Maximize Learning & Achievement

Definition:  All children will achieve academic success through high quality, challenging programs, research-based practices, supportive policies and committed people working together in a safe and nurturing environment.

Rationale: Belief Statements...

• All students can learn when they are provided with resources and support.
• Different student needs require different resources.
• High, achievable expectations are essential for the success of all students.
• Students are responsible for their own learning.
• Staff has a critical responsibility for student success.
• Parents who have high expectations for their children's success maximize student achievement.
• A program that coordinates services and resources best meets students' educational needs.
• Learning is a continual, cooperative process among students, parents, the community and teachers.
• Diverse student characteristics are accommodated through a variety of learning options and classroom environments.
• Knowledge and skills must be combined with creative thinking and problem solving so that students can apply what they have learned and succeed in a changing, technologically advanced society.
• Students must be prepared for lifelong learning and citizenship in a free, democratic society. 

Foster Collaboration & Partnerships

Definition: As part of a community that recognizes the importance of quality education for all students to the well-being of our neighborhoods, our economy, and the quality of life for our citizens, the district and its schools, the home, and the community collaborate to meet the educational and social needs of students and their families.

Rationale: Belief Statements...

• Schools welcome community members and encourage them to volunteer their time.
• Boulder Valley School District staff is accountable to the community for student progress toward established goals.
• The district and schools make decisions in partnership with parents, community members, teachers, administrators and school board members.
• Community members - from parents, students and staff to business executives, elected officials and neighbors who no longer have children in school - contribute significantly to the success of Boulder Valley schools and should be involved in school activities.
• Parent involvement in activities that support the instructional program enhances their children's school performance. 

Value Diversity & Promote Understanding

Definition: The district ensures that staff and students work and learn in an environment where all people protect and respect the rights of all individuals.

Rationale: Belief Statements...

• All human beings have inherent worth.
• All students, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability or religion, deserve a quality education.
• BVSD will not tolerate discrimination, intimidation, harassment or violence based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability or religion.
• Healthy school communities respect differences, welcome diversity and promote cultural plurality.
• Racial, ethnic and cultural diversity should be evident across all employee groups and central administration. 

Manage Assets Responsibly

Definition: All district fiscal and facility resources are maximized to provide equitable, quality learning environments, while maintaining public confidence in management practices and results.

Rationale: Belief Statements...

• Student achievement is the first priority in making budget decisions.
• Facilities should be maintained to provide environments that promote learning and protect the health and safety of students.
• The district is obligated to taxpayers to spend money effectively and prudently.
• The district must address needs of individual students and maintain equitable resource allocations. 

Hire a High Quality, Committed Staff

Definition: A highly qualified, caring, committed, and diverse staff is recruited, supported, retained, supervised and evaluated using strategies that focus on continuous improvement resulting in high levels of organizational performance.

Rationale: Belief Statements...

• Boulder Valley School District values all employees.
• A highly qualified, committed staff maximizes student learning and achievement.
• A highly qualified, committed staff fosters collaboration and partnerships.
• A highly qualified, committed staff values diversity and promotes understanding.
• A highly qualified, committed staff manages assets responsibly. 

Plan and Assess for Continuous Improvement 

Definition:  The district commits itself to continuous improvement and enhanced organizational effectiveness through comprehensive planning based on data-driven decision making, which is focused on the district's mission and strategic initiatives.

Rationale: Belief Statements...

• The district and its schools must regularly examine the effectiveness of practices, programs, procedures and policies.
• Continuous improvement occurs through planned change.
• The continuous improvement process is a cycle that includes data analysis, determination of needs, planning for improvement, implementation of the plan and analysis of results.
• School organizations are complex and variable.
• The district and its schools must be responsive to changing needs and expectations of its clients and the community.
• Cooperation, teamwork, and partnering are the norm.