Part 3 of Viewpoint Study #92 |
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The Christian religion is the worship and service of Jesus Christ. It’s not Mary we worship, but her Son. We worship neither saints, angels, a law code, nor even God’s Spirit. It’s JESUS who is to be honored. The Bible is our guide. |
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Are Public Schools Teaching Well? (Part 3)
Steven Clark Goad's comments from his book Gullible's Travels,
published in 1997 by College Press were read
with pleasure by David Moreland.
But Tom Olbricht was less pleased by Ray's comments!
Other comments follow --
Date sent: Sun, 18 Jan 1998
To: outreach@sofnet.com (Ray Downen)
From: David Moreland <davelm@teleport.com>
Subject: Re: Good Schools?I read with interest about the teacher who had the "board of education" hanging on the wall but he taught more with the life he lived. That reminds me of when I was in the fifth grade at Pacific Christian Academy in Graton, California. Brother Charles Polley was our teacher. He was a man who lived what he taught. He was an example of what it is to be a Christian. Anyway we studied the Book of Acts that year. He had us draw a map of the of the middle east and we traced all of Pauls missionary journeys. At the end of the year we were required to tell the story of Acts before the student body, without any notes. And you know that I still remember the outline of the book of Acts from that study we did under Brother Polley. I am 54 now and have been a Parkie [Ray remarks -- What's a Parkie?] for 10 years but I shall always remember Charles Polley. And I will continually thank God for that teacher who thought it was important that we learn the book of Acts.
Yours and His David L. Moreland, 54/10 davelm@teleport.com
What do YOU think?
To: "Ray Downen" <outreach@sofnet.com> Subject: Re: Good Schools?
Date sent: Mon, 19 Jan 1998 05:07:18 -0500Dear Ray, I do not exactly understand your nostalgia for schools of the past. The education may have been more disciplined, but it was very white Anglo-Saxon. I understand why you and I may prefer such company, but we can't do it in the name of Christ who said, "Come unto me ALL....."
If you go back to the early part of the century the tales of education all have to do with whether the teacher was able to beat down the bullies so as to actually knock some knowledge in the kids' heads. If you want to be nostalgic why don't you go back to then.
I am a product of the education you make idyllic, but frankly it was not a very good education, at least, in my school and it happened in the fair state of Missouri. The teachers did what they knew to do, but they themselves did not believe much in cracking books. Except for basic skills which I needed and didn't always appreciate (I freely admit); I tended to know more than most of my teachers, because unlike them, I read.
We had our board of education too and it shook up a few people. But it didn't cause them to learn much as far as I can remember. It did, I suppose, though, keep them from disrupting the efforts of those who were trying to learn, which was the minority. So the board of education protected the minority. But should I complain? Of course not. I was the minority!
My relatives on my mother's side were mostly public school teachers. My main detriment to frolicking in school was the fact that if I did some of my teacher relatives heard about it and I had much accounting to do with parents, aunts, uncles, etc.
When I went off to college I still had teachers who hadn't cracked many books since graduate school, but I was amazed by some who really knew something. In my view I did not really get an education until I, in various ways, was introduced to the "great books" though I never was educated in the great books as a method.
I was amazed that you sought to defend a position because of something published in the Reader's Digest. I learned, soon after kindergarten, that one does not quote the Reader's Digest for proof of much of anything. I learned that in the public schools of yore, so idyllic in your vision. With apologies to Robert Fulgrum, an appropriate book might be, WHAT PEOPLE SHOULD HAVE LEARNED SOON AFTER KINDERGARTEN---AND DIDN'T!
Now I not saying at all that public schools should not do better or should not be criticized. But frankly, I think your "via nostalgia" creates more harm than good. It just stirs up bunches of prejudices. You would do much better to try to really learn something about the public schools and how you might help them rather than moving old prejudices from one grave yard to another. And I am appalled that you think a Christian serves the Lord by serving up left over, reheated prejudice. -- Tom Olbricht <tolbrich@gwi.net>
The sign says, "Maine, the way life should be!"
-- Ray remarks -- Tom swings a mean pen, as you can plainly see. But he thinks clearly and well. I don't agree that MY prejudices are either old or worn out, of course. Tom recently resigned from teaching at Pepperdine University in California. His post script may be a hint that he has moved or is considering a move to the opposite coast. Or maybe not. In any case, I conclude that he thinks good teaching wasn't always present in the "good old days," and sometimes is present in this "new age." And who could disagree with that?
A brother from a Northern state reports, "In Duluth we had a teacher get national attention. He lost his job as a math teacher because he didn't hand out grades to make kids feel good. The kids didn't get enough good grades so he was fired. No special circumstances." He adds the opinion that, "National standards are a smoke screen for social engineering."
What do you think? And this comment also was received --
Date sent: Mon, 19 Jan 1998 10:14:42 -0600
From: Susan Laxton <sooz@texas.net> Subject: Re: Good Schools?My child is in the public education system (in 5th grade). We're in the Austin Independent School District in Austin, Texas. We've also been in the Round Rock and Pflugerville School Districts (areas surrounding Austin). I went to public schools myself through 8th grade, and then went to a private, Christian school.
What I've found to be true is that some people depend WAY too much on schools to educate their children in areas that should be taught at home. Parents want teachers to not only teach, but also to be moral leaders, ethical guides, cultural models, and civic heroes. If teachers were left with the job of teaching alone, they could do a much better job. [Ray remarks -- it may be that Susan is here overstating the expectations of most parents. Mrs. Jennings, in the Reader's Digest article was only calling for the math teacher to teach math. No doubt some parents do have much higher hopes than others do.]
Standardized testing is one of the major downfalls in schools. An entire school year in many schools around the nation is devoted to the children passing these tests. The teachers "teach to the test." We also have the problem of "social promotion." ... The best way to effect change in schools is to be active and involved. We should let other parents know how we feel, and see if there's others that are feeling the same way. Organize a group. That's how the ball begins to roll.
In some schools today, children are as concerned about whether they'll be asked (or forced) to buy a rock on the way home as whether they'll pass algebra. This is not conducive to learning a lot in any class! ... I'm all for memorizing multiplication tables (kids do that in public schools in Austin). But let's live in the present, shall we?
From: LRobe22475 <LRobe22475@aol.com> Date sent: Mon, 19 Jan 1998 14:10:01 EST
To: outreach@sofnet.com Subject: Re: Good Schools?Ray, I am troubled by stories I hear from teachers who attend our church where I preach. I am equally troubled by the attitude that some parents take towards teachers. I was very influenced by teachers and administrators, who encouraged me to become the person I am today. My heart goes out to all the christian teachers, who despite some unpopular changes in the public school system have opted to hang in there and make a difference. We should pray for them daily. [Ray remarks -- I surely agree. Leon is right!]
My daughter was in public school and did poorly both academically and as a citizen. We decided to place her in a Christian school. Within 6 months, she made a 180 turn around. She told me that the teachers and the principal's "Board of Education" made a profound impact on her. I am pleased with her progress. In Christ; Leon Roberts, Minister
The Southgate Church, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
