In the SCRIPT model of education social responsibility is primarily believing that every student can learn. It requires commitment, which every teacher must have. It includes preparing lessons, working hard, being motivated and knowing how to motivate students. The model also requires from teachers to have a reflective practice which is to have data and proper assessments. Integrity is showing Christ to students. Every student should see Christ in their teacher because the moral and ethical aspects are essential to be good teachers and to education. Finally, professionalism is also part of the SCRIPT model, and it includes arriving on time, dressing properly, the way teachers speak and address their students. These are all based on Scripture. They each represent different parts of the teachings of Christ: love, joy, peace, goodness, longsuffering, faithfulness, goodness, meekness and temperance (Liberty Education School University, n.d).
The objective of teaching is forming students, not only academically but as a whole, the physical aspects as well, that is why there are sports in the curriculum, the artistic, the emotional, social and so on. In the world with so many options and models, sports stars, music stars, celebrities, etc., but none of them showing virtues, goodness, love, temperance and so on as models to choose from, teachers have a great challenge to form their students. Especially now that many families are broken, or parents do not take part in education so much due to working hours.
The SCRIPT model believes that scripture is important in education and teachers should be role models applying the teachings of Christ. Providing mentoring once a week, with teachers that do their best to represent Christ, would provide students with an opportunity to have their space to communicate what worries to them, in the form of friendship, in the same way, Christ talked to the Apostles and taught them. Teaching has to be done in classrooms, but each child is unique and has its needs. If they know they are loved and cared for, they will improve in all areas of their life (emotional intelligence). If they are struggling with something at home, or with a particular teacher, or peer, they can talk about it. Mentors can listen to them, guide them, be role models, and ultimately, there a one to one approach to education can make a big different. A student might want to ask a question, or say something that unless he or she feels safe, he or she will never say it.
There are challenges for this research and implementation of course, such as legislations about child protection or the difficulty talking to teenagers, however, if approached in the right way, we can expect to see major improvements in education both in the academic, spiritual and social life of students.
Mentors should also have a fluid communication with parents and other teachers and directors at school to best help students with their troubles, always maintaining confidentiality. For example, there might be cases where a student might not perform well at school because of a bad relationship with a teacher. In these cases, mentoring can help by clarifying things between the teacher and the student and it can have excellent academic and overall satisfaction with students and teachers as well. The mentor should be a guide to students. Researching this topic and the effects in all aspects of the life of students: family relationships, social relationships with peers, academics, and so on could be key to enriching our future generations and improve education methods.
The reason why I find this topic very important is that today young people do not have virtuous role models to follow. They lack examples, and the legislations today have tied teachers hands and limited them only to their classrooms. However, in such a wounded world like today, our young people and children need role models, guidance, and values to be proposed to them so they can follow. If they live a life of Christ, there are greater chances that all the aspects of their life will improve. Education is ultimately forming people in doing Good.
Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life” (John 14:1-7). If a person finds Christ, the rest will be given. If a person finds its way to heaven, that is the only thing needed. The rest are all instruments.
References
Liberty Education School University [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.schooltube.com/embed_force/eaa86f6e9fce405f8d0c/
