During 2008-09 the School Board hosted a series of community forums throughout the district to which students, parents, faculty, and the general public were invited to participate. The forums were an opportunity to exchange ideas, identify priorities, and define expectations regarding what it means to be a well-educated student in the 21st century.
The following questions were posed:
- What educational outcomes does the community of Hartford want to see in return for its financial investment?
- What qualities are essential for students to possess when they graduate from Hartford’s schools?
- Given limited resources, what should be our educational priorities?
HARTFORD SCHOOL DISTRICT ENDS POLICIES (Adopted 2009)
Universal End
Students will graduate from the Hartford School District equipped with a diverse set of knowledge and skills—achieved through a combination of classroom-based, hands-on, and peer-to-peer learning—that will provide them the foundation to excel in future endeavors.
Academic Excellence
Students will perform at a high level in these crucial areas of academic expertise: reading skills for information and interpretation; written and verbal communication skills; problem-solving skills based on mathematical, scientific and social-scientific knowledge demonstrated through application; and skills developed through broad knowledge of the arts and humanities. Students will participate in and understand the benefits of collaborative learning.
Technology/Information Skills
Students will be proficient in a variety of technologies in ways that are responsible, are respectful, and enhance both academic and life skills. Students will be able to critically assess and interpret information, and to communicate that information to others using appropriate technologies.
Life Skills
Students will demonstrate the ability to develop long-term life goals, to plan for their future, to cooperate with others, and to live independently within and adapt to an ever-changing world. They will be able to identify problems and determine the resources and people necessary to help solve them. Students will demonstrate the qualities essential for succeeding within and outside of the school setting, including integrity, tolerance, self-motivation and work ethic, intellectual curiosity, and respect for themselves and others.
Health & Well Being
Students will develop personal and social skills and behaviors that will support their physical, emotional and mental well-being. Students will demonstrate an understanding of how nutrition, exercise and athletics, creative outlets, self-reflection, and personal relationships contribute to a healthy, well-adjusted and productive person.
Citizenship
Students will demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of how their actions integrate with broader society, and will participate actively and positively within their school and community. Students will demonstrate an understanding of citizenship and its essential qualities, including leadership, critical thinking, self awareness, and respect for multiple viewpoints.
Global Awareness
Students will demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of the economic, political, environmental, and cultural changes occurring at the global scale, and how these changes impact their communities.