JA Student Goals and Objectives

STUDENT GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

PREAMBLE

The Wayland School Committee recognizes the necessity in a public school system for creating an environment in which the human rights and responsibilities of all people who interact in any way with the schools represent important considerations in the actual functioning of the schools. Even more basic than rules, regulations, codes, negotiated agreements, and the like are the kind of ongoing interpersonal relationships which demonstrate clearly that all people in the schools value the human rights of others. The intent of this policy is to assure that every effort is made on the part of all concerned to have the schools operate in a humane manner -- one in which administrators, teachers, pupils, and parents behave in such a way that it is apparent to all that the inherent worth and dignity of every human being is valued in the schools. The School Committee accordingly directs that the Superintendent and staff members develop, implement, maintain, and evaluate appropriate regulations, procedures, and programs to carry out this policy. All students, regardless of race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or homelessness have equal access to general education programs and full range of any occupational/vocational education programs offered by the district.

STATEMENT OF POLICY

A. Equality of Educational Opportunity Shall Be Provided for Every Pupil

Explication: The basic instructional program should be essentially the same in each corresponding grade level or school in the system. The purpose of this policy is not the promotion of sameness; it is, rather, to provide a learning environment that is maximally responsive to the educational needs and potential of each pupil. In essence, there should be no imposed constraints on any pupil from any socioeconomic or minority group background which might preclude his or her full participation in the curricular or co-curricular programs of the schools. Current practices with respect to activity fees, special assessments, “late” buses, and the like should be scrutinized carefully.

B. All School Policies, Rules, and Practices shall be Adopted and Implemented Consistent with the Requirements of Due Process and Equal Protection of the Laws

Explication: Openness and mutual respect constitute essential fairness in all school personnel relationships. This policy also includes legally-based rights and responsibilities such as: the right to notice, hearings, and the presumption of innocence prior to the imposition of discipline.

C. Freedom of Expression Shall Be Encouraged and Protected and Limited Only By Respect of the Same Rights Due Other Participants

Explication: If the schools are to be an effective marketplace for the exchange of ideas and opinions, then writing, speaking, and other forms of free expression must be safeguarded and fostered. Pupils, faculty, administrators, and parents should have an opportunity for free expression and the responsibility to see that it is, in fact, safeguarded for all participants. This freedom should be exercised, of course, in ways that are respectful of the rights of others, including the common right to an effective, continuous educational program. Expression is truly free when it is accorded to those who dissent from the view of the majority.

D. The Right to Be Different Shall Be Recognized and Respected

Explication: All of us, pupils, parents, faculty, and administrators, bring to the school setting a wide range of appearances, attitudes, styles, and ideas. Our right to manifest such diversity is essential to effective education and an open society.

E. Respect for the Right to Privacy Should Be Accorded All School Participants

Explication: Information regarding the performance, abilities, and personal lives of pupils, parents, faculty, and administrators, should be regarded as privileged information. It should not be disclosed to nor discussed with a third party unless such action is vital to the proper functioning of the school or in the best interests of the individual involved.

F. The Schools Should Foster a Feeling of Freedom Either Of or From Religion

Explication: There shall be no religious exercises or activities in the public schools. The curriculum may include the study of religion as an area of intellectual inquiry. Rules and practices affecting pupils and staff should remain neutral with respect to religion, and the sanctity of religious belief or religious disbelief should be scrupulously respected.

G. Freedom of Association and To Petition Shall Be Accorded All School Personnel

Explication: Oral or written petitions relative to any of the school’s activities or positions shall be received, considered fairly, and answered. There shall be no attempt to regulate or limit the out-of- school activities of staff members or students who are engaged in political activity or other voluntary association with legally constituted groups, organizations, or individuals.

H. The Foregoing Policy Statements Imply Concomitant Responsibilities on the Part of All Concerned

Explication: Each right enumerated under this policy has a concomitant responsibility which should govern the behaviors of all school personnel. For example, if political activities, free speech, or any other enumerated policy “right” impinges on the equal rights of other staff members or students or disrupts the school program, it shall be construed as an abridgement of the rights of others and as evidence of irresponsible behavior.

I. Nothing in this policy statement shall be deemed to derogate from the powers and responsibilities of the Wayland School Committee under the Statutes of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or the rules and regulations of the State Board of Education.

New policy, December, 1972

Revised 1/14/91; 6/4/2018

Approved February 25, 2019

SOURCE: Wayland