Interesting video put out by www.exodusmandate.org, a Baptist group that calls for Christian families to leave the public schools. It's a little over the top, but worth watching:
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Thursday, December 25, 2008
What does Christmas mean to you?
Be careful how you answer . . .
A religious rights advocate is troubled by a recent occurrence of censorship at a Mississippi school.
Hattiesburg, Mississippi, sixth-grader Andrew White was given a creative expression assignment as part of his language class. Students were allowed to choose from three topics, and Andrew chose "What Christmas Means to Me." Andrew wrote a poem titled "A Great Christmas" that reads: "The best Christmas ever is when everyone is there. It is when everyone is laughing here and there. That is the Christmas I want to share. Christmas is about Jesus' birth. About peace on Earth. This is what Christmas is about. It is when He lay in a manger. And the three wise men come to see. That's what it means to me." After Andrew referenced Jesus in his poem, his teacher Latasha Atkins docked his grade and told him that mentioning Jesus was not allowed. She then instructed him to write a new poem. Matt Staver, founder of Liberty Counsel, disagrees with Atkins' point-of-view. "The good news is that the principal, Carrie Hornsby, eventually sided with Andrew and his parents, changing his grade to a 100 and conceding that there was nothing improper in using the name of Jesus," he notes. The most horrifying part of the story, according to Staver, is that this sixth-grader was told that Jesus is not allowed in public school. "I think some educators need education that the story of Christmas, and the birth of Jesus, is not banned from our public schools," he points out. Principal Hornsby did, in fact, tell school teachers to write letters home to parents informing them that religious expression is permitted under federal guidelines. However, Andrew's paper was supposed to be displayed at the Winter's Writers Board, and it was not.
A religious rights advocate is troubled by a recent occurrence of censorship at a Mississippi school.
Hattiesburg, Mississippi, sixth-grader Andrew White was given a creative expression assignment as part of his language class. Students were allowed to choose from three topics, and Andrew chose "What Christmas Means to Me." Andrew wrote a poem titled "A Great Christmas" that reads: "The best Christmas ever is when everyone is there. It is when everyone is laughing here and there. That is the Christmas I want to share. Christmas is about Jesus' birth. About peace on Earth. This is what Christmas is about. It is when He lay in a manger. And the three wise men come to see. That's what it means to me." After Andrew referenced Jesus in his poem, his teacher Latasha Atkins docked his grade and told him that mentioning Jesus was not allowed. She then instructed him to write a new poem. Matt Staver, founder of Liberty Counsel, disagrees with Atkins' point-of-view. "The good news is that the principal, Carrie Hornsby, eventually sided with Andrew and his parents, changing his grade to a 100 and conceding that there was nothing improper in using the name of Jesus," he notes. The most horrifying part of the story, according to Staver, is that this sixth-grader was told that Jesus is not allowed in public school. "I think some educators need education that the story of Christmas, and the birth of Jesus, is not banned from our public schools," he points out. Principal Hornsby did, in fact, tell school teachers to write letters home to parents informing them that religious expression is permitted under federal guidelines. However, Andrew's paper was supposed to be displayed at the Winter's Writers Board, and it was not.
Monday, December 8, 2008
"Rent" comes to a Phildelphia public high school
My drama directors showed me this - Read THIS!
Here's my favorite part:
'Assistant Director Tracey Krause says this is not a big deal at Truman High. "We have a very strong gay, gay and lesbian and straight alliance. We've had same sex couples at the proms for years. So it really isn't an issue, as odd as that sounds," says Krause. '
Email me when the first colorado high school puts on this show.
Here's my favorite part:
'Assistant Director Tracey Krause says this is not a big deal at Truman High. "We have a very strong gay, gay and lesbian and straight alliance. We've had same sex couples at the proms for years. So it really isn't an issue, as odd as that sounds," says Krause. '
Email me when the first colorado high school puts on this show.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
A good article for the DLHS youth and government students . . .
Others have also felt the frustration of ignorant souls who use the phrase "separation of church and state." Here is a an excerpt from a great article:
Let’s consider the 2002 case of Kala Brotos, a five-year old kindergarten student from Saratoga Springs, NY. Before eating her lunch, little Kala simply prayed out loud and gave thanks for her meal. Her teacher then scolded her before the entire the class, claiming that Kala violated the separation of church and state – Roger Baldwin’s version, that is. The teacher even claimed that Kala committed a “crime against humanity.”
Read the whole article HERE!
Let’s consider the 2002 case of Kala Brotos, a five-year old kindergarten student from Saratoga Springs, NY. Before eating her lunch, little Kala simply prayed out loud and gave thanks for her meal. Her teacher then scolded her before the entire the class, claiming that Kala violated the separation of church and state – Roger Baldwin’s version, that is. The teacher even claimed that Kala committed a “crime against humanity.”
