This one may get me in trouble. I have to be very clear, but if anything bothers you, you can simply pretend that this blogpost is a counter factual fantasy sequence ala It's a Wonderful Life.
Civil discussion and even argument is the hallmark of a democratic society and the basis for a number of my great friendships. Argument can lead to better understanding and even better relationship. I learn more from those who disagree with me than from a chorus of nods, and I have changed my views based on persuasive argument. A well-run argument energizes me and brings out my best.
However, too often in my world I am experiencing and participating in an number of conflicts that serve to cloud rather than clarify an issue. Most of these are disfunctional because the issue at hand is a stand-in for a deeper philosophical difference, so it is impossible to reach resolution because the real issue never comes to the fore. Therefore it goes on, causing greater division and frustration, or as Eliot so aptly described a “tedious argument of insidious intent.”
I sent a response to a concerned Catholic last week explaining my support for the adaptation of the Common Core State Standards in our diocesan Catholic schools. Unfortunately my response anymore is simply a boilerplate letter stating my views and reasons, sent with little to no hope that it will convince the writer.
Background for anyone out of this particular hellish firestorm. The Common Core State Standards were developed by a group of educators who attempted to build national standards to be adapted by every state. Previously states had independently developed standards of varying rigor and breadth. Beyond simple standardization, the CCSS sought to increase emphasis on real world skills, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration, while deemphasizing some traditional skills of memorization and rote learning. Most Catholic schools have always adapted state standards in all subjects except theology. These standards were taught in accordance with Catholic teaching and integrated with the faith formation that is essential to our schools.
The new standards are simply that, a sequential listing of skills a students is to master at certain grade levels. They do not mandate a curriculum, textbook, or political or moral philosophy. The CCSS have been in development since the Bush administration, but they were released during the current administration, and hence the firestorm. Conservative pundits jumped on the standards, not over any particular educational concern, but simply because they were released by the Obama administration. There are coded references to government control and constant direct correlation between the CCSS and Obamacare.
The banner has been taken up by leading conservative Catholic organizations and writers. The CCSS are portrayed as anti-Catholic, a government infringement on our schools, and a dumbing down of traditional education. None of these writers discuss the standards themselves, only their origin and perceived agenda. Most of the letters I receive are from people reading these outlets. None of them are from people who have read the standards. Arguments against their criticism are felt as an attack on their core beliefs, not the issue at hand.
So the argument continues, with no hope of resolution because we are arguing apples and kumquats. I will keep sending my letters, but I no longer fall into the definition of insanity by doing the same thing and expecting any different results
As always, I welcome your comments.
Image: 'I'M A WATERMELON SHARK YOUR ARGUMENT IS+INVALID'
http://www.flickr.com/photos/70285332@N00/8076047220 Found on flickrcc.net
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I am sure I have read some of those letters as they came from some of our parents. There is not a lot you can do. As I read them with our principal I compare these people with those who deny the Holocaust. Extreme I know but you simply cannot reason with them once the attack has started.