Mission, Vision, and Philosophy

Teaching students to think critically, take risks and solve authentic problems prepares them for the future. ALL kids can think deeply and critically.

Quality instruction is explicitly modeled and practiced in an authentic way. Quality instruction gives student choice, which ensures student ownership and engagement. Quality instruction helps students create meaning and think deeply.

A trusting environment is essential for reflection. Trusting environments center on relationships and include active listening and sharing so everyone has ongoing opportunities to learn from one another.

When students are resilient they grow socially, emotionally and intellectually.

All kids can read and think deeply.

Kids need time to practice, reflect on their thinking and effectively communicate in writing and speaking.

Kids need to integrate strategies and use them across content areas.

Kids need to see themselves as readers who are building thinking strategies for life.

Kids need to read with a goal in mind and reflect on how they are progressing.

Strategy instruction should be explicitly modeled and practiced in an authentic way.

Choice in text gives students ownership and creates engagement.

Reading is about making meaning and thinking deeply.

Matching text to the individual student’s needs and interests allows him/her to grow.

All kids can write authentically.

Kids need to engage in writing for a variety of audiences and purposes.

Kids need to see themselves as writers who are able to teach and move others through their craft and voice.

Kids need to reflect on their individual goals as they engage in the writing process.

Strategy instruction should be explicitly modeled and practiced in an authentic way.

Choice in topic gives students ownership and creates engagement.

Effective writing conveys one’s thinking, experiences and emotions.

Writing instruction should be integrated in all content areas to build life-long learning.