Conservatives embrace classics to promote school choice.
Conservative Activists and Education Experts Turn to Ancient Writings to Promote School Choice
Conservative activists and education experts are embracing a new approach to education by delving into the ancient writings of Aristotle, Homer, and Dante. Their goal? To advocate for school choice and expand the availability of classical or “liberal arts” education. This curriculum model relies heavily on primary sources and encourages students to engage with the timeless texts of history.
Oklahoma Superintendent Champions Classical Education
Oklahoma superintendent Ryan Walters recently voiced his concerns about the decline of “great works” in education. He criticized the replacement of these rich and culturally significant materials with simplistic alternatives lacking in content. Walters emphasized the importance of upholding classical works that provide valuable insights into human nature and have stood the test of time.
A Revival of Classical Education
Walters’ endorsement of a classical curriculum aligns with a broader movement among conservative education experts and activists. They aim to reintroduce historical primary sources into classroom curricula. This push has led to a surge of interest in classical private schools, particularly among Christian faith-based families. The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, recently hosted an event on classical education, highlighting its positive reputation and scarcity in public schools.
Classical Education as a Selling Point for School Choice
At the event, speakers emphasized that classical education’s virtues and limited availability in public schools could serve as a compelling argument for school choice. This policy allows families to use public funds for private education. With the increasing prominence of school choice, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, many Republican-controlled states have implemented universal school choice programs.
Expanding Access to Classical Education
Rachel Alexander Cambre, a visiting fellow at the Heritage Foundation’s education policy center, highlighted the role of school choice in making classical education more accessible. She emphasized that recognizing parents as the primary educators of their children empowers them to explore alternative curricula. Cambre noted that when states adopt school choice policies, more classical schools, homeschool co-ops, and micro-schools emerge.
For Cambre, the appeal of classical education lies in its fundamental purpose: shaping the souls of individuals. She believes that education is not about programming machines but about nurturing the essence of a person. This classical principle, rooted in the ancient worlds of Jerusalem and Athens, resonates with the core values of education.
Read more from the Washington Examiner here.
What are some common challenges and criticisms of classical education
Sement of classical education reflects a larger trend among conservative activists and education experts. They believe that a return to classical education can provide students with a solid foundation of knowledge, critical thinking skills, and an appreciation for the humanities. This revival of classical education is seen as a response to the perceived decline in academic standards and a lack of emphasis on cultural literacy in modern education systems.
School Choice and Classical Education
In many cases, the promotion of classical education goes hand in hand with the school choice movement. School choice advocates argue that parents should have the option to choose the best educational environment for their children. This includes the ability to choose schools that focus on classical education. These schools often emphasize the study of ancient languages such as Latin and Greek, as well as the exploration of classical literature and philosophy.
The proponents of school choice and classical education argue that this approach provides a well-rounded education that instills a love for learning and prepares students for success in college and beyond. By engaging with the works of ancient thinkers, students are exposed to deep philosophical ideas, moral dilemmas, and historical context. This exposure enhances their critical thinking skills and their ability to analyze complex problems.
The Benefits of Classical Education
Supporters of classical education highlight several benefits. First, they argue that exposure to ancient texts allows students to engage with ideas that have shaped human civilization and influenced the development of Western societies. By studying these texts, students gain a broader perspective on the human experience and an understanding of the timeless questions that humans have grappled with for centuries.
Second, classical education promotes the development of analytical skills. By reading and interpreting complex texts, students learn to think critically, analyze arguments, and identify logical fallacies. This skill set is not only valuable within the realm of academia but also in the professional world, where analytical thinking is highly prized.
Finally, classical education fosters a love for learning and curiosity. By studying the works of Aristotle, Homer, and Dante, students are exposed to profound and beautiful ideas that inspire a lifelong love for literature, philosophy, and the humanities. This passion for knowledge extends beyond the classroom and can shape the intellectual and cultural pursuits of individuals for years to come.
Challenges and Criticisms of Classical Education
While there is a growing movement advocating for classical education, it is not without its challenges and critics. Some argue that the emphasis on classical works can neglect the contributions of non-Western cultures and literature. They argue that a more inclusive, diverse curriculum is needed to provide a well-rounded education.
Others question the practicality and relevance of studying ancient texts in a rapidly changing world. They argue that the focus should be on equipping students with the skills necessary to navigate modern technological advancements rather than dwelling on historical writings.
Despite these criticisms, conservative activists and education experts champion classical education as a way to promote school choice and provide students with a well-rounded education. By engaging with timeless texts, students can develop critical thinking skills, gain a broader perspective on human history, and cultivate a love for learning that will serve them well throughout their lives.
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