Policy - AD

POLICY: AD

EFFECTIVE DATE: 3-6-24

CANCELS SHEET DATED: 2-4-16

REVIEWED BY POLICY COMMITTEE: 1-17-24

EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY/MISSION

As advocates for children, the RSU #74 Board recognizes that the thorough and efficient education of children is its primary statutory-based responsibility.  The RSU #74 Board considers proper and adequate support of schools to be a civic responsibility shared by all citizens.

RSU #74 provides an educational environment designed to encourage each student to acquire the necessary skills and perspectives needed for a meaningful life and career.  RSU #74 strives to encourage students to form desirable habits that are necessary for becoming responsible, informed citizens.  We aim to have students develop attitudes and practices necessary for satisfying, worthwhile lives.

We believe that all children must be provided equal but not identical opportunities to achieve at levels commensurate with their abilities.  All students must learn in an environment that allows the development of positive attitudes toward themselves and genuine respect for others.

A rigorous core curriculum designed to achieve specific learning outcomes is provided.  It is planned with the goal of creating and maintaining standards which furnishes students with the skills necessary for success in a global society. Additionally, providing educational foundations compatible with their interests, aptitudes and goals.  The curriculum and graduation requirements are regularly evaluated to ensure continued appropriateness.

In order to achieve our goals and to implement this philosophy, we believe that all RSU #74 schools must secure the involvement of the community, students, staff, parents and citizens.  Educational responsibility is shared with important community institutions.  RSU #74’s success depends on good rapport and cooperation with our communities and its institutions.

RSU #74 Board recognizes the professional staff as the body that is legally charged with the responsibility of providing education to all children.  In fulfilling this responsibility, the staff seeks to ensure the following.

A. All children are encouraged to master basic skills in the areas of language arts, mathematics, science, history, and technology.

        B. Instruction is provided which is appropriate to each individual with respect to goals, methodology and evaluation.

        C. Students are seen in their totality as physical, mental, social, and aesthetic beings, which requires knowledge of child growth and development.

D. RSU #74 staff members, in order to effectively execute their responsibilities, are required to establish goals for themselves consistent with the philosophy of the RSU #74 Board and individual schools.  RSU #74 staff members are required to engage in a self-evaluation process for the purpose of self-improvement--the ultimate objective being an improved instructional program for all students.

   E. The RSU #74 Board recognizes that this highly technological society demands that students learn how to cope with change and learn to accept that "learning" is a continuous process.

The RSU #74 Board fully accepts the responsibility of formulating policies and acquiring adequate funding to support the education process.  The RSU #74 Board always considers the welfare of students as the single most important factor in making decisions relative to educational policy.  It is the responsibility of the RSU #74 Board and administrators to promote sound educational practices and professional development.

Legal Reference:  20-A MRSA, §§ 1001(1-A); 4511(3)(A)