Educational Philosophy
NEPN/NSBA Code: AD

I. GENERAL PURPOSE

The School Committee is committed to a philosophy of service to all children. The objective is to contribute to the development of each child into a mature individual and a responsible member of society. This objective can be best met by the encouragement of a school program that recognizes the intellectual, physical, civic, social/emotional and aesthetic concerns of children in a democratic society.

The School Committee realizes that an effective public school program must direct its resources toward all children and that it must also consider the unique differences of individual children.

The School Committee recognizes that the guardianship of public education involves a trust and an obligation to the children and the community—that the goals of education are fundamentally the goals of democracy.


II. OBJECTIVES

In the practical application of this philosophy, opportunities shall be provided which challenge each student to the maximum of his/her capacity:

A. To learn, insofar as his/her ability permits, to think critically and act effectively through the mastery of the basic skills, such as reading, writing, mathematics and the use of written and spoken language, as well as current technology;
B. To develop and appreciate our national, state and local heritage, and gain knowledge of the culture and history of other peoples;
C. To develop intellectually, emotionally, morally and socially so that problems of everyday living can be dealt with successfully;
D. To develop a healthy body;
E. To develop intellectual curiosity and creativity;
F. To acquire the basic preparation for various vocations and professions in society; and
G. To develop as life-long learners.

III. THE STUDENT AND METHOD

Desirable learning is based on worthwhile effort and active participation on the part of the student—his/her experiences in facing problems, seeking solutions, planning, sharing in work to be done, recognizing mistakes and evaluating what has been done.

A curriculum calling for constructive activity on the part of the individual suggests that the method of education is increasingly that of guided self-education. The school directs learning opportunities; these opportunities encourage responsibilities to be taken by the students.

We believe that children learn best when they are interested and when they have a sense of need and purpose.

The teacher’s task is to inspire, challenge, direct, discover, strengthen interests, help the student to set objectives that are worthwhile, attainable and dynamic, and to guide the student’s efforts of self-education.

Teachers and the system as a whole should strive to instill a continuing desire to learn.

The basic worth and dignity of the human being should at all times defended and upheld.

Adopted: Prior to 1982
Revised: June 8, 1992; ________