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The Timeless Wisdom of Classical Education: Why It's Superior to Common Core Curricula
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April 19, 2023Introduction
Imagine a world where students actually enjoy learning, where critical thinking is prioritized over standardized testing, and where history, literature, and philosophy are not just academic subjects but integral parts of a well-rounded education. This world may seem like a dream, but it is a reality in the world of classical education.
Classical education is a centuries-old approach to learning that emphasizes the study of the liberal arts and humanities. It is a rigorous and comprehensive curriculum that has stood the test of time, producing some of the greatest thinkers and leaders in history. Yet, in recent years, it has been overshadowed by the more popular, but often criticized, Common Core curriculum.
While Common Core focuses on math and language arts and often relies on standardized testing to measure success, classical education takes a more holistic approach, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking, the study of classic literature, history, and philosophy, and the development of moral character. It is an approach to education that seeks to cultivate lifelong learners who are able to think critically and creatively, and who possess the knowledge and wisdom necessary to navigate an increasingly complex world.
In this article, we will explore the many advantages of classical education over Common Core curricula. We will discuss the history and philosophy of classical education, its core principles, and how it differs from modern educational practices. We will also examine the practical benefits of classical education, including its ability to foster a love of learning, prepare students for college and beyond, and develop the moral character necessary to lead successful and fulfilling lives. So, buckle up, grab a notebook, and let's explore the world of classical education together.
History of Classical Education
The roots of classical education can be traced back to ancient Greece, where great thinkers like Plato and Aristotle espoused the idea that education was the key to a good life. They believed that education should focus on the development of the whole person, including the cultivation of moral virtues and intellectual abilities.
During the Middle Ages, classical education became a cornerstone of European education, particularly in the Catholic Church. The Trivium and Quadrivium, which were systems of learning based on grammar, rhetoric, logic, arithmetic, geometry, music, and astronomy, formed the foundation of education in the Western world for centuries.
In the Renaissance, humanist educators such as Erasmus of Rotterdam and Thomas More continued to promote the ideals of classical education, emphasizing the importance of the liberal arts and humanities.
However, as the Industrial Revolution gained momentum, education shifted away from classical ideals and towards more utilitarian, practical approaches. The rise of modern educational theories, such as John Dewey's progressive education, sought to prioritize the needs of the individual student and prepare them for the workforce rather than focusing on character formation and intellectual development. The notion is one that embodies the need to program people for society’s needs instead of formed as morally upstanding individuals. The former adheres to the belief that the output can be controlled more readily than the latter. History will be the judge of this… and in many ways already has been.
Despite this shift, there has been a resurgence of interest in classical education in recent decades. Many parents and educators have come to recognize the limitations of modern educational models and are turning to the classical approach as a way to provide a more well-rounded education for their students.
Classical education's emphasis on the liberal arts and humanities, including the study of Latin and Greek, allows students to develop critical thinking skills and gain a deeper understanding of history and culture. It also prioritizes character formation, encouraging students to cultivate virtues such as courage, humility, and wisdom. (SACA does not offer Greek in her curriculum, but she does teach Latin!)
Overall, the history and philosophy of classical education show that it has stood the test of time and is arguably the more superior approach to education. Those who disagree with this position would be right in stating that more time would need to pass in order to truly judge the long-term success of common core. I will concede that fact. Nonetheless, I confidently back classical education as far superior to the modern project simply on the philosophical approach to teaching. In the following sections of this article, we will explore the various elements of classical education and how they contribute to its effectiveness.
Principles of Classical Education
The principles of classical education are grounded in the belief that education should be focused on the development of the whole person, rather than simply the acquisition of knowledge or skills. At its core, classical education emphasizes the trivium and quadrivium, which are the seven liberal arts that were studied in ancient Greece and Rome.
It should be noted that “liberal arts” derives from the Latin words for freedom (libertas, -atis) and skill (ars, -tis). Thus, the notion is one that posits the natural human skills that all men and women can develop and utilize for free. There is no cost or permission necessary to engage the created world and one’s life. The Creator in fact placed this capacity in Man for the purpose of Man actualizing his full nature in order to glorify the Lord in return for His great gift to Man.
The trivium is comprised of grammar, logic, and rhetoric, while the quadrivium includes arithmetic, geometry, music, and astronomy. These subjects were viewed as foundational to a well-rounded education, as they provided students with a comprehensive understanding of the world around them.
