Educating Leaders - No Conveyor Belt Education Here!

October 26, 2008 - Last Day to get FREE Hardback book

I’m watching some football games today. So far, both Texas teams are winning (Dallas & Houston)…yea! I just remembered I wanted to send you a last minute reminder.

In case you forgot, tonight is the last night you can get a free copy of A Thomas Jefferson Education. Here’s the link to read all about it.
A Thomas Jefferson Education

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October 26, 2008 - Confused About Our Offer

Hi, there.
I’m a bit confused about your offer. What is it that you have to order that
includes “A Thomas Jefferson Edu?” Thanks.
God Bless,
————————

Sorry about your confusion. I wrote 3 books about leadership education that are complimentary to Thomas Jefferson Education. They are called Raising Leader, Not Followers package. It includes my 3 ebooks, 2 audio workshop downloads, 2 transcripts of those workshops and some extra ebooks (book lists, schedules, helps for the harried homeschooler, etc)

You can read all about it here: Leadership Education Homeschool Curriculum
Scroll down to where you see pictures of books and you can read exactly what is included. Also, the last yellow box sums up what you get.

Hope this helps. If not, leave a comment below and I’ll answer it shortly.

Kerry

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May 8, 2006 - George Wythe College & Mormonism

I had a subscriber ask me about George Wythe College and the Mormon influence. Here's what I wrote:

GWC is founded by Mormons and DeMille is Mormon. Although I have never attended a TJEd seminar, I have been told that the Mormon theology is fairly blatant. I do not recommend them. If you are looking for alternatives with a Christian perspective, I would suggest Schola online tutorials with Wes Callihan. I have also found Gileskirk Humanities Curriculum by George Grant to be excellent. This curriculum does not offer online mentoring, but it has excellent worldview lectures. The lectures are fantastic springboards for discussions at home. If you want to read more about Gileskirk, go to http://www.curriculumconnection.net/gileskirkreview.htm

Kerry

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January 6, 2006 - Start Your Year with A New Perspective on Homeschooling

Why not start 2006 with a new perspective on your homeschooling. A Thomas Jefferson Education offers a unique look at public education and a solution to our education dilemma in the U. S. Here's a review of the book.

LEADERSHIP EDUCATION

I was amazed to learn that most Americans receive a "conveyor-belt" education! After reading A Thomas Jefferson Education, I realized that I was one of those who received this type of education. What do I mean by "conveyor-belt" education? Oliver Van DeMille states there are three types of education.

1. Public education (or conveyor-belt education) - A public education prepares everyone for a job, any job, by teaching them what to think. Public education historically existed to teach the poor so they could land a job. The poor had no other option, but public education. Today, most of America only receives a public education. Their education is set up like a factory: everyone in the class gets the same education at the same age from the same textbooks, and they are tested the same and graded based upon the same scale regardless of their individual talents, goals, interests, personal mission. Conformity is the name of the game in public education.

2. Professional education - Professional education is anything from apprenticeship & trade schools to law, medical & MBA schools. These programs create specialists by teaching them when to think. The professional system is similar to public education, but on a competitive level. Standards are set by the highest 10-15% to enter these programs. But once you are in the program, you must hop back on the conveyor belt for several years until you receive another diploma. Of course this type of education is mandated so you can really learn the profession.

Any of this sound familiar??

3. Leadership education (Jefferson education) - Leadership education teaches students how to think and prepares them to be leaders in their homes & communities, entrepreneurs in business, and statesmen in government. ***This is the type of education that I want for my children and I would guess most of you want for your children. It encourages thinking outside the box, which is difficult for most Americans (not as difficult for homeschoolers :-)

Throughout history, leaders have been homeschooled by mentors and tutors. Then they move on to prep schools and study the classics by using the mentors approach. It is the mentor system that creates leaders. Unfortunately the leaders in America have been trained to be professionals and specialists - not leaders. Most of our nation consists of followers who do not have a problem with the system at hand. If our children are to overcome this dilemna, we must train them to be entrepreneurs and statesmen by the historically-proven methods for training leaders.

Keys to Leadership Education

-Time

Students need time to adequately learn. To have adequate time, one must have structure throughout the day and week. For most parents, they revert back to their school days and "structure" their day according to public education (you know, that conveyor-belt). Please realize that setting up public school is a great source of frustration for most homeschool parents and it does not train your children how to think. Students will never become leaders by following the model of our current public education system. Structure is necessary to give your child the time he needs to adequately learn. If you set a structure in your home to study 5 days a week for 5 hours a day, your child will have adequate time to read and study. Obviously, this particular schedule is geared more for older students. Younger students do not need 5 hours a day to study.

