Originally Published in Michigan Live by Jim O’Donnell on September 16, 2014

Now that Michigan schools are back in session, teachers and students are operating within the framework of Common Core State Standards that were adopted by Michigan’s State Board of Education in 2010 and supported by the Michigan Legislature in 2013.

They are the same standards now used across 43 states working to set stronger benchmarks for English/language arts and mathematics for students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

Further, more than 100 of the 195 Catholic dioceses in the country, as well as Christian Reformed and Lutheran schools throughout the country have adopted the standards for their schools. In addition, these higher standards have been adopted by the United States military for the two million children of service men and women posted all over the world.

While curriculum is still set by teachers and local administrators in public and parochial schools, the Common Core standards establish the stronger benchmarks that provide consistency in higher learning for all students. I believe that the common standards will benefit students in faith-based schools, as well as those in public schools, to perform at more globally competitive levels.

As a retired teacher, principal, and superintendent in the Catholic school system, I know that education professionals in faith-based schools look carefully at any standard to determine both whether it will challenge students and ensure it does not interfere with religious identity or practices. Together, teachers and administrators decide that standards such as the Common Core are a good fit for Catholic schools. Catholic schools have always had high standards for the education of students with alignment to our Catholic underpinnings. Common Core standards are simply the next iteration.

Standards do not educate students; dedicated teachers supported by parents are the primary education resource. A solid framework does not determine good outcomes; innovative teachers using a curriculum that they design, in alignment with student family values, are the drivers to help students achieve educational goals.

Classroom teachers infuse the religious teachings and expectations into their lessons as one part of promoting Christian and Catholic identity. Education in a faith-based context is not solely dependent on academic standards; it is based on a holistic approach to integrating faith, service, and spirituality into the school culture and lessons taught in classrooms.

As someone whose career was spent in Catholic education, the focus during my time was always to educate the whole person, instilling in each student moral character, a desire for personal excellence, and a love of God. It was central to our mission. They were not add-ons to any standards or curriculum. I would surmise the same remains true today, though I have been retired since 2006. However, there is no denying that the academic success and preparedness of students is vitally important in today’s economy.

Common Core standards promote education that aligns with college and work expectations, encourages critical thinking, and builds upon previous classes and experiences. The standards provide clear, consistent expectations based on researched needs for a high-tech and knowledge-based 21st Century global economy. Yet, the curriculum design is left to the local teachers and administrators.

It’s also important for us to support high standards in the public schools. Clearly, we have many Catholic families who move their children from public to parochial schools, or vice-versa, or move from one jurisdiction to another. Stronger consistency in standards will benefit all of these students.

Moreover, we are all part of a community, state, and country that counts on education to prepare the next generation to successfully fill jobs, be productive citizens, and to become the parents that we need to keep our families and communities strong. We need to make sure that all of our schools are up to that task. Having strong standards is an important ingredient to keeping our students on track to meet post graduation expectations.

Catholic and other faith-based schools have always been lauded for high standards and a focus on the whole person. That will not change, regardless of the standards, teachers, or locale. Without any doubt, administrators and teachers each day aim to help their students pursue their goals and achieve their calling to become solid community-builders.

 

Read the original article on the Michigan Live website