Rooted in Tradition: Literacy and Education in...
Rooted in Tradition: Literacy and Education in Lancaster County’s Amish Community (1900-Present)
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, is synonymous with rolling farmlands, horse-drawn buggies, and the distinct culture of the Amish. While many perceive the Amish as frozen in time, a closer examination reveals a dynamic community navigating the complexities of the modern world while steadfastly preserving their core values. At the heart of this enduring tradition lies a carefully curated approach to literacy and education, a system designed not for worldly success but for spiritual growth, community cohesion, and the perpetuation of their unique way of life. This blog post will delve into the history of Amish education in Lancaster County from 1900 to the present day, exploring its philosophy, evolution, impact, and the challenges it faces in the 21st century.
A World Apart: The Historical Context
The Amish are Anabaptist Christians who originated in Switzerland in the late 17th century. Seeking religious freedom, they immigrated to Pennsylvania in the 18th century, drawn by William Penn's promise of tolerance. Central to their faith is the concept of Gelassenheit, a submission to God’s will and a rejection of pride and worldly ambition. This principle permeates all aspects of Amish life, including education. They believe in separation from the Englische (English or non-Amish) world, viewing its emphasis on higher education and material wealth as a threat to their spiritual well-being and community bonds. The Ordnung, the unwritten set of rules governing daily life, dictates acceptable behavior and technologies, constantly evolving to maintain a balance between tradition and practicality.
Education for a Purpose: The Amish Educational Philosophy
Amish education differs drastically from mainstream models. It isn't about preparing students for college or careers in a globalized economy. Instead, its primary goal is to equip children with the skills and knowledge necessary to become responsible, contributing members of their community and faithful followers of Christ. Practical skills are paramount. Children learn reading, writing, and basic arithmetic, but the focus quickly shifts to vocational training – farming for boys and homemaking skills for girls.
Religious instruction is interwoven throughout the curriculum. The Bible, hymnals, and devotional materials form the core of reading lessons. Values like humility, obedience, hard work, and community service are constantly reinforced. The emphasis is on moral development and spiritual understanding rather than academic achievement as defined by standardized tests. This often puts them at odds with external educational standards and compulsory education laws.
Unlike public education systems, competition is discouraged. Cooperation and mutual support are emphasized. Children learn to work together, helping each other master skills and complete tasks. Individual achievement is less important than contributing to the collective good.
The Growth of Amish Parochial Schools in Lancaster County
Before the mid-20th century, Amish children often attended public schools alongside their Englische counterparts. However, concerns about secular influences and the lack of religious instruction led to the establishment of their own parochial schools. The first Amish school in Lancaster County opened in the early 1900s, but their proliferation gained momentum in the post-World War II era.
A pivotal moment came in the 1960s and 1970s with conflicts over compulsory education laws. Several states, including Wisconsin, mandated attendance until the age of 16. The Amish argued that this violated their religious freedom. The landmark Supreme Court case Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972) ultimately sided with the Amish, affirming their right to withdraw their children from formal schooling after the eighth grade.
This victory fueled the growth of Amish parochial schools nationwide, including Lancaster County. By the late 20th century, almost every Amish community had its own school or shared one with a neighboring settlement. While precise statistical data is difficult to obtain, anecdotal evidence suggests a steady increase in the number of Amish schools in Lancaster County throughout the period from the mid-20th century onwards, reflecting the growing Amish population and their commitment to maintaining their distinct educational system.
These schools are typically one-room schoolhouses, staffed by Amish teachers who themselves have an eighth-grade education. The curriculum is simple, focusing on the "three R's" – reading, writing, and arithmetic – along with Pennsylvania German language instruction and Bible study. Older students often help younger ones, fostering a sense of community and responsibility.
Literacy, Vocational Skills, and the Curriculum
Amish education strives to achieve functional literacy. Students learn to read the Bible, hymnals, and other religious texts in both English and German (specifically, Pennsylvania German, also known as Pennsylvania Dutch). They develop writing skills sufficient for correspondence, record-keeping, and personal expression. Basic arithmetic is taught to manage finances, calculate measurements for building and farming, and understand basic business transactions.
