Educational Solutions
Biblical Answer
Proverbs 22:6 “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” This statement is for parents, not for government, community, or pastors. For “we ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). Parents must take responsibility for raising God Fearing, upstanding individuals. If parents are faithful to raise their children utilizing the Bible, the scriptures state, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother (this is the first commandment with a promise), that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land. Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:1-4). Unfortunately, government and elitists in society think it is their job to raise children according to their heart’s desire.
Today’s environment makes educating children difficult for parents. There are many single parent homes where parents work. Many two-parent homes have both parents working. Government taxes homes for public schools that restrict or eliminate faith and scripture teaching. Many households can’t afford to send their children to private religious schools. The roadblocks are numerous. The solution may be SLI. Sovereign Learning Institute, Inc. would like to provide a Christian environment to educate your children, where parents are in control of the educating their children.
Churches Support
Although churches are not responsible for raising children, they have a special function for advancing the gospel of Christ. “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations… and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20). Pastors have equipped the body of believers to share their faith with the world and provide many children’s ministries to draw children to salvation. Here is an opportunity for churches to support this program. Rather than have churches closed and idle during the week, churches can open up their facilities to educate children at a low cost alternative. It would be wonderful to see churches work together to provide classroom space and recreational facilities. The Sovereign Learning Institute can provide funding from the tuition gathered to assist in utilities and maintenance, while churches can assist parents and church members with supplemental assistance to attend the school.
Proven Curriculum Strategies
First, the Bible is a proven strategy to educate our children. The Bible leads to a strong moral character, respect and love for others, an upstanding work ethic, and salvation. Second, research about self-directed learning, like home schooling, shows many positive results. self-directed learning students generally score higher on SAT and ACT assessments [1]. They generally have similar self-esteem and significantly lower depression than traditional students do. The achievement for self-directed learners is greater in college (including higher GPAs) and they feel more positive about their college experience than traditional students [2],[4].
1. Wilhelm, G. M., & Firmin, M. W. (2009). Historical and contemporary developments in home school education. Journal Of Research On Christian Education, 18(3), 303-315. doi:10.1080/10656210903333442
2. Drenovsky, C. K., & Cohen, I. (2012). The impact of homeschooling on the adjustment of college students. International Social Science Review, 87(1/2), 19-34.
3. Wall street Journal. (2013). Professors are about to get an online education. retrieved from, http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324659404578504761168566272.html?mod=rss_opinion_main
4. Lawrence, J. (2012). Number of homeschoolers growing nationwide. Retrieved from http://www.educationnews.org/parenting/number-of-homeschoolers-growing-nationwide