Educational Philosophy
The primary function of the Plainfield Schools is to provide learning experiences which help each child to achieve his/her maximum intellectual development.  Successful performance of this function will provide for each child the fundamentals for competent citizenship in a democratic society. Plainfield School District 202 shares with other social agencies the responsibility for social, physical, emotional, and moral growth.
As defined by the State of Illinois, the primary purpose of schooling shall be the transmission of knowledge and culture through which children learn in areas necessary to their continuing development.  These areas include:  language arts, mathematics, biological sciences, physical and social sciences, the fine arts, and physical development and health.  Plainfield District 202 shall give priority in the allocation of resources, including funds, time allocation, personnel and facilities, to fulfill the primary purposes of schooling.
The Plainfield District 202 Board of Education affirms its support of a comprehensive educational program and shall also give priority to vocational education at the secondary level.
Instructional Goals
It is the goal of District 202's Board of Education to provide a unified approach to learning. Although teachers shall respond to the individual differences of students, there shall be a system-wide educational program that will lead to the attainment of system-wide goals.
The objectives will specify core skills and knowledge that the majority of students are expected to acquire.  Objectives will be stated in language that communicates clearly the intent of the District's program to students and to the public.  They will provide clear direction for instructional efforts and will be specific enough to allow documentation of student growth toward their accomplishment. A program for the use of student learning objectives in all courses will be developed and will include (1) instruction to specified objectives; (2) assessment of student performance; (3) maintaining student records; and (4) reporting to parents and students. 
The Board of Education recognizes that students have different backgrounds, interests, abilities and learning styles, and it shall be the purpose of the instructional program to provide appropriate teaching strategies. A variety of teaching methods and resources should be utilized to provide successful learning experiences for all students.

CROSS REF:  1:30 (School District Philosophy), 3:10 (Goals and Objectives), 6:15 (School Accountability), 7:10 (Equal Educational Opportunities)

ADOPTED:  November 22, 2004