Upgrade: 10 Secrets to the Best Education for Your Child

by Kevin Swanson

A seasoned education advocate who works with thousands of families each year, Kevin Swanson provides an expert’s framework for positive learning experiences in Upgrade. He teaches the importance of healthy parent-child relationships and having a biblical foundation, regardless of whether or not a child is homeschooled. "My purpose is simply to inform, involve, and equip parents with a basic knowledge of the principles upon which a quality education must be built," Swanson says.

Genres: Education, Nonfiction, Family, Faith

211 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Kevin Swanson is a husband, father, pastor, radio-host, and national speaker. Kevin is the pastor of Reformation Church in Elizabeth, Colorado (ReformationChurch.com).

He also serves as the Director of Generations; a ministry he founded to strengthen Christian families around the country. As a father who wants to leave a godly heritage for his five children, Kevin's passion is to strengthen and encourage families all over the world, and to cast a vision for generations to come.

For the last 13 years Kevin has hosted a daily radio program--Generations Radio-- that reaches families across the U.S. and in over 100 countries.

Reviews

[Jordan Shirkman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The concepts in this book are 5 stars. No matter what education choices you’ll make for your children, Christian parents have a responsibility to think through how to raise children to become wise, competent, thoughtful followers of Jesus. This book helps you wrestle with the right questions for your kids’ development.

The writing could use some editing and multiple anecdotes are repeated, but this is a book I’ll be referencing for many years to come.

[forthefamilyssake Hailey White · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall a nice read. I really liked the ideas in the Life Integration chapter, and the final chapter on Vision. I would have devoured this book as an new homeschooler, which I think that is who it is designed for, although it would be an encouraging read at any stage.

[Rachel Schultz · Rating 5 out of 5]

The reason this book will be one I often recommend is it covers 10 principles that should apply to the raising of every child, while maintaining freedom for families to tailor those biblical concepts to their individual children. Swanson's goal in writing is boarder than just getting someone to homeschool and appropriately balanced and caveated throughout.

We loved it! Some of my favorite chapters were: Build on the Right Foundation, Doing the Basics Well, and Quality One-on-One Instruction. I will re-read it routinely to stay sharp and refreshed on how to raise my children.

[Joshua Horn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think that the 10 principles that Swanson lays out in this book are solid. Although most of what he had to say was not new to me, I did find some fresh perspectives and helpful thoughts. One simple thing that we intend to do is to be more clear about (and put in writing) the vision we have for our children when they graduate.

It did seem like he couldn't make up his mind who the intended audience was for the book. At some points he seemed to be writing for anyone, Christian or not, but then at many other points he made arguments which assumed the Christian worldview. I could appreciate a book intended for either audience, but it was a little disconcerting switching between them.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book on education that you will ever read. It goes from the history of education, to what it has become and why. Leaves you to think about the best education for your child without making the decision for you. Rather, after you read it, you will make the best choice.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book to read when your feeling doubts and overwhelmed. So many good nuggets for my common place book..krb 10/24/17

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A few takeaways: Education is preparation for life and for eternity. Education is not neutral. The goal of protection is preparation.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent primer for the parents who are serious about the education of their child(ren). In this easy to read book, Kevin Swanson delivers practical principles derived from the Word of God in a hard hitting challenge to parents everywhere. He does not give specific "how to's" but general principles with a few over-arching suggestions. This is a book I will be reading again and referencing in my journey of raising my son, and any more children we are blessed with. Though Swanson home educates his own children, he is firm in his conviction to Christian education, not narrowly or pietistically saying his way is the only way. A highly recommend this to all parents everywhere who care about their children and their future, especially Christian parents.

[Keri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent resource for parents trying to decide how best to educate their children! He focuses on the 10 factors of a successful education and rightfully places responsibility on the parents to decide. Highly recommend this book for parents who are concerned with the future (both earthly and eternal) lives of their children.

[Michelle Heidemann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book that discusses the current condition of our schools and offers alternatives. I greatly encourage anyone to read it if they have a sincere desire to do whatever it takes to improve things in this arena.

[Brian · Rating 1 out of 5]

Interesting look into education from the standpoint that it is a parent's responsibility (and not a mass-production based union-paid teacher's responsibility) to educate MY child.

[Ligia Stockwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very thought provoking read. It revamped my whole homeschool mindset. I want to read it again at a slower pace and slowly implement the 10 keys Mr. Swanson discusses.

[Ryan M Marks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book that walks you both through the Bible and the current statistics on education. A must read for every parent as they seek to raise their children.

[Carmen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some interesting information about educating the next generation...nothing too new to my brain. Lots of biblical

[Philip Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good