Big news from the Dillard family. Jill and Derick just registered Israel, who turns five in April, for kindergarten! Although they have been homeschooling, the parents of two decided to put their oldest in public school, at least for his first year. Israel will be in the same school district that Daddy was in as a child.
Photo courtesy dillardfamily.com
Israel Dillard
Photo courtesy dillardfamily.com
I wonder if they vaccinated or went for the exemption.
ReplyDeleteTHEY ALL GET THE KIDS SHOTS
DeleteDerick mentioned getting flu shots once
DeleteWhy would/should they be exempted?
Delete3:06, what do you mean why “should” they be exempted. No parent who does not want to vaccinate their child should ever have to. Jill and Derick may want to vaccine and their boys but if they don’t want to there are many reasons for that.
Delete6:27 unvaccinated children in Oregon can not attend public school without a medical or valid religious exemption. It's not just about your own children, there are kids with compromised immune systems vaccines protect you and every one else 😻
Deletewhy does a kid with a compromised immune system have more of a right to attend public schools than a kid who does not vaccinate? shouldn't the immune compromised child's parents be responsible for keeping that child safe instead of insisting other people must alter how they raise their own children to do so?? how about the immune compromised keep themselves out of public school instead of abridging the freedoms of healthy kids? that actually makes much more sense since they are the ones in need of special treatment. immune compromised children shouldn't be anywhere near sick kids, sick teachers, or even the general public so why on earth would any parent send their immune compromised children to a place like a public school?? that's irresponsible parenting and they are risking their child's life by doing so. why should a perfectly healthy child be punished or jump through hoops for an exemption simply for not having shots that could spread disease to those immune compromised children?
DeleteIt’s more for those who cannot be vaccinated due to allergies. For example, my grandmother couldn’t have a number of vaccines as they were made using chicken eggs and she was very allergic. Herd immunity is a thing. Vaccines causing autism, for example, is not a thing. That idea arose because of a single study with a very small sample size, that was pulled a couple of years later from the journal as it didn’t stand up to peer review, the results were never able to be replicated. Many, many studies since have not shown a connection between the two. This is why science depends on the peer review process. It’s horrifying to people like me that we went from eradicating smallpox and were almost there with polio and measles to regular measles outbreaks occurring in a number of countries with vaccination available. Everyone who can be vaccinated should be for their own benefit and for the benefit of society. Why should kids with health issues feel any more ostracised from society by being prevented from going to school? Are you serious?
Delete- a fully vaccinated scientist on the autism spectrum with a weakened immune system due to a rare genetic illness
@1:57...We are watch a new virus spread across the world right now. The CDC states a vaccine is likely within six months. This virus is killing at a much higher percentage than the flu. Are you saying you would chose not to vaccinate? I believe that would be a highly ignorant choice...why would you want to take a chance with the lives of your children. Polio back in the day caused life long physical disabilities for many, now we can prevent this terrible disease. There are many vaccine myths floating around out there be sure you know the facts and are not believing false information.
Delete1:57, you would treat an immunity challenged person like a leper and make them isolate as if they chose to have immune issues is beyond their control but you punish them for being how God made them?!?!
DeleteVaccinate those coming in illegally...they bring 3rd world diseases over! 😡😡
DeleteSo glad that at least one of them will have the experience of going to a public school. Nothing against home schooling, but there is something to be said about being with your peers and learning more with friends.
ReplyDeleteMost homeschoolers have co-ops, homeschool groups that they go to. Not to mention the freedom to travel and experience more field trips than kids in public school. I was homeschooled from third grade up and always loved it, and I am a very social person. My younger brother returned to public school once he entered high school and I definitely was able to spend more time with peers actually socializing as a homeschool than he has been able to being in public school. Unless you actually experienced both you really won’t have an accurate opinion.
DeletePerhaps you don't actually know anyone who homeschools, but the vast majority of homeschoolers have peers and learn with friends. Homeschoolers participate in scouting troops, 4-H clubs, organized group sports and on competitive teams (both public and homeschool), in choirs (Shenandoah Valley Children's Choir-Google it, ,music groups, etc.), bands/recitals, dance in public competitive ballet productions, compete in national ice-skating, act in public theater productions, hold part-time jobs while they school (at libraries, stores, Starbucks, Sheetz, etc.), attend classes both with same-age peers and older peers (Classical Conversations- Google it and check out a curriculum more rigorous than most public or private schools), and so much more. Unlike most public school children, most homeschoolers' social skills aren't limited to same age peers.
DeleteOr being with other kids who are bullies and will laugh at nice kids brought up in safe home environment.
Delete@8:36 That is not a fair statement. Most public schools have anti-bullying programs and elementary schools work with students to promote harmony from the get-go. You can find bullies in any walk of life, whether they were homeschooled or not.
Delete2:20, bullying is far more prominent in public school. I can’t tell you the number of children I know who have social anxiety because of the extreme bullying they’ve endured in public school.
DeleteThere are way more positives for home schooling your children than there are for being in public school today. You apparently have very little knowledge of what goes on in homeschooling and they are not isolated at home - they have numerous interaction with others of all different ages. Be informed before you comment on Homeschooling.
DeleteThe same can be said about the public school naysayers that assume every school looks the same from sea to shining sea! There are conservative areas in our nation and those schools reflect the values our communities prioritize. It’s not up to my children’s school to provide their spiritual instruction-that’s my husband’s and my responsibility, followed by the authority of our local church. They attend school to receive an education. We live in an academically competitive school district. One of our children has a 3.9 GPA, is a member of NHS and is only in the top 20% of her class. She and her peers are receiving an education that will prepare them for a post-high school education, necessary for many trades and careers needed to be a contributing member of society and financial provision for their future. Very few young adults’ lifestyles are funded by reality television, social media, and their father’s business ownerships.
Delete@6:25 The sheer number of public school students would skew bullying to be "more prominent" in public school. If you know such a large number of children with social anxiety, have you done anything to help them overcome it? Done anything with a school to help solve the problem?
