Two Items of Interest: University Admissions and Homeschoolers Helping Others
BevK June 29th, 2006
http://headlines.agapepre…e/6/292006h.asp
I found two items of interest in the Agape Press Commentary & News Briefs compiled by Jenni Parker:
..A tentative ruling by a federal judge would allow six students from a Christian school to sue the University of California over its refusal to recognize religious-based courses in the admission process. U.S. District Judge James Otero has ruled for now that the students from Calvary Chapel Christian School in Murietta can pursue their case. It claims that the UC system violated their free speech and discriminated against them. (See earlier article) At the same time, Otero expressed concern that no Islamic or Jewish schools had joined Calvary’s suit. UC attorneys argue they have a right to set standards and that the courses were not rejected because of ideology but because they did not teach adequately. Joining the lawsuit as a co-plaintiff is the Association of Christian Schools International, which represents 800 religious schools nationwide. [AP]
I posted on this previously: Christian Based High School Credits Disallowed at UC The university was rejecting courses that used Bob Jones Press and ABeka curricula.
…WORLD Magazine founder and columnist Joel Belz says although he supports Christian education and home schooling, those methods of education are not perfect. Belz is particularly concerned that those involved in private Christian or home education may sometimes ignore others who might like to participate but cannot afford to do so. “Don’t get me wrong,” the writer says. “I think it’s the most natural, God-ordained sort of thing for us to think first about our own children. We should think first [about them], because that’s the order of things. But in thinking first of our own children, we ought to hurry then to think about the needs of others and not put it on some long-term agenda list and say, ‘Well, I’ll get around to that when I get things straightened out for myself.” Belz also encourages Christian parents to train their children not just to know biblical facts but to defend their beliefs. [Natalie Harris]
I know people that have incomes well inside the poverty line who homeschool. So, I don’t see how homeschooling cannot be afford by just about anyone who’s willing to make sacrifices. Most homeschoolers are making those sacrifices to have their children at home. And far from ignoring others who might want to homeschool, the homeschooling movement is full of people taking time to help new homeschoolers. It’s sort of an unwritten rule that once you get your feet under you, you help someone else. That’s what support groups are all about.
If the objection is that we don’t continue to fight for the children who remain in public schools, that’s probably true. Most homeschoolers have found their solution in homeschooling. But the growth in homeschooling has had an impact on public education. Homeschoolers have run for election on their local school boards.
