Comments on: Education and the inner city http://www.thispile.com/archives/education-and-the-inner-city One Woman, Many Piles, Much Grace. Sun, 07 Mar 2010 22:25:06 -0800 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: GabrielV http://www.thispile.com/archives/education-and-the-inner-city/comment-page-1#comment-144839 GabrielV Thu, 02 Oct 2008 16:33:30 +0000 http://www.thispile.com/?p=1444#comment-144839 Having grown up as a minority in a black/hispanic neighborhood and attending public schools I have to say that I think Tim Keller may be romanticising the urban enviroment a bit. Yes, I can see how suberbia can lead to a detached lifestyle, especially if parents don't take an active role in building thier kids character and are just watching TV in seperate parts of the house. But this occurs in any enviroment including an innercity. In my opinion, teaching your kids "diversity" ,especialy if you are a minority, can handicap you in life. My reasoning for this is that it is not "reality". "Diversity" puts too much importance in the superficial differences of humanity (race, color, culture,” tats”) instead of the core commonality of man; this is where you find reality. The key is to help your kids and yourself see past the novelty of different cultures and discover what really matters about interacting with other humans. I have no objection to staying in the inner-city to have a positive influence (I founded and ran a youth center for four years at age 24) but believe priority one should be educating and raising your own children properly. I would agree with you that gambling your kids’ education is not an option so if you feel the school is lacking I would recommend sending your child where ever he can learn the best ( I prefer Classical Education). This does not mean you abandon your community, you can still volunteer and be involved and let your kids see and learn from your involvement, but it should not be on your kids shoulders to make the difference until they are older and well prepared. Having grown up as a minority in a black/hispanic neighborhood and attending public schools I have to say that I think Tim Keller may be romanticising the urban enviroment a bit. Yes, I can see how suberbia can lead to a detached lifestyle, especially if parents don’t take an active role in building thier kids character and are just watching TV in seperate parts of the house. But this occurs in any enviroment including an innercity.

In my opinion, teaching your kids “diversity” ,especialy if you are a minority, can handicap you in life. My reasoning for this is that it is not “reality”. “Diversity” puts too much importance in the superficial differences of humanity (race, color, culture,” tats”) instead of the core commonality of man; this is where you find reality. The key is to help your kids and yourself see past the novelty of different cultures and discover what really matters about interacting with other humans.

I have no objection to staying in the inner-city to have a positive influence (I founded and ran a youth center for four years at age 24) but believe priority one should be educating and raising your own children properly. I would agree with you that gambling your kids’ education is not an option so if you feel the school is lacking I would recommend sending your child where ever he can learn the best ( I prefer Classical Education). This does not mean you abandon your community, you can still volunteer and be involved and let your kids see and learn from your involvement, but it should not be on your kids shoulders to make the difference until they are older and well prepared.

]]> By: scottberkun.com » Wednesday linkfest http://www.thispile.com/archives/education-and-the-inner-city/comment-page-1#comment-144835 scottberkun.com » Wednesday linkfest Wed, 01 Oct 2008 17:55:53 +0000 http://www.thispile.com/?p=1444#comment-144835 [...] Education and the inner city. I know many parents going through the public vs. private debate, and here’s an interesting take on the topic. [...] [...] Education and the inner city. I know many parents going through the public vs. private debate, and here’s an interesting take on the topic. [...]

