No. 8252

Internal Board Operations

Series 8000

Philosophy of Education

Statement of Purpose

The Board of Education of the Pomperaug Region 15 School District believes that education is a fundamental concern of a democratic society, since the survival of democracy depends on an educated citizenry.  The Board recognizes that its primary role is to facilitate and ensure each student’s fullest possible intellectual development.  The schools are directly responsible for teaching students to read, write, compute, speak, listen, and think clearly.  Toward that end, the schools must give priority to the acquisition of the basic skills and their application in thought and communication, the guidance of each student in pursuit of knowledge, and the development of pleasure in learning as a life-long activity.

The Board also recognizes a shared responsibility with families and the community at large to help students develop their unique characteristics to become responsible and contributing citizens in our pluralistic, democratic society.  All students will examine the attributes of human nature from which they will gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for their own ethical, moral, emotional, physical, and social development.

To meet its primary responsibility, we believe that the efforts of the schools should be geared toward the following objectives:

1.

Programs of study which emphasize the acquisition and use of reading, thinking, computing, and writing skills.

2.

Programs of study which are current and meaningful to students in light of the problems and challenges they face in the contemporary world.  Related to this objective is the need to ensure each student’s knowledge and understanding of significant events and thoughts of the past as well as those major changes which are presently occurring in the world.

3.

Programs of study and teaching techniques which are responsive to student differences in ability, learning style, and interest.  Each student should be challenged to his/her capacity but not frustrated or discouraged by unattainable expectations.  Programs should support students in the development of a sense of pride in work and feeling of self-worth.

4.

Programs of study and teaching methodologies including the use of technology, which prepare students to think critically and develop skills and work habits in order that they may become increasingly independent learners and workers.  Specifically, students should know how to examine and use information and processes.

5.

To develop an understanding and appreciation of language, culture, beauty, and physical well-being through a balanced program of curricular and co-curricular activities.

6.

The continuous examination of promising approaches to learning and teaching and the adoption of those innovations which will increase learning opportunities.

7.

A learning environment which reflects democratic ideas and ideals and which encourages good citizenship including cooperation and respect for others.

8.

The efficient, effective use of community resources to the extent that they may be reasonably provided by the citizens.

The Board of Education recognizes that these objectives are most effective achieved in a disciplined, business-like professional atmosphere.

Student residence in Region 15 is not a factor in his or her access to or participation in equivalent educational programs at each school in Region 15.

Adopted:

3

April

1972

Revision Approved:

23

May

1983

Revision Approved:

27

April

1998

Revision Approved:

11

January

1999