A Look at Christian School Curriculum in Four Commonplaces
By: Rodney L. Rathmann
Teaching and learning in a Christian school differs from that of a public school; it must! Still, both types of schools are populated by people who trust in Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord. Both engage teachers and administrators as instructional leaders who grow in their professional skills and abilities through university course work, workshop attending and leading, and participation in professional development experiences. Both look to the information provided by research about strategies, approaches, and materials conducive for a quality education. Public and Christian schools even use some of the same teaching materials and other resources. Wherein, then, does the true difference lie?
The answer is in the curriculum. Curriculum can be defined as a plan for learning. As teachers design, interpret, and implement plans for learning, they consider many interacting facets.
Joseph J. Schwab, a Professor of Education at the University of Chicago , has identified four commonplaces helpful for those engaged in curriculum discussions and considerations. These include “the learner, the teacher, the milieu, and the subject matter.” Looking at these through the vantage point of effective Christian education will help us identify those qualities in curriculum development and implementation that make Christian schools unique.
1. The Learner
Students provide the center and focus for every quality educational effort. Without students, there can be no learning. All good schools inspire, motivate, and equip students to achieve their potential. Research describes quality schools as those that involve students actively in learning, using hands-on strategies, movement, and collaboration. These schools offer students choices and encourage them to think critically so they learn to recognize and respond appropriately to misleading and potentially harmful influences and information.
Effective Christian schools regard each child as a unique creation of almighty God, one for whom His Son paid the ultimate price. Though a sinner, each child deserves respect because of his or her value in the eyes of God. Educating him or her completely includes meeting spiritual as well as intellectual, emotional, and physical needs. Christian schools can focus on spiritual needs and considerations as educators directly teach, as well as model, Christ's love and care. Quality religion materials teach the Bible with Christ Jesus as a constant lesson focus. Students in good Christian schools learn to regard themselves not only as sinners, but also as saints, forgiven by God and empowered by Him to serve God and others and to care for the world He has given us.
2. The Teacher
Good teachers live for their students. They work at getting to know them so they can meet their individual learning needs. They plan, implement, and assume responsibility for all that their students learn, either intentionally or unintentionally. Those who teach in Christian schools fill the big shoes of Jesus, the master teacher, as they work to create and sustain a culture of forgiveness and help each child to know His God-given value and capabilities.
Educational research leads us to recognize good teachers as individuals occupying the diverse rolls of content expert, coach, role model, progress assessor, project planner, and friend. Quality instructional materials provide the teacher not only with accurate, up-to-date, and reliable content information, but also with strategies and techniques helpful for facilitating student collaboration, assessment, and meeting special needs. Ideally, instructional materials assist the teacher in making biblical connections and applications in each lesson.
3. The Milieu
Research in education suggests a greater connection between human emotions and learning than previously recognized. Naturally, students will do better in a safe, friendly, and dependable environment than one in which they feel unwelcome, unsafe, or threatened. But research also reminds us that effective schools foster positive effects by promoting and celebrating collegiality among teachers and by building learning communities that reach out intentionally to include parents and other members of the community. All families possess unique skills or information in their background and traditions from which others can benefit. Partnerships can be built with parents and others that enable them to share their knowledge and skills with others in the learning community.
Effective Christian schools create unique learning communities in which devotions, studies of God's Word, and worship activities daily take place. Here, crosses and other Christian symbols together with Christian works of art find prominent display. As they recognize and celebrate their identify as members of the body of Christ, students, teachers, parents, and community members help carry one another's life burdens, pray for one another regularly, celebrate God's blessings, and encourage one another with God's Word and promises. Older members of the faith community can connect with students, either as mentors or as guest speakers, to offer encouragement as they share about God's grace in their lives. Quality Christian schools take care that all materials brought from school into the home reflect, support, and advance the mission and philosophy of a school dedicated to the triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
4. The Subject Matter
Curriculum experts concur that students are more likely to understand subject disciplines and their respective fields of inquiry if they explore fewer topics in greater depth rather than covering large numbers of topics, each to a lesser degree. Experts also encourage the exploration of primary source documents and other real texts. Quality curriculum materials include and reference real texts and include suggestions and resources for various forms of evaluation, including observation, performance assessment rubrics, and portfolios. Student materials help children learn to respect and value all others for whom Jesus gave His life by including text and illustrations that positively depict persons of both genders and of various races, backgrounds, ages, and abilities.