DeleteBullying is not the worst thing anymore. What is occurring now and has been occurring for the past 17 years is the growing special needs population. Investigate any public school and you will see many students receiving all kinds of support from OT/PT/SLP/psychologist and/or a social worker/supporter. The average student is overlooked! Your child needs to be very bright or special needs; if somewhere in the middle, they will be overlooked!!! I see it every day. All these students with 504s and IEPs with state mandated one on one para educators spending limited time in the classroom and being rewarded for the smallest accomplishment. Don’t even get me started on the aggressive behaviors!!! Keep your kids home or send them to a private school if they don’t fall into one of the above categories!
DeleteAs a former special education teacher, I agree with you. What is frustrating is that many of these students' problems could be lessened through healthy living such as plentiful sleep, adequate nutrition ie, meals cooked at home, less time watching TV, less time playing video games or on their mobile phones.
DeleteYes, the "average" student gets little time and attention from school staff.
I think Jill will learn a lot about public school, while Israel is learning in public school. I wish them much success!
To 8:01 PM. How do you think sending them to a private school solves anything? There are plenty of problems in private schools. Bullies, drugs, kids parents buying their grades for them, overmaterialism, giving kids a false sense of reality, what have you, and in and on. There are problems everywhere not just in public schools.
DeleteI homeschool and it's the best decision my husband and I made. My son learns so much than what public schools offer...and I used to work for public school lol. Never would I put my kid in a public school
Delete10:07 Absolutely. However, the private school has leverage to accept, decline and discipline as their mission statements dictate. Public school hands are tied by state mandates. Therefore, private schools decide on the population they will teach and what behaviors they will tolerate! Parents know upfront what their money is buying.
DeleteThis might merit excommunication.
ReplyDeleteI think that already happened. Derrick has already said he doesn't feel welcome at the family gatherings.
DeleteJust curious, when has Derrick said he wasn’t comfortable with the Duggar’s?
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteI'm sure that a lot of people will have their own opinions about this. However, hopefully, people will just let the Dillards make the choices that are right for their family.
ReplyDeleteYes! I hope so :D
DeleteFinally! Public school isn’t bad at all. Jill seemed overwhelmed with her two kids at home so I think this is definitely going to help. It will be beneficial for both her and the kids
ReplyDeleteI think it's not really public school education vs homeschooling. To each their own. Anna Duggar is thriving being a mom and homeschooling them. Jill however does not seem to be the type, so Israel will be much better off in school than at home.
DeleteWonderful news !
DeleteOnce she knows what they teach she will pull him out. At least put him in a private school..
DeleteWow what a momentous occasion😆
ReplyDeleteI am so happy to hear this! Good for Jill and Derick for following their own path.
ReplyDeleteWhich is imitating his family not hers.
DeleteThey grew up different....they probably do some things like his family and some like hers. It's not imitation....it's doing what you know.
DeleteGood for them! School is such a great thing. I’m so happy Jill is on board with having her boys engaged in community. First the library and now school😀
ReplyDeleteAnna takes her kids to the library and home schools.
DeleteHomeschooling has socialization too you know... my son husband is plenty socialized AND gets to do things public school kids don't get to do
DeleteGreat news even if just for kindergarten. Once Israel gets to go to school it would be hard to return to homeschooling. Jill seems a bit overwhelmed at times with her two energetic boys. Derick had the education and surely approves that being around others is important. Not all people are equipped to homeschool.
ReplyDeleteWhile I will agree that not every parent is cut out to homeschool their children, you are wrong that it is hard for the parents or the child to return to homeschooling after any time in public school. I personally know several parents (teachers, doctors, and average parents) who have taken their child out of public school and successfully homeschooled the children and they turned out just fine. I know parents who've homeschooled their children, who homeschooled two through high school while one chose public high school (yes, some homeschool parents allow their child to choose). We allowed our own daughter to choose; she chose to continue homeschooling high school and can hold her own in social and academic settings, no problem.
DeleteWhy would it be hard to return to homeschooling? Different methods work better for different children and families at various times, and one reassuring thing to remember is that you can always switch it up from year to year if what you've been doing no longer looks like the best option. I know lots of people who have half their kids in school and half homeschooled, and some of the kids switch back and forth based on their needs and preferences at that stage of education.
DeleteI'm glad Jill has found a choice that looks like it will be best for Israel and their family, despite being different from what she grew up with. Probably one factor that helped her make that brave step was knowing they can always try something different next year if it doesn't work out like they are hoping.
Do you really think that Jill had a choice in the school decision?
Delete11:41, If it was Derrick’s decision, then she is submitting to his authority in their family, and therefore should be commended for displaying Biblical womanhood.
DeleteI’m so excited for Israel and Jill! I’m happy Derick is most likely the one encouraging this. How great it will be for Israel to (and Jill) to be accountable to a schedule ( not Duggar time) have friends, school plays/programs/field trips. How nice it will be for Jill to volunteer as room-Mom and socialize with other Moms. This is good all around.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Anon 10:16. So many of my most favorite memories were from my school days in public school. The friends, field trips, school plays and holiday musical I was in. It taught me how to get along with others outside my family, how to live on a schedule and so many others life lessons which really helped me once I entered the workforce.
DeleteWhere do these stereotypes comes from??? Homeschoolers participate in plays, programs (Scouting, organized sports, dance recitals, theater and musical productions, etc.), take all kinds of field trips (Colonial Williamsburg-Google Homeschool Days), public and private lessons, a wide variety of classes, and have friends (usually a mix of homeschooled, public-schooled, and private schooled). If you think Homeschool moms don't socialize, just Google Homeschool blogs. Better yet, find your nearest homeschool group, and check out their calendar of events. You'll find field trips, various club meetings, activities, as well as events for moms (and often dad events too).
DeleteI'm sorry for Jill. Derick changed Jill completely. Now she is wearing jeans, having her nose pierced and not homeschooling kids. I wonder if Jill regrets marrying Derick. Now she has a rift with her family, parents, siblings. Her husband is not very stable financially. When she was getting married, she probably wanted someone like her dad, a provider, and to have a large family.
