Before reading this article, read first the three articles from Chalcedon:
Literacy
The intention of the writer in the first article is to provide a solution for a child to achieve full literacy. By literacy, he meant not only reading, but the ability to analyze information and to apply it in real situation. And so the writer's understanding of literacy goes beyond memorization. He gave us an example of such type of literacy by asking questions that are not normally raised in state education. For instance, in asking about the political and religious nature of Protestant Reformation, he asked an additional question forcing the student to support his answer with concrete historical examples. Answering such question is not easy for the "semi-literate," a description which in his mind includes majority of teachers, preachers, accountants, and even lawyers schooled in mainstream education. In his experience, even the so-called Type "A" students struggle to answer such type of questions.
After describing the reality of current education, Dr. Ellsworth McIntyre gave us a picture of the kind of assignments and series of questions that should be asked to attain such level of literacy. He picked up the Ten Commandments as example (I intentionally separated the series of questions from the paragraph for easy digestion):
"Give your home school student a constant stream of assignments that demand independent reading, independent analysis, and independent application. To begin with, use verbal feedback and then progress to written form. For example, your child is assigned to read the Ten Commandments from Exodus 20:1-17.
1. Verbally, you ask him why the Ten Commandments are abbreviated on plaques and stained glass windows. What is left out? Are the Commandments less likely or more likely to be obeyed with warnings, punishment, and rewards omitted?
2. Where in Exodus 20 is it warned that our great-grandchildren are likely to suffer because of our sins? Where in the Ten Commandments is long life and private property promised for obedience? Note, these questions are not open-ended. The child is not asked his opinion at this time. You are guiding the child to read and analyze.
3. Next, you get the child to say in his own words why Exodus 20 is better doctrine than watered-down versions on plaques and stained-glass windows.
4. Next, you get the child to write his opinion (really yours) on paper.
5. Finally, you get him to think of why a child born in the ghetto may want and pray to obey his father, mother, teachers, or policemen better and better."
After reading the above solution, we now at least have an idea how Dr. McIntyre perceives literacy. Formulating such questions is not easy. Motivating a child to submit to such rigid training is also a great challenge.
As a whole, I think though the writer did not mention directly, his primary model for such level of literacy is Rev. R. J. Rushdoony, the considered "father" of Christian Reconstruction. He just simply said that the goal of his educational project is to raise up a generation who is able to read and appreciate the writings of this theological pioneer.
Order
The second article has a very interesting title. Every parent who has genuine concern for children wants to see such smile. The writer claims that he found the key in attaining such smile in the biblical teaching about predestination. In classroom setting, this would mean keeping a structure is the secret to put a smile on the face of little children.
In the Bible's teaching about predestination, Christians came to believe that God has a plan for the minutest details of human existence. This is in sharp contrast with the idea of random and chaos that shapes much of educational theories in our time.
Words that describe such order in clasroom setting include routine, schedules, rote activity, predictability, structure, familiarity, repetition, consistency, and setting the rules of life. This does not mean that new activities are not welcomed. Children gladly entertain on a condition that they will be slowly introduced.
The writer affirms that regardless of domestic background, all children need consistent structure in their lives. "Little children who come from normal homes, broken homes and dysfunctional homes, all alike crave and need structure in their lives." In practical terms, this would mean incorporating the following activities in the educational process: teaching basic catechism, having meals at regular times, having recreation at regularly scheduled times, rewarding children for following the rules, and never reward them for behavior contrary to rules.
Restoration of Education
In the last article, Rev. R. J. Rushdoony gave us the background of American education, its current condition, and the challenge to restore education. For him, the Protestant emphasis on Bible reading played an important role in the establishment of American schools. Literacy therefore has its root in making Bible reading a priority in school curriculum.
Moreover, the writer identified two basic goals that are connected to literacy: to defeat Satan and to live one's calling. He recalled that during those early times, school days were shorter but the teaching was solid focusing on three basic skills: reading, writing, and math. Teachers teach these subjects strictly.
Unfortunately, with the neglect of Bible reading, the result was "a regression into a non-Christian religion." Statist education took over, made school hours longer, weakened teaching content, and reduced discipline. Curriculum was diluted after WW2, the child-centered policy was emphasized in the 1950s, which brought about the spoiled brat of the 1960s.
How can we recover such glorious past? The challenge is addressed to Christian and home schools. They have the responsibility to bring back sound education. To accomplish this, Christian leadership is a must.
Guide Questions:
1. According to Dr. Ellsworth McIntyre, what is full literacy? Why do you think achieving full literacy is difficult in our time?
2. How do you understand the word "predestination"? How is it relevant in children's education?
3. What is the dominant concept these days that affect educational theories? What is the result of applying such concepts in classroom setting?
4. Why do you think children need order in their education? Is this applicable only to children raised in problematic families? Cite concrete examples to prove your answer.
5. In recalling the foundation of American education, how do you see the role of Bible reading?
6. What arre the twofold goals of literacy?
7. Compare Christian education with statist education.
8. What needs to be done to recover sound education?
