Why I Will Homeschool (Part 1) by Ted Slater on 12/13/2006 at 11:18 AM

First, I need to say that while Focus on the Family strongly supports those who homeschool their children, we also recognize that there are many good parents who send their kids to government-funded schools and private schools as well. You are not necessarily in the wrong to delegate the responsibility of educating your children to the state.

That said, I think it's important to re-frame this discussion that Tim Challies began recently. I'm not able to comment directly on anything he's said, since he's not actually begun an actual defense of "Why I Do Not Homeschool." His article thus far is merely a rambling introduction with some subtle anti-homeschooling remarks.

When I was studying to earn my master's degree in education, the courses that most affected me had to do with the philosophy of education. While grappling with the issues brought up over the course of three years of grad school, I came to see that Scripture clearly lays the responsibility of children's education at the feet of their parents. Parents are free to delegate that responsibility to others -- be they Christians or non-Christians -- but in the end it's the parents' responsibility to educate their children, not primarily the government's.

The question then is this: If you have chosen not to educate your children yourself, who should be granted this responsibility? Those who strive to honor the Lord or those who couldn't care less?

And this gets to the foundation, the philosophy, of education.

All education is conducted within a worldview. The Christian worldview says that God is relevant, that He created "all this" for a purpose, that discovering His handiwork through science and biology and language and mathematics honors Him. The worldview that is at the foundation of "public schools" is one that says that God is irrelevant, that there is no higher meaning behind history and science that ties everything together, that there is ultimately no meaning beyond ourselves. The agnostic (some would say "atheistic") philosophies of Dewey and Darwin drive what we see in today's government-sponsored schools.

I think it's crucial that our children learn how to think, and what to think about, within the context of an educational system that acknowledges the Creator. What better way to study the inner workings of a frog or the interactions of gravitational forces or the intricacies of tone and rhythm in music than in light of a good Creator who conceived these things for His glory and our enjoyment?

Better understanding the character and works of God is our motivation for learning. Within the context of an educational system that excludes God, the motivation for learning diminishes or becomes misplaced.

I look forward to seeing how Tim Challies continues his defense of his decision to delegate his responsibility to educate his children to the state. There may be good reasons. But I'll be watching closely to see that he not merely present surface level dismissals of homeschooling and shallow reasons for having his kids educated within a system that considers the Lord irrelevant.

In the meantime, please consider downloading and reading my personal philosophy of education.

Why I Will Homeschool (Part 1) by Ted Slater on 12/13/2006 at 11:18 AM

First, I need to say that while Focus on the Family strongly supports those who homeschool their children, we also recognize that there are many good parents who send their kids to government-funded schools and private schools as well. You are not necessarily in the wrong to delegate the responsibility of educating your children to the state.

That said, I think it's important to re-frame this discussion that Tim Challies began recently. I'm not able to comment directly on anything he's said, since he's not actually begun an actual defense of "Why I Do Not Homeschool." His article thus far is merely a rambling introduction with some subtle anti-homeschooling remarks.

When I was studying to earn my master's degree in education, the courses that most affected me had to do with the philosophy of education. While grappling with the issues brought up over the course of three years of grad school, I came to see that Scripture clearly lays the responsibility of children's education at the feet of their parents. Parents are free to delegate that responsibility to others -- be they Christians or non-Christians -- but in the end it's the parents' responsibility to educate their children, not primarily the government's.

The question then is this: If you have chosen not to educate your children yourself, who should be granted this responsibility? Those who strive to honor the Lord or those who couldn't care less?

And this gets to the foundation, the philosophy, of education.

All education is conducted within a worldview. The Christian worldview says that God is relevant, that He created "all this" for a purpose, that discovering His handiwork through science and biology and language and mathematics honors Him. The worldview that is at the foundation of "public schools" is one that says that God is irrelevant, that there is no higher meaning behind history and science that ties everything together, that there is ultimately no meaning beyond ourselves. The agnostic (some would say "atheistic") philosophies of Dewey and Darwin drive what we see in today's government-sponsored schools.

