STAAR

Educators in Texas speak and write in a code language of acronyms. STAAR is easily the most recognizable educational acronym, especially during this week of statewide testing. STAAR is the “State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness”, the standardized test most recently mandated by the Texas Legislature. STAAR replaces the TAKS which replaced the TAAS and is based on the TEKS curriculum standards set by the TEA. If all these acronyms make sense to someone, they will also know the secret handshake and have a decoder ring as full members of the educational inner circle!  The significance of STAAR and other assessments is to determine the knowledge level of students, and is also an evaluation of the effectiveness of the schools and teachers.  Educators, parents, and even students recognize that academic readiness is a link to successful careers and is the foundation for a stable culture. Thus STAAR brings accountability for students, parents, faculty, and administration through testing on various academic disciplines.

 Social Studies are one major category of STAAR alongside math, science, and reading skills. Social Studies is foundational to establishing a worldview which determines the social, political, economic, emotional, and even spiritual well-being of a specific culture. Therefore, knowledge of history sets the course for 21^st century USA customs and mores as time goes forward. Social Studies, including World History and US History are a secular subject, but the underpinning of social studies is ultimately rooted in spiritual truth.  That truth is that all history is at its core, HIS…Story, God’s story.  God has revealed Himself in creation. The oral and written record of humanity on planet earth is in context that God is the Author. The parameters for setting an historical timeline are established with an understanding of origins. Origin of the universe and of humanity is either from a secular or Biblical worldview.  A Biblical worldview is the recognition that the Source of all is God Himself. Paul addressed the great scholars of Athens and spoke this truth to them at their assembly on Mars Hill. The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands; ²⁵ nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all people life and breath and all things; ²⁶ and He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation, ²⁷ that they would seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; ²⁸ for in Him we live and move and exist, Acts 16:24-28

Thus history is HIS…Story. Jesus is literally the Power that created and now sustains the universe.  Correct answers to the STAAR test or EOC (End of Course) Assessment are bubbled in on the scantron because of  adequate study and preparation by students and faculty. By contrast, an understanding of HIS..Story is not a grade earned, but is a gift that is accepted (or rejected)  by faith. God’s Word proclaims HIS…Story of redemption, restoration, resurrection. Each “student” has opportunity now to receive the HIS…Story correct answer, which is the Grace of the Cross and the power of the Empty Tomb. The ultimate EOC (End of Course) Assessment is when Jesus returns.  HIS…Story prophesies the future as well as telling of His work through past centuries.  Celebrate His…Story now through the Presence and Power of the resurrected Jesus!