The curriculum is deeply intertwined with the Amish way of life. Reading lessons often feature stories about farm life, family values, and religious principles. Writing exercises focus on practical topics like writing letters to relatives or keeping track of expenses. Arithmetic problems involve calculations related to farming, carpentry, or other trades.
Vocational skills are taught both at school and at home. Boys learn farming techniques from their fathers, including planting, harvesting, and animal husbandry. They also learn carpentry, woodworking, and other trades. Girls learn homemaking skills from their mothers, including cooking, baking, sewing, quilting, and childcare. These skills are essential for maintaining the self-sufficient lifestyle of the Amish community.
Community Impact: Preservation, Self-Sufficiency, and Cohesion
Amish education plays a crucial role in preserving their cultural heritage. By teaching children their history, language, and religious beliefs, they ensure the continuation of their traditions. The emphasis on community values fosters a strong sense of belonging and mutual support.
The focus on practical skills promotes economic self-sufficiency. Amish communities are largely self-reliant, producing their own food, building their own homes, and providing for their own needs. Their education system equips them with the skills necessary to thrive in this environment.
Social cohesion is also strengthened through Amish education. By attending the same school, learning the same values, and participating in the same activities, children develop strong bonds with each other. These bonds are essential for maintaining the close-knit nature of Amish communities.
Outside perspectives sometimes criticize the limited scope of Amish education, arguing that it restricts opportunities and hinders social mobility. However, the Amish prioritize spiritual well-being and community solidarity over worldly success. They believe that their way of life offers a more fulfilling and meaningful existence than the pursuit of material wealth.
Modern Challenges and Adaptations
Despite their commitment to tradition, the Amish community is not immune to the pressures of the modern world. Increasing interaction with the outside world, the pressures of modern employment, and the allure of technology all pose challenges to their way of life.
Finding suitable employment that aligns with their values can be difficult. While agriculture remains a cornerstone of their economy, many Amish families supplement their income with small businesses and craft industries. This requires them to interact with the Englische world to some extent, which can lead to cultural tensions.
Technology is a particularly sensitive issue. While the Amish generally avoid modern conveniences like electricity, cars, and computers, some have adapted to using technology in limited ways for business purposes. This has sparked debate within the community about the potential for technology to erode their traditions.
Maintaining cultural identity in the face of these challenges requires constant vigilance. Amish education plays a critical role in this effort, reinforcing their values and beliefs and preparing children to resist the temptations of the outside world. The use of cellphones by youth has been a particular challenge.
Challenging Conventional Notions of Progress
The Amish approach to literacy and education challenges conventional notions of progress and success. While mainstream education systems prioritize academic achievement and career preparation, the Amish focus on spiritual growth and community well-being. They demonstrate that success can be defined in ways other than material wealth and social status.
Their emphasis on practical skills, community values, and religious instruction offers a refreshing alternative to the competitive, individualistic nature of modern society. It reminds us that education can be a tool for preserving cultural heritage, promoting economic self-sufficiency, and fostering social cohesion.
Lessons for a Changing World
The Amish approach to education offers valuable lessons for other communities seeking to preserve their cultural heritage in a rapidly changing world. Their commitment to tradition, their emphasis on community values, and their focus on practical skills provide a model for maintaining a distinct identity in the face of globalization.
While not all aspects of Amish education are transferable to other contexts, their example encourages us to think critically about the purpose of education and the values it should promote. It reminds us that education is not just about preparing students for careers; it is also about shaping their character, fostering their sense of belonging, and equipping them to live meaningful and fulfilling lives. The Amish demonstrate a successful model of resisting assimilation and prioritizing their own values in a society constantly pushing for conformity.
By studying the history of Amish education, we can gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing communities seeking to preserve their cultural heritage in the 21st century. Their story is a testament to the power of education to shape individuals, strengthen communities, and sustain traditions across generations.