0000- Educational Philosophy

The Board of Education of the Valley Central School District believes that both knowledge and understanding are necessary for the recognition and discharge of personal and social responsibilities in a democratic society. The Board also believes that education is the process which presents to students the opportunity to develop to the fullest extent their capabilities to meet these needs.

In order to implement this philosophy of education, the Board established the following objectives:

1. to give students a thorough training in the basic skills;
2. to develop positive attitudes necessary for good citizenship;
3. to instill in each student a love of learning and an appreciation of beauty;
4. to promote good physical and mental health and fitness;
5. to use clear and definite standards of achievement in measuring each student’s progress; and
6. to provide each student with every opportunity to investigate his/her educational and vocational goals.

The Board is convinced that such a philosophy and such objectives can be attained only if the teachers, the students, and the community understand and fulfill the responsibilities inherent in the educational process.

It is the responsibility of the teachers:

1. to impart the knowledge which has come down to us historically;
2. to awaken curiosity and promote the search for new knowledge;
3. to stimulate creativity;
4. to inculcate habits of hard work and self- discipline;
5. to develop critical judgment; and
6. to encourage conduct based on moral and ethical values commensurate with the standards of our heritage.

It is the responsibility of the student:

1. to meet the challenge of education in such a way that his/her achievement is consistent with his/her capacities;
2. to practice the self-discipline so necessary to all of the activities which are part of school life;
3. to be aware of his/her goals in education and to keep himself/herself informed as to his/her progress towards these goals;
4. to participate in school activities according to his/her interests and abilities; and
5. to know and respect the traditions and regulations of the school.

It is the responsibility of the community:

1. to attract to the district, teachers, administrators and support service personnel who are dedicated to the ideal of the best education possible for each student;
2. to provide the buildings, equipment, books, and other materials necessary to the instructional program;
3. to support a program of such flexibility as to provide for all levels of ability;
4. to encourage the research and imagination necessary to the development, trial, and evaluation of new ideas; and
5. to create within the home and the community an atmosphere which engenders both a respect and a love of learning.

Adoption date: May 27, 1997
Reviewed: February 27, 2017