Guiding Principles for Learning at The Lang School
What we do.
1.
We nurture the purpose, passion, talent, and exceptionality of each student.
2.
We provide structure and support for the exploration of deep questions and the having of wonderful ideas, both of which lead to the development of each student’s unique gifts.
3.
We center student self-awareness to develop self-regulation skills in the social-emotional, behavioral, sensory/physical, and academic learning domains.
4.
We recognize that each learner has their own launch point and journey toward mastery in each subject.
5.
We develop for each learner a tailored toolkit for independence and self-advocacy so that learners are empowered to own their impact
6.
We cultivate partnerships with students and their families that leads to a renewed trust in the possibility of school as a place for authentic learning, success, and inspiration.
How we do it.
1.
Civility, self-reflection, growth-mindset, and community are central to the learning experience. Our teachers lean into challenges, own their impact, speak up and stand up for equity and social justice to model these core practices.
2.
We center each student’s need for enrichment, acceleration and remediation in our robustly differentiated academic and social-emotional learning program so every student encounters a learning experience that fits.
3.
Our integrated curriculum develops in students a critical, speculative lens that provides for multiple points of inquiry, invites varied perspectives and brings values and ethics into focus.
4.
Our rigorous, classroom-based learning builds foundational skills and knowledge and integrates small group and 1:1 support to meet the unique needs of each of our our twice-exceptional learners.
5.
We surface and stoke passions, provide structure and viability for big ideas, instill a sense of purpose and commitment, and, ultimately, develop gifts that grow the inspiration of tomorrow's innovators and thought leaders
6.
Collaboratively created, concrete student goals are monitored through regular self-reflection and teacher feedback that seeks to increase each learner’s awareness of and connection between thoughts and actions.
What this means for our learners.
1.
They are supported academically, socially, emotionally, and kinesthetically and are empowered to take ownership of their learning goals and routines.
2.
Students discover a learning cycle defined by exploration, "falling in love," and commitment connected to extensive hard work.
3.
They develop their critical thinking and questioning skills to explore varied areas of inquiry and to make connections across subject domains.
4.
They develop and refine their executive functioning skills to manage materials, track assignments, manage time, and engage in long-term planning.
5.
They gain skills to identify their emotions and manage their actions, which in turn leads to increased self-regulation, decision making, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills.
6.
They have a voice and a say in how their strengths and challenges are understood and addressed and this models for them constructive approaches to engaging with others.