I think it's crucial that our children learn how to think, and what to think about, within the context of an educational system that acknowledges the Creator. What better way to study the inner workings of a frog or the interactions of gravitational forces or the intricacies of tone and rhythm in music than in light of a good Creator who conceived these things for His glory and our enjoyment?

Better understanding the character and works of God is our motivation for learning. Within the context of an educational system that excludes God, the motivation for learning diminishes or becomes misplaced.

I look forward to seeing how Tim Challies continues his defense of his decision to delegate his responsibility to educate his children to the state. There may be good reasons. But I'll be watching closely to see that he not merely present surface level dismissals of homeschooling and shallow reasons for having his kids educated within a system that considers the Lord irrelevant.

In the meantime, please consider downloading and reading my personal philosophy of education.

Comments

[1. Jessica said the following at 1:05 PM on Dec 13:]

1

I was extremely pleased when I saw that Boundless was starting a blog and even more pleased when they began to allow comments to be posted. I understand that some of what is written is intended to get people fired up or at least think, but I strongly recommend being less critical than some of the posts are. For example, Ted calling Tim Challies writing a "rambling introduction" and then having the very loaded statement that "You are not necessarily in the wrong to delegate the responsibility of educating your children to the state." Come on now. I guess I just have to believe that there would have been better words to get your point across rather than mildly attacking the writing of another blogger and leading the reader to believe that you probably think that most of the time parents are in the wrong if they send their children to public school.

[2. Liz said the following at 2:01 PM on Dec 13:]

2

Nice to see another teacher - or one qualified in the field of education - (like myself) who chooses to homeschool. Homeschoolers are no better than other parents by homeschooling. There are plenty of good schools around. But do we want a "good education" or a "Godly education". In Australia, we have an array of private Christian schools to choose from, so that is certainly a viable option here. Having been a recipient of a "Christian" education (and my mum was a teacher also) I found the Christian worldview decidedly lacking...

[3. Robert J Espe said the following at 2:11 PM on Dec 13:]

3

History of the American School System:

http://johntaylorgatto.com/underground/toc1.htm

The school system works exactly as it was designed to for every student. I am finishing my undergraduate education degree, I get to watch this process being taught.

Please remember when thinking about schools, if you went to college, you are in a minority, if you graduated, you are in a smaller one. We are on the nice side of social stratification, but that doesn't make it right.

Also, for those who think our kids should be "missionaries" to the schools, think about the amount of time we have fully formed adults spend in Bible college before sending them into hostile territory. If you don't think it is hostile, you should see the sex curriculum that I am taught to eventually use at the elementary level.

[4. J Burke said the following at 5:25 PM on Dec 13:]

4

Thank you for this post. I am a former public school English teacher and now a stay at home mom. My husband and I have a little time to determine how we will educate our children but as a teacher, I have a hard time considering public school for many reasons. I don't want to imagine our public schools' curriculum in five years when my son is starting kindergarten.

While teaching, I was extremely disappointed with the parental lack of involvement in my students' education. When I wrote home to a mother one time asking her to sign her daughter's agenda nightly as a method of accountability, she refused. Her reasoning: she was the client, I was the service, therefore it was my duty. Yes, I did have some good parents, but truly the majority were so oblivious to the day to day happenings at my school. And this was at a school where the majority of kids came from homes with college educated parents!

I appreciate the truth that was delivered in the post:

"Scripture clearly lays the responsibility of children's education at the feet of their parents. Parents are free to delegate that responsibility to others -- be they Christians or non-Christians -- but in the end it's the parents' responsibility to educate their children, not primarily the government's."

I hope I will serve my children- and the Lord- in this area well, whether they are homeschooled or not.

I will admit, I am scared to home school from the start. As a secondary teacher, I feel like I could handle it after my children know how to read and some simple math, but the fundamentals terrify me.

[5. Sarah said the following at 5:47 PM on Dec 13:]

5

What could be a more precious gift God entrusts people with than children? This world is a place of good verses evil, of right verses wrong. It's a spiritual batteground, where people's hearts and minds are the prize.

Children need to be nurtured, trained in godliness and protected at all costs.

