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It all started innocently enough. I went out to the website to enroll my junior for one class that I thought would be an exceptional experience. And as I trolled around the site, the ground beneath my feet began to give way. I was standing on the edge of a slippery slope. A very slippery slope.
"Hey," I thought to myself. "I didn't know they offered this class! Or that class! Hey, I wouldn't have to teach that subject that doesn't move me or this subject which just plain old intimidates me..."
Suddenly, I was George Bailey, sitting in Potter's humiliating chair, smoking Potter's cigar, ready to make a deal with the devil. I was shaking Potter's hand. "Gee, thanks, Mr. Potter, I can't wai....
HEY! WHAT AM I DOING?"
Back to my senses...
"No, doggone it! You sit around here and you spin your little webs and you think the whole world revolves around you...In the whole vast configuration of things, I'd say you were nothing but a scurvy little spider!"
Perhaps it would be helpful to point out the fundamental differences between government schools and once a week academies.
Govt school: check
Once a week academies: check
Parents have no control over the staff.
Govt schools: check
Once a week academies: check
Parents have no control over the other students.
Govt schools: check
Once a week academies: check
Students are primarily socialized by peers.
Govt school: check
Once a week academies: check
Students learn nothing at home; merely carry out homework there.
Govt schools: check
Once a week academies: check
Oh.
There aren't (m)any differences.
Are you really going to make me say it?
Okay, I'll say it.
Once a week academies are just government schools for homeschoolers.
Sad state of affairs we find ourselves in, no?
But that one exceptional class I put my children in?
Here's how it went:
I sat in the back of the class to remain unobtrusive.
And I got an eyeful.
A student was wearing jeans so low, I could see her backside.
Where is your dad? I thought. And how in the world did you get past him out the front door?!
Sheep without a shepherd.
---
Texting.
They were texting during class.
The instructor went on teaching.
And the kids went right on texting.
Sheep without a shepherd.
---
"Babel. The Tower of Babel," he repeated.
The student asked what that was again.
"Surely you jest," replied the instructor. Did I detect a hint of sarcasm?
No, the student was serious. He had no idea what the Tower of Babel was.
Must not have been on the statement of faith.
Sheep without a shepherd.
Yup.
I'll say it again.
Once a week academies are just government schools for homeschoolers.
Please.
I appeal to you.
Bring your children home.
For real.
Have heard Doug Philips' new cd "How Important are Educational Choices"? I thought he had some really good points that would add nicely to what you are saying.
ReplyDeleteYou forgot one...
ReplyDeleteGovt schools: you pay taxes to support it whether you use it or not.
Once a week academies: you still pay just as much taxes, PLUS you have to pay tuition.
How's that for a fundamental difference? ;-)
Anonymous, I know who you are since you told me...so I published it. Thanks for the info, dear friend.
ReplyDeleteKeri, you make me laugh!!! Yes, I did forget that one. So the similarities go on...and on...and on... :)
Wow!! Sorry to always refer to running, but this is how I feel. When I was marathon running, I knew people who ran half marathons. In conversations I would hear them tell others that they ran "marathons". It angered me. I knew the pain and JOY of the 26.2. I knew the WALL I hit at mile 19. I wanted to correct them right then and there! Halfway is NOT a marathon. I find the same feelings come up when I know others are dropping their kids off twice a week for classes. You don't hit a wall in the 13.1 and you don't hit a wall in three day a week Homeschooling. Now, that's the judgmental Amanda speaking. Here's the Godly one. You don't experience the JOY, the victory, the triumph quite like you do in the 26.2. The wall brings victory! It's when chains are broken! The more pain, the more you feel like you CAN'T do it, the more you rely on JESUS. That's a true homeschooler, because it is hard!!! But, it is beautiful. It will change your life, and you will never be the same. If I posted this on MY blog, I would be disliked instantly. :)
ReplyDelete