Read the whole article HERE!
Friday, November 21, 2008
A beauty of a post from another blog!
A snippet from one of my favorite blogs . . . . the whole post can be seen by clicking on the Discover Christian Schools blog on the right.
How many Christian parents are failing their children on an issue with eternal stakes far greater than digital TV? This Christmas, how many Christian parents will sacrifice to provide their children with new toys, outfits, and electronic gadgets, while failing to provide what their children need most—the one thing God has commanded parents to provide for their children—a knowledge of God, a Biblical worldview?
How many Christian parents who would never, knowingly place their child in physical danger, will more than willingly place their highly impressionable children in spiritual danger every day in a public school system which must, by law, teach moral relativism? How many Christian parents will continue to enroll their intellectually curious children in a public school system which must, by law, artificially remove the truth of God from every academic subject, and which must, by law, remain not neutral (for neutrality when it comes to God is impossible) but anti-God (for acknowledging the creation without acknowledging the Creator is the epitome of idolatry)?
How many Christian parents are failing their children on an issue with eternal stakes far greater than digital TV? This Christmas, how many Christian parents will sacrifice to provide their children with new toys, outfits, and electronic gadgets, while failing to provide what their children need most—the one thing God has commanded parents to provide for their children—a knowledge of God, a Biblical worldview?
How many Christian parents who would never, knowingly place their child in physical danger, will more than willingly place their highly impressionable children in spiritual danger every day in a public school system which must, by law, teach moral relativism? How many Christian parents will continue to enroll their intellectually curious children in a public school system which must, by law, artificially remove the truth of God from every academic subject, and which must, by law, remain not neutral (for neutrality when it comes to God is impossible) but anti-God (for acknowledging the creation without acknowledging the Creator is the epitome of idolatry)?
Monday, November 17, 2008
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Ultimate in hypocrisy!
Great article about how those at the highest level that advocate public education are the very ones that will not use it, inlcuding our new president. Click Here
Here's an excerpt: Many Members of Congress choose private schools for their children. Senators Edward Kennedy and Hillary Clinton have been outspoken opponents of school choice yet have sent their children to private schools. According to a 2007 Heritage Foundation survey, "...37 percent of representatives and 45 percent of senators in the 110th Congress sent their children to private schools -- almost four times the rate of the general population." Yet many of them vote against letting the rest of us have the same choice.
Here's an excerpt: Many Members of Congress choose private schools for their children. Senators Edward Kennedy and Hillary Clinton have been outspoken opponents of school choice yet have sent their children to private schools. According to a 2007 Heritage Foundation survey, "...37 percent of representatives and 45 percent of senators in the 110th Congress sent their children to private schools -- almost four times the rate of the general population." Yet many of them vote against letting the rest of us have the same choice.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Halloween is bringing out the loonies . . . .
I guess this kid would have been better off dressing as Buddha - read here.
On a more serious note, another tidbit of craziness from the California public school system. Here is to hoping that Proposition 8 passes - I guess for the sake of kindergartners - read here.
On a more serious note, another tidbit of craziness from the California public school system. Here is to hoping that Proposition 8 passes - I guess for the sake of kindergartners - read here.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
The big question is: why sign the permission form?
Again, prepare to be shocked (or not if you read this blog regularly). Read here.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Another great example of public education thought process . . .
At first when you read this, you'll think, "Are you kidding me?" Nope. Email me when the first one pops in Denver. Read here.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Using the bathroom at Pitt!
Add this to the list of questions to ask on your next college visit - click HERE!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
The importance of family on student success
At the secondary education level, high parental expectations continue to yield significant schooling benefits.[66] In one study of high school seniors, "parental expectations for achievement stand out as the most significant influences on [their] achievement growth, high school credits completed, and enrollment in extracurricular academic high school programs."[67] High parental educational expectations are also associated with math and reading scores, interest in school, academic self-discipline, future planning, and motivation for school work.
A snippet from a great article - Click here.
A snippet from a great article - Click here.
Monday, September 22, 2008
What every parent should know about public schools.
This might be common knowledge, but here are some obvious facts - click HERE.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
No Good News Clubs
Soon Minnesota schools may have to be considered in the same breath as California schools. Click Here for an interesting article.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
College worth it?
Interesting article about the value of college - not sure if I agree, but it is a good read. CLICK HERE!
Friday, August 8, 2008
No Bible Clubs Allowed
More nonsense from a public high school - click here.
At least California reversed its decision on allowing home-schools.
At least California reversed its decision on allowing home-schools.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Vouchers at the college level?
Colorado Christian just recently got its state scholarship funding back:
Here's the brief:
Students at Colorado Christian University will get state scholarships under a decision Friday by two Colorado agencies.
