The document discusses a philosophy of education that cultivates curiosity, exploration, and independent thinking. It envisions a school culture where students are encouraged to direct their own learning outside of teacher assignments and share their interests with the community. Both students and teachers are empowered to develop personally and experiment with new strategies. Parents and community members also participate in the school's planning and instruction to support innovative practices. The overall aim is for each student to see their contributions as valuable and find learning both accessible and relevant.

1. Philosophy of Education
Nancy E. Kress
I envision a school culture in which curiosity and exploration are not only
supported, but are cultivated. Students who are able to take learning in a
direction of their own, outside the bounds of what the teacher has prescribed in
the assignment or activity, are encouraged and applauded. Students share their
interests and enthusiasms in ways that contribute energy for learning to the
community as a whole.
Individuals and groups of students are empowered to grow beyond replicating
the teacher’s way of thinking about topics, and are supported in developing and
pursuing their own personal paths to learning. Students have opportunities to
experience the ways in which their unique thinking influences the trajectory of
the learning, and to experience the value of their own ideas.
The teaching community encourages creativity and experimentation with new
teaching strategies. Educators support each other while cultivating an
atmosphere of trust that allows them to constantly strive to grow, learn and
improve both individually and as a group. This serves as the foundation for
nurturing a dynamic culture of learning school-wide, in which exploration is
encouraged and independent thinking blossoms.
Parents and community members participate actively in the school, both as a part
of the instructional curriculum, and as a part of planning. It is the school’s role to
listen attentively to parent and community needs, interests and concerns, while
also acting as the community’s experts on the subject of innovative instruction
and current best practices and requirements.
The ultimate goal throughout all of these components is the establishment of an
educational atmosphere in which each student sees his or own contributions as
valuable, and finds deep learning to be both accessible and relevant.