WHOLE SCHOOLING!!

EXCELLENCE AND EQUITY
To Build Inclusive and Democratic Societies

Who we are. Our vision. Our mission

Our Vision

We believe that the central purpose of schools is to create citizens for democracy -- individuals who have skills, attitudes, and knowledge to be productive community members, leaders, parents, and workers.

To achieve this end, schools must create a culture and use a set of practices that engages children and youth in authentic problem-solving and exploration, a culture where personal best learning, care, and empowerment are central. Such schools are founded on Six Principles:

1. Empowering citizens in a democracy
2. Including all
3. Providing authentic, multi-level instruction
4. Building community
5. Supporting learning
6. Partnering with families and the community

In Whole Schools, children with substantial differences learn well together – students with mild to severe disabilities, gifted, from many cultures and ethnic groups. Teachers instruct using authentic learning connected to their lives, local communities, and social issues. Students learn at their own level of challenge while working on interesting projects involving heterogeneous groups. Teachers work to build a sense of community, teaching children to help one another. Staff pull together to form a circle of support around children with emotional and behavioral difficulties. Partnership and democratic decision-making occur at all levels – from school-wide decisions to daily practice in the classroom. Whole Schools form a culture where children achieve at their highest levels and learn a socially responsible, democratic, and inclusive form of community they will carry into their adult lives.

Michael Peterson, 2002