ReplyDeleteHow negative. I think Jill is way better off now. They are making their own decisions and so what if JB and Michelle are unhappy with their choices. Derrick is in law school and will be able to provide for his family with a good job.
DeleteNot stable financially? He is an accountant, and studying to be a lawyer!
DeleteI think Jill loves her husband very much, and I think he has helped her to become her own person instead of a carbon copy, but it is sad about whatever rift there is. We only get a small window into their lives and it's easy to speculate about things. This is big news, and good luck Israel!
DeleteI think Jill is doing good. I seen how she ministered to the college kids and others and her and Derrick both seem like they have hearts of compassion for the youth. Some of her other sisters wear jeans and changed their ways of doing things too so I don't know why that would cause a problem with her family. I admire Jill and Derrick for choosing to raise their kids off of a reality show and breaking that dependence on TLC by choosing a normal and natural life for their children. I think this is awesome!!
DeleteJill seems happier than ever in my opinion. Also, she looks great in jeans!
DeleteI don’t think Jill was forced to change. Jill and siblings have lived a very sheltered life, probably too sheltered. Kindergarten is a great place for kids to learn to socialize, play and learn. I think Jill is doing something that she feels is right for her family. And please keep in mind that many people change and grow as they get older. 19 year old Jill is not going to have the same ideas as 23 year old Jill. I have no idea Jill’s age just saying she’s allowed to change as she gets older.
DeleteHow would you know what Jill wanted? I don't feel sorry for her. In fact, I'm happy that she's has a husband who values higher education, that she has the freedom to dress as she pleases and send her son to public school, instead of living a life that replicates that of her parents.
DeletePersonally I think Jill is very happy the way things have turned out for her. Just because she was brought up in a very structured family does not mean to say she wanted that to continue, & let’s be honest here not everything that happened to jill growing up was a good experience. I’m delighted they are sending Israel to school. I can just see Jill getting involved with the PTA & raising money for the school. I think this will be the making of Jill & may be when Sam goes to school too, Jill will go back to learning herself & get some formal qualifications. Best thing Iv read in ages, very very happy for this little family as those boys look like they need more stimulation, they are obviously very bright & Jill just isn’t equipped educationally to homeschool them.
DeleteSeems to me Jill has become her own woman. No way did her husband MAKE her wear pants and get a nose ring.
DeleteYou marry someone you love. YOu don't go looking for a "provider."
DeleteI agree.
DeleteNot stable financially? He’s one of the few that actually has a degree that can earn a living not dependent on a series, monthly publication, social media, or working for his father-in-law. I wouldn’t regret her decision-she was/is in love and chose wisely! He’s such a godly man. Isn’t he in law school? If needed, he could get another accounting position. That’s the benefit of an education-it provides the opportunity to gain employment in well-paying fields that demand additional training beyond high school.
DeleteDid Derick change Jill, or did Jill become the woman SHE wants?
DeleteWe both don't know, cause we don't know Derick ad Jill in person.
So we need to trust that Jill is doing what SHE wants with Derick. And when I see pictures of Jill she seems happy. Just because her mom wanted a large family, that doens't mean Jill want a big family.
And whatever subject: It's up to God, Jill and Derick. Not up to us to judge.
"Derick changed Jill completely." You make that statement from a very biased perspective. Unless you are close personal friends with the Dillards, you don't and cannot know their thoughts or motivations. Furthermore, you are implying that Jill is so lacking in brain power or self-esteem that she can't possibly make her own decisions and is easily led around by the nose by the men in her life, whether it's her dad or a husband. I prefer to think on the positive side, that Jill, being an adult of sound mind and body, actually prefers her new wardrobe choices and is open-minded enough to have her son enroll in public school kindergarten. Who knows? Maybe after both kids are in school and Derick completes his law degree and is making good money, Jill will venture out and further her education and start a career. (I'm sure you'll be horrified at that prospect.)
DeleteI know! It's really a sad thing! I feel bad for all of them. They probably regret letting Jill marry Derick… they need lots of prayer!!!
Delete@3:21 PM: Jill is 28 now, turning 29 in May. She married when she was 23, so a lot of her personality was formed already. She definitely had a lot of events in her life since then. Two kids, after very long labors ending in emergency c-sections, at 24 and 26. Living on a mission in CA. Being on TV talking of molestation of her older brother. At 26, being fired from a TV show where she participated since she was 13, because of her husband's online chats.
Delete2:07 PM: Derick was different at that time, he did missionary work, he listened to Jim Bob as his mentor. He had job as an accountant. Now he dropped it all and studying again, goes to a different church. He had like a breakdown or something.
DeleteExcuse me...letting? It was not their decision in the first place. While it was wonderful that they supported her in her marriage, it should never have been up to them that Jill and Derick got married. If it was, then they are wholly to blame if Jill has issues. Each person is accountable to God for who they marry.
Delete5:18- Perhaps Derick became disillusioned with Jim Bob for reasons we'll likely never know. As far as going to a "different" church, it's still Baptist. For years, the Duggars claimed to be Independent and conducted services in their home.
Delete@5:15 Derick has stated over and over that they were not "fired." Derick says it was his and their choice not to participate in the program any more. He phrased it as "taking the family in another direction."
DeleteI don’t think Jill is really making her own decisions. I think she went from one controlling situation to another.
Delete5:18- Maybe Derick's problem was he allowed his family to get mixed up in the Duggar reality show machine for awhile and that distracted him or his priorities were mixed up. Regardless, he wouldn't be the first person in the world to change career paths, that's for sure! A good share of the people I know are not in the vocation they started in.
DeleteIts crazy to see how much Jill has changed. I have watched every episode of this family. I would have NEVER guessed Jill to be the one to change so much. It's kind of alarming and makes you wonder if it's all her or Derick?
