Policy IA: Goals of Instructional Program

In keeping with the Mission Statement of the Amherst, Pelham, and Amherst-Pelham Regional Districts, the School Committees affirm the responsibility of the school system:

To challenge all students to achieve academically at an internationally competitive level through the acquisition of high-status knowledge, academic engagement, and school membership for every student, from pre-kindergarten to high school graduation.
To develop and deliver curricula that adhere to national professional standards, align with state curriculum frameworks, and are consistent with the district instructional priorities and Social Justice Commitment.
To eliminate institutional impediments to student achievement that contribute to differences in student achievement and success associated with race or socio-economic status.
To provide students with a rigorous, comprehensive, and well-rounded education that extends beyond core subject courses to include fine and applied arts, world languages, health and fitness, and technical and vocational programs.
To utilize appropriate, effective, research-based practices and innovative course plans, units of study, lesson plans, pedagogy and assessment practices.
To employ best practices of differentiated instruction to ensure that every student is learning.
To maximize each student’s achievement directed by district curriculum standards and objectives or, as agreed upon, individualized goals.
To provide academic support, enrichment, and other special services and programs to help increase students’ achievement.
To prepare every student to be successful in higher education, whether the student intends to attend college directly after high school or whether the student has other plans for the future.
To nurture every student’s curiosity, interests, and aspirations.
To prepare and encourage every student to be a participating, responsible citizen within a global society.

The School Committee will rely on its professional staff to design and implement instructional programs and courses of study that support the educational goals of the school system.

Region Voted to Approve: 12/04/07 amended 4/29/08
Amherst Voted to Approve: 12/11/07 amended 5/20/08
Pelham Voted to Approve: 1/03/08 amended 6/17/08
Effective Date: 1/03/08 amended 6/17/08