]]> By: Scott Berkun http://www.thispile.com/archives/education-and-the-inner-city/comment-page-1#comment-144778 Scott Berkun Tue, 23 Sep 2008 10:17:08 +0000 http://www.thispile.com/?p=1444#comment-144778 Most people I know, when they enter this debate, land squarely on the turf they grew up in. I'm the same. I went to public school in Queens, NYC, all the way and I'm grateful for it. There is an infinity of experiences I had that would never have been available to me in the suburbs, or in private school. I can't say as much about younger children, but for junior high and high school the multi-cultural, econo-diversity, and general real world life experiences public school offered me gave me many advantages in the rest of my life. Some of that came from living in Queens, but much of it came from going to public school in Queens. I believer that the real education, the gift of love of learning and self-discovery, can only be born in the home. What happens in school is more about socializing, learning systems, dancing with authority, and finding your own reasons for doing what you do, and public school was a fantastic place for those things to happen for me. Most people I know, when they enter this debate, land squarely on the turf they grew up in. I’m the same. I went to public school in Queens, NYC, all the way and I’m grateful for it. There is an infinity of experiences I had that would never have been available to me in the suburbs, or in private school. I can’t say as much about younger children, but for junior high and high school the multi-cultural, econo-diversity, and general real world life experiences public school offered me gave me many advantages in the rest of my life. Some of that came from living in Queens, but much of it came from going to public school in Queens.

I believer that the real education, the gift of love of learning and self-discovery, can only be born in the home. What happens in school is more about socializing, learning systems, dancing with authority, and finding your own reasons for doing what you do, and public school was a fantastic place for those things to happen for me.

]]> By: Jim http://www.thispile.com/archives/education-and-the-inner-city/comment-page-1#comment-144773 Jim Sun, 21 Sep 2008 23:31:34 +0000 http://www.thispile.com/?p=1444#comment-144773 I grew up in the country and have lived all over the world. I now live in downtown Seattle. I don't think you could be more wrong. I grew up in the country and have lived all over the world. I now live in downtown Seattle.

I don’t think you could be more wrong.

]]> By: elise http://www.thispile.com/archives/education-and-the-inner-city/comment-page-1#comment-144755 elise Sat, 20 Sep 2008 04:47:25 +0000 http://www.thispile.com/?p=1444#comment-144755 another great post. Jason and I were just discussing what it would take income-wise for us to move back to the city... I feel as if I am on vacation from the "real world" here in my apple-pie, small-town utopia... We're home-schooling, as you know, even though we live in a great district, blocks away from the most well-regarded elementary in said district. Our choice to retain full responsibility for our daughter's education came not from fear of secularization (is that a real word?) but from a calling God placed on our hearts to give our child a classical education. The Bible calls God the "good shepherd" who "gently leads those that are with young". It is my sincere belief that God leads parents to the best parenting practices for their individual children. Some children need to be in public schools, where they can shine for Christ. Others need to be nurtured longer in the home so they can reflect Christ to the world as adults. It is our responsibility as parents to discern what God's will is for the education of our children and I applaud you for being so mindful of this. I have no doubt that wherever God sends our kids, whether as children or adults, He will always protect and provide for them. A good shepherd couldn't do otherwise. another great post. Jason and I were just discussing what it would take income-wise for us to move back to the city… I feel as if I am on vacation from the “real world” here in my apple-pie, small-town utopia…

We’re home-schooling, as you know, even though we live in a great district, blocks away from the most well-regarded elementary in said district. Our choice to retain full responsibility for our daughter’s education came not from fear of secularization (is that a real word?) but from a calling God placed on our hearts to give our child a classical education.

The Bible calls God the “good shepherd” who “gently leads those that are with young”. It is my sincere belief that God leads parents to the best parenting practices for their individual children. Some children need to be in public schools, where they can shine for Christ. Others need to be nurtured longer in the home so they can reflect Christ to the world as adults. It is our responsibility as parents to discern what God’s will is for the education of our children and I applaud you for being so mindful of this. I have no doubt that wherever God sends our kids, whether as children or adults, He will always protect and provide for them. A good shepherd couldn’t do otherwise.

