CHOOSING THE RIGHT SCHOOL

The purpose of this blog is to promote the free expression of faith.  Therefore, I want to encourage those considering where to attend school after high school graduation to think seriously about the school chosen.  If you are a parent of a high school graduate and are searching for the right institution for them, please do so very carefully.  The decision is more important than ever.

I encourage you to do a diligent search for what kind of education each possible school offers.  Most schools fall into two categories:  those that educate and those that indoctrinate.  Those that educate are worth every penny spent.  Those that indoctrinate are not worth a dime.  The indoctrinated student will be no more enabled to be a constructive participant in our culture than if they had sat the whole time in McDonald's.

Here are a few things to look for:  

Which is given more value, free speech or political correctness?

Which is given the priority, reality or perception?

Are students given the right to hold various opinions without persecution or penalty?

Are students prepared for what the world holds for them after graduation?

Are students taught what to think OR how to think?

Will they graduate with skills that are marketable or just an attitude of entitlement?

Will matters of faith be encouraged or demeaned?

I was very fortunate.  I attended a state university during the "Free Speech Movement".  I was exposed to faculty, guest speakers, literature, and events from every possible direction.  Free expression of ideas and opinions was encouraged.  If you wished to express an opinion different than the professor, it was encouraged because most of the faculty prided themselves in exercising free speech.

The result was that I was able to develop the ability to defend my beliefs and ideals, to be open to opposing positions, to appreciate reality, to have the skills to support my well being, to know how to find solutions to life's challenges, and to mature in my faith.

So, how do you know if a school is going to educate or indoctrinate?  Here are some suggestions.

Check out who is running the school.  Do they have a certain political or social bent?

Check out what student groups have the most influence.

Check out where the money goes.  Are fads and fringe classes given preference?

Talk to current students about their experience.

Find out if the school is interested in what parents of students think.

Check out the various housing scenes and you will gain great insight to make a good decision.  

Check out what accomplishments are honored on campus.

I hope this helps you with this important decision.