Philosophy, Goals & Objectives

Philosophy: The Methuen Public Schools believe that the schooling of young people is a sublime responsibility that is based upon the expectation that all students can and will master a carefully crafted school curriculum designed to provide youngsters with the skills and abilities to compete in a worldwide economy.

We recognize the diversity of our student body and celebrate differences in racial and ethnic background, abilities, talents, interests, and life experiences. This diversity provides us with the opportunity to learn from each other and to develop the skills necessary to function as good citizens and tomorrow's leaders.

Curriculum content and course offerings shall reflect the very latest educational thought and should be consistent with the requirements placed upon all school systems in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Learning experiences must provide youngsters with a solid foundation in the basic skills. However, basic skill attainment is merely an educational beginning. We expect all our students to communicate effectively, express themselves through the arts, understand healthful living, think critically about situations, be creative problem-solvers, and develop a thirst for lifelong learning.

The school system must also share in the responsibility for the social development of young people and ensure that the school environment is physically and emotionally safe. Students must develop a sense of social awareness, self-esteem, self-discipline, respect for themselves and others, and the need to take responsibility for their own actions. They must also develop a sense of community that extends beyond the school. The school system must also provide a program of co-curricular activities that teaches youngsters the value of teamwork, develops self-confidence, and generates a sense of spirit and belonging.

Teachers, administrators, and support staff must collaborate with each other, with the home, and with outside agencies. All adults must, themselves, demonstrate and model continued growth and development and must use new learnings and understandings in the educational context. Instructional staff must focus their attention on the individuality of children and adapt teaching styles and techniques to the needs of learners. In this sense, the teaching role is dynamic, exciting, and experienced-based.

We also believe that there is a relationship between the role that parents play and academic achievement. To this end, we view parents as partners in the intellectual and social development of our children. Parents are encouraged to take an active role in their child's education, taking an interest in lessons, projects and homework. We believe in involving parents in decision-making that involves their children and providing them with opportunities to actively participate within the school community.

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District Goals
2011-2012 District Goals

Based on the student achievement data, the district goals were established through collegial dialogue that involved all of the district’s administrators, teachers, and cost center managers. In order to improve student achievement at all levels and across the curriculum, the district has set the following goals…

1. Provide, supervise, and sustain effective interventions to increase the success of all underperforming students, including those in the transient and subgroup populations.

2. Continue curriculum development and revision and ensure appropriate classroom implementation of new curricula.

3. Provide, supervise, and support effective instruction that communicates high expectations and that meets the needs of all learners.

4. Improve classroom standards-based assessment practices and use of assessment data for formative and summative purposes.

5. Expand parental communication and involvement in the schools.\

6. Support our students’ learning by organizing effective organizational structures, nurturing a healthy culture, and providing well-maintained facilities.

7. Review and refine the district’s business and financial practices, including budget preparation, to ensure that they identify and effectively deploy resources to support the student achievement goals.

Adopted:                     July 22, 1997
Readopted:                  February 11, 2008, November 9, 2009

Revised & Readopted
First Reading:             March 28, 2011
Second Reading:         April 11, 2011

Methuen Public Schools, Methuen, MA

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