During my growing up years, I attended public schools and was also homeschooled. On one hand, my third grade teacher in public school was exceptional and that year was a great experience. So I know there are good public school teachers. On the other hand, I'm thankful for the protective environment and godly instruction I experienced through home schooling (plus, the extra time I got to spend with my family.)
My public school experience was a while ago, however, and I've heard about a lot of disturbing things being taught in schools. Who can deny that public schools teach secularism, evolution, and sex education? The Bible says to guard your heart above all else, for out of it flows the issues of life. How much more should parents protect the hearts of their children from anti-Christ teachings - teachings that tell them to follow any sexual desire and feel no eternal signifigance?

Bad company corrupts good character. Not only are schools filled with harmful teachings, most students do not have good character. When kids are learning who they are, why subject them to cruel classmates, sexual harrassment, and negative peer pressure on a daily basis?

[6. C Ander said the following at 9:07 PM on Dec 13:]

6

I would begin by stating that I'm a senior in public high school. So, being a child with less experience (as I may not be able to see, for the trees), take it for what its worth.

This all makes public school sound so...evil. I completely agree that the absense of a deference to God and the pervasiveness of false teachings turn the whole concept of public school sour. But is that not representative of the majority of society? Once us kids are adults, parents cannot control what we are exposed to. At the very best, we can monitor what we take in, but you can only limit so much: either it is impossible to shield the eyes, or it would be foolish to shield the eyes.

Parents definately must take an active role in the education of a child, as it shapes who they shall be in the long run: train up a child so that he may walk in those ways all the days of his life. Those who have received both a home and public school education have quite an advantage, as they have been able to develop a strong basis in the safety of home, but have also been made to learn how to live and cope in an environment that will challenge their basis. I really do think that is absolutely vital, because it requires the developing person to live what they have been learning. This allows more room for failure, but how does one learn to ride a bicycle without getting on the seat and falling a few times?

I'm greatly supportive of having Christian students on campus, rather than at home being schooled -- although that is ultimately a decision made in the home. Without a good friend of mine, I would have never found Christ at all. His good example, although he has his own flaws, led me to the Truth and freed me of an abusive sexual relationship, the bitterness I found in religion, and the suicidal depression I often experienced. Where would I be if he was at home all those years? Of course, God puts us where we need to be when we need to be. So in the end, both home and public schooling hold their water -- it is up to Godly parental discernment to determine what would be best for the child.

I apologize for any incoherence.

[7. Dana said the following at 9:55 PM on Dec 13:]

7

This looks like it will be an interesting discussion. By the way, I used to be a public school teacher, although it only lasted two years. I'm glad to see someone else with a posted philosophy of education. I know a couple of other homeschoolers with their philosophy posted, but not too many.

[8. Hayley said the following at 8:26 AM on Dec 14:]

8

I agree with Ted that Challies post seemed like "a rambling introduction with some subtle anti-homeschooling remarks."

[9. Jen said the following at 9:03 AM on Dec 14:]

9

My background: public school all the way, preschool through my bachelor's degree (BS in Zoology if you're interested). Proclaimed Christ as my Savior at age 7, relationship became more personal about sophomore year of high school. Best friend (of more than 15 years) experienced Christian private education and home schooling. She'll be finishing up second year at Bible college next trimester.

OK, now that my bias info is out of the way ... I see the advantages of both public schooling and home schooling. I'm not very familiar with anyone who experienced only private school, so I don't have much to say about that. When the time comes, I'll have to do some serious praying and thinking with my husband (who I don't even know yet--hi hon ... whoever you are!) about how we'll school our kids.

All of this to say, I think we have a tendency to leave something out of all these debates. There are other options. I said that I went to public schools my whole life, and that's true. However, I'm not only a product of government education.

Every summer, my mom would drag out the dreaded workbooks and my sister and I were encouraged (required) to work through the math and spelling exercises. I've been the best speller in my family since middle school or so (better even than Mom and Dad). Lest you think that my mom just fed us more government schooling in a home setting, we went on countless educational field trips with her daycare group, worked on geography projects that she dreamt up, etc.

