The Common Core & the Cornerstone

  by Sally Matheny

Common Core

   

     Common Core. 

     Two simple words have created a divisive buzz in the educational realm. All sides agree on providing fair and excellent opportunities for students. But there’s little common ground on how those are obtained. 

     

     Beyond the educational segment, there’s another division throughout the population. Many are also doubting the reality of Jesus Christ.
     The stressed foundation of the Common Core prompted a few thoughts about the need for a strong Cornerstone. 

     The United States’ “school chiefs and governors recognized the value of consistent, real-world learning goals and launched [the Common Core State Standards] to ensure all students, regardless of where they live, are graduating high school prepared for college, career, and life.”

      

     Not everyone agrees with the implementation of the Common Core, but many have to follow it, regardless of their opinion. How many have adopted the Common Core? Forty-three states, the District of Columbia, and four territories. Some want to rescind, so that number may be changing.

          

     Did you know a common core exists in all of us? There are over 7 billion people in the world.But unlike the state’s educational standards, each person has the freedom to accept it or not.

     Amazingly, every one of those 7 billion people is unique. No two are exactly alike in mind or body.  However, we all share one thing. We have the same Creator.

 “Rich and poor have this in common: The LORD is the Maker of them all.” Proverbs 22:2 (NIV)

 

     Some parents and some teachers do not feel comfortable with the educational system’s new standards. They’re not sure the Core will produce the outcomes for which they had hoped.

     What hope do we have in God’s teaching?

     Isaiah 42:4b-7 says,

 In his teaching, the islands will put their hope.

This is what God the Lord says—
the Creator of the heavens, who stretches them out,
    who spreads out the earth with all that springs from it,
    who gives breath to its people,
    and life to those who walk on it:
 “I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness;
    I will take hold of your hand.
I will keep you and will make you
    to be a covenant for the people
    and a light for the Gentiles,

to open eyes that are blind,
    to free captives from prison
    and to release from the dungeon

 those who sit in darkness.

     Don’t we all want someone to take us by the hand and care about us? Isn’t it our desire to be a guiding light to those blinded by ignorance? Everyone is a student. Everyone is a teacher.

     A common list of standards was the basis for the development of the states’ educational goals. Even if schools comply, it is debatable whether all will have the ability to achieve the objectives.

     However, for all the people in the world—their purpose, whether they accept it or not, is based on the cornerstone, which is Jesus Christ.

     Obtainment of the highest goal is guaranteed for every individual except for those who reject the standards of His Cornerstone. For it’s only through following His principles that we become accredited.

    

Jesus is the Cornerstone

     It appears the original Common Core State Standards are suffering a few stress fractures. Tweaks and changes are necessary. 

     However, Jesus Christ, the Cornerstone, remains complete and steadfast.

     When we allow God to adopt us into His plan, He provides training for the journey. And while our life experiences vary, we stand on equal ground at the foot of the cross.

     Christian classmates, I’m thankful during the tests of life (and especially on the final exam) we have the Cornerstone in common.