Section 1: Philosophy and Foundations
The school/program has developed written statements of philosophy, vision, mission, beliefs, and core values, as well as a statement of faith. These statements are well defined and systematically reviewed. They outline the school's/program's Christian distinctives and communicate a clear purpose and direction for school effectiveness and student/child growth and development.
Statement of Faith
The program’s statement of faith should clearly reflect biblical principles. Scripture references, where appropriate should be noted. The statement of faith of the sponsoring church or denomination, or ACSI are suitable models.
The statement of faith provides the basis from which the remaining guiding statements are developed; therefore, all guiding statements will possess a uniquely Christian perspective, clearly including a reflection of biblical principles.
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Mission
In a broad sense, a mission statement is a brief description of why an organization exists; usually described in one or two sentences. If a program is affiliated with a sponsoring organization, program leadership needs to ensure the mission statement from the sponsoring organization adequately represents the early education target group. ACSI's mission statement provides a sample to consider.
Helpful articles:
Defining Your School's Purpose
Achieve Your Mission
Teachers and Their Role in the School's Mission
Mission of the Christian School
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Vision
This statement is distinct from the mission statement. While a mission statement describes your target group and how you will fulfill the purpose of your ministry, a vision statement defines what the people in your target group will be like if you effectively serve them. An important question that can be asked is, “What is the fingerprint that this program will leave on the lives of the students as you effectively serve them?” Consider reviewing ACSI's vision statement.
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Core Values
Core values represent the deeply held, essential beliefs of the program. These words or short phrases (generally between three and seven) evoke powerful emotions about those values affirmed by the stakeholders and provide a common ground upon which all ministry in the program occurs.
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Philosophy of Teaching and Learning
In early education programs, this statement should reflect an understanding of children’s needs from a wholistic and developmental perspective. It articulates the program’s beliefs about how children learn and how they should be instructed, guided, and assessed. The statement highlights the importance of the relationship between the child and the teacher and between development and maturity. It also addresses spiritual growth and development in young children. The statement determines the instructional methods and design deemed appropriate in light of the program’s view of the nature and needs of children. The development/review/revision should be a collaborative effort, not done in isolation by a few individuals. The philosophy of teaching and learning is a critical component of the guiding statements and deserves prayerful, thoughtful, and reflective consideration.
In K–12 programs, the statement is the broad system of thought that will guide the school.
Helpful Articles:
Preserving the Distinctives
Christian School Philosophy
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Expected Student Outcomes
Early education expected student outcomes express student learning expectations; what a child will be able to do as a result of matriculating through the age groups served in the program. The outcomes broadly identify the program expectations for each student in the spiritual, physical, cognitive, social/emotional domains.
Elementary and secondary expected student outcomes express student learning expectations by providing a vision of what the students will be able to do and who they will be when they leave your school.
Expected Student Outcomes
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For early education programs, the Early Education Director's Manual will assist in developing the foundational statements. The manual was specifically designed to answer questions that surround the accreditation process; it will become and invaluable resource. Order the manual from Purposeful Design Publications.
Helpful Articles:
Excellence: An Appropriate Ethos