Board Policy

BP 0000

Philosophy, Goals, Objectives and Comprehensive Plans

Vision

In order to provide a clear focus for district programs, activities and operations, the Board of Education shall adopt a long-range vision that sets direction for the district which is focused on student learning and describes what the Board wants its schools to achieve. This vision may be incorporated in various documents, including the district's mission or purpose statement, philosophy, long-term goals, short-term objectives and/or comprehensive plans.

(cf. 0100 - Philosophy)

(cf. 0200 - Goals for the School District)

(cf. 0400 - Comprehensive Plans)

(cf. 6010 - Goals and Objectives)

(cf. 9000 - Role of the Board)

The Superintendent or designee shall recommend an appropriate process for establishing and/or reviewing the district's vision statement which is inclusive of parents/guardians, students, staff and community members.

The Board shall review the district vision statements at least every three years or whenever a new Board member or Superintendent joins the district. Following these reviews the Board may revise or reaffirm the direction it has established for the district.

The Superintendent or designee shall communicate the district's vision to staff, parents/guardians and the community and shall regularly report to the Board regarding district progress toward the vision.

The Board believes that public education is of fundamental importance to a free society and to the continued development of democratic values, individual liberty and an appreciation for cultural diversity in society. In order for education to succeed, there must be an ongoing partnership between parents/guardians, students, educators, and the community.

The Board adopts the following three definitions for the development of sound and responsible educational policies:

Educational Philosophy: "Philosophy" means a composite statement of the relationship between the individual and society based upon beliefs, concepts, and attitudes from which the goals and objectives of the district are derived.

Educational Goals: "Goal" means a statement of broad direction or intent which is general and timeless and is not concerned with a particular achievement within a specified time period.

Objectives: "Objective" means a specific accomplishment to be reached that can be verified within a given time and under specifiable conditions which, if attained, advances the system toward a corresponding goal.

The purpose of the district is to provide the guidance and resources necessary to ensure an environment conducive to learning. However, it is important to emphasize that the goal of our educational system is not to supplant parental responsibilities throughout the learning process. The Board desires to foster parental participation in order that an educational climate is created which reinforces the positive and healthy development of the child.

The Board's first goal must be to provide each student with the basic skills necessary to participate and function effectively in society. In addition, the Board is committed to the goal of achieving academic excellence through a program of instruction which offers each child an opportunity to develop to the maximum of his/her individual capabilities.

(cf. 0500 - Accountability)

(cf. 1100 - Communication with the Public)

Legal Reference:

EDUCATION CODE

35160 Authority of governing boards commencing January 1, 1976

51002 Development of local programs within guidelines

51004 Education goals

51019 Definition: Philosophy

51020 Definition: Goal

51021 Definition: Objective

51041 Educational program

Management Resources:

CSBA PUBLICATIONS

Maximizing School Board Leadership: Vision, 1996

WEB SITES

CSBA: http://www.csba.org

Policy PALOS VERDES PENINSULA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

adopted: December 11, 2000 Palos Verdes Estates, California