Usually in the Ask DataWORKS blog, we like to feature answers to questions that readers have asked. This time we are fortunate to have a special guest who has some definite opinions about education. Our guest is Yoda, the great 900-year-old Jedi Warrior, who played a starring role in the Star Wars movies. We decided to ask him to comment on the role of education today and Common Core standards in particular.
Me: Yoda, is there a Force in education?
Yoda: Hmm… The Force is with you. Even in your question. The Force is a powerful ally. Life creates the Force, makes it grow. Its energy surrounds us and binds us. Luminous beings are we, not this crude matter. You must feel the Force around you; here, between you, me, the tree, the rock, everywhere, yes. Even between the teacher and the student.
Me: You trained Luke Skywalker to be a Jedi. Can teachers become Jedi Warriors too?
Yoda: For 800 years have I trained Jedi. A Jedi must have the deepest commitment, the most serious mind. Hmmph. Adventure. Heh. Excitement. A Jedi craves not these things.
Me: Today in the United States, we are starting something new for training all young students. It is called the Common Core Standards. Some teachers are wary of it, while others welcome it. What do you think is the right approach to the Common Core?
Yoda: Remember, a Jedi’s strength flows from the Force. But beware. Anger, fear, aggression. The dark side are they. If once you start down the dark path, forever it will dominate your destiny. Consume you it will.
Me: Then you think the Common Core is dangerous to our teachers and students?
Yoda: Truly wonderful the mind of a child is. Always in motion the future is. You will find only what you bring in.
Me: Are you saying the Common Core is what we make it out to be?
Yoda: The dark side clouds everything. Impossible to see the future is. Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering. Named must your fear be before banish it you can.
Me: So if we are afraid of the Common Core, then we get into more problems, right?
Yoda: Train yourself to let go of everything you fear to lose. No different it is for any Jedi warrior. Only different in your mind! You must unlearn what you have learned. Feel the Force!
Me: Common Core is here. We just have to try to do our best is what I hear you saying.
Yoda: Do or do not. There is no try. May the Force be with you!
There you have it, dear readers. Straight from the Master Jedi! The Common Core standards are not to be feared. We just have to “do” — that is, move forward and feel the Force of growth within the Common Core. And avoid the fear. It’s all in our attitude. May the Force be with us!