-Mentors

-Classics

Mentors and classics can not be separated in leadership education because learning how to think i is accomplished by discussing the classics with a mentor. Mentors may not always be physically present while studying, but they must interact often. Mentors read the classsic that the student is reading. Both student and mentor keep a reading journal, writing about key concepts from the classic. In a homeschool setting, a daily discussion of the classic can occur. A typical day may include math study the first hour, essay writing/discussion with a mentor the last hour of the day and time for free study in the middle of the day. Students need freedom to read, study and experiment. For centuries this type of education has provided the necessary knowledge, traits and skills for leaders. It is by far the best training for leadership roles, professional training and life itself!

As DeMille discusses leadership education throughout his book, he encourages you to find or be a mentor to your children as you read the classics. Most of us are familiar with the history and literature classics, but classics can be found to deal with all subjects in life. Classics are available to learn all necessary subject areas. As Americans we are worried about learning the sciences and technological information. Well, there are classics in science - Newton's Principia Mathematics, for one. I would not suggest starting with that one, but know it is there when the time comes to study mathematics classically.

After reading A Thomas Jefferson Education, I am inspired to become that mentor for my own children. We read classics all the time, but we do not always discuss them at the level I believe is beneficial for my children to learn how to think. DeMille outlines a program to help parents get up to speed. It is the adult's education that must come first. YOU must become a good teacher and mentor before affecting your child's education. Since most of us did not receive a leadership education, we must provide one for ourselves. This summer is the time I have chosen to begin my leadership education. Summer is the PERFECT TIME to begin leadership education. Why don't you start your leadership education this summer, as well? Begin by reading A Thomas Jefferson Education. Then follow the two-month plan for parents as outlined in the back of the book. By the end of two months, you will be ready to start with your kids.

To order your own copy of A Thomas Jefferson Education, by Oliver Van DeMille, click here

Kerry

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December 12, 2005 - Pros & Cons of Thomas Jefferson Education

I forgot to say that this is in response to a discussion I was having with some other moms.

TJEd has some great points about getting off the conveyor belt, mentoring, training leaders instead of followers and classics. BUT, I agree with you that parents should use a variety of educational approaches (lectures, videos, classics, mentoring, projects, research, etc). I also believe that God gave parents to kids as authority and guides. Oliver DeMille says that he doesn't teach his kids anything until they "want" to learn it. This is so unbiblical and something I have tried to tell those who buy his book.

I am somewhere in the middle. Steve & I have decided which studies we will "require" of our kids and which ones we will "inspire" them to further studies. I do think it is important that our kids have some time to study their interests while they are under my guidance. I have let the kids choose a topic to study & research. Then, they are to write about their findings. I help them with their writing, using IEW outlines & Lost Tools of Writing ideas. I also believe this develops leadership skills as they are not just doing what I tell them to do (you know, following vs. leading).

I could go on & on about this topic because I have wrestled with it over the past few years. If anyone has other ideas on developing leaders, I'd love to hear them. I truly want my children to be leaders for the Lord, not followers that do whatever they are asked to do.

Kerry

Leadership Education

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September 20, 2005 - In response to A Thomas Jefferson Education

In response to an e-mail asking for info about A Thomas Jefferson Education.

Actually my youngest is still in Love of Learning Phase and slowly moving into Project Scholar. Thanks for sharing your thoughts about the conference. My dh and a friend both remarked last summer that A Thomas Jefferson Education is not well written. It is written on a very easy reading level. What I have learned is to take what I can from sources and apply them in the best way I can to our homeschool. I like the ideas of mentoring, reading classics, reading journals and getting off the conveyor belt. I do not let my kids choose everything they will study because there are some things they must go through because I (their parental authority) believe it is best for them. One of those is Gileskirk and the other is their Great Books class with Wes Callihan (listening to the class right now). I do let them make some choices in their studies in hopes of them remembering and enjoying it more.

Blessings,
Kerry

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September 10, 2005 - A Bit About Me

I replied to an e-mail about my homeschool. Here's what I wrote. It should give you a glimpse into our homeschool.

I have been using ideas from Thomas Jefferson Education for the last year and really like the approach. I still have some classical and Charlotte Mason ideas in our homeschool. One thing I am working on is getting the kids to "own" their education by showing leadership. I am seeing that they must have a strong core character foundation and a love of learning to begin. This is included in the Core & Love of Learning lecture notes and Core & Love of Learning CD. From here, they can enter more self-directed studies in the scholar phase. Last spring we only required the girls to continue their humanities course and their online writing course. After that, they decided what to study. My middle daughter continued in math and my oldest did not. My middle one dropped biology, but is picking it up this year. My oldest has chosen to take a college class at New Saint Andrews this year called lordship. They will both take Great Books 3 class and George Grant's humanities course. I planned to let my son make some decisions for this year, but have not gotten that far.

