Should WELS Congregations Serve ALL Students?

Written by Dr. Lawrence Olson

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)

Making disciples: that’s the mission that God has given us. What a sacred responsibility! What a glorious privilege! Continue reading

Should Lutheran Schools Retain Students?

Written by Nicole Rosenbaum

Introduction

When students struggle in a grade level, educators face a decision: to retain or not to retain? Many studies show the outcomes of grade retention to be significantly negative. Why do teachers continue to retain low-achieving students when the research does not reveal positive results? Continue reading

How Can a Lutheran Teacher Accommodate ESL Students?

Written by Amanda Johnson

In 2006, the National Clearing House for English Language Acquisition reported that 5 million, or 10%, of students are English as a Second Language (ESL) students (de Oliveira, 2011, p. 59).  How can a general education teacher address the needs of ESL students? Three main areas can be examined for improving ESL student learning: teaching, classroom environment, and assessment. Continue reading

Is It Too Late for WELS Schools?

Written by John Meyer

It’s time for action if WELS elementary schools are to survive. The Book of Reports and Memorials (BORAM) for the 62nd Biennial Convention of the WELS was recently published, and it contains compelling arguments that the time to save WELS schools is now. Long-established trends reveal reasons for concern. Continue reading

Should WELS Schools Serve ALL Students?

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV 2011).

As we read in the Bible passage above, God has a plan for each of us. What a blessing it is to remember this as we work with God’s children. God is guiding us every step of the way, ensuring that these children receive the message of God’s Word in a loving, caring environment. Our children come from many different backgrounds, with differing abilities. Continue reading