Delete11:51, that's a good question. Derick does NOT come across as controlling, although his background was looser about things than Jill's. I think it might be the influence of his background causing her to question hers, and then a matter of who they have been around since getting married. Maybe the influence of other missionary wives, or friends at their church when they came back?
DeleteHe is an accountant?!?!?! I thought he used to work at the Walmart and now hes a student and a food deliverer.
DeleteI wonder how dad and mom feel about this? Jinger has gone wild too
DeleteHe worked as an accountant for Wal Mart. He’s delivering pizza to bring in money while he’s in law school
Delete10:12, he was an accountant for Walmart.
DeleteHe worked for the accounting department at Walmart and then quit to be a missionary.
DeleteYay Jill and Derick! That’s good parenting!
ReplyDeleteHow so?
DeleteWhat??? While there are undoubtedly some good parents who send their kids to public school, there are lots of bad parents who send their kids to public school (just ask any public school teacher). LOL
DeleteImplying that homeschooling is bad parenting??? I take great offense at that.
DeleteThis is the OP. It’s good parenting because Jill ( and Derick) are choosing to make a decision they feel is best for Israel. With the way Jill was raised it may have been easier to get into fear about the “evils” of public school, but instead is choosing a different path to benefit her son. That’s good parenting. I never said homeschooling is bad. I sent one of mine to public school and homeschooled the other. I did it based on my children’s individual needs, wants, personalities etc. People on here sure are excessively sensitive.
DeletePublic schools arent for everyone. Itll be interesting to see how this pans out
DeleteWay to go Jill and Derick. Hopefully others will see how important an education is and will do the same.
ReplyDeleteIf you want to get educated, doable prepitory homeschool curriculum. American's public schools are going down the tube
DeleteMy son is very educated and homeschooled! (Gasp!) What a concept...
DeleteThat's awesome! Kindergarten is a ton of fun!
ReplyDeleteIsrael is #4 GrandDuggar, so his 3 older cousins (the oldest is 10 now) were enjoying their mom teaching them and loving home environment with visit with younger Duggar kids. And Israel now will be structured in the public schooling. I hope Jessa is not following this route.
ReplyDeleteWhy the doom and gloom? You make it sound like they're sending him off to boot camp. He'll be fine. If they decide down the road that it's not for them, they can always homeschool again. My kids went to public school and flourished.
DeleteJessa has Ben who will homeschool the kids, and Ben is really good with kids. Derick however is a student and busy with it. Jill also did not seem enjoying the homeschooling arrangement.
DeleteI think it's a good idea that Israel is going to public school. I think it's unrealistic to think that all the Duggar kids have to be home schooled and work jobs for Jim Bob like all his sons are doing. There is only so many jobs that Jim Bob can provide so it's good that the younger Duggar s would be able to broaden their horizons and find more opportunities by being in public school then go on to a trade school etc. I think Jill and Derick are thinking of Israel's future and see more possibilities for their sons by doing it this way. I respect them for doing this.
DeleteYes, public school served Derek well. He has an accounting degree and is currently in Law School-both challenging fields of study. I appreciate his leadership and ability to presently provide while planning for future fulfillment responsibilities as he continues his education. Their family is a realistic example to young people starting out that we unfortunately don’t see in some of the other young couples as we’re not told or shown on the “reality” program how their lifestyle is funded. Not throwing shade, just stating facts. We have 4 kids, one’s heading to college in the fall. The rumor is true, it gets more expensive as they age, and we live frugally. I have so much respect for Derek’s decision to remove his family from the spotlight for the most part, and have no doubt that he consistently pours into the life of his sons, fathering them through the lens of his Christian world view. For those of you who are concerned that Israel will be automatically doomed by setting foot in a public school, I encourage you to read William P. Farley’s book “Gospel-Powered Parenting” and Tim Challies blog (on the subject of his children’s schooling). No doubt Dereck and Jill will be very involved in their local public school and their boys’ education.
ReplyDeleteI was home schooled and I have an accounting degree. I don't think being home schooled or going to public school has anything to do with the kind of degree you get.
DeleteIn their extended family, the type of education does seem to effect what line of work they pursue. Derrick was educated in the public school, went to college, and worked in a professional field that requires a degree. He is now building on that initial degree to become a lawyer through additional schooling. I admire his work ethic.
DeleteHalf of the Duggar kids were homeschooled, none earned a degree, therefore their careers are limited. No one is suggesting that a homeschooled student can’t gain acceptance into college. But, in this particular family, only the in-laws (few, at that) attended college.
I will also point out that there are faithful Christians who are graduating each year from public schools. What’s the goal? For our children to not walk away from their faith as adults? To be raised in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, fellow believers? Derrick is a shining example of the sort of young man I hope my daughters meet some day. He is firm in his convictions. That’s another benefit of public school. You witness the consequences of poor choices in the lives of your peers-it can be a strong deterrent for following suit. In our friendship circle and church family, most of the strongest Christians we know, from mid-twenties up through retirement age were all homeschooled.
I’m Anonymous, 11:07-I meant to say educated in the public school system in my final sentence.
DeleteDerek seems to be lost and not sure what he wants to do.
DeleteI really thought I remembered Derrick saying he was homeschooled to. He just went to public college.
DeleteI think Jill will be delighted with pubic kindergarten. It is not children sitting at rows of desks. It's circle time, snacks, paper mache, music lessons. I never thought Jill would be the one to break the mold and do something different. What a surprise!
ReplyDeleteIkr!! Same here, it's super surprising… not sure that I love it, though.
DeleteI'm surprised also. Initially, Jill seemed like she was going to follow her parents' lifestyle the most and Joy was going to be the one to break away. Now, Jill is wearing jeans and sending her kids to public school, while Joy seems to be the most conservative and religious of all of them.
DeleteAnonymous @ 10:56- That's funny, you just described kindergarten in our homeschool group co-op (except you forgot art class, PE, lunch & recess, and the end of year play).
DeleteDon't forget about sight words and AR books, learning to tell time. Numbers.
