HIGHGATE SCHOOL DISTRICT

Highgate Elementary School believes students...1. Can learn and experience success. 2. Learn in a variety of styles. 3. Learn continually from the world and each other. 4. Have a desire to learn. Highgate Elementary School believes students learn best when...1. Support, guidance, and positive encouragement are present. 2. Appropriate teaching methods are used and interest is sparked. 3. They are empowered to make choices about their education. 4. Continuous feedback is given. 5. They are actively engaged in their learning environment. 6. They are physically and emotionally healthy. Highgate Elementary School believes instructional goals...1. Should include expectations that are realistic and challenging to students. 2. Should enable students to be independent and lifelong learners. 3. Should reflect the notions that learning is enjoyable and that instructional activities should reflect this concept. Highgate Elementary School believes effective instruction includes...1. Enough time and resources to meet the individual needs of all students. 2. Respect for students' developmental needs. 3. A variety of teaching modalities. 4. Opportunities for student choice. 5. Consideration and respect for each individual student's history of learning andachievements. 6. Opportunities for students to work together in groups of mixed abilities. 7. Flexible groups that change as student's needs change. Highgate Elementary School believes that teachers...1. Are the change agents on behalf of students. 2. Are only one of many facilitators of learning for children. 3. Should be concerned with the whole student. 4. Should be intentional about structuring the environment for self-directed learning. 5. Should model and teach respect for individual differences. Highgate Elementary School believes that the educational community...1. Should provide a school atmosphere that is safe, creative, and positive for students andadults. 2. Should foster mutual respect for students and adults. 3. Includes the school as integral part of the community. 4. Facilitates a partnership between educators and parents. 5. Recognizes that education is both a right and a privilege.