When discussing the difference between a secular approach and a biblical approach to special
education, Christian schools and Public schools both welcome children from all walks of life and
all educational levels however, there are some major differences and philosophies in how these
two entities approach special education. I am a Christian, and my family are believers, we
believe in the greater good, to believe in something that represents good is never a bad thing. I
have not however gone to a private Christian school. I am open to biblical approaches and am
familiar with public approaches with teaching.
In public schools, the state has control over the education and Christian schools work on
loco parentis, supporting parental values (Ekeland & Walton, n.d.). The major difference that I
noticed when researching this topic is that private or Christian schools are not required to
provide services to students with special needs, whereas public schools are required by law to
ensure that students with special needs are given additional support. However, Christian schools
on the other hand, can make decisions within house and offer more of the parental input as it
relates to services and support of the student. (Ekeland & Walton, n.d.) If a parent of a student in
a Christian school needed or requested formal services for the student those services would not
be covered under their tuition and an additional fee may be accessed to obtain these services,
whereas in a public school setting the services are covered tuition free. When students are
enrolled in private Christian schools, they are no longer covered under IDEA to receive special
education services, but child find activities remain (Lane, 2016). With, special education students
in Christian schools may have to pay extra tuition for access to formal services or private
services (Lane, 2016). “The education of children with disabilities inevitably costs more than the
education of children without disabilities. This is true because of the need for smaller teacher–
student ratios in many cases, more support personnel, and technology to meet the needs of these
students. This extra expenditure is a point of contention with some parents and citizens” (Kirk &
Coleman, 2015). In a public school, testing of students with exceptionalities can be done by the
request of the teacher.
In other words, the differences in views between the secular or public schools verses the
Christian schools, all students should have access to services that will allow them to perform at
their best in school. Christ welcomes everyone, even children with disabilities. Christian schools
see that and want to maintain that joy for Christ throughout their whole life. Overall, there are
ups and downs to each approach to special education, but ultimately it is up to the child’s parent
or guardian if they chose to enroll their special needs child in public or Christian school. I
believe both Christian school educators and Public-school educators have it to service children
the best way they know how to base on their own beliefs. Even though the views, methods and
services offered to students may differ both groups of educators are there to assist students
achieve and learn to the best of their abilities.
Reference:
Ekeland, J., & Walton, B. (n.d.). Ten Differences- Public School and Christian School. Retrieved
from
https://discoverchristianschools.com/wp-
content/uploads/2019/02/DCS_TenDifferences.pdf
Kirk, S., Gallagher, J. & Coleman, M. R. (2015). Educating exceptional children (14th ed.).
Stamford, CT.: Cengage Learning
Lane, J. M., Ed.D. (2016, April 22). Special Education & Christian Schools: The Why & How.
Lecture
presented at TASH Regional Conference in TN, Nashville. Retrieved from
https://tash.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/JULIE-Special-Education-Christian-
Schools.pdf