My sister spent a lot of her time learning "womanly skills" such as baking, cleaning, and various handicrafts and is using all of these skills (and more) as a young bride (married at 19) 1000 miles away from home. I spent almost ALL of my time devouring any book I could get my hand on. I didn't take marine biology in college, but then again, I didn't really need to. I'd probably acquired all the knowledge any professor would have imparted on the topic by about 5th grade.

My dad was constantly my math buddy and always encouraged me to ask questions and learn more. He started teaching me about his field (electrical engineering) when I was still in elementary school. By 9th grade or so, I was doing some AutoCAD detailing for his company on a contract basis, and by 10th grade, I was working for him part-time and earning the equivalent of an entry-level hourly rate of a recent college graduate. So, yes, I went to public schools. I was educated, though, by my mom and dad.

Public schools have their problems. I'll be the first to admit it. I don't think that my education suffered for it though, and I've come out the other side stronger in my faith and better equipped to defend my beliefs than I would have been otherwise because I've actually had to do it before.

[10. Dana said the following at 10:36 PM on Dec 14:]

10

Ted, I fixed my little mistake in my post (sorry about that!).

And Sarah, the problem I have with sending my child to public school is that she is not spiritually mature enough to handle what is presented there. She is not living a sheltered existence separate from society. She is being provided a firm foundation, without the seeds of doubt of having her parent's teaching undermined through curriculum, her individuality stifled through group discipline and her budding faith challenged in an environment that is not conducive to the free expression of her faith.

There will come a time when she is ready for that. According to research by Susan Anderson, 94% of homeschooled children grow up to retain the faith of their parents whereas almost the opposite is true of the public school system. I don't believe that is because those students "walk away" from the faith, but because it was never firmly planted and they were unable to resist pressures they had no defense against.

Sources:
Consideringhomeschooling.com

(This is the last part of a three part series but deals with the spiritual aspects of homeschooling. Links to the other parts are available from there.)

[11. Leah said the following at 12:56 AM on Dec 18:]

11

To Dana: there's no use in even having a defence if kids don't get the chance to practice it.

True, over 90% of children in the public schooling system may not have the same faith as their parents. But what is the percentage among children from CHRISTIAN homes? (Ie. that figure you quoted could cover Christians, agnostics, muslims, buddhists, hindus, atheists, catholics, etc.)

Also- you yourself said it is probably becaue they were never given a foundation to start with, rather than walking away from the faith. Isn't this the parents' fault, for not implementing that foundation, rather than the school's fault?

[1. Jessica said the following at 1:05 PM on Dec 13:]

1

I was extremely pleased when I saw that Boundless was starting a blog and even more pleased when they began to allow comments to be posted. I understand that some of what is written is intended to get people fired up or at least think, but I strongly recommend being less critical than some of the posts are. For example, Ted calling Tim Challies writing a "rambling introduction" and then having the very loaded statement that "You are not necessarily in the wrong to delegate the responsibility of educating your children to the state." Come on now. I guess I just have to believe that there would have been better words to get your point across rather than mildly attacking the writing of another blogger and leading the reader to believe that you probably think that most of the time parents are in the wrong if they send their children to public school.

[2. Liz said the following at 2:01 PM on Dec 13:]

2

Nice to see another teacher - or one qualified in the field of education - (like myself) who chooses to homeschool. Homeschoolers are no better than other parents by homeschooling. There are plenty of good schools around. But do we want a "good education" or a "Godly education". In Australia, we have an array of private Christian schools to choose from, so that is certainly a viable option here. Having been a recipient of a "Christian" education (and my mum was a teacher also) I found the Christian worldview decidedly lacking...

[3. Robert J Espe said the following at 2:11 PM on Dec 13:]

3

History of the American School System:

http://johntaylorgatto.com/underground/toc1.htm

The school system works exactly as it was designed to for every student. I am finishing my undergraduate education degree, I get to watch this process being taught.

Please remember when thinking about schools, if you went to college, you are in a minority, if you graduated, you are in a smaller one. We are on the nice side of social stratification, but that doesn't make it right.

Also, for those who think our kids should be "missionaries" to the schools, think about the amount of time we have fully formed adults spend in Bible college before sending them into hostile territory. If you don't think it is hostile, you should see the sex curriculum that I am taught to eventually use at the elementary level.