Effective Christian education promotes a Christian worldview as teachers integrate elements of the faith into every subject taught. Students in Christian schools have the right to learn all subjects in light of God's Word—the source of all truth and right understanding. And, many students and their families have come to receive salvation through the Word of God taught and applied through the influence of a Christian school. Students in Christian schools are best prepared to face and relate to those whose beliefs contradict the teachings of God's Word when they learn the essential tenets of these unscriptural perspectives and how to dialogue with those holding these beliefs. In Christian schools, students come to understand the world, its laws, its history, and all it contains as they grow in their knowledge and understanding of their Creator, Redeemer, and new-life Provider.
As those teaching and administering in Christian schools plan instruction and select materials in the development of a quality curriculum, they can emphasize and promote the distinctiveness that makes them unique because they belong to Jesus. That distinctiveness can make all the difference.
Rodney L. Rathmann serves as senior editor of school, midweek, and confirmation materials at Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, where he has worked for the past 20 years. A former teacher and administrator of Christian schools, he holds a doctorate in curriculum and instruction from the University of Missouri , St. Louis .
Sidebar
What is a Bible-Based Curriculum and Why Is It Needed?
By David Bedell
So, what exactly is a “Bible-based curriculum?”
Attempts to provide a Bible-based curriculum are as old as the Bible itself. The Jews wrote commentaries about Scripture, collectively called the Talmud, which provided the basis for the education of their children. Not long after the time of Christ, early Christian schools throughout the Roman Empire were teaching their students with the Scripture commentaries written by the church fathers.
Educators today face a plethora of requirements and expectations that would seem to rule out a Bible-based curriculum. There has been an explosion of knowledge and technology. Yet, believing that the truths of God's Word are timeless and applicable to every generation, the Christian educator would do well to obey the following biblical injunctions:
* Deuteronomy 6:7-8 – “And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou riseth up.”
* Joshua 1:8 – “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth, but thou shalt meditate there in day and night, for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”
In a command that is relevant for modern teachers, each king of Israel was required to make his own personal copy of Scripture and read from this copy every day.
* Deuteronomy 17:18-19 – “And it shall be, when he [the king] sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of that which is before the priests the Levites. And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the Lord his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them.”
A Bible-based education is therefore one in which much time is spent reading and analyzing the Word of God. The goal of such an education is to develop a biblical worldview.
What are the key elements of a Biblical worldview?
A biblical worldview is dramatically different from a secular or humanistic worldview.
It can be summarized in the following three statements:
* God originally created a perfect world.
* The fall of man into sin corrupted everything in the world.
* Christ's work on the cross results in the restoration of all that was lost by the fall of man and many additional blessings.
A curriculum therefore that consistently teaches these three points throughout its content could be considered “Bible-based.”
Is it possible to link the Bible to the various academic subjects?
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Ruth C. Haycock, writing for the Association of Christian Schools International, published four volumes covering the various academic disciplines. Her work provided hundreds of Bible linkages for teachers and inspired writers and publishers to integrate these linkages into textbooks.
The linkages listed by Ruth Haycock typically came from the illustrations God used from nature and human society to help us understand spiritual truths. The following are examples of linkages for biology teachers:
* Proverbs 6:6 – “Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise.”
* Matthew 6:28 – “…Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow…”
Such illustrations, used by God in His Word, provide the linkages needed to develop a Bible-based curriculum across all the subject areas.
But does the Scripture relate to all areas of life, including all areas of curricula?
It appears that God has given us everything we need to develop a biblical worldview.
* II Peter 1:3 – “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue.”
All areas of life fall within the scope of Scripture, either very specifically or broadly. Colossians 1:17-18 makes a broad and all-encompassing statement that tells us that all things were created by Jesus Christ and that all things continue to be upheld by Him.
On the other hand, many aspects of that creation—such as sponges, earthquakes, and the Roman Empire —are specifically mentioned in Scripture. It behooves Christian educators to find as many linkages as possible and include these linkages in their teaching.
As much work continues to be done in the development of Bible-based teaching materials, the efforts of students can also be profitably utilized. Students can be challenged to find out for themselves what the Bible says about a particular topic. Using a thesaurus and a concordance, a student can make discoveries that will make the Bible and the subject matter “come alive.”
David Bedell has been a Christian school teacher and administrator since 1976.
He also serves as the associate pastor of his church in Arcadia , Florida . His degrees include a bachelor's degree in theology and a Ph.D. in educational administration from the University of Florida . He is in the process of writing a completely Bible-based curriculum for Christian schools and home-schools, www.bedellcurriculum.com .
