Beyond The Poster Boy

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6)

Fine. But, what if someone is working hard to undo your training. Donna Busch was training her son, Wesley, but her lessons were being untaught in his school. His public school kindergarten taught him one could not speak of their beliefs to friends in public places. His kindergarten taught him that the government controlled one's ability to express religious views.

It has not always been thus. In some school systems religious diversity is discussed -- to the point of substituting Muslim prayers and stories of Eid instead of Christmas in their Winter Holidays. Or, in the case of Spokane, Washington, schools in fall 2007, omitting Christmas from school calendars -- which did include Eid al-Adha, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa.

Also in 2007, Britains Telegraph.co.uk headlined "School cancels Christmas nativity in favour of Muslim Eid celebrations." The Greenwood Junior School reversed its decision after parental outcries.

That doesn't take into consideration the lack of Christianity in school experiencing drug problems. Christian groups could not meet in the school buildings, so they met at flagpoles, watched by students dealing in drugs. As a new Christian, one student was so impacted by the surrounding drug culture that parents opted for a nearby Christian school.

Other families are opting for home schooling, knowing exactly what lessons their children are being taught and fulfilling their obligation to pass along family values and belief systems. There are excellent examples of such within my church and other families I've come to know. There are many opportunities for interactive social skills and field trips are beyond those offered in public schools. Where else do you find a junior high student studying both Greek and Korean?

Public schools are usually unable to differentiate between learning levels without promoting or holding back a student from their peers, creating a perceived division that may last a lifetime. Public schools are unable to offer one-on-one and research material available to a homeschooler.

Unless -- and that's a big 'unless' -- the parent(s) have insufficient ability themselves. Out of the many homeschooled children I've known over the years, two situations are extremely sad. In one, the mother was so submissive to the father's demands that the children could not interact with anyone outside the family. There was no study pattern, all lessons came from their Bible. There was no socialization. Teens could neither read, nor write, but had memorized scriptures and could recite them. I can see no joy in this situation.

The other 'worst case scenario' is a teen whose mother says she's homeschool, but is not. This is a bright, outgoing, eager to learn child without supervision yet seeking the Lord. I pray for her without ceasing.

Opponents look upon such bad situations and condemn home schooling. That is a greater error. Our truly homeschooled students are outstanding examples of diversity. Don't look up one out of curiosity, but wonder the next time you meet an outstanding personality.

I could include a plethora of sites where parents make public their stories, but that’s not the point here. If public schools are not providing the education desired, become active in the school board. If you do not wish such confrontations, research and study home schooling to see if that would service your needs. Be aware that it takes dedication and discipline – more so on the parent than the child. Are you ready to apply to yourself – and to provide to your child – discipline and direction?

(Graphic from Wiki Commons)