SC Candidates were asked, Philosophy on Education?

School Committee Candidates answer Question #1...

"What is your philosophy on Education?"

Candidate, Robert Worth

"Public education is responsible for preparing all of our students to be kind, responsible, respectful, inclusive, informed members of and contributors to our society. When we do this well, we engage students in a pursuit of lifelong learning and prepare them to be purveyors of knowledge. Schools have a responsibility to teach students academic knowledge, and provide them with the social emotional skills to be able to apply that knowledge in their life. Schools are also responsible for teaching students to develop opinions, recognize and manage their emotions, engage with others and develop positive relationships, and make good decisions. Schools that do this well value teachers, curriculum, equity and inclusion, collaboration, communication, and adaptation. In my daily work with students, families, and teachers, these are things that I consider most often.

Teachers are the single most important part of education. Hiring and retaining exceptional teachers and staff, and engaging them in meaningful professional development, allows schools to meet the needs of all of our students.

Curriculum must always be engaging, authentic, and rigorous. This is how we continue our tradition of academic excellence and prepare our students to be lifelong learners and leaders.

Equity and Inclusion needs to be reflected in our policy and practice. Creating equity in schools helps to narrow and close achievement gaps, and it is what is best for all of our students and their families.

Collaboration allows us to fully build upon our individual strengths for the benefit of our students. During the best of times it propels us forward, during challenging times it keeps us afloat and helps to build a vision for the future.

Communication must reach and engage all stakeholders and encourage conversation and education within and beyond our school community. Communication should be delivered in a variety of forms, but retain a consistent message.

Adaptive practices allow us to adjust our plans to survive and thrive during unexpected challenges. Flexibility and adaptation is a skill that allows us to reach all of our students, and it is something that we must model for our students."

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Candidate/Incumbent, Leo Brehm

"Having spent my entire career in public education, I know the many moving pieces involved in managing a public school district. I am passionate and dedicated to the advancement of learning through a schooling model that is both student-centered and personalized.

I believe:

• Smaller class sizes create a more personalized learning experience. When teachers have fewer students to manage in front of them, they can be more attentive to student needs.
• Student-centered decision-making should be at the core of every policy. It is important to prioritize the policies and programs that have the most long-lasting impact on student learning.
• Teachers are the heart and soul of our learning community. Maintaining a culture of support and professional growth will attract the best teachers in the industry and inspire them to spend their entire career serving the Medfield community.
• Diligent budgeting practices should include responsible long-term civic planning. There are constant policy and budget decisions to make, and these carry long-lasting impacts on school programming and quality of education.
• Education should be inclusive and equitable for all. Our schools must be places where all children, regardless of learning needs, can find success, and where no child faces discrimination, for any reason."

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Candidate, Lauren Liljegren

"I believe a free, public education is as critical to our society and our town as any other essential service, like fire, police and hospital. Every child should have a school to go to, each school day. Schools should offer a safe and supportive school environment, intended to encourage academic curiosity and students’ love of learning. Smaller class sizes produce positive learning results. Teachers should guide students through a rigorous curriculum, ensuring much opportunity for practical and experiential learning. Students learn best by doing.

I believe a public school should foster inclusion and diversity. The most important type of

diversity we can offer Medfield students is diversity of ideas. In order to prepare our children for success, we must arm them with critical thinking skills. No one philosophy should guide our educational delivery. Politics do not belong in the classroom.

Our first priority must always be student achievement and core curriculum. We should offer an

engaging curriculum of physical fitness, art (including performing arts), music and library. Teachers and students should use technology liberally, ensuring each graduate is tech-literate.

Our school district should accept responsibility for the academic and social development of each

child, collaboratively with parents. Upon graduation, each student should be prepared for higher learning and able to participate in and contribute meaningfully to society. Our district should lead with integrity and encourage each member of our community to accept personal responsibility."