What Matters

Abstract

DAVID PURPEL, PROFESSOR EMERITUS in the School of Education of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, delivered the keynote address at a conference hosted by the Kuyers Institute in October 2007. Entitled “Reimagining Educational Excellence,” the conference explored how the call of Micah 6:8 can reframe our visions of educational excellence. Dr. Purpel's presentation, “What Matters: A Riff on Micah 6:8,” is reproduced here in slightly edited form.

Though it overtly emphasizes technique and process, education holds a hidden curriculum—the implicit values and attitudes that are being communicated to students. A concern for excellence too often ends up mirroring the culture's preoccupation with consumerism, hierarchy, and competition and winning, merely serving the individualistic ends of social and economic advantage. Micah, on the other hand, urges us to seek justice, loving-kindness, reverence, and joy. A truly excellent education forms students who are morally responsible, dwell in community, seek justice, and care for others.