]]> By: Jeanie Baurichter http://www.thispile.com/archives/education-and-the-inner-city/comment-page-1#comment-144751 Jeanie Baurichter Fri, 19 Sep 2008 14:18:38 +0000 http://www.thispile.com/?p=1444#comment-144751 Jen, I just read your comments about Ruthie's kindergarten class. When you and Bryan were talking about where to enroll her and your decision, I had my own thoughts. Don and I struggled with this decision year to year when our kids were young - we decided in 1978 to enroll Brandon in the Maple Valley Christian School and never have regretted it. I do not think Christian schools, however, are all good. This one was. It was small, family-oriented, and full of people who felt like family then. Here is my take ... if you want an older, maybe not all wise, woman's opinion: you have to look at each child and decide what to do on private, home, or government schooling. If they are leaders, they may do fine in government school. Brandon was not. Eric was a leader, but since Brandon was going to private, I did not want to do both. The only, and I mean only, drawback to private schooling for us was not getting to know the kids in your neighborhood. But the peace of mind knowing your child was being #1-well educated #2-getting attention to his/her needs #3-was having good values taught the main portion of the week day from the teachers (note I do not say the kids they are with-they get negative time with them at recess oftentimes) #4-safe/no worries about guns, etc. - was worth it to us. I have often heard it said to consider your child as a "plant" - when the seedling needs the most nourishment, do you put it in a sparse soil where it can wither or get more disease, or do you put it in a rich soil? We also realized we needed to get our kids into the world, so we did that when they reached junior or senior high school. The boys went to nearby Liberty High, two blocks, and never regretted it. Karen was a different case and never left private school due to her special needs. Hope that helps - you can read all the books you want, but if you need some real world advice, ask a parent who has been with it. Hope you get lots of feedback on this one besides me who have gone through it. Jen,
I just read your comments about Ruthie’s kindergarten class. When you and Bryan were talking about where to enroll her and your decision, I had my own thoughts. Don and I struggled with this decision year to year when our kids were young – we decided in 1978 to enroll Brandon in the Maple Valley Christian School and never have regretted it. I do not think Christian schools, however, are all good. This one was. It was small, family-oriented, and full of people who felt like family then.
Here is my take … if you want an older, maybe not all wise, woman’s opinion: you have to look at each child and decide what to do on private, home, or government schooling. If they are leaders, they may do fine in government school. Brandon was not. Eric was a leader, but since Brandon was going to private, I did not want to do both. The only, and I mean only, drawback to private schooling for us was not getting to know the kids in your neighborhood. But the peace of mind knowing your child was being #1-well educated #2-getting attention to his/her needs #3-was having good values taught the main portion of the week day from the teachers (note I do not say the kids they are with-they get negative time with them at recess oftentimes) #4-safe/no worries about guns, etc. – was worth it to us. I have often heard it said to consider your child as a “plant” – when the seedling needs the most nourishment, do you put it in a sparse soil where it can wither or get more disease, or do you put it in a rich soil?
We also realized we needed to get our kids into the world, so we did that when they reached junior or senior high school. The boys went to nearby Liberty High, two blocks, and never regretted it. Karen was a different case and never left private school due to her special needs.
Hope that helps – you can read all the books you want, but if you need some real world advice, ask a parent who has been with it. Hope you get lots of feedback on this one besides me who have gone through it.

]]> By: Matt Topping http://www.thispile.com/archives/education-and-the-inner-city/comment-page-1#comment-144744 Matt Topping Thu, 18 Sep 2008 19:23:46 +0000 http://www.thispile.com/?p=1444#comment-144744 thanks for sharing your thoughts as well as the sources you've been reading/listening to. i've been a mentor for 8 boys in the central district of seattle for the last year and a half and before that i was actually working at your daughter's school (not to mention we live just down the street). what i see that is hopeful is that when parents come together, or even just the community coming together, there is a great sense of pride and a "can-do" mentality that exemplifies to the children that this is not a hopeless situation, that people actually do care, and that together we can accomplish something that's bigger than one individual. the hard part is getting into the lives of the parents and the children. but fortunately the hardest part is mostly just overcoming our own fears. i would encourage you to participate in the events that happen occasionally after-school such as math night or things like that or find ways to volunteer if that is possible. i'm personally always encouraged when mom's and dad's care enough to actually talk about these issues and are proactive in their child's education. Jeremiah 29:7 But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare. thanks for sharing your thoughts as well as the sources you’ve been reading/listening to. i’ve been a mentor for 8 boys in the central district of seattle for the last year and a half and before that i was actually working at your daughter’s school (not to mention we live just down the street). what i see that is hopeful is that when parents come together, or even just the community coming together, there is a great sense of pride and a “can-do” mentality that exemplifies to the children that this is not a hopeless situation, that people actually do care, and that together we can accomplish something that’s bigger than one individual.

