We believe that a successful student...

• Understands that life-long learning is essential for productive and responsible participation in a diverse and changing world.
• Can identify and master knowledge, skills, and attitudes that will benefit him/her throughout life.
• Is motivated and takes responsibility for his/her learning and personal conduct.
• Enrolls in a rigorous academic program of study designed to develop individual talent.
• Must have equal access to public education that promotes optimal growth.
• Utilizes technology to explore a world of ideas and information.

We believe that an effective school...

• Endorses a clear and focused mission which eliminates fragmentation of effort and promotes student achievement.
• Provides a safe and orderly environment conducive to teaching and learning and to the development of character and ethical citizenship.
• Provides a climate of high expectations that fosters learning and provides quality education experiences for all students.
• Engages in shared instructional leadership that is collaborative and promotes school improvement efforts.
• Provides opportunities to learn and time on task through interdisciplinary instruction, performance-based assessment and real world application of knowledge and skills.
• Frequently monitors student progress to ensure accountability.
• Encourages and develops family, school, and community partnerships.
• Prepares all students to be a University of Maryland system completer, a career/technology education completer, or both.

We believe that an outstanding school system...

• Respects the dignity and worth of every individual.
• Provides programs and service based on needs, characteristics, interests, and capabilities of each student.
• Provides an effective principal in every school and an effective teacher in every classroom.
• Offers a challenging, ethically diverse, multi-cultural curriculum.
• Insists on a results-oriented, data-driven focus which is based on continuous growth and evaluation.
• Defines expectations and holds all personnel accountable for results.
• Ensures that every employee models ethical behavior, exhibits a strong work ethic, and achieves high performance standards.
• Engages in fiscal responsibility to the taxpayer.
• Takes respnsibility for recruiting, developing, and retaining qualified, caring, motivated, and competent employees.
• Provides equal opportunity and encouragement for every student.
• Identifies needs and manages resources effectively and efficiently.
• Values diversity.
• Provides competitive salary and benefits package to employees.
• Provides effective leadership and supervision at the central office level.

We believe that in an effective classroom, the teacher...

• Takes responsibility for the motivation and success of every student he/she teaches.
• Recognizes that every student is unique and has special abilities and interests that must be acknowledged and developed.
• Has a responsibility to engage every student in learning, problem solving and decision-making.
• Reflects on his/her teaching practice and provides opportunities for success by using a variety of teaching techniques that meet multiple learning styles.
• Has achieved mastery of content knowledge and teaching skills and continues to seek opportunities for professional growth.
• Is responsible for modeling good work ethic, citizenship, personal values, and social skills.

We believe that a supportive community...

• Recognizes that public education is the foundation of a democratic society.
• Values education and cherishes children.
• Provides adequate resources and demands excellence.
• Recognizes that all citizens have a stake in public education.
• Is compelled to make an investment in the future of our youth.
• Creates and maintains a stable, supportive environment for education.
• Fosters regular and open communication among the home, school, and community.
• Respects and appreciates students and school employees.
• Actively supports our commitment to challenge all students to achieve their potential.
• Is responsible for establishing values and expectations that support the learning process.
• Works together to create a better future.