[4. J Burke said the following at 5:25 PM on Dec 13:]

4

Thank you for this post. I am a former public school English teacher and now a stay at home mom. My husband and I have a little time to determine how we will educate our children but as a teacher, I have a hard time considering public school for many reasons. I don't want to imagine our public schools' curriculum in five years when my son is starting kindergarten.

While teaching, I was extremely disappointed with the parental lack of involvement in my students' education. When I wrote home to a mother one time asking her to sign her daughter's agenda nightly as a method of accountability, she refused. Her reasoning: she was the client, I was the service, therefore it was my duty. Yes, I did have some good parents, but truly the majority were so oblivious to the day to day happenings at my school. And this was at a school where the majority of kids came from homes with college educated parents!

I appreciate the truth that was delivered in the post:

"Scripture clearly lays the responsibility of children's education at the feet of their parents. Parents are free to delegate that responsibility to others -- be they Christians or non-Christians -- but in the end it's the parents' responsibility to educate their children, not primarily the government's."

I hope I will serve my children- and the Lord- in this area well, whether they are homeschooled or not.

I will admit, I am scared to home school from the start. As a secondary teacher, I feel like I could handle it after my children know how to read and some simple math, but the fundamentals terrify me.

[5. Sarah said the following at 5:47 PM on Dec 13:]

5

What could be a more precious gift God entrusts people with than children? This world is a place of good verses evil, of right verses wrong. It's a spiritual batteground, where people's hearts and minds are the prize.

Children need to be nurtured, trained in godliness and protected at all costs.

During my growing up years, I attended public schools and was also homeschooled. On one hand, my third grade teacher in public school was exceptional and that year was a great experience. So I know there are good public school teachers. On the other hand, I'm thankful for the protective environment and godly instruction I experienced through home schooling (plus, the extra time I got to spend with my family.)
My public school experience was a while ago, however, and I've heard about a lot of disturbing things being taught in schools. Who can deny that public schools teach secularism, evolution, and sex education? The Bible says to guard your heart above all else, for out of it flows the issues of life. How much more should parents protect the hearts of their children from anti-Christ teachings - teachings that tell them to follow any sexual desire and feel no eternal signifigance?

Bad company corrupts good character. Not only are schools filled with harmful teachings, most students do not have good character. When kids are learning who they are, why subject them to cruel classmates, sexual harrassment, and negative peer pressure on a daily basis?

[6. C Ander said the following at 9:07 PM on Dec 13:]

6

I would begin by stating that I'm a senior in public high school. So, being a child with less experience (as I may not be able to see, for the trees), take it for what its worth.

This all makes public school sound so...evil. I completely agree that the absense of a deference to God and the pervasiveness of false teachings turn the whole concept of public school sour. But is that not representative of the majority of society? Once us kids are adults, parents cannot control what we are exposed to. At the very best, we can monitor what we take in, but you can only limit so much: either it is impossible to shield the eyes, or it would be foolish to shield the eyes.

Parents definately must take an active role in the education of a child, as it shapes who they shall be in the long run: train up a child so that he may walk in those ways all the days of his life. Those who have received both a home and public school education have quite an advantage, as they have been able to develop a strong basis in the safety of home, but have also been made to learn how to live and cope in an environment that will challenge their basis. I really do think that is absolutely vital, because it requires the developing person to live what they have been learning. This allows more room for failure, but how does one learn to ride a bicycle without getting on the seat and falling a few times?

I'm greatly supportive of having Christian students on campus, rather than at home being schooled -- although that is ultimately a decision made in the home. Without a good friend of mine, I would have never found Christ at all. His good example, although he has his own flaws, led me to the Truth and freed me of an abusive sexual relationship, the bitterness I found in religion, and the suicidal depression I often experienced. Where would I be if he was at home all those years? Of course, God puts us where we need to be when we need to be. So in the end, both home and public schooling hold their water -- it is up to Godly parental discernment to determine what would be best for the child.

I apologize for any incoherence.