the hard part is getting into the lives of the parents and the children. but fortunately the hardest part is mostly just overcoming our own fears. i would encourage you to participate in the events that happen occasionally after-school such as math night or things like that or find ways to volunteer if that is possible. i’m personally always encouraged when mom’s and dad’s care enough to actually talk about these issues and are proactive in their child’s education.

Jeremiah 29:7
But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.

]]> By: Ryan http://www.thispile.com/archives/education-and-the-inner-city/comment-page-1#comment-144743 Ryan Thu, 18 Sep 2008 19:18:16 +0000 http://www.thispile.com/?p=1444#comment-144743 Jen, This is fantastic. Jen, This is fantastic.

]]> By: TH http://www.thispile.com/archives/education-and-the-inner-city/comment-page-1#comment-144742 TH Thu, 18 Sep 2008 18:03:49 +0000 http://www.thispile.com/?p=1444#comment-144742 As an inner city missionary raising my family in the same, I really appreciate your willingness to consider and post these issues. I hope that, with the vast amount of people who read your blog and their various backgrounds, many will be challenged to think about what you've written. And BTW, I know a family that goes to Tim Keller's church and raised their 2 kids in NYC. Both of those children are adults now, and happen to be two of the most amazing people I know. I completely have the "when my kids grow up I want them to be just like you..." syndrome concerning them. And every one of Tim's points is a perfect description of what happened as a result of them being raised in the city. Thanks, Jen! As an inner city missionary raising my family in the same, I really appreciate your willingness to consider and post these issues. I hope that, with the vast amount of people who read your blog and their various backgrounds, many will be challenged to think about what you’ve written. And BTW, I know a family that goes to Tim Keller’s church and raised their 2 kids in NYC. Both of those children are adults now, and happen to be two of the most amazing people I know. I completely have the “when my kids grow up I want them to be just like you…” syndrome concerning them. And every one of Tim’s points is a perfect description of what happened as a result of them being raised in the city. Thanks, Jen!

]]> By: christa http://www.thispile.com/archives/education-and-the-inner-city/comment-page-1#comment-144737 christa Thu, 18 Sep 2008 05:52:18 +0000 http://www.thispile.com/?p=1444#comment-144737 I applaud your decision...I have pretty strong feelings about this subject, even though I went to private school most of my life. I fear that if concerned parents all pull our kids out of struggling schools, they will always be struggling. We are in a neighborhood which is very diverse culturally and socially - not as much economically. And even though we wouldn't be considered an inner-city school (maybe urban) we still have signs saying it is a weapon-free zone, so I don't think that is unusual...we are in a more affluent neighborhood and we qualify for free lunch so its interesting to be on that side of it, which is a new feeling for me - but I'm thankful for the free lunch! I love the points about raising kids in the city - I love the city and the diversity that it brings. I think it makes for a more well-rounded kid. I applaud your decision…I have pretty strong feelings about this subject, even though I went to private school most of my life. I fear that if concerned parents all pull our kids out of struggling schools, they will always be struggling. We are in a neighborhood which is very diverse culturally and socially – not as much economically. And even though we wouldn’t be considered an inner-city school (maybe urban) we still have signs saying it is a weapon-free zone, so I don’t think that is unusual…we are in a more affluent neighborhood and we qualify for free lunch so its interesting to be on that side of it, which is a new feeling for me – but I’m thankful for the free lunch! I love the points about raising kids in the city – I love the city and the diversity that it brings. I think it makes for a more well-rounded kid.

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