Reading Corner
Religion, Government and EducationThis article examines the relationship between religion, government, and education in America, and the societies of secular governments in general. Toward the middle of the article is a fascinating discussion of schools, including both government-run schools and religious schools.
Srila Prabhupada speaks on the importance of teaching children Sanskrit.
Religious Elementary Schools...
Why sending children from religious families to private schools based in the same religion is important for children. Questions of autonomy and development of values are examined. The author also suggests ways that religious elementary schools can teach truth so as to be most valuable for children. An excellent and important article for parents, teachers, principals, and ISKCON preachers and leaders.
Parent School Connection... (note: This file is sideways and will need to be rotated. Simply click the "Rotate View Clockwise" button which is second from the right on the task bar at top.)
A table showing the different ways parents and schools can relate, with the benefits and difficulties of each. Two pages.
Children at Risk...
This article points to the value of the connection to both religion and stable familes for children, and especially for adolescents. Great, short, and simple reading with some facts everyone interested in both spiritual life and social stability should read.
The Shape of Curriculum...
The value and place of thematic learning for secondary (high school) students. This article questions the present practice of breaking up learning into artificial separate "subjects" when the learning is actually related.
Thinking Skills
Of particular interest for teachers, principals, and parents, these three articles consider definitions of logic and critical thinking and how best to teach our children these skills--should they be taught in the context of various subjects, separately, or both? There are many excellent suggestions here for how schools can develop an overall culture of the kind of independent thinking Prabhupada wanted for all devotees.
Assessment
Research from Australia showing how changing tests automatically changes curriculum. Of interest to teachers, principals, home schooling parents, and curriculum writers.
Principals as a Learning Community
An example and theory of how principals from different schools can work together for everyone's benefit