Kerry

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August 24, 2005 - Prioritizing-Time vs. Content

I tend to have all sorts of things lined up for my kids at the beginning of the year and then �wham�, the end of September comes and my expectations have changed. One thing I am REALLY going to shoot for this year is �structure the time, not the content�. Okay, I am still the mom and God put me in authority over my kids so I get to choose some of the content. But, I plan to give my kids some freedom about what they will study. If I tell my 12year old that we will study until 3pm (starting around 9am with an hour lunch break), he should have lots of time to study and read. If he is not finished with something by 3pm, but has really studied the entire time, then it is time to stop and work on it tomorrow. There is no rush to get through everything. I have to keep reminding myself of this concept, especially with my 17 year old who is taking a college course this year. I still have so much I want to teach her.

Well, I have been at this computer way too long and need to get back to my kiddos.

Kerry

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August 17, 2005 - Phases of Leadership Education

I thought I had a post about the phases of leadership education, but can't find it right now. So, I'm posting a short definition of each phase. Throughout the next few days I plan to have individual posts on each phase.

Core Phase - A time when kids develop a core foundation for all future learning and service. Includes character development and work ethic. Occurs first in educating our children

Love of Learning Phase- Those years when your children "dablle with learning", getting to know "what's out there". Provide ample opportunities to enjoy learning and to take responsibility for personal decisions.

Scholar Phase - Rigorous, disciplined survey of classic works and real-life application. Begins with a few hours daily study, building up to eight or more hours of self-directed study. Includes group discussion of classic works and review original works of students.

Taken from Thomas Jefferson Education in our Home

Kerry

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August 6, 2005 - What's the Buzz About Thomas Jefferson Education?

Many in the homeschool world are just now hearing about A Thomas Jefferson Education Mathis past summer. Here's a little background of what I have learned from this approach to homeschooling.

I read Thomas Jefferson Education in the spring of 2004. Since that time I have listened to every cd and read all the lecture notes provided by George Wythe College.

I have learned a lot about Thomas Jefferson Education over the past year and even gave a talk about it at the homeschool conference in Houston. Since I have some problems, from a Biblical perspective with a few of the ideas that the DeMilles support, I decided to develop a talk about A Thomas Jefferson Education with a Biblical slant. I titled it "What's The Buzz About A Thomas Jefferson Education?" and had so much fun getting it together. Besides having fun, I learned alot from all of my research.

Kerry

ps. If you want to read more about "What's The Buzz About A Thomas Jefferson Education?", click here

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July 14, 2005 - Mom's Self Study

I am a big proponent of mom studying herself so she can mentor her own kids in their education. This is what truly makes leaders, the mentoring process. Reading classics is a great way to start your own education. Another way is to listen to audio cds. I have learned so much from lecture series or sermons that are on audio cd. While traveling from Texas to our home in Idaho, I listened to a Confederate Heritage conference that my oldest daughter attended in May. Steve & I decided not to go because we would be on the road for the next 3 weekends. So, Ashley went with our pastor's family to Louisiana. She had a great time listening to the speakers, attending the family Confederate Ball, and going to Steve Wilkins' church on Sunday.

Since we did not make it to the conference, we asked Ashley to buy a set of the lectures. I was challenged by the comments made about states' rights and encouraged to read Flannery O'Connor after hearing these excellent speakers.

I try to always have an audio cd in the van so I can listen to it after I drop off the kids at whatever activity they have. In addition to your readings, try listening to audio workshops, audio books or audio sermons. You will be glad you did.

To see a listing of audios, click on the title below:

Ranger Press Audios

Audio Sermons

Audio Workshops

Audio Books CD (scroll down to Jim Hodges, Jim Weiss)

Thomas Jefferson Education Audios

Kerry

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July 4, 2005 - America's National Book

Speaking of the Declaration of Independence, did you know it was considered one of America's national books?

In his book, A Thomas Jefferson Education, Oliver DeMille argues that America no longer has a national book. In past years, the Bible and Declaration of Independence were considered national books for Americans. From the founding of America through World War 2, these two books guided Americans.

During the 1960�s young people quit referring to these documents for guidance. There were no absolutes and no foundation of truth for this new generation. America cannot remain free, prosperous and moral unless we return to the truths and absolutes found in the Bible. As parents, we must teach, educate, train and civilize our children. Once our kids have a core foundation of truth, they can learn how to be leaders for the future.

Why not read part of the Declaration today as you celebrate America's independence?

Kerry

Leadership Education

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July 1, 2005 - Resources for History of American Public Schools

I have written several posts about the founding of American public schools. Someone stated they read a book by Chris Klicka about the founders of government schools. My resources (so far) are as follows:

Underground History of American Education, John Taylor Gatto

A Thomas Jefferson Education, Oliver Van DeMille

Hopefully we will have Gatto's book back in stock this summer. I have been waiting for it all spring.

Kerry

www.CurriculumConnection.net

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June 30, 2005 - Why all the posts about American public schools?

