0-GuidingPrinciples



The Guiding Principles for Secondary Schools: **Relationships at the Center** Students feel known, valued and inspired to perform at their highest potential. Collaboration (student-to-staff, student-to-student, parent-to-student) personalizes learning. Every student has an adult advocate who encourages high achievement. Positive relationships are promoted. **Focused Learning** Student learning, starting with literacy, drives all decisions, including those related to instruction and construction. Purposeful teaching is responsive and challenges each student to meet or exceed district/ state standards. Hands-on, interest-based, collaborative experiences allow all students to experience success on a daily basis. **Identity-Purpose** Each small learning community has a distinct, well articulated vision, mission and focus embraced by all and imbedded in the schools culture. This vision/purpose acts as the foundation for building design, curriculum, instructional approaches, and ongoing professional development. Students choose small learning communities reflective of their unique learning needs and interests. **Community** School/community partnerships promote real-life learning experiences. Each student’s cultural background and experiences are respected, valued and connected to the curriculum. Resources are equitably distributed to ensure success for every student. Students are connected to the community through internships, job shadowing and community projects. **Accountability** Outcomes are specified and measured. Members of the school community work together, share expertise, employ data, and exercise leadership to ensure that student achievement is the intended result of all decisions. They retain primary responsibility, are provided with appropriate flexibility, and accept accountability for decisions. Parent/guardians partner in the responsibility for student engagement and success.
 * //Vision/Mission://** Working together to ensure each student becomes a successful and productive citizen in a diverse society.
 * //Guiding Principles://** Developed through extensive study, research and travel, and collaborative discussion, these guiding principles represent our core values and purposes. They serve as the filter through which important decisions are made, particularly when individuals interests and desires come in conflict with foundational goals.
 * //We believe//** continued growth toward the full implementation of these principles will lead to:
 * Every student proficient in literacy and math
 * Every student from every ethnic group graduating on time
 * Every students prepared for college, career, and citizenship.