The results are less than exceptional. Yet we as a society cling to the same old ideas, while expecting a different result. Research has shown for some time that most Americans believe the school systems are failing children. Yet, most are also quick to point out that their school is the exception. Let’s examine the roots of an abiding faith.
The reason we are loath to change the “standard” way of doing things is a matter of faith. And this would apply to any educational situation: home, public, Christian, or otherwise.
The recent National Assessment of Educational Progress exam results showing dismal reading scores for America’s 4th and 8th grade students should not be surprising. Organizational design expert Arthur W. Jones noted that “all organizations are perfectly structured to obtain the results they get.” Applied to our public schools, rather than being surprised by the mediocre results we’re seeing throughout the country, it’s what we should expect. If we want to improve the performance of our schools, which is crucial to our nation’s economic health and security, we need to change the structure of the educational system.
As a mother who educates her children at home, what do you put your faith in?
- The system?
- The books?
- The method?
- The tried-and-true leader in the homeschool community?
This type of faith is no different than that of the mother of a child in the public school system. She has to believe in the school and its ability to produce the necessary results. The roots of this type of faith are usually exposed when a seed of doubt lurking in the background threatens to mature into real panic.
When faith in the humanly devised standard ways are shaken, then real faith can step in — faith in a sovereign Father who loves our children more than even we as parents can possibly love them, who has their best interests at heart, and who knows them intimately and did know them before they were born, having all their days planned for them.
Want to find that peace of mind that comes with knowing you are providing the best learning environment for your children? Put your faith in Him. He already knows the final result.
Yes, the path that He sets you on may look different than the “standard” way of doing things, but His ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:9).
Further Reading
7 Ways to Identify Real Learning
One thing that keeps homeschool moms from breaking out of the conventional way of doing things is a lack of confidence that our children will actually learn something. We hope that the promises offered by a traditional system — whether from the curriculum we choose, the schedule we use, or state requirements — will produce the desired result.
Keep Reading
Unlock Your Child’s Potential with Non-Generic Learning
We can provide the “richest” education, and yet fail to provide an education specifically designed for each child — a non-generic, personalized education.
Bending Education to Fit the Child
We are not moving children through a system. We are really tutoring our children — bending education to fit the child.
Summer School for Mom Series
Our Summer School for Mom series provides ideas and tips to get you thinking and resources to encourage you.