In one such conversation, a friend and I were recapping topics that are rampant in the news. School shootings are on the rise. So are other mass shootings and random acts of violence. Social media serves up videos of people doing all kinds of things. Activities that wouldn’t have been considered acceptable just a few short years ago. We started talking about what was causing the seeming global change in how people operate in their lives. This brought us to a discussion of what can bring about change that would benefit society as a whole.

I believe the answer lies not in influencing the masses but in promoting personal change within individuals. As Albert Einstein put it, ‘The measure of intelligence is the ability to change’. There are some building blocks that can change a person’s life for the better. If individuals work to change themselves, a positive effect on society will be inevitable. On the list of building blocks for individual change are Standards. Each individual must establish, standards for themselves. Nurture and apply them in their personal lives and develop themselves into well-rounded, well-educated, contributing adult members of society.

Standards Make Change Possible

In my musings on the topic of “standards”, I recalled my school days. I remembered that as a child, my class levels between kindergarten and high school were called standards rather than grades. Rather than Grades one through twelve, I attended Standards one through five. At the end of this, I took an entrance exam to qualify for my acceptance into high school. That memory made me wonder what “standards” are and why European countries (and other education systems around the world) use “standard” instead of “grade” to name their elementary school levels.

Well, then, what are standards? I’m glad you asked. I asked the same question, and Merriam-Webster supplied four main ways standard as a noun is defined. One: a figure used as an emblem by an organized body of people. Two: the personal flag of the ruler of a state. Three: something set up by authority, or by general consent, as a rule for measuring, or as a model. Four: a structure that serves as a support. 

Standards in Education

In the context of education, “standards” typically refer to a set of clear and specific learning objectives. Benchmarks that students are expected to know and be able to do at specific stages of their education. No “teaching to the test” here. Instead, standards are designed to ensure consistency and quality in education across schools, districts, and even countries.

Well-developed standards help guide the development of curriculum, instructional materials, and assessments. They provide a common and consistent framework for defining the learning objectives and content that students should achieve at each level and empower educators to plan their lessons and assess students’ progress. This makes it easier to compare educational outcomes across different schools, systems, regions, and even countries.

Standards allow for flexibility in designing and adapting the curriculum to meet the specific needs of students. They allow educators to tailor their teaching methods and materials while still working towards the same overarching learning goals.  Standards play a vital role in shaping the educational experience and ensuring that students receive a well-rounded education. An education that prepares them for success in their academic journey and beyond.

Standards Applied

The focus on standards underscores the importance of learning outcomes and mastery of specific skills and knowledge. Rather than a strict emphasis on grading and ranking students. Standards-based systems typically outline a clear progression of skills and knowledge from one level to the next. They ensure a smooth transition and continuous development throughout a student’s educational journey. Clear expectations for what students should learn are laid out in the standards. They aim to promote consistency, equity, and accountability in the education system. Standards-based education encourages a more comprehensive assessment approach. Students’ progress is evaluated based on their mastery of specific skills. Their understanding of essential concepts rather than simply assigning a grade based on a single exam or test. They also facilitate communication among educators, parents, and students about educational goals and achievements. Everyone involved can understand what is expected at each learning level.

What does this discussion of standards in education have to do with individual personal change, you ask? Again, I’m glad you’re paying attention. In life, there is no ‘teaching to the test either’. Life happens as it happens, and we have to deal with it. How then can we equip ourselves to navigate our own vehicle on this journey of life? I contend that a “standards-based” approach to our own individual growth and education is key to this journey of life. Personal education, growth, and development are essential for becoming a well-rounded, well-educated adult who contributes meaningfully to society. 

Standards, Personal Goals, and Creating Your Own Curriculum

An effective educational system would use standards to guide and assess students’ progress. Individuals too can benefit from establishing, nurturing, and applying their own set of standards. By doing so, they create a roadmap for continuous improvement, self-awareness, and the pursuit of knowledge. 

Each person can set personal standards and shape themselves into informed, adaptable, and contributing members of society.

One of the primary advantages of establishing personal standards is the ability to set clear and achievable goals. Similar to educational standards that outline learning objectives, individuals can define their own objectives, whether academic, professional, or personal. Create your own personalized curriculum for improving yourself. Especially with the internet, there is unlimited access to information. You can identify subjects or areas of interest to you, and you can explore them. You may choose to watch cat videos, other people’s foible videos, or reels. Or you can design a structured path (rigid or flexible) toward your own growth and education.

Engage in Continuous Learning and Lifelong Development:

Adopting the principles of educational standards for personal growth can encourage individuals to embrace lifelong learning. Schooling may have conditioned you to believe that in order to learn, you need a teacher, lecturer, or professor. However, education does not stop after formal schooling. As a self-directed learner, you can be your own teacher and take your learning to new heights. Make a commitment to learning continuously. You will ensure that you are adaptable and equipped to face the challenges of an ever-changing world.

Self-Assessment, Reflection, and Holistic Development

Establishing personal standards necessitates self-assessment and reflection. Evaluate your progress regularly. Identify your strengths and weaknesses, and acknowledge your achievements. These data points are vital aspects of your self-directed educational and personal growth. Honest self-reflection allows you to recognize areas for improvement. As you evaluate your progress, you can adjust your approach, fostering a sense of self-awareness and personal accountability.

Aim for a holistic approach to your self-education. Focus on making gains in more than one area of personal growth. For example, financial education, losing weight, or learning how to (“fill in the blank). Your personal standards should promote development on many fronts. As you pursue academic excellence, you must also prioritize your emotional intelligence, interpersonal skills, and overall well-being. Balancing growth in more than just one area nurtures a more empathetic, compassionate, and emotionally intelligent you. A you who can positively impact your immediate sphere of influence as well as the broader community.

Standards, Support, and Collaboration

Find or build your tribe. Becoming a self-directed learner does not mean going it alone. You would be wise to seek guidance, mentorship, and support from others. Building a network of mentors, teachers, peers, and like-minded individuals enhances personal growth and contributes to a sense of community.

Flexibility and Adaptability

Periodically, review and update your standards to adapt to changing circumstances. Your personal standards should allow for flexibility and adaptation. As you encounter new people, experiences, and challenges, be open to modifying your goals and approach to learning. By so doing, you would stay relevant and resilient.

Contributing to Society

By nurturing your personal standards, you will develop into a well-educated individual ready to contribute positively to society. Growth in empathy and adaptability will empower you. You may address social issues, participate in community initiatives, and engage in meaningful dialogue. You will be more interested in the world around you. Others may be more interested in you too.

Conclusion

Establishing, nurturing, and applying personal standards in your own life plays a pivotal role in your life. You are on your journey toward becoming a well-rounded, well-educated individual and a contributing member of society. Embracing life-altering principles, such as goal-setting, continuous learning, self-assessment, and holistic development, empowers you to shape your personal growth intentionally. By doing so, you equip yourself with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate life’s challenges. You may impact your own life, the lives of your family, and your community. You will be an asset as you contribute to a better, more enlightened society.

Well, then, here is my definition of a personal standard. A Personal Standard is an emblem (moto, mantra, mission statement, quote, etc.) established by an individual as a rule to model their own life upon and measure their progress against, to support them on their adulting journey, and to stand as that individual’s personal flag as the ruler of the state of themselves.

Call to Action

As you work towards improving yourself, it’s important to set standards that are flexible and allow for self-directed learning. Your focus should be on long-term progress, covering a wide variety of areas in your life. Remember to take a holistic approach to learning, growth, improvement, and self-assessment. Additionally, don’t forget to leverage your community to promote change within yourself. Continue to be open and transparent in your contribution to your sphere of influence.

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