Brave New Schools, by Berit Kjos, is a wake-up call to every Christian parent, teacher, and youth leader involved in training our children. Kjos has thoroughly documented a change in the foundations of educational theory. She traces the development of a world view that embraces "global oneness," "universal values," and "a new way of thinking about human civilization" that has been working its way into the educational system for many decades. Its open hostility toward Christianity and traditional American values may shock you.
Kjos is careful to point out that the teacher standing in front of your child's class is not the "enemy." As in any propaganda campaign, positive-sounding words have been given new definitions. Outcome-Based Education, Mastery Learning, "higher order thinking," and "values clarification" may mean something very different than you-or your child's teacher-think they do.
The world view described in Brave New Schools is fast becoming a part of American culture. Concepts of the occult and earth-centered religions are presented in children's books and preached from our television screens. To prepare children to stand for Christ in a world that challenges their faith, we must understand what they are being taught, and why.
The education of our children is the greatest responsibility God has given us. When used with prayer and discernment, Brave New Schools is an excellent book for parents and educators who take that responsibility seriously.
Kersten Hamilton is an author and mother of three school-age children in Albuquerque, NM.
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