What is School Supposed to Do?

by Kelly Knowlden

On this first day, students are excited to be back and see friends and test their skills against a body of knowledge that they are supposed to re- member. It is exciting to see them all!

But what is it that you are trying to accomplish by sending them to school?

You might be thinking, “Duh, Mr. Knowlden. I want them to get a good education!”

So now comes our challenge. What is the definition of a GOOD education? Is it academically rigorous? Does it employ certain methodologies? And what is the goal? Some answers to these questions will be topics at our convocation this Thursday evening that will guide us toward a common goal in educating our children. But what I wanted to mention here is really a perspective that I ended last year with... that of having a long term vision for your task of educating your children.

Let me tell you an analogy that might help. If you enrolled your child in a good track and field program, they would go to practice with the goal of increasing their skill and performance in a specific area. They would do that particular task again and again. They would develop the muscles needed for that particular skill. They would assess with the coach what they are doing that is not helpful and how to improve. There would be small tests of skill along the way against teammates preparing them for their first meet. The big goal in mind would be to make it to some district or regional event if possible.

In schooling, it is the same. You are preparing them for life. You are giving them an education that is second to none that will prepare them to understand the world from God’s perspective. They will practice their concepts again and again with the goal of having them understand “why” the particular subject works the way it does. Along the way there will be little “tests” preparing them for the bigger goal of being ready to live as an educated person in this world and make a contribution to the society in which they live. As they buy into these goals, they will be useful in whatever setting they find themselves.

It is the Hebrews 12:1-3 perspective that has students learning to look at another inspiring runner (Jesus) who has done the race already and was successful. He will be their ultimate inspiration!