Children learn at different rates, have different learning styles and different life experiences; therefore, to facilitate development of each child’s full potential we support and encourage:

• Flexible methods of instructon in all areas of curriculum that address student differences and assure growth at every level;
• An ongoing program of curriculum evaluation and improvement;
• Class size that enables effective teaching and learning, and sufficient additional support for classrooms which include highly impacted special needs children;
• Use of the best available local, state, and national data and research to drive decision-making in order to address student needs and improve student learning;
• Development of technology competency in all students through incorporation of technology applications wherever appropriate throughout the curriculum;
• Comprehensive programs that include, in addition to core academic disciplines, foreign language; career and technical education; fine and performing arts; wellness, nutrition and physical education; and extra-curricular activities;
• Preparation of students to actively participate in the civic and political life of the community and the global economy;
• A substantive and qualitatively different gifted program for grades one through twelve;
• Exposure to possible career opportunities at all levels of education; such exposure should include opportunities such as mentoring, job shadowing, internships, cooperative work experience;
• Access to high-quality pre-school programs that meet the needs of children and their families so that children come to school (K-12) prepared to learn.

 In order to maintain a high quality staff we support:

• Appropriate training and state certification for all educators in the areas in which they teach and supervise;
• Curriculum and staff evaluation programs that incorporate specific, measurable criteria of performance and effectiveness;
• A strong, ongoing staff improvement program which includes opportunities from outside of the school system as well as from within;
• An appropriately computer-literate staff;
• Structured programs (using all relevant data) to assist staff in assessing student progress, with a goal of improving both teaching and learning;
• Effective, ongoing supervision and evaluation of all teachers, principals and administrators (tenured and non-tenured);
• Innovative utilization of all staff whenever, and wherever possible, to maximize student learning and experiences.

Children need an appropriate, safe and orderly facility in which to learn. Therefore we support:

• Well-maintained school buildings with spaces appropriate to the programs offered, flexible classrooms, and sufficient classroom and building supplies;
• Infrastructure to support the integration of technology into teaching, learning and administration;
• Relevant and up-to-date texts and media centers;
• A safe environment for students, teachers and families, one in which self-discipline, personal responsibility and respect for others are taught, modeled and encouraged.

Recognizing that education begins in the home and that the community plays an integral role in the successful education of its children, we encourage:

• Schools, families, and community to assume supportive and cooperative roles in meeting the needs of children, including pre-school for 3 to 5 year olds; parent education; home-school partnerships; school-business partnerships; and before and after school extended day programs;
• A shared role for all in addressing and meeting the challenges of funding.