You may wonder why I write posts about the public schools in America. I think it is important to understand the foundation of the schools today in order to change the direction of education in America. Most of us think our own education was adequate, when it really wasn't. Our own education (if we attended government schools) was a result of the visionaries of the early twentieth century. Although it is fascinating to read about the founders of public school, it is also sickening to see their ulterior motive - social engineering and control of society through educating our kids.

If we understand where we came from, we may have a better vision of where we need to go.

Kerry

Homeschool Curriculum

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June 30, 2005 - Thomas Jefferson Education in Your Home

Trying to figure out how to do this leadership education in a real home - your home? Why not read from experienced homeschoolers who actually implement leadershipe education. Oliver & Rachel DeMille have homeschooled their own kids using the leadership-mentoring model outlined in A Thomas Jefferson Education. Rachel offers tips to leadership education in homeschool in the lecture notes titled, Thomas Jefferson Education in Our Home. Read more about it HERE

Kerry

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June 29, 2005 - Lowering Teacher Influence in Schools

In 1903 public school officials were looking for ways to lower the influence teachers had on students. They found two ways to diminish this influence.

Increase the administrative, non-teaching hierarchy in school districts. Hire more & more people who are not educators.
Standardized Tests � If you have standardized tests, the teacher no longer has a say about what is taught or is important in educating students. I think we can all see how this influenced the public school system of America in the twentieth century. What do teachers teach these days? They teach to the TEST!

Will you follow the public school example? Or, will you be the expert you already are in your family and choose what is important to teach your own children?

Kerry

Thomas Jefferson Education

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June 29, 2005 - Purpose of American Education

The chief end (of public education) was to �impose on the young the ideal of subordination�. Benjamin Kidd, British evolutionist 1918

Public education is successful, when you see what their real purpose for schools is. Our society is a society of followers � excellent examples of subordination.

Kerry

Leaders

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June 29, 2005 - Founding of American Public Schools

Take a look at what one of our industrial giants said about the founding of American public schools at the beginning of the twentieth century.

��Survival of the fittest is nature�s way of producing beauty,�� said Rockefeller Sr. As a principal stockholder in U.S. Steel, he approved of school experiments in Gary, Indiana, to dumb down curriculum, (and) seek more effective means of mind control.�

Rockefeller Foundation

John Gatto was New York State & City Teacher of the Year and wrote an expose on the pubic education in America.

Forced schooling was the medicine to bring the whole continental population into conformity with these plans so it might be regarded as a �human resource�. Managed as a �workforce.� No more Ben Franklins or Tom Edisons could be allowed; they set a bad example.

John Gatto, Underground History of American Education p. 38

Kerry

Reloading

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June 28, 2005 - Where Do I Start?

Start with yourself!!! Yes, you heard me right, start with your own education. Investment in your education is not withdrawal from your kids� education, just the opposite. You can not be a good mentor unless you are educated to be a mentor. This summer is a great time to start by reading some classics. Take one classic a week for 4 weeks. After that, read the Declaration of Independence and write a summary of this document. From there, you can read a classic in a deeper way. Keep a commonplace book, or reading journal, about your readings.

In the back of Thomas Jefferson Education, you will find a plan for parents to get started. Oliver DeMille provides a list of classics from which to choose. He also has questions for many adult classics so you can read more in-depth.

Remember: YOU, not them!

Kerry

Diamonds

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June 27, 2005 - Which Education Shows Kids How to Think?

For those of you that don�t know, there are three types of education, historically. Each type deals with thinking skills in a different way. Let�s look at what I mean.

1. Public Education

Public education is historically an education reserved for the poor so they can contribute to society by working a job. The goal of this education is to provide skills for a job, job training. I am amazed that most Americans today receive an education for the poor. Graduates of public education learn WHAT TO THINK. They merely learn what they are told to learn � skills for a future job. Education provided by the government is characterized as a conveyor belt education in a factory school.

2. Professional Education

A professional education goes one step further than the public education by training students WHEN TO THINK. The goal is to create specialists in a variety of fields that are excellent in their own field. Some types of this education include law school, med school, MBA programs, apprenticeships and so on. This is what I would call a competitive-conveyor belt education. Historically, the middle class received a professional education at private schools, trade schools, and law/med schools.

3. Leadership Education

Leaders are developed through a different type of education. Historically, leaders have been trained by mentors using classics. Aristotle, Socrates and Thomas Jefferson were all educated by mentors. This type of education trains students HOW TO THINK. Using classics properly develops those critical thinking skills in a way workbooks and public school cannot. Students who receive a leadership education are prepared to be leaders in their home/family/church, entrepreneurs in their community and statesmen in their country.

Kerry

Leadership Education

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About Me

A place to interact about teaching our kids without following the conveyor belt model of the government schools. Think outside the box and provide a leadership education for your children. Other musings are included on a regular basis :-)