DeleteShe will have to teach cursive as they dont do that anymore
DeleteTime 11:56AM Sat 2/22/20
ReplyDeleteCongrats Jill & Derek.
Wow. That is a major break from the Duggar family. I'm glad to see that they are giving their children a more normal childhood. Way to go!!!
ReplyDeleteThis is monumental news! They might as well give it a go- Israel just might flourish in a public school setting. The Dillards seem to be forging their own path and that's a good thing!
ReplyDeleteIt's not really an "own path". It's a path of any regular family in America. Kids at school, parents work or study. I'll expect now Sam be dumped at some daycare and Jill going to start working. Their kids will spend all day with other people, kids and teachers at school.
DeleteIf Jill wants to work, she should be able to! There is nothing wrong with women being in the workforce, and there is nothing wrong with sending toddlers to daycare. At that age, they should be interacting with other kids.
DeleteYeah, probably, which is really sad!!!
Delete10:10- Why such hostility? I don't understand why people have to be so critical of the choices other people make for their families. Homeschool, public school, stay at home mom, working mom... it's not up to you to decide what's best for someone else.
DeleteAnon 10:10. Yeah. The world is full of people. Most of us don't isolate ourselves and our children from the world. The Duggars sure try and I don't see it as a good thing.
Delete3:48 PM: The Duggars don't isolate their kids; the kids have friends. Duggars homeschool because they want family time to be all the time, kids be close with each other, be friends.
Delete10:10- The Dillards are following a direction that is different from the rest of the Duggars in some respects when it comes to education. That is what's meant by their "own path", it's not the same as the rest of the family.
DeleteWOW!! This ought to generate a lot of fan interest in the Dillard family.
ReplyDeleteFYI for Jill and Derrick:Just because Derrick attended school in that district, doesn't mean that Israel will get the same education as his daddy did. Schools have changed a lot in the last 20 years. I know that because I'm a retired teacher.
I wonder what you mean by "same education"?
DeleteI meant that kindergarten focuses a lot on academic skills. In fact, research shows that today's kindergarten curriculum is actually the curriculum of first grade that was taught just a few years ago. Israel will need to learn and write all the letters of the alphabet, read 100 Sight Words, count to 100, name a variety of shapes, etc. by the end of his kindergarten year. I hope Jill and Derrick have been preparing Israel for kindergarten because he will be expected to write his name, name 8 colors, use scissors, and identify 4 basic shapes when he enters kindergarten. Yes, today's kindergarten is much different from years ago.
DeleteKindergartners in our district are reading by year’s end.
Delete5:44- I am a retired elementary teacher and now volunteer as a tutor in first grade. I would agree that students are expected to learn more at younger ages. I do think Israel wil be fine and will likely be ahead of the game when he starts. Jill shared some of the materials she's been using to homeschool him and it looks like academically sound curriculum that will have him well prepared. My own kids learned to read with Sing, Spell, Read & Write.
DeleteKindergarten is the new First grade in our school district. My granddaughters are doing first grade work on kindergarten
DeleteHome school is good but I'm glad he is going to a public school also. Maybe the others will to. I think it's good for children to socialize and play together.
ReplyDeleteNow that's going in a different direction with a bang. Derrick probably wants his kids to go to college too so they can have careers and not end up working for JB. No wonder Derrick doesn't feel welcome at the "big house".
ReplyDeleteLots of homeschoolers go to college, myself included.
DeleteAnon 7:31. Yes. Many home schooled kids go on to college, but the Duggar offspring don't. Perhaps the grand Duggars will change that provided their parents move away from JB and Michelle's influence.
DeleteFirst, plenty of home school kids go on to post-secondary education. Second, as this century has progressed, there are more and more opportunities for do e-learning and receiving a degree without ever setting foot in a post-secondary institute.
DeleteAlberta Rose- While I think that e-learning has it's place and can provide alternatives for students, I do think there's something lost if one never sets foot in a post-secondary school. I learned a great deal from attending college, meeting new people, and interacting with classmates and professors face-to-face. My son is working on his Master's degree now- some courses are online, and some he attends classes at the university. He says he much prefers going to class where he feels a part of the educational environment.
DeleteHow wonderful for Israel! I think it's great that Jill is expanding beyond the perimeters of her childhood and I hope it's been a positive experience for her. She has fans that support her! It would be nice to hear from her about all the changes and what it has been like for her.
ReplyDeletePublic school will broaden their experiences and horizons...Israel will meet kids from different walks of life with different ideas, different family structures, different cultural traditions. All of that is good to learn, in this ever increasing global world. Being sheltered nowadays is difficult to maintain. Congratulations Jill & Derick on this big decision.
ReplyDeleteMO- Good for them, Israel will be fine. Derrick went to a public school and has a college degree unlike any of the Duggar kids. A big deal was made about Josh getting his "diploma" at 16. The "diploma" turned out to be a GED. A High School diploma has much different requirements than a GED. :o/
ReplyDeleteOf all the people to break away from family traditions and go in another direction it was Derick, Jim Bob's hand-picked husband and prayer buddy. That must sting.
ReplyDeleteHow did this happen? JB and Michelle's heads must be spinning like tops. Their grandson is going to be exposed to the big bad world of public school.
ReplyDeleteIt's a good decision for Jill. She seems overwhelmed with her boys and this will give both of them a good break from each other. For Derick, this is just him sticking it to Jim Bob again.
ReplyDeleteGasp! I definitely didn't see this coming! S.
ReplyDeleteI see SO many parents pulling their kids from public school to homeschool because of bad experiences. Hopefully the Dillards won't experience any of the things I keep reading about.
ReplyDeleteThere are many, many people whose children are successful in good public schools, my own included. They just don't make headlines as readily as the negative stories do.
Delete6:40, I am not even talking about the headlines. I'm in several homeschool mom Facebook groups, and regularly there are moms posting that they are pulling their kids from public school because of a bad situation. It's an ongoing stream of them. I'm sure there are many who are successful. I just hope that Israel isn't one of many who have bad experiences.
