Publications & Sites 
District 181 Board approves philosophy statement
Updated: July 8, 2012 8:06AM
Despite concern expressed by some board members that it is too broad, a Philosophy of Teaching and Learning for Hinsdale-Clarendon Hills Elementary District 181 was adopted Monday by the School Board.
“It’s very broad; for better or for worse,” said board member Russel Rhoads. “The problem is that any path one chooses to go down can be supported by this statement.”
That led member Yvonne Mayer to vote against adoption of the plan.
“This has morphed into something far broader; I think this is still a work in progress,” she said. “When you read a philosophy statement, it’s usually succinct. This is not coherent; the problem is it’s too long.”
The philosophy statement is a response to part of a review of the District 181 gifted education services, conducted by consultant Tonya Moon and her colleagues from the University of Virginia.
The report contained several recommendations, including the writing of a district philosophy statement.
The statement is divided into three areas: Who We Teach and Where They Learn, High-Quality Curriculum & Instruction for All Students, and Commitment to Student Growth.
District 181 embraces a vision of being a school district where all children experience success and exhibit grow in excellence, according to the statement.
The document also has a separate section regarding provisions for advanced learning stating the mission is “to provide ongoing support and opportunities for students to work and think like practitioners, professionals, and experts in the real world through the delivery of advanced content, the development of increasingly sophisticated skills, and the creation of authentic products.
