There are many approaches when dealing with special education. In this
discussing we will touch on what is considered the “secular approach” and the
biblical approaches when dealing with special education. Some may consider the
Public School System the secular approach because most of the values and morals
and rules Public School systems are based on federal and state laws. For instance
the one law we all should be well aware of, “IDEA”. IDEA is the Individual with
Disabilities Education Act. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ensures
that all children with disabilities are entitled to a free appropriate public education
to meet their unique needs and prepare them for further education, employment,
and independent living.
The biblical approach some may feel deals with a lot a pressure and less
freedom. Teachers in Christian schools believes they have to uphold the laws of the
Lord and they have to teach what the Lord says. They respond to the call to teach
children with disabilities and are inspired to share the plan, purpose, and
perspective of Christ. The New Testament provides narratives of compassion and
inclusion of people with disabilities in the covenant of Christ and teaching them
about the bible. Christian schools are effective in their approach toward educating
students with special needs. A few other differences between secular and biblical
approaches in special education would be that. Public schools have been said to
prepare children for all lifestyles were as Christian schools prepare their students
for the Kingdom of God. Some may feel that public schools are controlled by Man
and that rules are determined by man (government) and in retrospect in Christian
schools the Word of God reigns everything should be done to fit Gods Morals and
standards. “All truth is God's truth, and God's Word sheds light on our path. Only
in His light can we see light. Education is not focused on possibilities but on
certainties found in God's Word.”- (http://christian.fmpsdschools.ca”
Ackerman has interesting points when it comes to her G.U.I.D.E.
Acherman's G.U.I.D.E., the Great Commission which calls for educators to reach
ALL people and understanding differentiation which means understanding that
every child has a different way of learning. She states that learning is no longer
based on the teacher or the textbook or the curriculum; it is based on the student. I
have to agree with her because no matter how the teacher is teaching it is up to the
student to comprehend the teaching. The teacher can teach but it’s up to the student
to apply themselves. Now since most states focuses on test scores rather than
grades, it’s up to the student to make sure that they understand what they are being
taught. She also states that it’s up to the teacher to adapt to the student. For
example if the student is visual then the teacher much become visual. The
teacher had to adapt to every student learning style. All in all, both secular and
biblical approach focuses on serving the students with special needs.
Ackerman, B. (2012). G.U.I.D.E. Differentiated Instruction for Christian
Educators. Lynchburg, VA: Liberty University Press.
