In this week's conversation between Dr. James Emery White and co-host Alexis Drye, they discuss the vast educational landscape (particularly in the U.S.) and whether all school options can be considered equally valid in terms of their value or mission. Parents can find themselves overwhelmed when deciding between public school, private school (both Christian and non-Christian), charter schools, university-model schools, magnet programs, homeschooling and more. Too often, however, the parents have their own needs in mind more than their child's when considering these options.
There are two previous podcasts that came up in this week's discussion that would be helpful for you to go back and listen to if you missed those episodes. Alexis mentioned how the idea for this school choice podcast actually came up during CCP14: On Gun Violence. During today's episode, Dr. White said that whatever happens educationally must not undermine the home, and that schools are increasingly trying to indoctrinate our children. This was discussed in deeper detail in CCP5: On the “Don't Say Gay” Bill.
Dr. White has long been an advocate for homeschooling. While obviously not saying that it's the only option, you can read more about his rationale in a blog titled, “Seven Reasons to Homeschool.” More recently, he wrote a blog titled, “The Real Risk of Homeschooling” in response to an article in Harvard Magazine trying to outline the perceived risks of homeschooling children. In another blog, Dr. White shares the sentiments of Neil Postman's book The Disappearance of Childhood in a blog titled, “The Real Varsity Blues.”
For any parents listening who are interested in learning more about homeschooling, the Meck Institute at Mecklenburg Community Church has an online class coming up on Wednesday, June 29 from 8 - 9:30 p.m. called “Exploring Homeschooling.” You can get class details and register HERE.
Toward the end of the discussion, Dr. White discussed how critical it is for parents to have open conversations with their kids before sending them off to college where they may find themselves in the hands of intellectual predators. Having your children read books like “Christianity for People Who Aren't Christians” can help give them a solid apologetic for their faith - to understand why they believe what they believe. And reading “A Mind for God” will show them the importance of looking at things with a Christian worldview.
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