Episode 4: Don McChesney talks about Classical Education, Common Core and Equip

Classical Education, Common Core and Equip EducationDon McChesney and his wife Nicole began life anew during the spring of 1998 when they gave their lives to Jesus Christ. They are now in the 12th year of home educating their children. The oldest of their five children recently graduated from their homeschool and now attends Hillsdale College, in Hillsdale, Michigan. Don's experience during a business career of 20 years convinced him that classically educated individuals are rarely met with and desperately needed. He believes that Christian homeschoolers are uniquely positioned to fill that need. He felt the Lord’s call to found Equip Education in 2007 or 2008 but didn’t respond to that call until 2009. He loves to learn and to teach.Don earned his B.A. in Political Science from The American University in 1990 and his M.B.A. from the University of Miami in 1998. He and his family are active in their church and the foster care community.Website: equipeducation.orgEmail: [email protected] page: facebook.com/EquipEducationTwitter: @EquipEducationIn this interview, Don talks to us about classical education.  Although there are many different definitions of classical education, he will tell us how the movement got started with an essay called "Lost Tools of Learning" by Dorothy Sayers and what he defines classical education as today.You will also learn about the three stages in the The Trivium of Classical Education.Don will explain why he believes classically educated individuals are rarely met and desperately needed. He will also give several reasons for teaching classical education.He will also discuss the implementation of Common Core standards in the United States.  He will explain what we can expect and if homeschoolers should be concerned. He will also give his thoughts on college entrance exams and how they will be affected by common core.Don will also discuss his program Equip Education.  He will explain how students attend class one day a week in five core subjects and then take home 20 hours of homework for the rest of that week. He'll explain how they are not a school, yet get a GPA, assist with transcripts, can be involved extracurricular activities, have a yearbook and a graduation ceremony.Don also explains how Equip Education has had students admitted to several quality universities and how they prepare them for college admission.You will hear Don talk about the role of a homeschooling father and how fathers will not mess up their kids.He gives advice to father how to lead their children.  He tells men to lead in their homes by loving the people in their home.You will also hear us talk about Hillsdale College, how his son attends, what a fine school it is and the free online classes that they offer.Don's Interview Quotes"God's in the business of changing lives."That's our job to be figuring out what to teach our kids."Colleges have figured out that home educators are good members of the community."Socialization is the very single biggest benefit of home education.This page may contain affiliate links. Please see Privacy Policy & Disclaimer Policies for more information.