homeschool – Page 3 – Savannah Schaffer

A Link Smorgasbord

August 30, 2010 August 30, 2010Economics, Education, History, Politics, Shared

While I usually try to write something original for you…the beginning of this week is proving to be quite crammed. And I mean crammed. It is a new experience to be teaching two classes. I’m used to a speech or two but preparing for two classes each week…that’s a little different. I’ve probably said this before, but I’m teaching two classes, preparing for two speeches, trying to keep up with this site, work on my Intro to Economics Workshop, do Spanish, and a myriad of other things. In light of that, today I’m going to give you some random links…

What is Public School…Really?

August 23, 2010 August 23, 2010Education, Shared

Warning: This article by John Taylor Gatto made me start crying. So read with care…and with a Kleenex nearby. As a young person deeply aware of what my education was like, why I was educated that way, and what it has made me into, the tragedy of our society strikes me very hard. The poem of a public schooled student before he committed suicide is one of the most tragic things about our modern times. It reminded me of the book, “The Little Prince.” In that book, the little boy draws an elephant inside a boa constrictor (which, incidentally, looks…

More from Mises U

August 2, 2010 August 2, 2010Economics

Today is the last day of Mises University 2010. I’m already making plans for next year. 🙂 Here’s an observation from the week: Something that I love about the Mises Institute is the aesthetic beauty. Yes, the building is a little confusing because of all the additions, stairways, and so forth, but that difficulty is overwhelmed by the beauty of the building. It is not utilitarian in any sense. That is, there are some things that are there just because it makes the place beautiful. Not detail must have an physical utility. The place–inside and out–is gorgeous. The detail that…

Interview with a Double

July 5, 2010 July 5, 2010Economics, Education, Politics

It seems that interviews are all the rage these days, from Lew Rockwell interviewing Ron Paul to Tom Woods being interviewed by a Zombie. Some of us more unfortunate people aren’t exactly being bombarded with requests to be interviewed. Yet we (translate: I) want in on the fun too. So, why can’t I interview myself? After doing this interview, I have a suggestion for all you famous people, you should try this too. I’ve noticed that many times when you’re interviewed, you don’t get much time to answer the questions, and sometimes (translate: most of the time) the interviewer isn’t very…

Why College?

June 28, 2010 June 28, 2010Economics, Education, Politics

Over the months, I’ve read numerous articles about why young people shouldn’t go to college. One is here at Forbes, one by Gary North on the revolutionary approach of MIT, one on the sometimes worthlessness of college degrees at LewRockwell.com, The Case Against a College Education at Time.com, one at the Huffington Post…and this list could go on. I was thinking about this last night, and the mania in our country for a college education. First off, I had to wonder about the often quoted statement that those who have college degrees get better jobs. Is this across the board?…

The Life and Times of Savannah Liston

June 25, 2010 June 25, 2010Education

Not sure how to start this, and I’m not sure what sort of things I will say, with the song “Hymn to the Red October” in the background, it might turn out a little dark. But I guess this is a good time to think about my life, to commemorate my birthday. My mother asked me not to make it a political tirade, but I’d like to explore how my political beliefs fit into the big picture. So bear with me, please. Most of my growing up years were spent on our family farm. I think this has led me…

In Bob Murphy’s Words, “Shameless Self-Promotion”

June 23, 2010 June 23, 2010Economics, Education, Politics, Shared

These are some online reports or promotions of events in which I’ve participated. Bio at the Stephenson County Tea Party website and at the Monroe Times Report from Stephenson County Tea Party Speech at Rock River Times and here at the Prairie Advocate Report from Stephenson County Tea Party Speech at Austrian Economics Blog Report on Tea Party Express and Northern IL Tea Party Meeting at Rock River Times Picture at Rockford Register Star from April 15th Tea Party Promotion of Northern IL Tea Party Townhall in the Prairie Advocate (2/3 down the page) Excerpts from Interview in Vidalia, Georgia, after a…

Educating the New Generation: Parents…or the Government?

June 17, 2010 June 17, 2010Education

I had an encounter yesterday with someone who was in the education sector, probably a public school teacher, but I’m not sure. At any rate, I was asked about my status in highschool, I was assumed to be a sophomore, after which I informed this person that I just graduated from highschool. I was questioned as to the testing and regulations for homeschoolers to graduate. I answered that the parents decided when their child had completed highschool, and in Illinois, there are no tests that kids have to take. This person was, to say the least, aghast, that there was…

The Underground History of American Education

June 17, 2010 June 17, 2010Education, Shared

A new book is due out soon by John Taylor Gatto, read about it here. Samuel Blumenfield notes, “…with the educational-industrial complex, we are dealing with an entirely different animal, one that eats children alive, destroys minds, destroys families, undermines our culture, provides neither protection from our enemies nor academic learning for our kids.” There are countless times while I’m reading about public education where I stop and thank God that I was homeschooled. As a recent graduate, I’ve thought a lot about education in the last few months, and it made me realize, all over again, what a profound…

Tag: homeschool