[7. Dana said the following at 9:55 PM on Dec 13:]

7

This looks like it will be an interesting discussion. By the way, I used to be a public school teacher, although it only lasted two years. I'm glad to see someone else with a posted philosophy of education. I know a couple of other homeschoolers with their philosophy posted, but not too many.

[8. Hayley said the following at 8:26 AM on Dec 14:]

8

I agree with Ted that Challies post seemed like "a rambling introduction with some subtle anti-homeschooling remarks."

[9. Jen said the following at 9:03 AM on Dec 14:]

9

My background: public school all the way, preschool through my bachelor's degree (BS in Zoology if you're interested). Proclaimed Christ as my Savior at age 7, relationship became more personal about sophomore year of high school. Best friend (of more than 15 years) experienced Christian private education and home schooling. She'll be finishing up second year at Bible college next trimester.

OK, now that my bias info is out of the way ... I see the advantages of both public schooling and home schooling. I'm not very familiar with anyone who experienced only private school, so I don't have much to say about that. When the time comes, I'll have to do some serious praying and thinking with my husband (who I don't even know yet--hi hon ... whoever you are!) about how we'll school our kids.

All of this to say, I think we have a tendency to leave something out of all these debates. There are other options. I said that I went to public schools my whole life, and that's true. However, I'm not only a product of government education.

Every summer, my mom would drag out the dreaded workbooks and my sister and I were encouraged (required) to work through the math and spelling exercises. I've been the best speller in my family since middle school or so (better even than Mom and Dad). Lest you think that my mom just fed us more government schooling in a home setting, we went on countless educational field trips with her daycare group, worked on geography projects that she dreamt up, etc.

My sister spent a lot of her time learning "womanly skills" such as baking, cleaning, and various handicrafts and is using all of these skills (and more) as a young bride (married at 19) 1000 miles away from home. I spent almost ALL of my time devouring any book I could get my hand on. I didn't take marine biology in college, but then again, I didn't really need to. I'd probably acquired all the knowledge any professor would have imparted on the topic by about 5th grade.

My dad was constantly my math buddy and always encouraged me to ask questions and learn more. He started teaching me about his field (electrical engineering) when I was still in elementary school. By 9th grade or so, I was doing some AutoCAD detailing for his company on a contract basis, and by 10th grade, I was working for him part-time and earning the equivalent of an entry-level hourly rate of a recent college graduate. So, yes, I went to public schools. I was educated, though, by my mom and dad.

Public schools have their problems. I'll be the first to admit it. I don't think that my education suffered for it though, and I've come out the other side stronger in my faith and better equipped to defend my beliefs than I would have been otherwise because I've actually had to do it before.

[10. Dana said the following at 10:36 PM on Dec 14:]

10

Ted, I fixed my little mistake in my post (sorry about that!).

And Sarah, the problem I have with sending my child to public school is that she is not spiritually mature enough to handle what is presented there. She is not living a sheltered existence separate from society. She is being provided a firm foundation, without the seeds of doubt of having her parent's teaching undermined through curriculum, her individuality stifled through group discipline and her budding faith challenged in an environment that is not conducive to the free expression of her faith.

There will come a time when she is ready for that. According to research by Susan Anderson, 94% of homeschooled children grow up to retain the faith of their parents whereas almost the opposite is true of the public school system. I don't believe that is because those students "walk away" from the faith, but because it was never firmly planted and they were unable to resist pressures they had no defense against.

Sources:
Consideringhomeschooling.com

(This is the last part of a three part series but deals with the spiritual aspects of homeschooling. Links to the other parts are available from there.)

[11. Leah said the following at 12:56 AM on Dec 18:]

11

To Dana: there's no use in even having a defence if kids don't get the chance to practice it.

True, over 90% of children in the public schooling system may not have the same faith as their parents. But what is the percentage among children from CHRISTIAN homes? (Ie. that figure you quoted could cover Christians, agnostics, muslims, buddhists, hindus, atheists, catholics, etc.)

Also- you yourself said it is probably becaue they were never given a foundation to start with, rather than walking away from the faith. Isn't this the parents' fault, for not implementing that foundation, rather than the school's fault?