Between Memory and Vision: The Case for Faith-Based Schooling - Softcover

Steven C. Vryhof

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0802849326 ISBN 13: 9780802849328

Publisher: Eerdmans Pub Co, 2003

Synopsis

While numerous studies have documented the educational achievements of Catholic schools, this book offers an extended look at Protestant schools, providing insight into why these schools are especially effective not only in gaining the loyalty of parents but also as measured by objective national standards.
By closely examining a variety of Protestant schools, education expert Steven Vryhof uncovers the complexities, subtleties, and nuances of faith-based education that often elude those concerned only with producing higher test scores, a "moral environment," or a competitive workforce. Through candid interviews with parents of children in faith-based schools, Vryhof also answers questions that other interested parents may have about the benefits of faith-based education for their own children.

About this title

About the Author

Steven C. Vryhof is a speaker, writer, consultant, and adjunct professor of education at Calvin College, Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Reviews

A good school, Vryhof says, supports a community whose people share values that inspire what they are doing (a mission) and where they are going (a vision). The three faith-based schools in Michigan, Washington, and New Jersey that he presents in this persuasive brief for opening up American schooling are such schools. Members of an affiliation of schools established by Dutch Reformed Church people, each strives to inculcate the same knowledge and skills that secular schools teach. In interclass and interracial amity as well as in test scores and students advancing to college, they outperform local public schools. They restrict enrollment only by requiring that parents assent to the Christian values and participate in the life of the school. Despite the evidence, Vryhof doesn't demand more faith-based schools but asks that faith-based schools no longer be made the public schools' poor relations--and the Washington and New Jersey schools are much poorer than same-catchment public schools--by antireligious discrimination in public education spending, and that more poor people be enabled to use them. Pretty convincing. Ray Olson
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Edition details

• Publisher: Eerdmans Pub Co
• Publication date: 2003
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0802849326
• ISBN 13: 9780802849328
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 208