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OUR PHILOSOPHY

New Morning School was established in 1973 by teachers and parents who believed in the following educational tenets:

• The program should be individualized to maximize each student's learning potential.
• Children learn best by doing.
• Children should learn to be responsible for their learning and for their behavior.
• Parental involvement is critical to a child's education.

The school’s proven educational tenets and method of instruction has evolved over 34 years of experience in the classroom. It is richly influenced by the work of Jean Piaget and by the latest brain research. Let’s look at each of these tenets further:

Individualized Education
At New Morning the needs of the individual come first. Each student has strengths and weaknesses. At New Morning School each student works at his/her level in various academic areas. Goals for each child are periodically reviewed and new challenges added.

Hands-On Learning
Active learning abounds at the school. Whether it’s hands-on algebra in the middle school, weighing pumpkins in the elementary classroom, or seeing how long it takes to melt snow in the preschool, students learn from their experiences.

Student Responsibility
Students are respected and valued for being able to give critical input about their academic interests, goals and needs. Student responsibility and initiative are expected. Students learn to set goals and attain them.

Preparation for the Future
In addition, students of the 21st century, living in a technological world, need the ability to analyze information and make informed decisions. Rote memorization is not enough. Students learn to evaluate information critically.
Problem-solving and thinking skills are stressed.

Parental Involvement
The New Morning School curriculum is complete when parental involvement is meshed with caring, competent teachers and engaged students. The three work together as a team to implement the school’s philosophy and create a positive, challenging learning experience for each child.

Student Assessment
New Morning School utilizes various proven assessment methods that provide a complete composite of student performance:

Yearly Grade Level Assessment Tests in Mathmatics and Language Arts — Preferred tests include the Key Yearly Progress Exam and the Woodcok Qualitative Inventory. Tests are adminisitered on an individualized basis based on how student's best learn (written, verbal and spatial).

Rubrics — Rubrics are assessment devices for gathering and interpreting data obtained during observations of student performance. A standard rubric will use three levels to assess performance (for example beginning, developing and proficient). Research has show that rubrics can provide a means to measure abilities that are not measurable using standard tests — ability to communicate, solve problems and employ critical thinking skills. Use of rubrics simulates real-world problem solving, encourages students to critically evaluate their own work, and provide teachers with insight into cognitive processes.

Written Studen Progress Reports — Parents are provided with detailed written reports twice a year during conferences. The report includes elements of behavior, planning skills and work habits, in addition to assessments of language arts, mathematics, social studies and technology.

Portfolios — Samples of student work help track progress over time. Improvements can be seen visually through various work samples.