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Jun 2008 Issue
Most LDS families do an exceptional job of teaching and inspiring their children. However, do our public schools offer the same level of inspiration, or do they extinguish the fire we have so carefully tended at home? While “education” is happening at our public schools, it is more the transfer of information to pass a test, rather than inspiring a new generation of students to hunger and learn for the rest of their lives. Inspiration speaks to the soul, not to the mind, and public education has ripped the soul out of the learning process.
The Lord commands us in the Doctrine and Covenants to seek learning out of the best books by both study and faith. (D&C 88:118) What, then, is true education? Elder Henry B. Eyring said, “… remember, you are interested in education not for life, but for eternal life.
When you see that reality clearly with spiritual sight, you will put Spiritual Learning first and yet not slight the secular learning. In fact, you will work harder at your Secular Learning than you would without that spiritual vision” Elder Henry B. Eyring – (CES Fireside – May 6, 2001). If public education is removing spiritual education, and the home is trying to put it back, then we can see the two forces which are fighting against each other. A better solution is for schools and parents to work together.
The scriptures are full of teachers who taught truth, both spiritual and secular. In fact, the scriptures underscore that all truth is spiritual. (D&C 29:34) Nephi was taught of “goodly parents,” and the words of Enos’ father sunk deep into his heart. Like President Hinckley, Nephi and Enos were not only taught truth, they were inspired by it. All of our children should have the opportunity to be inspired by education; not pacified or diminished.
Most parents have relied on public education. No doubt, school is a major force in shaping our children’s lives. Without question our children spend more time at school, doing homework, and participating in school related interest than any other activity. The public education of President Hinckley’s day has been drastically changed and those changes shape our children’s views of learning and the world. As a result, while public education is affordable, there are high hidden costs.
What parents need is a school that teaches the heart, mind and spirit of a child. There is a difference between learning math to pass a test, and learning math because we become more like Him who calculated and created the universe. There is a difference in knowing the date when George Washington was inaugurated, and knowing that after the inauguration, he knelt in prayer and asked for God’s grace to lead this new nation. There is a difference between saying the pledge of allegiance, and saying the pledge of allegiance with the spiritual courage to stand for the principles of that pledge. There is a difference between reading Shakespeare with today’s shifting moral values, and reading Shakespeare with the constancy of a strong Christian compass. The first scenario merely teaches, the second inspires.
As parents, it often seems that the odds are stacked against us when it comes to fulfilling our desire that our children might “know for themselves” (JSH 1:20). However, there’s hope for those who want their children to reach higher at both school and home.
In Las Vegas there is a school that can restore what public education has removed, a school where teachers are hired to inspire as well as teach. There is a school committed to work in harmony with parents, not against them. A school, which educates the hearts, minds, and spirits of our children. Just like President Hinckley’s educational experience, there is a school that piques our children’s curiosity and sense of adventure, while increasing their desire to learn.
For more information about the advanced curriculum and inspired approach to learning you may contact American Heritage Academy at 702-949-5614. We will gladly share the ways to increase your child’s love of learning and curiosity.
