We believe that the goal of learning is understanding. All students must have equal access to a clearly articulated curriculum while engaging in inquiry, exploration, discovery, application, and reflection. Effective learning activities that lead to deep understanding begin with clear goals, and are designed to capitalize on strengths while addressing the needs of individual students. Learning begins as the acquisition of knowledge and skills; deep understanding requires a safe and vibrant learning community that allows risk-taking and fosters continual dialogue. The measure of learning and the evidence of understanding is the student’s ability to apply what is learned in school to authentic purposes and real life situations.