EDUCATION REPORT
BY JEN WOOLDRIDGE
Historic Surge in Homeschooling Holds Steady
Researchers predicted the rate of homeschooling families to drop considerably from 11 percent to realign with the pre-pandemic level of three percent . However , the first estimate from the Household Pulse Survey ( HPS ) published in March 2022 reports a drop in homeschooling of only one percent . 1 Dr . Steven Duvall , Director of Research at HSLDA , said this represents “ the first sign of sustained growth of homeschooling at very high rates ” and that “ homeschooling families across the US are part of the modern homeschooling movement ’ s record-breaking growth during a historically important time .”
Interested in joining this historic homeschool movement ? Through a live and engaging cyber platform , iLumenEd Academy offers affordable and academically rigorous biblical worldview education . Visit ilumened . org to learn more about their exceptional program . ■
1 . Steven Duvall , “ Homeschool Surge Still Going Strong ,” HSLDA , April 12 , 2022 , https :// hslda . org / post / homeschool-surge-still-going-strong .
States Implementing Standards in Schools That Teach Unbiblical Ideologies
On page 46 in this magazine , Social-Emotional Learning is Masquerading as Education details the dangers of Social-Emotional Learning ( SEL ). SEL is one of the channels through which American schools immerse students in controversial and unbiblical ideologies .
A report by the National Conference of State Legislatures gives an overview of SEL in state legislation and SEL state standards , which are heavily influenced by CASEL ( the Collaborative for Academic , Social , and Emotional Learning ). 1
CASEL says adopting a “ systemic approach ensures that SEL is woven into all students ’ educational experiences .” 2 A quick perusal of the NCSL report reveals the widespread acceptance of SEL by state legislatures and the deep level of systemic indoctrination in public schools . To view recently enacted legislation related to SEL and state standards for SEL , visit ncsl . org / research / education / socialemotional-learning . ■
1 . “ Social and Emotional Learning ,” National Conference of State Legislatures , April 12 , 2021 , https :// ncsl . org / research / education / social-emotional-learning . 2 . “ Systemic Implementation ,” CASEL , accessed September 26 , 2022 , https :// casel . org / systemic-implementation .
Only 11 of Approximately 175 College Students Pass a Basic Citizenship Exam
Each year Professor of Political Science Nicholas Giordano gives his students a basic citizenship exam to determine their knowledge of the American government . After a recent semester in which only 11 out of approximately 175 students passed the exam , Giordano wrote of his frustration with our education system : “ The overwhelming majority of students fail the exam . After 12 years of administering this exam , only 348 students have passed out of 2,176 . A shameful indictment of our K-12 education system .”
Giordano also administers an assignment on the U . S . Constitution in which students are to share their thoughts about our founding document in one paragraph . However , instead of the U . S . Constitution , the assignment has Chapter 1 of the Russian Constitution and replaces the words “ Russian Federation ” with “ United States .”
Instead of recognizing that the assignment doesn ’ t actually list the U . S . Constitution , students “ praise the foresight of the founding fathers ” when referencing Article 7 , which says “. . . guaranteed minimum wages and salaries shall be established , state support ensured to the family , maternity , paternity and childhood , to disabled persons and the elderly , the system of social services developed , state pensions , allowances , and other social security guarantees shall be established .”
When Giordano reveals the truth about the assignment , he says the “ shock , embarrassment , and shame can be seen in their expressions .”
To understand how American college students cannot recognize the Constitution of their own country , Giordano asks probing questions to which the “ overwhelming majority of students state that throughout their K-12 education , they were never required to read the U . S . Constitution .”
The U . S . Constitution is the foundation upon which America is built . Every public servant sworn into office takes an oath to preserve , protect , and defend the Constitution of the United States . How can future public servants swear allegiance to something they cannot even identify ? ■
1 . Nicholas Giordano , “ GIORDANO : Students cannot pass a basic citizenship exam : A shameful indictment of our education system ,” Campus Reform , September 16 , 2022 , https :// campusreform . org / article ? id = 20178 .
34 THE RENEWANATION REVIEW