CLASSICAL EDUCATION OR CRASSICAL EDUCATION
Classical education is a term that sounds very fancy and sophisticated. It conjures up images of students wearing togas and laurel wreaths, reading Plato and Homer in their original Greek, and debating the meaning of life and the nature of reality. It also sounds very old-fashioned and outdated, like something that belongs in a museum rather than a classroom. But classical education is not just a relic of the past. It is a movement that has been gaining popularity and support in some sectors of education, especially among independent, charter, and home schools. It claims to offer a superior form of education that is based on the liberal arts, the canons of classical literature, the fine arts, and the history of civilization. It aims to cultivate wisdom, virtue, and beauty in students by engaging them with the great books and ideas of the past and present.
But is classical education really all that it's cracked up to be? Or is it just a pretentious and elitist way of indoctrinating students with a narrow and biased view of the world? Is it a renaissance or a reaction? Is it classical or crassical?
Let's take a closer look at some of the pros and cons of this approach.
Pros
- - It encourages every student to engage with the learning process. Classical education reaches children in unique ways based on their physical development. Students in the K-6 grades learn more about grammar here because they find it easy to memorize rhymes, songs, and chants to retain information. Kids who can remember specific tunes can remember lessons for a lifetime. Moving into grades 7-9, the logic stage occurs because this time is when children typically challenge facts and the authority of others. When the rhetoric stage occurs in grades 10-12, classical education encourages students to become independent thinkers. The emphasis shifts to their ability to study, practice, and communicate with others. This skill allows them to understand the art of effective writing and persuasive speaking.
- - It offers centuries of results to study. Classical education has been used in Western cultures for centuries, with each era modifying the definition and adding its own selection of topics. By the end of the 18th century, in addition to the trivium and quadrivium of the Middle Ages, the definition of a classical education embraced study of literature, poetry, drama, philosophy, history, art, and languages. In the 20th and 21st centuries, classical education has been used to refer to a broad-based study of the liberal arts and sciences, in contrast to a practical or pre-professional program. Classical education has produced some of the most influential thinkers and leaders in history, such as Aristotle, Cicero, Augustine, Aquinas, Shakespeare, Newton, Jefferson, Lincoln, Churchill, and many more.
- - It provides a foundation of usable information. Despite there being a lack of specialization in this curriculum, students who go through classical education have a foundation of usable information. They can take the lessons learned and apply them in a variety of ways. They have a rich vocabulary and grammar skills from studying Latin and other ancient languages. They have a logical and analytical mind from studying mathematics and science. They have a cultural and historical awareness from studying literature and history. They have an aesthetic and creative sensibility from studying art and music.
Cons
- - It creates division when paired with the modern educational system. Some classical educators may view themselves as superior to or separate from other educators who follow different curricula or pedagogies. They may also reject or ignore the contributions of diverse cultures and perspectives to human knowledge and civilization. They may think that their way is the only right way to educate students, and that anyone who disagrees with them is ignorant or misguided. They may also isolate themselves from the rest of society by creating their own bubbles or echo chambers where they only interact with like-minded people.
- - It does not offer specialization. Classical education tends to focus on a broad and general curriculum that covers many subjects but does not go into depth or detail in any of them. This may limit the students' ability to pursue their interests or passions or to prepare for specific careers or fields of study. For example, if a student wants to become an engineer or a doctor or a lawyer or an accountant or an artist or a musician or an athlete or anything else that requires specialized skills or knowledge, they may not find enough support or guidance in classical education. They may also miss out on some of the latest developments and innovations in their chosen fields, as classical education tends to emphasize the past over the present or the future.
- - It can change how students approach their first language. Classical education often requires students to study Latin and sometimes other ancient languages. While this may enrich their vocabulary and grammar skills, it may also interfere with their natural acquisition and expression of their native language. For example, if a student speaks English as their first language, they may start to use Latin words or phrases or constructions that are not common or appropriate in modern English. They may also lose some of the nuances or idioms or slang that are part of everyday speech. They may sound more formal or stiff or awkward than they need to be. They may also have trouble communicating with people who do not share their classical background or education.
- - It has deficiencies in mathematics and science. Classical education tends to emphasize the arts of word over the arts of number. It may neglect or overlook the advances and discoveries made in mathematics and science in the modern era. It may also fail to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to understand and engage with the scientific and technological challenges of today and tomorrow.
- - It is very rigid in its approach. Classical education follows a fixed and predetermined curriculum that is based on a specific canon of works and authors. It may not allow for much flexibility or adaptation to the needs, interests, or abilities of individual students or teachers. It may also stifle creativity or innovation by imposing a strict structure and method on learning and teaching.
- - It has a performance element that may cause stress or anxiety. Classical education often involves recitation, imitation, memorization, and rhetoric as key components of learning and assessment. These activities may put pressure on students to perform well in front of others or to conform to certain standards or expectations. They may also discourage critical thinking or originality by encouraging repetition or emulation.
Conclusion
Classical education is a movement that has its pros and cons. It is a form of education that has its roots in ancient history, but it also has implications for contemporary society. Whether it is a renaissance or a reaction remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: it is not for everyone. Some people may love it and thrive in it, while others may hate it and suffer in it. Some people may find it inspiring and enlightening, while others may find it boring and oppressive. Some people may see it as a way of pursuing truth, virtue, and beauty, while others may see it as a way of imposing dogma, elitism, and exclusion.
