OUR GOALS AND FOCUS AREAS ARE Curriculum of Place We encourage interdisciplinary curriculum aligned with Vermont standards that builds on and utilizes historical, environmental and human resources in the community. The community becomes a laboratory for student learning and direct participation in democratic practice. Service-Learning We use service-learning as teaching strategy to combine academic and social education goals to meet real community needs. Service-learning requires application of knowledge and skills. Systematic reflection about the experience is crucial. Student Leadership We promote respect, responsibility, teamwork and cooperation between youth and the community, and we encourage growth in participatory leadership skills and civic involvement. School Community Partnership We encourage our schools and communities to take their own actions to ensure the long-term vitality and well-being of the community. The school is increasingly viewed as a "hub" of the community. We use the concept of developing a "community of purpose." [SEE Community of Purpose] Assets Development We value students and community members as resources. We collect and analyze data about youth and community to help develop action plans and collaboratively set goals, meet challenges, and solve problems. By promoting reciprocal relationships with the community, we help our children thrive and in time they will help the community thrive. Each school completes an "Assets Survey" on a biannual basis. Results from these Asset Surveys are used to initiate projects and build community Assets. Documentation and Assessment [SEE Curriculum and VRP Reports] We encourage schools to document their stories of youth and community interaction to inspire each other and help us assess where our challenges lie. Each school is developing a portfolio to showcase their work. Portfolios will highlight student work, community contributions, depth and breadth of the work, and youth partnerships. Portfolio entries will be assessed by rubrics and will be used for self assessment and improvement as well as external documentation.