Statement of Beliefs

Balanced Curriculum / Powerful Teaching and Learning

We believe all students can learn and succeed through skillful instruction of a challenging and balanced curriculum. Through this students will:

  • Learn from a committed, responsive, knowledgeable, and skilled staff who meets the educational needs of all students

  • Master basic skills in reading, writing, speaking, listening, mathematics, science, social science, and languages
  • Acquire knowledge and apply skills by participating in a rigorous and relevant curriculum
  • Plan their futures through career awareness and training in employability skills
  • Learn to be responsible citizens in a democratic society through community service
  • Enjoy a passion for learning and develop individual talents by experiencing a rich variety of educational opportunities in academics, fine and applied arts, athletics, and activities.

High Standards and Expectations:

We believe high standards and expectations drive LAUSD. We believe that students who reach high levels of achievement are better prepared for future success. We believe that stakeholders who hold themselves accountable to high standards of performance are committed to continuous improvement. We believe that systems of assessment and accountability keep us responsive and serve to inspire and reward progress.

Core Values

We believe students whose character reflects the core values of respect, responsibility, honesty, integrity, perseverance, dignity, and compassion will lead quality personal and professional lives, and will enhance our democratic society.

Safe, Nurturing Environment

We believe that students learn best when they are in a safe, nurturing, supportive, and accepting environment. Such an environment fosters physical and emotional security, allows responsible risk-taking, builds resiliency, and focuses the school climate on learning.

Teachers and Staff

We believe that students learn best when surrounded by a highly skilled staff that is committed to the growth and development of each student. We believe that a staff knowledgeable in academic content, well trained in effective teaching strategies and the use of technology, and who collaborate professionally with their colleagues, are best prepared to meet the educational needs of their students.

Communication and Life Skills

We believe effective communication skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking and the life skills of cooperation, collaboration, problem solving, decision making, and conflict resolution are critical to student success in academics, career choice, and interpersonal relationships.

Collaboration / Communication Systems

Because we value each other’s unique role in the success of students, we believe that collaboration among students, families, teachers, staff, administration, Board, businesses, and community yields higher quality outcomes for students and creates a sense of ownership and responsibility for the decisions made. We believe effective communication systems link the school, family, and community in an exchange of information that serves to inform, educate, obtain feedback, solve problems, provide resources, celebrate accomplishments, share ideas, promote public education, and build cooperation for the ultimate benefit of our students.

School-Community Partnerships

We believe that in a changing society, students benefit from strong partnerships among schools, families, and community agencies. Through these joint efforts, students gain access to support systems they need to grow academically, socially, physically, and emotionally. Partnerships among schools, businesses, colleges, universities, trade schools, and employers provide opportunities for community-based learning, expanded resources, innovation and new ideas, and greater involvement between students and community.

Preparation for the Future

We believe students are best prepared for the future when they have mastered basic skills and have acquired advanced knowledge of mathematics, science, and communications. In an information age, students will apply their learning through critical- and creative-thinking and problem solving. With the use of current technology, students will have the tools to access, evaluate, and use information to expand communication, knowledge, and relationships. These transferable skills and knowledge will prepare students for a changing job market. We believe students who gain an understanding of, and respect for, individual and cultural differences live enriched lives and are better prepared to work in a global economy and live cooperatively in a diverse society.


BOARD APPROVED 3/27/00

Last Modified on May 11, 2007