So, before you enroll yourself or your child in a classical school or program, make sure you do your research and weigh your options carefully. Don't just follow the hype or the trend or the crowd. Think for yourself and decide what is best for you and your goals and your values.
And remember: classical education is not the only way to get a good education. There are many other ways to learn and grow and become a well-rounded and successful person. You don't need to study Latin or read Plato or wear a toga to be smart or wise or happy.
Unless you really want to, of course.
Here are some reasons why you might want to:
- - You enjoy being confused by ancient texts that have multiple translations and interpretations.
- - You like to show off your knowledge of obscure facts and trivia that no one else cares about.
- - You have a fetish for old-fashioned clothing and accessories.
- - You have a secret crush on Socrates or Cicero or Augustine or Aquinas or Shakespeare or Newton or Jefferson or Lincoln or Churchill or any other dead white guy.
- - You have nothing better to do with your life.
- Here are some reasons why you might not want to:
- - You value diversity and inclusion and respect for other cultures and perspectives.
- - You have specific interests and passions that you want to pursue in depth and detail.
- - You speak English as your first language and you want to keep it that way.
- - You are interested in mathematics and science and the wonders of the modern world.
- - You are creative and innovative and like to try new things.
- - You are stressed out enough without having to recite poems or speeches in front of strangers.
The choice is yours. But whatever you choose, don't let anyone tell you what is best for you.
Unless they are me, of course.
Because I know everything.
And I'm hilarious.
THE DEFT DIVE
Who are the supporters of classical education
Some of the supporters of classical education are organizations and publishers that provide resources, training, and advocacy for this approach. For example, **Veritas Press**, **Classical Academic Press**, **Memoria Press**, and **Canon Press** offer books, curricula, and online courses for classical educators and students. The **Circe Institute** and the **Institute for Classical Education** offer professional development, conferences, and research for classical teachers and leaders. The **Association of Classical Christian Schools**, the **Society for Classical Learning**, and the **Institute for Catholic Liberal Education** represent and support classical schools of various faith traditions. The **Classic Learning Test** is an alternative to the SAT and ACT that is based on classical texts and ideas. ¹²³
Bing, 6/20/2023
(1) Classical education movement - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classical_education_movement.
(2) Classical education is growing. Here's how to keep it that way.. https://fordhaminstitute.org/national/commentary/classical-education-growing-heres-how-keep-it-way.
(3) 18 Pros and Cons of the Classical Education Model and Curriculum. https://vittana.org/18-pros-and-cons-of-the-classical-education-model-and-curriculum.
Charter school and voucher organizations that support classical education.
Another group of supporters of classical education are charter school and voucher organizations that seek to expand parental choice and access to this approach. For example, **Great Hearts Academies** is a network of public charter schools that offer a classical liberal arts curriculum in Arizona and Texas. It serves over 22,000 students and has a waiting list of over 13,000. ² **Hillsdale College** is a private liberal arts college that promotes classical education and has partnered with several charter schools across the country to provide curricular and pedagogical guidance. **School Choice Indiana** is an organization that advocates for school vouchers and tax credit scholarships that enable low-income families to afford private schools, including classical ones.
Bing, 6/20/2023
(1) What Do We Know About Vouchers and Charter Schools? - RAND Corporation. https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_briefs/RB8018.html.
(2) School Vouchers: What You Need to Know - Understood. https://www.understood.org/en/articles/school-vouchers-what-you-need-to-know.
(3) Classical education movement - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classical_education_movement.
(4) Classical education is growing. Here's how to keep it that way.. https://fordhaminstitute.org/national/commentary/classical-education-growing-heres-how-keep-it-way.
The classical education movement receives funding from various sources, such as:
- - Private donors and foundations that support classical education and school choice. For example, the **Lovett and Ruth Peters Foundation**, the **Templeton Foundation**, the **Kern Family Foundation**, and the **Bradley Foundation** have given grants to classical schools and organizations. ¹²³
- - Public funds that are available for charter schools and voucher programs. For example, **Great Hearts Academies** and **Hillsdale College's Barney Charter School Initiative** operate public charter schools that offer classical education in several states. Some states also allow vouchers or tax credit scholarships to be used for private classical schools. ⁴⁵
- - Tuition and fees paid by parents who enroll their children in private classical schools or online courses. For example, **Veritas Press**, **Classical Academic Press**, **Memoria Press**, and **Canon Press** offer books, curricula, and online courses for classical educators and students.
Bing, 6/20/2023
(1) Classical education is growing. Here's how to keep it that way.. https://fordhaminstitute.org/national/commentary/classical-education-growing-heres-how-keep-it-way.
(2) Amid the Pandemic, a Classical Education Boom: What if the Next Big .... https://www.the74million.org/article/amid-the-pandemic-a-classical-education-boom-what-if-the-next-big-school-trend-is-2500-years-old/.
(3) Neoliberal Education Reform Paved the Way for Right-Wing “Classical .... https://jacobin.com/2023/02/desantis-florida-hillsdale-classical-education-neoliberalism.
(4) Classical education movement - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classical_education_movement.
(5) The Renaissance of the Classical School | James Hankins. https://www.firstthings.com/web-exclusives/2022/04/the-renaissance-of-the-classical-school.