DeleteI am also seeing homeschoolers entering into the public schools especially as the leave the elementary age
Delete8:49. I doubt that your homeschool Facebook groups attract the many parents who send their kids to public school every day and are pleased with it. Of course, your homeschool Facebook groups will hear from parents disgruntled with public schools.
Delete5:38, well, of course public school parents are not joining homeschool parent groups. I realize many people are satisfied with public schools. But there are also many parents who are not (and they are not just "disgruntled" - their children have undergone real things that were harmful, and the parents are acting in the best interests of their children. I've been watching the stream for years, and it's only growing.
DeleteDear Jean... There's not much one kindergarten child can teach another. Except perhaps how to be mean, take toys away, cursing etc. I have a second grade teacher in the family and homeschoolers. The home school children are better behaved and not peer dependent. They can interact with children their age, younger ones and adults. They're not missing much.
ReplyDelete1:46- Personal anecdotal observations do not complete the entire story. I could do the same, having been a public school teacher for almost four decades. People are going to be naturally biased one way or the other in this homeschool vs. public school debate. How about we just acknowledge that there's no one perfect educational prescription for all children. There are good and bad situations in public schools, as well as homeschooling enviornments.
DeleteSort of thing that was bound to happen. A Duggar daughter marries a college educated man who doesn't want to live "under the dome" with JB and Michelle. Felicity will probably attend public school too.
ReplyDeleteIm happy they choose for a public school. Its good if children also play and socialise with people that are not related. Im convinced this is a good decision.
ReplyDeleteThats cool
ReplyDeletePreschool is every day, it might be difficult for Israel from the start. Parents usually put kids in daycare first for 2-3 days a week, so they adjust better. I hope Israel is not very stressed from getting up on time every day and spend every day away from home.
ReplyDeleteYes, I thought that too.
DeleteKids are generally more resilient than you think. My own kids had no problem adjusting to a school schedule and they never went to daycare before that. They're now successful adults. Imagine that.
DeleteIsrael is going to kindergarten not preschool.He will adjust. Welcome to the real world. Homeschooling is fine for some children, however if it's a good school district they should at least try it. They also need exposed to other cultures and beliefs.
DeleteThis makes me happy beyond what words can express. School is not only education, but the priceless opportunity to be exposed to different beliefs, perspectives, cultures. There is a world out there beyond one's own little sandbox. Way to go Jill and Derick! Israel's excitement was contagious and so cute!
ReplyDeleteI remember someone gushing about that when my son entered public school. Within a year she was shunning us because my son wasn’t interested in different beliefs, perspectives and cultures, all he wanted to talk about was church and extra-curricular activities with like-minded people. The closest he got to a different culture was when a Muslim said they couldn’t sit with him on the days he brought a h sandwich to eat.
DeleteAlberta Rose, perhaps it has more to do with your influence on your child. Why was your son not interested in learning about the world around him?
DeleteMy children went to public schools in Ontario. They had friends of different religious backgrounds and races. These friendships taught them tolerance and understanding of others. Now, as adults, they have colleagues and friends that run the gamut of race and religion. They have friends who are Jewish, Hindii, Muslim, agnostics, First Nations, atheists and even evangelicals. They do not "restrict" their friendships to people like "themselves".
Did you son ask that boy why? Could it have been that the Muslim boy was fasting? A simple question could have started a friendship; your son has probably more in common with that Muslim boy than he knows.
I am sorry to hear about your son's experience- shunning someone like that is not appropriate in my book. However, I wonder about the other side of the story: is it possible that your son, whom you said only talked about church al the time, was not really communicating, but just repeating a one-sided message over and over? Communication goes both way, give and take, teach and learn. I can tell you that hearing the same one - sided message about whatever topic would annoy a lot of people very quickly!
DeleteI'm glad that Derrick and Jill are making decisions which are best for their family. Wonderful!
ReplyDeleteWell, that's an interesting development. I will be interested to hear, Jill, and Derek's, thoughts on Israel's first year, of public school.
ReplyDeleteGood friends told us that you make a decision about your child’s schooling over and over again. Each child, each year, each option: what works for one child at one time may not work for another or may not work the same way always. So far, our two kids have flourished in public school, and their teachers have blessed their lives tremendously. Our middle schooler attends a Christian club that meets before school weekly, and even though we live in a religiously plural area, it’s given us many opportunities to discuss deep issues of faith with our kids. But we also know that if things need to change, we can look at other options. Education is important, but not every child is the same, and each of us needs to do what is best for our child—and God can certainly guide us through those decisions! The decisions about schooling that Derrick and Jill make are between them and God, and it’s not our place to judge what they decide. If we are that concerned, maybe we should be praying for the kids, their parents, and their teachers instead of judging....
ReplyDeleteIt's great to see an evolution in the younger Duggars. Being exposed to other kids and adults with different views is good for any young child. Hopefully Israel is the first of many.
ReplyDeleteMy parents homeschooled me for the early grades. I definitely do not think it is for everyone. I remember wishing to go to school and thinking something should have happened that didn't (because I stayed home and life continued instead of going to school). All the best for Israel as he goes off to school!
ReplyDeleteDear Gideon: I hope that you are having, an amazing second birthday!!!!
ReplyDeleteI think it is great. Where did the the parents go to school at.
ReplyDeleteGreat news.
ReplyDeleteKindergarten is ok, but when it goes more towards the middle school, kids star smoking and using drugs.
ReplyDeleteKids are more into their phones than smoking these days.
DeleteNot all kids. In fact, most kids don't.
DeleteJust because some kids start smoking or using drugs, that doesn't mean all the other kids will follow. Life is full of bad choices and good choices. Most kids make good ones. You may not hear about those kids as often, but they outnumber the other kids. If the bad choices are prevalent in a school, then parents, teachers, and the community all need to work together to solve the problems, not just look at them and say "Well there you go."
DeleteThat doesn't happen to EVERY kid that goes to public school.