State Higher Education Director David Skaggs and Attorney General John Suthers said they will not contest a 10th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling reversing a state decision barring scholarships to students at the Lakewood campus.
The Colorado Commission on Higher Eduction [sic] had determined that CCU is “pervasively sectarian.”
In the July 23 decision, the appeals court held that the state erred in treating CCU differently from other schools that are owned by religious groups, but which were not deemed “pervasively sectarian.”
Two thoughts:
1. I love the phrase "pervasively sectarian" (the reason they previously did not get funds). That's code for "a Christian-based college that actually acts like it." I hope DLHS is pervasively sectarian.
2. Why not state scholarships for K-12 private schools? Colorado: vouchers for college kids and no one else!
Here's the brief:
Students at Colorado Christian University will get state scholarships under a decision Friday by two Colorado agencies.
State Higher Education Director David Skaggs and Attorney General John Suthers said they will not contest a 10th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling reversing a state decision barring scholarships to students at the Lakewood campus.
The Colorado Commission on Higher Eduction [sic] had determined that CCU is “pervasively sectarian.”
In the July 23 decision, the appeals court held that the state erred in treating CCU differently from other schools that are owned by religious groups, but which were not deemed “pervasively sectarian.”
Two thoughts:
1. I love the phrase "pervasively sectarian" (the reason they previously did not get funds). That's code for "a Christian-based college that actually acts like it." I hope DLHS is pervasively sectarian.
2. Why not state scholarships for K-12 private schools? Colorado: vouchers for college kids and no one else!
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
A new twist on AP classes
Schools around the country that make a "top 10" or "top 100" schools list generally make that list based on how many Advanced Placement courses they offer, or if they have an IB program, which is basically AP courses with an added writing element. A classic example of this is the fact that Lakewood High School often makes Colorado's Top 10 schools list.
Interestingly, not many parents really understand what AP is. Most parents believe AP courses to be a course with a "higher standard" or "honors level" and ask, "how many AP courses does your school have?" In the spirit of parental education, here you go:
AP courses were originally designed and written by college professors to be the equivalent of freshmen college courses. Therefore, if a student scored well enough on the AP exam, he/she would receive college credit for the course.
This has snowballed into the AP Collegeboard creating AP courses for every subject under the sun. In the rush to be considered "high-level," public high schools now offer every AP course they can. But having more AP classes does not necessarily mean that a student is "learning more" or receiving a better education. In fact, critics suggest that AP curriculum, while extensive, is extremely shallow. This combined with the fact that the courses are "taught to the test," means that AP courses are extremely rigid and rarely allow for any deviation from the course outline.
Like most things in education, the pendulum is starting to swing back. Many east coast private schools and other non-public schools are now advocating an "AP-free" curriculum. If you don't believe me, check out http://www.excellencewithoutap.org/Index.html. They are doing this because it makes them "different from the public schools," and the harsh truth is this: colleges don't care if a transcript is full of AP classes or not. The best colleges will be looking for things that make a transcript "special or different." Right now, that's not AP courses because all the big public schools are doing it.
Interestingly, not many parents really understand what AP is. Most parents believe AP courses to be a course with a "higher standard" or "honors level" and ask, "how many AP courses does your school have?" In the spirit of parental education, here you go:
AP courses were originally designed and written by college professors to be the equivalent of freshmen college courses. Therefore, if a student scored well enough on the AP exam, he/she would receive college credit for the course.
This has snowballed into the AP Collegeboard creating AP courses for every subject under the sun. In the rush to be considered "high-level," public high schools now offer every AP course they can. But having more AP classes does not necessarily mean that a student is "learning more" or receiving a better education. In fact, critics suggest that AP curriculum, while extensive, is extremely shallow. This combined with the fact that the courses are "taught to the test," means that AP courses are extremely rigid and rarely allow for any deviation from the course outline.
Like most things in education, the pendulum is starting to swing back. Many east coast private schools and other non-public schools are now advocating an "AP-free" curriculum. If you don't believe me, check out http://www.excellencewithoutap.org/Index.html. They are doing this because it makes them "different from the public schools," and the harsh truth is this: colleges don't care if a transcript is full of AP classes or not. The best colleges will be looking for things that make a transcript "special or different." Right now, that's not AP courses because all the big public schools are doing it.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Social engineering at Minnesota public schools
This is where public education is or where it is heading. Read this whole article - fascinating and scary. Hopefully, the parents can stop this before it goes into effect next year. I'm not betting on it.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
"I am so happy you graduated that I'm now in jail!"
Here's to hoping that DLHS never has to resort to this - click here.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Coming soon to a public high school near you . . .