In addition to the trivium and quadrivium, classical education places a strong emphasis on language. This includes the study of Latin and Greek, which are viewed as important for developing critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of the English language. I myself can attest to the development of my thinking that occurred once I studied both these languages in my years of pre-theology. As difficult as those classes were, I am deeply appreciative of my exposure to such structured languages (especially Latin)!
The principles of classical education also stress the importance of a liberal arts education, which is designed to provide students with a broad knowledge base in a range of subjects. This approach helps to develop critical thinking skills and a greater appreciation for the arts and humanities.
One of the key benefits of a classical education is its focus on logic, rhetoric, and language. These skills are viewed as essential for developing effective communication and reasoning abilities, which are valuable in any career or profession.
Furthermore, a classical education provides students with a strong foundation in history, literature, and the arts, which helps to cultivate a wholesome approach to the well-crafted world. This approach encourages students to think critically and independently, rather than simply memorizing facts or regurgitating information. Though, the earlier years of classical education will lean heavy on memorization as it helps lay the building blocks for later knowledge apprehension.
In sum, the principles of classical education emphasize the development of the whole person, rather than simply the acquisition of knowledge or skills. By focusing on the trivium and quadrivium, language, and a liberal arts education, students are able to develop critical thinking skills and a broad knowledge base that will serve them well throughout their lives.
Comparison to Common Core Curricula
When comparing the classical education model to common core curricula, there are fundamental differences in approach, goals, and outcomes. While common core curricula focus on a skills-based approach to education, classical education emphasizes the development of character, a broad-based knowledge of the world, and the acquisition of a variety of intellectual skills that will be useful throughout life.
In New Jersey, the Common Core State Standards were adopted in 2010, and while many educators and parents initially supported the initiative, over time, concerns have arisen about the focus on standardized testing and the narrow skill set emphasized in the curriculum.
One of the key differences between classical education and common core curricula is the emphasis on the liberal arts in classical education. This approach is based on the idea that a holistic education is essential to developing the whole person. Furthermore, the development of character, including a sense of morality and civic responsibility, is as important as the acquisition of knowledge and skills. The liberal arts also emphasize the development of critical thinking skills. These include the ability to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information.
The classical education model also emphasizes the trivium and quadrivium, which are the seven liberal arts that were taught in the Middle Ages. The trivium includes grammar, logic, and rhetoric, while the quadrivium includes arithmetic, geometry, music, and astronomy. The emphasis on these subjects is based on the idea that they provide a foundation for learning and are essential for the development of critical thinking skills. A major reason for this exposure is to see how all of creation is interconnected. Although different subjects will focus on particular “parts” of creation, which is how specialists in any field develop their acumen, the different “parts” nonetheless make up a cohesive whole. This helps the young, developing minds to see the truth, goodness, and beauty in all things which can lead (and often does lead) to an excitement about learning.
In contrast, common core curricula place a greater emphasis on standardized testing, with a focus on specific skills such as reading comprehension, writing, and mathematics. While these skills are certainly important, they do not necessarily provide a broad-based education that prepares students for the complexities of the modern world. Classical education is not against anyone sharpening their skills in any one of the above-mentioned fields of expertise. Nevertheless, the point in the younger years is to form a mind well so that it can think on its own. Then, later in life, the developed mind can apply its mental rigor to any field of knowledge the person so chooses and excel at assimilating the specialized knowledge therein.
Thus, the classical education model offers a more comprehensive and cultured approach to education that emphasizes the development of character, the acquisition of a broad knowledge base, and the development of critical thinking skills. In comparison, common core curricula can be seen as a narrower and skills-based approach that emphasizes test-taking skills over a comprehensive education.
Success Stories of Classical Education
Classical education has been experiencing a revival in the United States over the past 15 years, and there have been several success stories that showcase the effectiveness of this educational approach.
Here are three examples:- Great Hearts Academies: Founded in Arizona in 2003, Great Hearts Academies has become one of the largest classical education networks in the country. With a focus on the liberal arts, Great Hearts emphasizes the trivium and quadrivium, which includes grammar, logic, rhetoric, arithmetic, geometry, music, and astronomy. Today, the network operates over 30 schools in Arizona and Texas, with plans for further expansion.