DeleteI neither smoke nor use drugs and went to public schools through my bachelor’s degree. The same is true for the vast majority of my friends. That is a goofy caricature of public schooling.
DeleteI have 4 children, the 2 youngest are high school seniors - NONE have any interest in alcohol, drugs, or cigarettes. They are not prudish, just uninterested.
DeleteDerick is just a regular guy from the same area where Jill grew up; he was not homeschooled himself. He grew up in a regular family, but when his father died he got lost and was looking for some guidance. He came to Jim Bob, and at that time Derick seemed like a religious guy who enjoyed mission work in Nepal and later in Central America. Eventually I think Derick came out of his grief and went back to what he was, and this is not what Duggar family stands for. And Jill is with him, she is loyal.
ReplyDeleteYes! I totally agree with this!!!
DeleteOh please. Just because Derrick sends his kid to regular school doesn't mean he's not a Christian. The missionary thing didn't work out, but that was IMO because Jill isn't cut out to be a missionary. Derrick is going to law school in order to get the education he needs to provide a good living to support his family. I don't fault Derrick for moving in a different direction than the rest of Duggar clan.
Delete3:43 PM: don't forget that Derick already has a degree, in Accounting, and he could provide living using that degree! If he was able to get that degree, obviously he liked it a little, because accounting is crazy, and not for everyone. But instead work he went on a mission. Nepal was ok, but then he got married, worked as an accountant, but it did not work out for him, he left for another mission. Then the mission did not work out for him, he was unemployed, sitting on internet and posting critical messages about TLC. Then he decided to get another highly demanding education, and now he is a student again. Jill seemed to be happy in CA, they had a big house, a lot of friends.
DeleteI really believe that if JB had imagined everything that's happened with jill he would never have introduced it, they're derrick this really comes out of the pattern duggar
ReplyDeleteIs it me or Dillard's lives changed since they came back to the US in 2017? I remember the romance in Nepal, singing proposal in 2014, then birth of Israel in 2015, it was all good, except maybe that scary 70-hour labor delivery. Then they left for Guatemala later in 2015 and were in and out, in December 2016 they announced second pregnancy. Jill came back for Joy's wedding in May 2017, and then Sam was born in July 2017. And then Derick started posting stuff about Jazz Jennings (for what reason??), they were fired from the show. Derick did not work for sometime, then in 2018 he started law school. Now instead maybe doing part-time accounting job, he delivers pizza... What is happening to Derick?
ReplyDeleteDerick has stated that they were never fired from the show. They decided it was in their best interests not to participate so they quit.
DeleteI don't think anything is happening to Derrick. Maybe the delivering of pizza fits in better with his school schedule than doing accounting. He's trying to provide a bright, independent future for his family. I think it's great he is doing this. Jill seems so supportive of him. I wish Derrick, Jill and the boys all the best....and any more that may come along.
DeleteI think Derick is a professional student.....when he finishes law school he will find something else he's interested in and start yet another new path.....I've seen it before.
DeleteTo be fair, what you saw was what TLC edited together and wanted you to see. They may or may not have changed. They have existed more time other than the 10ish minutes an episode the viewers got to see of them when they were courting.
Delete8:49 PM: I agree 100%. Professional student. Don't forget that he also was attending Spanish language school for several months in Guatemala, before doing real missionary work.
DeleteShouldn't Derrick be close to graduating from Law School? (This is his second year).
Delete8:49- So, what you've seen means that the same will play out for Derick? I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. We cannot know the particulars of his situation or motivations. I do not share his religious beliefs, however I do think he is ambitious and looks out for his family. For all we know, he may have benefitted from an inheritance or substantial insurance policy from his father and that's how he's financing his career pursuits and helping to support his family.
DeleteI doubt that Felicity will be homeschooled either. Jeremy went to school himself, he went to college, I'm sure he would want Felicity be the same.
ReplyDeleteI have 4 in public schools grades 7-12. No smoking or doing drugs, no negative influences from friends. Yes some of them have had ups and downs socially but that is part of growing up and gives you the skills needed for latter in life. There have also been some less than wonderful teachers (not many) but again my kids have learned skills from those experiences that will benefit them as adults. They have benefitted form the everyday academic, social and cultural challenges school presents and their horizons have been widened. Parents who send their kids to public school are no less loving or caring than those of homeschooled students. I am more concerned with raising loving, caring, respectful children who go forth like Jesus and do not judge others but accept them.
ReplyDeleteSo many people see things as black or white, that all public schools are bad, or that all home schooling is great. There are so many factors that play into how a child will turn out, such as the involvement of parents regarding behavior and studies. Involved parents pay attention to these things, along with monitoring who the children play with and what the values are that are taught in the home. There is also the factor of if your child is going to a public school in a nice area with good educational scores. We elected to send our two children to a public school and we were involved parents. Both of our children received scholarships to college for both grades and sports. They also lost their father (my husband) in a car accident when they were 15 and 17. They never once got involved with smoking or drugs. Today they are happy well adjusted adults with accounting and social work degrees from college and one is happily married. I also know children that were home schooled and rebelled and got into trouble. I believe it is most important to have loving, supportive parents, not whether they are home schooled or not. My children also know how to stand up against peer pressure and learned how to behave around all sorts of people in this world, due to not being too sheltered with home schooling
ReplyDeleteCan not believe Israel is almost 5 years old. Where did the time go? Hope Israel has a lot of fun in Kindergarten. Israel is a handsome boy. God Bless.
ReplyDeleteJoan,Marion and Marilyn
Great! Maybe the other grandkids will go to public school too!
ReplyDeleteSome of these comments to me are bizzare! It's fine for a CHILD to go to public school. We can hope ,pray and many others things . Shield them from many of life's evil ways. When they become and adult they make there own choices. I have 3 children educated in a private Catholic school. Now all consenting adults except my 1st born who past from a drug OD 1 year and 7 months ago. 2nd child have 4 children from 3 different men . A son who spends 90% of time with his wife's family. So there is your wake up call! Still love THEM ALL! Would I change anything that I did answer is NEVER!That is my opinion. All I can say you continue to LOVE them and PRAY FOR THE BEST! I really hope this get posted.Thank you Mom of 3 grandma of 11 Von.
