Belief Statements

• Strength of character and empowerment through knowledge work together to support students in becoming valuable members of their families and society.
• Every student can learn; students who believe they can - continue to learn.
• Building interest in learning without lowering standards is key to promoting lifelong learners.
• Individualized, competency-based learning in every subject improves student success/ self-esteem and builds a strong base for further learning.
• Students can gain critical thinking and problem solving skills that assist them in applying what they have learned and help them to become self-assured and productive members of society.
• Using a variety of instructional approaches and assessment techniques improves student learning.
• Striving for continual improvement enables SCLA to effectively service the needs of students and their families.
• All stakeholders in a child’s education share the responsibility of supporting his/her success.
• Decision making for the school is a collaborative process whenever possible.
• Two important factors for the success of the students are structure and education.
• When students are provided with a safe learning environment, their opportunity to learn is greatly enhanced.
• Change in human behavior and perception is possible with 100% commitment and an openness to see many possibilities.
• Honesty with self and others is the basis for healthy, strong, and loving relationships, in which individuals are accountable for their choices.
• Respecting self and others by valuing human diversity enhances learning and self-esteem.
• Self-reflection - moving from an external to internal motivation - is key to self-improvement in social and civic behavior.
• Being in service to others is vital to becoming socially responsible members of society.
• Students gain social, academic, and lifelong knowledge/skills through quality modeling, teaching, and mentoring by the staff, parents, and other community members.
• Students’ learning and behavior improves through providing many opportunities to experience caring relationships, high expectations, and meaningful participation.