Product Roundup
Christian Liberty Press
Youngsters in third through fourth grade will fall in love with this collection of short stories that feature famous characters from ancient, world, biblical, and American history. Students will sharpen their reading skills as they learn about people such as Alexander the Great, Martin Luther, King David, Miles Standish, Betsy Ross, and many others. Large type and great illustrations also help to provide readers with a more enjoyable reading experience. Teachers will appreciate the comprehension questions that are provided throughout the text, as well as the answer key that is available.
www.christianlibertypress.com
Critical Thinking
The release of Building Thinking Skills Level 2 Software continues the revamping of a family of best-selling products that were first printed more than 20 years ago. This is the second in the series of Building Thinking Skills (BTS) software programs, following the release of Level 1 last year. This software develops the vocabulary and analytical skills that are necessary for success in reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies—just like the book version of BTS, but with an engaging adventure as its platform. The software features more than 800 activities, automatic grading, printable scores, on-screen/printable instructions, and adjustable difficulty levels.
www.criticalthinking.com
Recorded Books
Recorded Books has introduced three new Reading Support audiobook collections, all with downloadable teacher's guides, designed to engage reluctant and struggling readers at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Intended as an additional resource for educators, the teacher's guides are designed with easy online access and can be used by teachers for lesson planning and by students for independent reading or group work. Students who use audiobooks while reading along with the print book show increased fluency, comprehension, vocabulary, and motivation.
www.recordedbooks.com/readingsupport
Theme Schemes Essential Energizer Activity Binder
Teachers can challenge and engage all ability levels of students with the Theme Schemes Essential Energizer Activity Binder. This invaluable resource includes more than 110 reproducible single class activities to teach American history, world history, government and civics, economics, geography and so much more. Teachers will find a multitude of uses for these excellent activities. Students discover high level concepts that build a strong foundation for present and future studies. These activities hook and engage students, yet also foster higher level thinking.
www.themeschemes.com
InspirEd Educators
InspirEd Educators offers comprehensive, engaging and thought-provoking units for U.S. and world geography, world history, American history, civics and government and service learning. The strong emphasis on critical thinking makes these units unique. These multi-disciplinary resources are packed with lesson plans. All InspirEd lessons are student-focused activities that vary daily and include plays, multiple perspectives, debates, primary source analyses, simulations, research and much more. Daily Springboards introduce lesson concepts and activities while providing ample opportunities for skill development and test-preparation. Differentiated tests (or test banks) and other assessments are also included.
www.inspirededucators.com
Inquiry Investigations by Frey Scientific
With new Inquiry Investigations , students in Grades 6-9 can learn about their world through an integrated approach using both hands-on activities and Virtual Labs that use dynamic interactive computer simulations. Three modules are available: Physical Science Series I and II and Forensics. Through active learning, students come to understand the scientific method, including experimental design, observation, data interpretation and analytical thinking. They develop a thorough understanding of concepts and skills through activities as well as case studies. The comprehensive Curriculum Guide provides teacher-friendly instructions and background information as well as thorough assessment monitoring.
www.freyscientific.com
Gallopade International
Gallopade International is an award-winning children's book and educational publisher based in Peachtree City, Georgia. Gallopade currently provides state-specific quality educational products for all 50 states. This is a comprehensive collection of resources covering everything students need to know about their state.These state series introduce kids to their own state through the use of state basics, history, geography, people, places, holidays, symbols and so much more. The hundreds of activities include games, mazes, dot-to-dot, matching, word searches, coloring, trivia, drawing and many more challenging and fun activities that kids love.
www.gallopade.com
Center Enterprises' Ready2Learn
Center Enterprises' Ready2Learn line provides creativity, quality and value. Artistic sets include giant stampers, arts/craft tools and 12 different color circular paint/ink pads – all tested and approved for direct skin contact. Ready2Learn Stamp sets feature alphabet letters (upper and lower case), numbers, geometric shapes, sea adventure, sea creatures, imaginative play (1 & 2), paw prints, dinosaurs, wild animals, pattern blocks, celestial fun, celebrations, creative art, insects, finger painters, stipple design, twirl-a-pattern, paint and sand tools, paint effects stamps, textures, paint and clay explorers and paint effects tools.
www.centerenterprises.com
Bible Literacy Project
The Bible and Its Influence , a high school textbook from the Bible Literacy Project, provides comprehensive coverage of the Bible's influence on literature, art, music, and rhetoric. It is designed to be an elective option in English or Social Studies programs for 9th to 12th grades. The Bible Literacy Project course uses two books--the student textbook and the Bible, using a translation of the student's choice. It explains the narratives, themes, and characters of the Bible. It respects but does not promote faith traditions. Students read from the Bible translation of their choice and study differences between translations.
www.bibleliteracy.org
