Charlotte Mason Vol. 1

Ha! Don't you love it when someone has already said what you have being feeling all along (maybe even says it better)? Reading CM Vol 1 Home Education (Part V) last night, I came across the following:

It seems to me that we live in an age of pedagogy; that we of the teaching profession are inclined to take too much upon ourselves, and that parents are ready to yield the responsibility of direction, as well as of actual instruction, more than is wholesome for the children.

One of the things that I feel has gone wrong with education Miss Mason was feeling in her time as well. I enjoy encouraging people who use all forms of education. But one of the most important things, I feel, is that we realize that regardless of the "form" we use, ultimately our children's education is our responsibility. For me and thousands of other parents, this means home schooling. For other responsible parents, this means private school or public school. But, regardless of the means, the ultimate responsibility lies squarely on our shoulders, not a system, it's administration, a school or it's teachers.

I met a mom who's daughter attends public school this week. Her daughter took Pre-Algebra last school year. The mom was able to look at a "at a glance" summary of Pre-Algebra and tell that her daughter had done all of those operations last year. This may seem trivial to some, but to me, this is a mom who takes her responsibility to educate her children seriously. She knows what her child is learning and how well she is doing and was buying things to help her along this coming school year. She had a great teacher at school, with who her mom was well acquainted. I suspect the teachers know her as well and are thankful for her involvement.

I know this balance is not easy for American educators. Believe me, when I was growing up in public school, I saw my share of unbalanced and overbearing parents who loved to reek havoc depending on their mood. Unfortunately, their is no way to separate a student from their God given authority (except in cases of abuse) and the child get the education they need.

I do not wish to over simplify this issue, only to say, as parents, we must realize our responsibility here and be involved. I know that the other many responsibilities we carry make this difficult, but we must do the best we can. Some involvement is better than no involvement! (As a side note, I will say that if your children are in a classroom setting, you must do your best to support the teacher who is aiding you in this responsibility and perhaps even carrying most of the weight.) Ok! If you are reading this, tell me what YOU think!