Not only was the Teacher wise, but he also imparted knowledge to the people. He pondered and searched out and set in order many proverbs. The Teacher searched to find just the right words, and what he wrote was upright and true. The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails—given by one shepherd.
Ecclesiastes 12: 9-11
I had an innate desire to educate my children at home, using curricula and standards that aligned with my religious beliefs and core values. Knowing I was the best person to evaluate my daughters’ educational progress and learning outcomes, I chose not to rely on the “experts” in public education, as many had fallen short of understanding, appreciating, and respecting a child’s strengths, weaknesses, and learning styles.
I could not subject my children to teachers who might negatively evaluate or possibly fail them for not agreeing with the subject matter taught in the classroom. I wanted my daughters to have a voice, feeling comfortable and confident expressing their beliefs, curiosities, and questions in a positive atmosphere where they would never be forced to adhere to, conform to, or apply concepts in writing assignments or discussions that countered their faith and family culture. Homeschooling gave us this option.
As the federal government continues to push for educational accountability under stringent guidelines for standardized testing, I see the ineffectiveness of the “one size fits all” mentality that fails to embrace a child’s individuality. Even more distressing is the implementation of CCSS, which gives the government tremendous leverage over educational subject matter. It’s troubling that the negative effects have continued to increase over time, wasting billions of tax dollars on incentives for states to adopt these standards. Meanwhile, children continue to suffer. As we near the end of 2024, we must seriously consider the government’s future goal of establishing more control over the preferences, values, beliefs, and behaviors of the majority of children, from pre-K through 12th grade, in public education.
Are parents now preparing for an educational journey that encompasses long-term tutoring? High-impact tutoring has become the new normal, but with financial constraints looming and schools staring down a fiscal cliff at the end of September 2024, it’s hard for me to swallow this unethical educational medicine being thrust down parents’ throats. More children have fallen behind in this broken system that expects families to find additional resources to supplement learning through tutoring services, which are about to be choked. Some state and district leaders are collaborating with researchers to determine whether tutoring has even moved the needle for students. My hope is that parents might appreciate that a child’s love for learning may likely diminish and even become non-existent after spending six to seven hours each day in a classroom and another four hours each week with a tutor. Homeschooling can change this outcome.
Be warned, my son, of anything in addition to them.
Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body.
Ecclesiastes 12: 12
Interested in homeschooling in Atlanta, Georgia?
