Very good point that I had not yet thought of - that the state's goal would of course benefit the state first. Ideally, what would most benefit individuals would also most benefit the state, but we don't live in paradise anymore, do we? This is partly why, in terms of politics, I support giving as much autonomy to the individual public schools as possible, so that the teachers and local administrators can have flexibility to best meet their children's needs, which certainly vary with demographics, etc. (I also think administrators should have to teach at least 1 class a day to cut costs and help keep them in better touch with the challenges of the classroom.) I have opinions on public education, even if we don't choose it, because I have a concern for our country's children in general and not only my own. Way off topic though . . .
Thank you for articulating another reason why my children will not be in public school and for challenging me to get busy defining our goals for our children.
Very well put. Keep up the great work with your kids! I wish the parents of my students put in half of the time, effort, energy and love you do with yours!
Thank you Spunky. You have encouraged me to stop and decide what my own goals are.
Thank you for your thoughts on this matter - I've been building a post in my mind on this very subject.
We're realizing that academics are very nearly a by-product of homeschooling, not the goal in itself.
We teach our children to read so that they can read God's Word and learn to know and serve Him better; They learn writing and grammar so that they can effectively absorb and share His gospel. We teach them math so that they can be good stewards (a good job for head-of-household certainly helps in this area), balance the checkbook so they don't steal, etc.
An adequate education certainly helps our children to serve God but I agree with you: we need to keep the primary goal before our eyes!
This is quite encouraging to read. I give a workshop on Approaches to Homeschooling and the first thing I talk about is determing what is an educated peson. You really can't choose an approach for homeschooling until you know where you are headed.
My answer to an educated person is a bit eclectic, as I want my kids to be educated spiritually, emotionally, academically, physically.
..".Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all widom, that we may present every man perfect (or mature) in Christ Jesus. To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily." Colossians 1:28-29
That's my motto verse for homeschooling. I want to present my kids to Christ as mature believers. I labor hard in doing so, but only through His strength.
Kerry
good point!
I need to remember this. As a young woman, I was expected by my parents to earn a degree in college that would help me support myself if ever that was needed. I have since wondered how my life would be different if instead I had spent that time taking care of my Grandmother. I didn't even consider that as an option then. I have different goals for my children. I want them to have a heart for missions- including at home, a heart for family, and a love of God our Savior. Why homeschool? So they will learn truth, taught with love.
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