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The Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI)
Leading Christ-centered education toward excellence and flourishing
We want all schools to aspire to, achieve, and remain committed to a biblically-based philosophy of education, standards that are measurable, and flourishing-related criteria. ACSI strives to lead, support, and serve Christian schools, and educators, by placing them on a path of growth and flourishing using the research-based Flourishing Schools Initiative. This model should link leadership and faculty professional development accreditation, and every culture-driving component of a school. A common philosophy, and a flourishing-based metric, would unify our efforts of advancing Christian schools and educators.
Making Christ-centered education available and obtainable
ACSI is committed to making Kingdom education available to as many children and families as desire it, believing that such an education offers students an opportunity to grow in a loving relationship with their Creator, come to know His saving work through Jesus, and flourish in His Ephesians 2:10 calling for their lives. This commitment requires removing barriers to access for those who traditionally have not benefited from Christian school, as well as seeking out new ways to create access points to Kingdom education and the ability to thrive and be successful in that education—for all those who desire it.
Promoting and protecting Christ-centered education for today and tomorrow
As the largest evangelical Christian school association in the world, ACSI is by default viewed as the spokesperson for Christian schooling in the public square. In order to discharge this responsibility with excellence and seasoned speech (Colossians 4:6), and to equip our member schools to do the same, ACSI must invest in developing public-facing resources and forming strategic relationships with those working in the area of advocacy for Christian Education and for religious liberty.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT | MARCH 1, 2021
Good Professional Development Is R.A.R.E.
MATT KWIATKOWSKI
When seeing “Teacher In-Service Day” on the calendar, a typical first reaction for a teacher is, “Well, there goes a day of instruction and getting any work done.” Why is this? There are probably many reasons, but I think the biggest is because many in-services are typically a wolf in sheep’s clothing (and everyone knows it’s still a wolf). In-services should not be repetitive and boring, one-size-fits-all, and just something to check off because it ends in a printable certificate.
SCHOOL LEADERSHIP | FEBRUARY 23, 2021
Flourish: A Day of Prayer for Christ-centered Education
BECKI RUST
What’s the longest length of time you’ve had a song stuck in your head? I’ve had the same song stuck in my head for months now. Ever since ACSI decided on “flourish” as the theme for this year’s fourth-annual Day of Prayer today, February 23, I’ve been humming “Thrive” by Casting Crowns to myself. Only recently, though, did I realize how the lyrics in the first verse (“Like a tree planted by the water, we never will run dry”) echo Jeremiah 17:7-8—our theme verse for today’s Day of Prayer. The chorus declares, “We know we were made for so much more than ordinary lives. It’s time for us to more than just survive. We were made to thrive.” We were made to flourish, rooted in Christ Jesus.
ACSI Unites Educators Around the World in Annual Day of Prayer for Christian Schools
The ACSI Day of Prayer is one of ACSI’s most popular events focusing on advancing Christ-centered education through prayer. Schools can participate by submitting their prayer requests through the electronic form, which allows requests to be visible publicly on the ACSI website. They can also host an in-house Day of Prayer with their school communities.
ACSI President, Dr. Larry Taylor, anticipates the joining together of schools around the world in prayer. “There’s no doubt that this school year has been unique and often challenging, but God desires for His people to flourish despite the surrounding circumstances,” he said.
The theme for this year’s Day of Prayer is “Flourish,” inspired by the research validated ACSI Flourishing School Culture Model. Prayer times will be focused around the model’s five domains: Purpose, Relationships, Teaching & Learning, Expertise & Resources, and Well-Being.
Mike Epp, ACSI Senior Vice President of Global, believes this event marks a beautiful, renewed commitment to worshipping God and seeking Him wholeheartedly.
“It has also been remarkable to see the international connections taking place on this special day of prayer,” he said. “It reminds us of God’s worldwide work of redemption and how His message transcends all cultures, unifying us as brothers and sisters in Christ.”
According to submitted prayer requests, schools from more than 50 countries including China, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Egypt and more plan to participate.
As stated on the Day of Prayer website, one of the foundational verses for this initiative is James 3:4. Taylor said this verse serves as a reminder that even though a ship is large and driven by strong winds, it’s truly steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go.
“At ACSI, we believe a biblically based philosophy of education is the rudder to disciple the hearts and minds of the next generation, and a foundational component to discipleship is the spiritual discipline of prayer,” he said.
ACSI is providing several Day of Prayer resources for schools, including a Prayer Guide packed with creative ideas on how they can make the day special.
The Master’s Academy, an ACSI member school that participated in 2020 Day of Prayer, thoroughly enjoyed the day with their school community. “It was a special start to our week as students and staff gathered for the ACSI Day of Prayer,” the school tweeted. “TMA is proud to be part of the group of #schoolsthatpray.”
To learn more about Day of Prayer, visit the website https://www.acsi.org/day-of-prayer or contact ACSI Care Team by calling (800)367-0798 or emailing careteam@acsi.org.
About ACSI:
Headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colo., ACSI exists to strengthen Christian schools and equip Christian educators worldwide as they prepare students academically and inspire them to become devoted followers of Jesus Christ. ACSI advances excellence in Christian schools by enhancing the professional and personal development of Christian educators and providing vital support functions for Christian schools through multiple services including teacher and administrator certification, school accreditation, legal/legislative assistance, and curriculum publishing. Serving more than 25,000 schools in 108 countries, ACSI helps more than 5.5 million students worldwide connect to Christian education.
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