To accomplish our mission and vision, we work from our five core values, known as the A.D.I.O.S. Five:
A- Accountability, Academic Achievement, and High Expectations: We advocate that effective, researched based, and data-driven solutions be implemented to address and close the widening achievement gap. We advocate that accountability measures be put in place to ensure that every teacher, in every classroom, in every school is maintaining academic rigor, high standards, and high expectations for all students.
D- Diversity in Curriulum & Employment We advocate that teaching occurs in a context that is familiar to students and that addresses multiple ways of thinking. Therefore, students and their life experiences, backgrounds, and histories, should be placed at the center of the teaching and learning process. We also advocate that students see themselves, not only reflected in the curriculum, but also in the school and district personnel at all levels. Staff must be diverse, multiculturally literate, and capable of including and embracing students, families, and communities in order to create an environment that is supportive of multiple perspectives, experiences, and democracy.
I- Innovative Instructional Practices: We advocate that a greater emphasis be placed on the basics, while employing innovative and research based teaching strategies that will prepare our children for 21st century opportunities. Instruction on all levels needs to transcend the basic worksheet and textbook model, and move to a model that teaches students to think critically and problem solve. We also advocate on-going communication, and engagement, from our schools to ensure that our children are being prepared to meet these challenges.
O- Ongoing Professional Development & Feedback: We advocate ongoing professional development and feedback for educators aimed at fostering reflective practice and continuous learning in the workplace. We also advocate that all educators be provided with annual professional development (PD) on how to identify and resolve problems associated with educational inequities arising from prejudice on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, ability, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status.
S- Systems, Policies, Procedures, and Practices that are Effective, Equitable, & Inclusive We advocate the establishment of systems, policies, procedures, and practices that are effective, equitable, and inclusive. Schools and districts should ensure that their practices extend protections and assurances to all students regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, ability, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status, especially when it comes to discipline and anti-bullying policies, practices, and procedures.