Of Standards and Such the Like 

This week and next week our Year 3s and 5s are doing the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) which measures their learning against all Australian students in their respective age group.  Society expects us to measure up to specified standards of behaviour, achievement and capabilities to mention a few things.  What happens when we do not meet social standards or expectations?  A range of consequences can result from our lack of meeting social standards. 

There are standards of things in life that we can improve on through prayer, intentional hard work and support of others. Academic progress could be one of those things that humans are able to improve.  There are however, “artificial” standards set by society that lend themselves readily to discrimination and segregation—both aspects which society generally denies practicing even though our histories provide evidence of their existence. Being civil and accommodating individual differences of things individuals cannot change about themselves is one of the key things to a harmonious society.   

Next week, we will be focusing on the things we have in common as people while celebrating the diversity of cultures and views that we represent at Prescott Primary Northern. So, while we work through standardized tests this week and wait for moderated results that pit our school against other schools, may our real goal be the unity of Christ before whom, thankfully, we are all equal.  What similarities do you have with others regardless of visual or superficial differences?