From the quite sensible observation that children are unique individuals with their own special talents and interests, many educators erroneously conclude that no curriculum can meet all their needs and that education is best when it leaves children at liberty to learn what they want in the ways they like best. That chaos is compounded by increasing demands that teaching styles and subject content be flexible enough to meet the special interests of children from different cultural groups. The general disintegration of educational achievement and the aimlessness of our youth, evident all over the country, testify to the futility of exalting individuality at the expense of true learning. In addition, we maintain a safe, orderly, encouraging school atmosphere through firm policies of discipline, and we help each student acquire a sense of personal dignity and responsibility by constantly making clear what we require in scholarly effort, courteous behavior, and respect for teachers. Hillsdale Academy, envisioned as a model of private educational initiative in America, wants to provide a stimulus to the grassroots movement for renewal that is rapidly gaining adherents across the nation.
Good education is still possible.
Together, we truly can make a difference. Dr. Roche is president of Hillsdale College in Michigan.