Parents’ Ultimate Authority to Educate Children
Parents have the ultimate authority as the primary educators of their children. Wherever parents choose to send their children to school, they will always be the ultimate authority over the education of their children. Unfortunately, parents can make bad decisions, or abdicate their responsibility for their children’s education. Still, no government, municipality or individual can usurp this authority, though they may work in concert with parents on decisions of education. Since the authority of parents to teach their children comes from God, parents can only lose this authority by giving it away (to elected officials) or due to abuse, neglect or criminal activity.
Our school boards are elected positions obviously, and as an elected position this implies that parents have given control to these elected officials. But the reality still remains - whether or not parents send their children to government schools or choose to homeschool they begin this journey with the God given right to govern the activities and curriculum used with their children. This is important to understand because the curriculum contains the information, values and precepts that children will learn. The parental instinct we all should have is to pass on the values and morals important to us to our children, and if they are being taught things that conflict with our beliefs wouldn't you want to know? What if your kids are being taught something you do not believe in?
Some countries without a Constitution like the US Constitution make it a crime as a matter of law, to exercise the authoritative role as parents; but the US Constitution recognizes this God given role. So, parents have the basis to be the authority as the primary educators of their children, both on a Biblical basis and legally.
It is important as a parent to understand this foundation and assume your proper role as you choose the education path for your children whether or not you send them to government schools or homeschool them. This is your right, obligation and responsibility, and if you have children I believe that God will hold you accountable to do the best job you can.
Homeschooling
There are many ways to get guidance on how to organize, and implement a successful homeschooling program , such as enrolling in Family Tree Private School, a school for homeschooling families. For more information visit http://www.myftps.com/familytreeprivateschool.html