A new textbook is being used in 38 states at 180 high schools. It's called The Bible and its Influence. Sounds good, right? In actuality, it is a textbook that treats the Bible not as the word of God, but as a book to be challenged, criticized, and brought into line with a non-Christian, secular, morally relativistic worldview. I cannot find a better example of "you either educate your children with Jesus Christ or they will be educated against Him."
Here's a couple of articles on the the topic: Read this and then THIS!!
Here's a couple of articles on the the topic: Read this and then THIS!!
Thursday, May 22, 2008
The Lutheran Song . . .
No differentiation as to what kind of Lutherans, but nevertheless very funny (thanks to Brother Hellmers for finding this) . . . click here.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
California decision and the culture war
If you've been keeping up with supreme court decision in California to allow gay marriage and wondering, "What will that mean for our society? (And public schools?)" - this article is a must read.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
The future of American education . . .
Great article about the future of American education - click HERE.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Thursday, May 8, 2008
GSA clubs at the public high schools . . .
Gay-Straight Alliance Clubs at the high schools that many of our Christian kids go to:
Green Mountain, Wheat Ridge (click here and scroll down if you don't believe me), Lakewood (they call theirs a "Diversity Club.") - even Ralston Valley High School (there's is called "Pride in the Valley" according to the GLSEN website).
For a full list of the high schools that have one of these students clubs that are backed by GLSEN - click here.
"Not at my local high school!" - maybe that argument can now be put to rest.
Green Mountain, Wheat Ridge (click here and scroll down if you don't believe me), Lakewood (they call theirs a "Diversity Club.") - even Ralston Valley High School (there's is called "Pride in the Valley" according to the GLSEN website).
For a full list of the high schools that have one of these students clubs that are backed by GLSEN - click here.
"Not at my local high school!" - maybe that argument can now be put to rest.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
"ISSUES in Christian Education" article . . .
Concordia University Nebraska just published its Spring 2008 - ISSUES in Christian Education magazine. Here's the preview of the issue from the CUNE website. To read the editorials (including one from a local Lutheran high school principal), click here and go to page 3 of the PDF.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Is the fix in?
Found this fascinating article about California college admissions and kids from Christian schools that use Christian-based textbooks - I have often wondered if it was only a matter of time before this started happening. I'll keep an eye on this story and look for follow-ups. The lawsuit took place in 2005, but I can't find what ever happened with it.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Colorado Education Association
For those of you that are more politically minded: check out the "political advice" given by the Colorado Education Association (a branch of the National Education Association) on their website - coloradoea.org. This is the organization that promotes public schools and supports (unionizes) teachers. I especially like the universal health care comparison - truly a pressing issue in education.
Christians can't use the bus . . .
Interesting and silly article about a public high school in Louisianna that denied the use of the school bus to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes club. Nothing a little lawsuit can't fix . . . read here.
Monday, April 28, 2008
The Harsh Truth about Public Schools
Just finished a great read, The Harsh Truth about Public Schools, a book by Bruce Shortt. It calls for Christian parents to "stop sending your kids to be educated in the pagan seminaries that are government schools." It's definitely hard-hitting, but documented and footnoted with extreme accuracy. It's definitely a reformed theological approach - but if you believe that school shapes worldview, you'll want to read this book. I've listed the amazon listing here.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Expelled
Saw Expelled this weekend. Very interesting documentary. It won't satisfy those of us that like to defend creationism and tear down Darwinism, but it sticks to its purpose - to get Intelligent Design to even be considered in the secular progressive world of public academia.
Here's an early review!
Here's an early review!
Rev. Jeremy Jacoby (husband of our marketing director!)
God's love at work in one of our area Lutheran pastors - see the news story here!
It was also featured in Saturday's Denver Post in case you missed it.
Let's remember Jeremy and Jon in our prayers.
It was also featured in Saturday's Denver Post in case you missed it.
Let's remember Jeremy and Jon in our prayers.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
The Fishbowl
Here's an interesting website that is focused on Christian ministry, apologetics, and worldview . . . http://www.fshbwl.com/ .
Monday, April 14, 2008
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Too good not to post . . .
A fellow church worker and fan shared this one with me . . . too good not to post!
In Defense of Christian Education
I recently ran into a couple of cool websites that are dedicate to the promotion of Christian education. They aren't Lutheran-based, therefore some of the language is more "have to" than "want to" - but the persuasions are still solid. Check out: www.rescueyourchild.org or www.discoverchristianschools.com when you get a chance.
Interesting video about today's college students
I emailed this video, made by K-State students, to my faculty a few weeks ago. Interesting to say the least. Click here to view the video!
LCMS 2007-2008 School data released!
Curious about the state of LCMS Lutheran schools in America? - Click here to read the 07-08 synodical report!
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