ERIC Number: ED233835
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1983-Aug
Pages: 27
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Factors Influencing the Teaching of Amish Students in the Public School.
Parsons, Elizabeth A.
To examine available research, largely done after 1965, and identify factors influencing academic performance of Amish students in public schools, particularly in Indiana, material was divided into four annotated bibliographic sections: Amish definition of education (three items); Amish attitudes toward education, as reflected in their society (eight items); Amish educational methods (six items); educational achievement of Amish students (five items). Conclusions were: education is extremely important to the Amish, but must have practical applications; Amish prefer to educate their children in their own parochial schools, using Amish teachers who teach the 3 R's and uphold Christian morals; if parochial schools are unavailable, Amish parents will send children to public schools and attempt to counteract worldly influence. Research also indicated that: Amish schools are successful by worldly standards; although curriculum is less varied than in public schools, Amish pupils perform at the same level as public school peers; lack of interest in arts and sciences seems encouraged by Amish society; bilingualism affects academic achievement of Amish pupils negatively, but the handicap diminishes as education progresses. Recommendations for public schools are: primary grade language arts programs should accelerate vocabulary and verbal skills; teachers should familiarize themselves with Amish culture and stress practical applications of skills taught to Amish pupils. (MH)
Descriptors: Academic Achievement, Amish, Bilingual Students, Cultural Influences, Educational Attitudes, Educational Philosophy, Educational Strategies, Elementary School Curriculum, Elementary Secondary Education, Literature Reviews, Parent Attitudes, Parochial Schools, Public School Teachers, Public Schools, Religious Cultural Groups, Religious Education, Religious Factors, Rural Schools, School Role, Student Attitudes, Student Teacher Relationship
Publication Type: Reference Materials - Bibliographies
Education Level: N/A
Audience: Administrators; Teachers; Practitioners
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Indiana
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A