BELIEF STATEMENTS:
Our democratic society depends upon citizens who think effectively, read critically, discuss intelligently, evaluate ideas constructively and creatively, and act wisely based on a commitment to ethical values. Each individual has inherent value and dignity, and everyone has the right to public education throughout life. The complexities and global nature of today's world require that education work in partnership with the rest of society to promote excellence, accountability, lifelong learning, and receptiveness to change.
THE LEARNERS NEED:
- to know all students can learn and achieve;
- to know that learning is more important than mere possession of knowledge;
- to have a positive attitude toward learning;
- to have successful experiences and recognition;
- to be partners with parents/families, school staff members, and the community in providing a caring, secure climate and supportive environment in which to learn;
- to have feelings of self-worth;
- to strive for physical and emotional well-being;
- to learn the importance of critical thinking, communication, computation, and an appreciation for cultural diversity;
- to possess human relations and decision-making skills;
- to be responsible for their actions;
- to become productive and contributing citizens of society;
- to recognize that learning is lifelong;
- to meet the physical, academic, social, and emotional needs of learners through programs designed to maximize individual growth in:
A. Self-Concept - to understand themselves and appreciate their worthiness, potential, and right to become meaningful, productive members of society.
B. Human Understanding - to develop a global perspective and the ability to interact, understand and appreciate individual differences to become influential citizens of the world.
C. Essential Skills - to ensure the mastery of basic communication skills to be functionally literate; to be able to think critically to solve problems in a constantly changing world; to understand and appreciate the sciences and the arts; and to demonstrate skills in citizenship, community service, and human relations.
D. Creative Development - to have the opportunity and encouragement to be creative and visionary.
E. Environmental Awareness - to exemplify and implant the obligation to protect and preserve the planet on which we live.
F. Joy of Learning - to enhance an eagerness for learning and a positive attitude toward work.
G. Physical and Emotional Well-Being - to procure beneficial health habits and concern for good physical and emotional stability.
H. Self-Sufficiency - to prepare for a productive, honorable, and enriched self-sufficient life.
THE PARENTS/FAMILIES NEED:
- to provide a positive, supportive home environment where the importance of learning is emphasized;
- to be an informed partner in their child's learning process and progress;
- to be involved in schools and be knowledgeable about the decisions that affect their child's education;
- to appreciate and understand the benefits of cultural diversity;
- to have educational opportunities to grow as parents, families and individuals.
THE SCHOOL STAFF MEMBERS NEED:
- to be qualified, committed, and influential people participating in an educational partnership;
- to know they have an impact on the self-esteem, growth, and success of the learner;
- to know positive expectations influence performance;
- to recognize that excellence and success increase if they are identified and rewarded;
- to utilize various experiences, skills, styles of teaching, time management, choice of materials, assessment, and evaluation;
- to be responsible for communicating with the learner, parent/family, other school staff members, and community;
- to use their leadership, integrity, and flexibility to grow personally and professionally;
- to exercise opportunities for growth, wellness needs, and recognition.
THE COMMUNITY NEEDS:
- to embrace that education is the backbone of a strong cultural, social, and economic society;
- to view education as an investment in the future;
- to work in partnership with the educational system realizing the value and mutual benefits;
- to appreciate the cultural impact provided by education;
- to provide the necessary resources to meet the needs of learners;
- to provide a safe, supportive environment for learning.
THE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM NEEDS:
- to design and follow programs that address the abilities, interests, goals, and needs of all students;
- to require fiscal responsibility and accountability;
- to be receptive and accommodating to change that is in the best interest of learners, parents/ family, staff, and community;
- to provide a nurturing environment in which to learn;
- to communicate effectively and work in partnership with learners, parents/family, staff, and community;
- to meet the physical, academic, social, and emotional needs of learners through programs designed to maximize individual growth in:
A. Self-Concept - to understand themselves and appreciate their worthiness, potential, and right to become meaningful, productive members of society.
B. Human Understanding - to develop a global perspective and the ability to interact, understand and appreciate individual differences in order to become influential citizens of the world.
C. Essential Skills - to ensure the mastery of basic communication skills in order to be functionally literate; to be able to think critically in order to solve problems in a constantly changing world; to understand and appreciate the sciences and the arts; and to demonstrate skills in citizenship, community service, and human relations.
D. Creative Development - to have the opportunity and encouragement to be creative and visionary.
E. Environmental Awareness - to exemplify and implant the obligation to protect and preserve the planet on which we live.
F. Joy of Learning - to enhance an eagerness for learning and a positive attitude toward work.
G. Physical and Emotional Well-Being - to procure beneficial health habits and concern for good physical and emotional stability.
H. Self-Sufficiency - to prepare for a productive, honorable, and enriched self-sufficient life.
Our philosophy of education recognizes the inevitability of change. As knowledge expands, society will continue to be challenged in its ability to comprehend new information and deal with its implications. MAPS believes that the principles outlined in this statement of philosophy are compatible with society as we anticipate it to be in the future and a prerequisite for a future of which we can be proud.
Cross Reference:
Moorhead School Board Policy 104: Mission Statement