An Educational Maelstrom
by Shirley M.R. Minster

A maelstrom is a powerful, dangerous current of water that moves in a circular pattern and is violent in nature. Interestingly, it is usually the result of conflicting tides. Some educational systems are similar to maelstroms. Children are hearing many conflicting ideas and it is causing them much confusion in the elementary years and great consternation in high school. The moral upbringing they are being taught in the home by their parents is not what they are being taught in school. The school current rushes along, dragging its students around and down, moving in circles, getting nowhere and causing danger to others as they crash into each other.

How parents train their children now determines the direction of our country in the future. Parents can build strong relationships with their children recognizing the gifts that God has given each child, teaching them to move in concert with those gifts. The educational program will have meaning and direction by tailoring it to their interests and providing ample time for them to explore. Sometimes parents and teachers are more focused on seeing that a specific amount of work is completed by the student so that tangible progress can be measured. They forget or neglect to encourage the unique qualities of the child which in turn causes the child to bob around in the educational waters, with no direction. The childs personal interests are relegated to last in importance when in fact they should be front and center.

For instance, if young Pammy begins homeschooling in the middle of the school year because of poor academic performance, her parents want to know what they need to do to get her caught up. I ask, "Caught up to where?" They respond that they want her to be up to her peer’s level. What they should want is first to determine her academic level and then to help her move forward with a strong program that focuses on her personal progress. Pammy’s struggles in school may not be related to her academic skills, but to boredom, frustration, or anxiety. If she is truly behind and there is no learning disability, she will do fine once she has settled into a routine in her home environment. The most positive actions her parents can take are to love her, encourage her in her interests, and allow her time for exploration and rest. Being in a maelstrom is exceedingly tiring.

The longer a student has been in such a situation, the more exhausted he may be. What is perceived as Steven is not working up to his potential may not be a lack of motivation, but more likely a sense of overwhelming dread. The complexity of his academic program may be confusing him, making him feel like he is drowning in paperwork and project deadlines. By reducing the number of courses so that it is more manageable to him will give him a sense of peace and direction.

It is imperative for parents to stop the conflicting messages being delivered by misguided professionals and the media. Mothers and fathers must stop the pull of these outside forces by sending strong messages of constancy, courage, and direction. They must also be protective of their offspring, knowing that the guidance they give when their children are young will be what ultimately keeps them on a good path into adulthood.

About the author:

Shirley Minster is a Master Degree certified teacher, well known as a friend and advocate of alternatives in education. Her consulting work is with individual students, parents and K-12 schools and colleges, nationally and internationally. She regularly travels to several states administering individualized assessments and offering curriculum design, high school and college preparation consultation, or help with totally customized programs. She is also called upon to present expert court testimony in homeschooling cases that are facing legal challenges. Shirley is the founder of Home Education & Family Services and Royal Academy which provide unique services to families who have chosen to educate their own children. Royal Academy, a state recognized private school, provides custom-designed programs for students grade K -12 and includes full transcript and diploma services to high school students as well as help with college and career planning and preparation.
Visit her web site:
http://www.homeeducator.com/HEFS
for more information or to contact her.