File:  IA - INSTRUCTIONAL GOALS OF THE FRAMINGHAM PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM

The Framingham Public School System is committed to the complete development of each student. Educational programs are designed to provide all students with the knowledge and skills necessary for leading a worthwhile life in a free multi-cultural society. Recognizing the individual nature of learning styles, interests and abilities, the school system endeavors to offer differing instructional techniques adapted to the unique needs of each student.

Curriculum

The Framingham Public School System maintains a challenging comprehensive early childhood through twelfth grade curriculum. It is designed to develop 21st Century learning skills:

­  teach basic communication, cognitive and computational skills;

­  promote mathematical, technological, and scientific proficiency;

­  cultivate an understanding of history, geography, government and the humanities;

­  foster creativity;

­  instill an appreciation for and proficiency in the arts;

­  nurture occupational competency and the capacity and desire for lifelong learning;

­  encourage an understanding for multi-cultural values.

Citizenship

The Framingham Public School System recognizes that students must acquire the skills necessary for becoming effective and productive citizens.  It endeavors to provide each learner with a knowledge and understanding of how our society functions and a commitment to exercising the rights and responsibilities of civic functioning. Students are assisted in gaining a knowledge of and respect for the natural environment and for the cultural, ethnic, political and religious diversities of the community, nation and world.  Opportunities are made available for them to practice the attributes of good citizenship through responsible participation in the school community.

Affective and Social Development

The Framingham Public School System believes in the essential dignity and worth of each individual and in the importance of his/her successful actions and interactions to our free society. It attempts to guide each student toward the development of self-understanding, self-esteem, self-confidence, self-reliance and self-discipline. These values are necessary for functioning effectively and for appreciating others.  It encourages individuals to exercise the qualities of courtesy, cooperation, empathy, tolerance and respect.

Cognitive Development

The Framingham Public School System is aware that effective thinking skills are essential to human existence in an increasingly complex world.  It recognizes a responsibility to promote the ability of each student to inquire, to think creatively and critically, to analyze choices, and to evaluate results in utilizing problem-solving and decision-making strategies.

Educational Environment

In order to promote effective instruction and learning, the Framingham Public School System endeavors to maintain a positive, supportive, safe and healthy educational environment in which students sense the genuine understanding, concern and accessibility of their teachers. High expectations of, and mutual respect for, students and staff are essential to the quest for excellence. Enthusiasm, creativity and inquisitiveness are encouraged in the learning atmosphere. Open communication is emphasized with an attempt to include parents and community in the process. The maintenance of favorable pupil-staff ratios along with optimal physical conditions and instructional amenities are conducive to both effective teaching and learning;

Accountability

To ensure quality and efficient education, ongoing review of the school system and its curriculum will be carried out by staff, students, parents and community. Recommendations and decisions will incorporate the knowledge, views and opinions of the aforementioned groups. Available media will be utilized in this process to increase public understanding and support.