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Our Guiding Principles

Guiding Principles Wheel Interactive wheel graphic with clickable icons linking to guiding principles; base layer (if present) is decorative. Empower Parents and Teachers Parents are their child's first and most important teacher. They must be an integral player in our education systems. Next to parents, having a quality teacher is the greatest determinant of a child's success. Great teachers must be celebrated and rewarded. Zero-Tolerance For Discrimination We will not allow the ascribing of traits or behavior based on race, gender, political beliefs, or religion. We will reinforce that every person has a right to reach his or her full potential. Education should provide them with the tools and knowledge to do so. Innovation There is excellence in education in Virginia, but there are many children who have not had access to that excellence. We will create a culture of innovation that breaks the "one size fits all" education model by increasing school choice (e.g. lab schools). Transparency & Accountability Our education systems will be held accountable for preparing all learners for success in life. This requires an emphasis on evidence and transparency. Post-secondary Readiness Learners must be empowered with multiple pathways to post-secondary success, including apprenticeships, internships, workforce training, dual enrollment, and other opportunities. Freedom of Speech & Inquiry Our institutions of learning will embody a commitment to free speech and the exploration of diverse ideas. Our democracy rests on the foundation that education must teach every generation how to think, not what to think. Vibrant and Safe Learning Environments All students should be in an engaging, welcoming, and safe educational environment where they learn best. We must support all possible safeguards against student and teacher harm. Wellbeing and Mental Health Student wellbeing and mental health are vital to success in school and life. Healthy school climates and strong relationships and among students, families and teachers support community connectedness. Prioritized Resources Public resources and support must be focused on those students and communities most in-need. Additional funds will support evidence-based i nterventions deployed by local education and community leaders. Access and Affordability Higher education must be accessible and affordable to all learners. Decreasing overall operating costs can stabilize and even reduce tuition. High Expectations All students deserve to be held to high expectations aligned to the needs of the knowledge economy. We will prioritize resources for those students and communities furthest behind and teach comprehensive history. GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR VIRGINIA EDUCATION Access and Affordability People (coming soon) Wellbeing and Mental Health Vibrant and Safe Learning Environments Freedom of Speech and Inquiry Post-secondary Readiness Innovation Transparency and Accountability Zero Tolerance for Discrimination Empower Parents and Teachers High Expectations

Our Guiding Principles

High Expectations

Empower Parents and Teachers

Zero-Tolerance For Discrimination

Innovation

Transparency and Accountability

Post-Secondary Readiness

Freedom of Speech & Inquiry

Vibrant and Safe Learning Environments

Wellbeing and Mental Health

Prioritized Resources

Access and Affordability