school or a private Christian school? Maybe you’re interested in homeschooling. If so, then what curriculum will you use? Depending on where you live, there might be more or less options.
My first piece of advice: get acquainted with the available options in your community. Make an appointment to meet with the principal and take a tour of the schools in your neighborhood. Ask lots of questions! What is their philosophy of education? What are the teacher qualifications? [In my state, teachers in private schools are not required to be state certified. However, some of the private schools in our area make it a policy to only hire certified teachers.] Is the school accredited? How big are the class sizes? How do they handle discipline? What courses do they offer? [particularly important at the secondary level] What extracurricular activities do they have? How do they utilize parent involvement? Look at the curriculum and ask questions. Do an extended observation and take notes. Attend a local homeschool organization meeting in your area. Visit a homeschooling resource fair. Talk with some of the parents and, again, ask lots of questions.
Second: consider the needs of your children on an individual basis, as well as the needs of your family as a whole. Education is definitely not a one-size-fits-all proposition. What works for one child might not work for another. I have a friend with three children. At one point she was homeschooling one child, had another in a private school, and was sending her third to a school that specialized in helping kids with special needs because that was appropriate for this child. Consider the education priorities and goals that you have for your kids. I would also suggest that you re-evaluate at the end of each school year. As your children grow, their needs may change, requiring a different educational option.
Third: regardless of your choice, plan to be involved! Go and volunteer in the classroom. When my girls were in elementary school, I helped in each of their classes on a weekly basis. I was the “room mom” who organized class parties. I chaperoned numerous class trips. One year I was the PTA president. As they moved into the secondary level, I helped with lots of class projects (harvesting fish eggs and sperm was quite interesting), organized parent volunteers, and chaperoned more trips. We’ve hosted team dinners and my husband has even been a debate judge. Look at your schedule and set aside some time to do something. You will get to directly observe teachers and other staff, you will get to know the other kids (and their parents), and you will have a better understanding of how your child is doing.
Finally, the most important thing you can do throughout this process: PRAY!!! As you seek God, He will direct you in making wise choices for your children. Choices that are founded in faith, rather than in fear. Choices that will be just right for your family. Choices that will prepare your kids to fulfill the purpose that He has for them.
“Education is the movement from darkness to light.” ~Allan Bloom