ReplyDeleteGod has led the Dillards to this decision and I am guessing it wasn't a snap decision, only God may judge others. Dericks first degree of Accounting/Finance is not easy, nor is law school, he is the most educated of anyone, a very intellegent man with wordly experiences and has a good relationship with the Lord, so they know what they are doing with their path and childrens lives and there are some bonuses, such as learning how to critically think on a daily basis outside the family unit which is needed as an adult as parents can't solve their kidults problems for life. I also feel that Israel has exceeded the homeschooling curriculum, is a smart child, and I wouldn't be surprised if the school suggested he skipped a grade or tested him and found he is gifted and provide extra stimulation at a faster pace, teachers are professionals who know how to really push these children. Derick and Jill are both intellegent, Jill with her mid wifery studies and Derick as has been mentioned. God knows best so its not our right to question decisions of a family led by Jesus! Go Dillard family, so happy for your new adventure!
ReplyDeleteHow do you know that the child is gifted? I have been working with Gifted Children for over 40 years and honestly, what I have seen of the parents does not point to that conclusion. I usually can tell if the child is at least borderline gifted by how the parents express themselves and think.
DeleteYou do not need to be gifted (i.e. which is defined as an IQ of over 134) to earn the education credentials the parents have. All you need is an average IQ.
Let the little boy be and please do not make assumptions you have no experience making. The little boy may be "advanced" because of his mother's attention to his education but that does not mean he is gifted.
anon@12:03- While I agree that there's absolutely nothing wrong with sending Israel to public school, I'm not sure how you can make any predictions at all about him being "gifted" or skipping a grade in the future. Also, your statement, "God knows best so it's not our right to question decisions of a family led by Jesus" doesn't really follow logic for me. Claiming to be a Christ follower does not mean you automatically do what is best. I think that a huge problem with organized religion in general is that followers are not encouraged to question anything. Perhaps if they did, there wouldn't be so much corruption within so many church hierarchies today. I highly doubt Christ would expect anyone to check their common sense or intellect at the door.
DeleteTo 12:03: I skipped a grade in school, and it's not as wonderful as you might think. I was always the youngest and the smallest. Older kids can resent "the smart kid" who suddenly appears in their class. There's pressure to prove you belong there. I had to do months of extra homework to show I had mastered the grade I skipped. Moving a child ahead is not something I'd do unless it was absolutely warranted.
DeleteOn top of being in the gifted track in school, I raised a gifted child. The signs were there very early. It's a complex situation, not simply about being able to exceed a homeschooling curriculum. Gifted children exhibit a special way of learning and utilizing what they know. There's a thirst for knowledge or some sort of talent (academic, musical, artistic, gymnastic) that can't be held back. It's very apparent and can be astonishing. I don't think Jill has shared any particular accomplishments that would lead us to believe Israel needs to be accelerated academically.
To 8:39: Interesting about that IQ number. When I was in school, it was 130 or above. When my child was in school, they didn't give numbers, just percentile on the IQ test. I forget if they used the Stanford-Binet test. All I remember is being told "we can't give an accurate IQ number when a child scores in the 99th percentile on the test." Is it still that way?
After teaching Sunday School for the last 15 years, I will say that little boys who couldn't sit in a chair or walk in a line figured it out real fast the first week of public or private school. In addition to any educational opportunities, this will provide opportunities to help him grow behaviorally and socially in a highly structured environment. I agree with those who say that a decision about schooling is made every year and his needs may be different in different years, but hopefully public kindergarten will be what he needs this year.
ReplyDeleteThe choice of public school or home school is a choice that should be made by each family. I don't think we should throw shade at any family for whatever choice they make. I know JB and Michelle prefer home schooling. It is my hope that they will respect Derrick and Jill's choice regarding Israel.
ReplyDeleteIt’s sad how some people think that Jill and Derrick need prayer because they are not homeschooling. Jill and Derrrick are providing Israel with an education...why is that bad? Jill and Derrick both seem happy with the decision for their family. It’s comments like those that make me think the Duggar’s grew up in a cult-like atmosphere because anyone that does something different get shunned and made to feel they did something bad. How is education bad?? Let’s uplift Jill and Derrick! They made a decision that many other families have made and feel it is best for their family. Congrats Jill and Derrick for doing what is best for your family.
ReplyDeleteI agree....they are making decisions for their family, only Jill and Derick get to decide what is right for Israel.
DeleteI wasn't Christian or even much of a church goer when I got married. During the three platonic months, which I believe Christians call "courtship," we did discuss education of children. I was very much for home schooling, and we agreed we would give it a try. I know of other couples who discuss education, since there are Language Immersion, Art, Science and Blended Schools. I suspect this wasn't something new, it was something they discussed and agreed upon during their courtship that their children would go to a public school
ReplyDeleteGood for the Dillard’s! How in the world can this be seen as negative? Many of your readers are awfully judgmental. So it’s too “worldly??” Well, guess what? You live in this world.
ReplyDeleteGet over it and get used to adults making their own decisions for what best for their own family. Will you be this upset if each and every Duggar doesn’t completely follow their parents?
I applaud Derick and Jill. Wish they’d write a tell-all.
You go, Israel!
ReplyDeleteIsrael seems like a really nice boy. I think he will be a great student; a thoughtful classmate; and a good leader. There is a lot of discussion here, but all that really matters is Israel. Who knows him better than his parents, who only want what’s best for him. Israel seems eager to learn, no matter what environment he is in.
Israel, you have a great adventure in store. Look to God and your parents, your teachers, and it will be a good experience!
I'm not going to second guess the Dillards' decision for their own children, as they seem like thoughtful, loving parents. I hope little Israel enjoys kindergarten, and I'm sure he will. The Dillards are about to enter a fun new "season of life."
ReplyDelete