Description
What We Believe
Our work toward these overarching goals is fueled by a set of Core Beliefs. We expect every adult in the system to act in accordance with these beliefs every day.
We believe that:
- All children, regardless of background or circumstance, can achieve at the highest levels.
- Achievement is a function of effort, not innate ability.
- We have the power and the responsibility to close the achievement gap.
- Our schools must be caring and supportive environments.
- It is critical to engage our students' families and communities as valued partners.
- Our decisions at all levels must be guided by robust data.
Where We're Headed
We are committed to a reality where all DCPS schools, without exception, will offer engaging instruction. School facilities will be safe, clean, and modern. And, the central office that supports schools will be efficient, transparent, and responsive.
DCPS will attract, support, reward, and retain high-performing educators, and will help to build an informed and empowered parent population that will act as a driving force for change. Throughout the system, innovative partnerships will engage the broader community in increasing educational options for students and playing an active, cooperative role in school improvement.
The following six objectives, working in concert, will enable us to realize our collective aspirations for DCPS and those we serve:
- Create schools that provide a consistent foundation in academics, strong support for social and emotional needs, and a variety of challenging themes and programs.
- Develop and retain the most highly effective educators in the country, and recognize and reward their work.
- Implement a rigorous, relevant, college preparatory curriculum that gives all students meaningful options for life.
- Support decision making with accurate information about how our students are performing and how the district as a whole is performing.
- Provide schools with the support they need to operate effectively.
- Partner with families and community members who demand better schools.
