Educational Choices
Use these check lists of priorities and constraints to help identify next steps.
Articles within this series
Where to Go from Here
Here is one action plan for answering the education questions that you are considering. It is simple, and it should keep you moving along a learning curve that will help you to make the decisions before you right now, and the ones that will come later.
Learn about your child. Read "Know Your Child's Learning Needs." Also, familiarize yourself with your child's learning style. Consider reading the book, The Way They Learn, by learning styles expert Cynthia Tobias.
Be creative. Look at the education question from as many angles as possible. For instance, did you know that parents whose children attend a public school can supplement their child’s education with Bible curriculum? Most parents make their decisions based on the trusted advice and experience of friends or family. So, look at the question from the point of view of those you trust.
Investigate, ask questions and look for opportunities. Because your child’s education needs will likely change, stay on a “learning curve.” Consider receiving daily or weekly emails on education topics (like www.EducationNews.org*) or showing up at local school board meetings.
Choose strategic partnerships with others who can help you make these important decisions.
- Focus on Your Child (www.focusonyourchild.com) for parents of children up to 12 years old is a one-stop place to find this kind of partnership. You will find a growing number of resources to help you.
Use the checklists we've provided below to help you decide what's best for your family.
Checklist of Priorities
What is most important to you in the education of your child? Once you answer this, you can set your other priorities. Rank the following ten statements according to your priorities, from most important (1) to least important (10):
[ ] It is important for my child to be prepared for a job.
[ ] It is important for my child to be prepared for college.
[ ] It is important for my child to be taught from a Christian worldview.
[ ] It is important for my child to be involved in school activities.
[ ] It is important for my child to have a strong network of friends.
[ ] It is important for my child to have an individualized learning plan.
[ ] It is important for my child to have time for interests outside of school.
[ ] It is important for my child to be safe in his or her learning setting.
[ ] It is important for my child to have resources to address my child’s special learning needs.
[ ] It is important for my child and I to have a lot of time together as he or she grows up. The list represents these main priorities (in no particular order):
- Spiritual Development
- Character Development
- Socialization & Environment
- Activities/Academic Opportunities
- Individualized/Tailored Learning Plan
- Financial Factors
- Parental Time Commitment / Schedule Flexibility
- Access to Special Resources
- Amount of Time with Your Child
Of course, this is a partial list of all the priorities we have for our child’s education, but it is a start. You probably experienced some struggle choosing between different priorities, because most of them are priorities. An important part of the decision-making process is making choices among a number of good things. Choosing helps you to determine what is best for your family.
Enjoy the process of clarifying your priorities.
Checklist of Constraints
What resources do you have or not have available for the education of your child? This question raises issues of money, resources, time and energy. Rank the following statements according to your constraints:
[ ] We have limited/no finances for education options like Christian schooling.
[ ] As working parents, we have a limited time available.
[ ] We have a large family or a family dynamic that affects what we can do educationally.
[ ] We/I have a temperament that makes teaching children at home a seemingly impossible task.
[ ] We are not sure how we will be able to pay for our child’s college education.
[ ] We/I have limited/no experience with education questions.
[ ] We/I have jobs that leave us/me with little/no extra energy.
[ ] We/I have priorities that make education not as important as other family activities.
[ ] We/I have a commitment to do whatever it takes financially or otherwise to facilitate learning for our child.
[ ] We/I have a network of family and/or friends whom we/I can ask for help in our child’s education. What does the ranking tell you about the availability of your time and resources?
*(Note: Referrals to Web sites not produced by Focus on the Family are for informational purposes only and do not necessarily constitute an endorsement of the sites' content.)