- Hillsdale College: This small liberal arts college in Michigan has been promoting classical education for decades. In 2010, Hillsdale launched the Barney Charter School Initiative, which provides financial and educational support to classical schools around the country. To date, the initiative has helped establish over 20 schools in 12 states, providing a versatile education to thousands of students.
- Golden View Classical Academy: This public charter school in Colorado was founded in 2015 and has quickly gained a reputation for excellence. With a rigorous curriculum that emphasizes the classics, literature, and the arts, Golden View has achieved impressive results in just a few years. In 2019, 100% of its 8th grade students passed the state's standardized tests in math, and 98% passed in English Language Arts.
These success stories demonstrate that classical education can be effective for students of all backgrounds and abilities. By emphasizing a broad range of subjects and skills, classical education prepares students for a lifetime of learning and helps them become thoughtful, engaged citizens.
Objections to Classical Education
While classical education has many advocates and success stories, it is not without its detractors. Some of the most common objections to the classical education model include concerns about its relevance to modern life, its lack of emphasis on practical skills, and its potential to reinforce societal inequalities.
One common objection is that classical education is outdated and irrelevant to the modern world. Critics argue that the focus on ancient languages, literature, and history is not useful in preparing students for the demands of the contemporary workforce. They argue that students should instead be taught practical skills like coding, financial management, and other subjects that are more directly related to modern job requirements. I would agree that coding is becoming more important as a “language” to be introduced to, and that financial management should have been placed in school curricula a long time ago. However, as I mentioned earlier in the article, these can come after the initial years of forming the mind in the classics. Besides, these areas of study would better suit a high school aged child as they attain the years of life that may encounter a need for these skillsets.
Another objection is that classical education places too much emphasis on memorization and not enough on critical thinking and problem-solving. Some argue that the emphasis on rote learning can stifle creativity and curiosity, and that the memorization of facts and figures does not necessarily translate to a deep understanding of concepts. It is true that there is a heavy emphasis on memorization during the earlier years. And as mentioned above, this is so that a proper ground floor can be laid. After the child grows up a bit, then there is certainly a shift to engaging specialized knowledge and applying their well-formed mind to the specific field of study.
Finally, some critics argue that classical education can reinforce social inequalities by focusing on the Western canon and excluding perspectives from marginalized groups. They argue that classical education perpetuates a Eurocentric view of history and culture, which can exclude and marginalize students from diverse backgrounds. This is such a wide claim, which demands thorough treatment of history and cultures along with defining terms to address here. However, there is no one in classical education (that I have encountered at least) that is advocating for a “Eurocentrification” of people. I see this as a baseless claim from fear more so than a truly tenable concern. Besides, classical education addresses the reality that ALL PERSONS (regardless of their culture) have a common nature that includes an intellect and a will. Thus, the emphasis is on forming the mechanism of these spiritual realities more so than indoctrinating people with a culture.
While these objections are worth considering, many supporters of classical education argue that they are based on misunderstandings of the model (and I would agree). They claim that classical education is not about rote memorization or exclusion, but rather about fostering a deep understanding of the human experience and the skills necessary to engage with complex ideas. They also note that classical education can be adapted to include a diverse range of perspectives, and that it can be combined with more modern teaching methods to prepare students for success in a rapidly changing world.
Overall, while there are valid objections to classical education, the model continues to have many advocates and success stories, suggesting that it can provide a rigorous and well-rounded education for students who are willing to engage with it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, classical education stands out as a superior model of education when compared to the modern-day Common Core curriculum. We explored the history and philosophy of classical education, highlighting the key principles of the trivium and quadrivium, the emphasis on logic, rhetoric, and language, and the benefits of a liberal arts education. We also compared classical education to the New Jersey Common Core curriculum and found that the latter falls short in several aspects.
Furthermore, we discussed three success stories in classical education, demonstrating the efficacy of the classical education model in producing well-formed, critical thinking individuals. Lastly, we addressed some of the objections to classical education and acknowledged that there may be challenges. However, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks, and I personally am not sold on the solidity of the dissenting claims.
In light of this discussion, I encourage readers to consider the advantages of classical education for their children and grandchildren. By providing children with a strong foundation in the classics, they will be equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in life. For those who do not have children or grandchildren of elementary school age, I suggest supporting a classical education school like St. Ann Classical Academy in Raritan, NJ. By doing so, we can promote a healthy cultural vanguard of the true, the good, and the beautiful for future generations to come.
