[I-1,I-2] The Purposes of Schooling by Mikael Powell

THE SCHOOL PURPOSE BIN

I. ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Compiled and written by Mikael Powell
II. GUIDE TO READER
My artifact exemplifies the public elementary school options in Dallas, Texas. I have reviewed the Mission Statements of almost every school in the district and shown them within the operation of either DISD or a public charter school board. I have identified the type of delivery system for this organization and envisioned other delivery systems. I have created a wood model 2”deep, 24” wide by 24’ long to illustrate the concepts. This project focuses the national conversation of different purposes for education to a specific locale. I had assumed that there was a loose unity in the mission statements of the 127 elementary schools in the district, but rather, I found a plethora of options---- if you live in the right place.

I looked to this assignment as an opportunity to study education from a different angle – to dispassionately review the players and systems as an outsider vying to for positive change.
Therefore, if one looks at education as a service, and the teachers and infrastructure as a process, why could not the purpose bins be interchangeable? Wouldn’t that bring about better efficiency and choice? Anyway, the following is my exploration of the elementary schools in Dallas.

III. ON A MISSION
Presently, Dallas Independent School district is the 12th largest district in the United States serving 161,000 students. I focused on the 127 elementary schools and 17 elementary charters schools to read each mission statement or motto and determine which purpose bin they fit in. I read all but about a half-dozen. I categorized them in the following bins: Academic, Social Change, Economic Utility, Socialization, Individual/ personal growth, Democratic, Combination (mainly a mix of Academic and Personal growth) and None (meaning they had either no mission or a slogan like “Success!”). Many schools in this category touted a “safe and nurturing environment in which to learn”. It is interesting to note that four schools listed the State standardized test in their mission statement and two of those had school motto’s which included recognition categories i.e. “A School to be ‘Recognized’ and Together we can reach ‘Exemplary!’”. Several schools used a version of “If it’s to be*(e) it’s up to me!” for their motto. The strangest slogan was “Education unlocks the hidden rooms of the mind” – the motto of the Ann Frank elementary school.

I compiled the totals of each group and created symbols for each purpose bin. Descriptions of the symbols follow.

*This is the motto of the Buckner Elementary Bees.

IV. Purpose of Education SYMBOLS
A Democratic Purpose (green square) –Educating the young in support of democracy may be leadership’s highest calling - John I. Goodlad

This purpose supports the notion that in order for a democracy to function, an intelligent citizenry is needed. Schooling is therefore the institution that molds civic leaders.
Advocacy groups - Forum for Education and Democracy, which attempts to raise the level of dialogue about education and particularly the democratic purpose of schooling and “to bring debate back to local communities nationwide”[i]. The IEI, a nonprofit advocacy group looks with disdain upon high stakes testing and laments that placing the task of social change on schooling is a “serious mistake”.

A Socialization Purpose (red triangle)–
The socialization purpose states that schools are to teach persons to live in society and learn cultural norms. This purpose carries an importance in integration discussions, whether voiced or not. Many aspects of socialization in public schools have been studied, i.e. social class setting and reproductive and non-reproductive knowledge[ii].
This purpose is anathema to Home Schoolers who contest the assumptions that Socialization is necessary, good, or to be properly socialized “children must spend large amounts of time with their peers[iii]”.

A Economic Utility Purpose (brown rectangle)- “Economic utility tells children "If you will pay attention in school, and do your homework, and score well on tests, and behave yourself, you will be rewarded with a well-paying job when you are done"-Neil Postman[iv]

For the purpose of this study, I am reviewing elementary schooling. Obviously, there is a need for ‘vocationalism’ in the high school setting. Many municipalities, Ontario for instance, have stated that jobs are not the main reason for elementary school, rather it is to instill worthy values[v]. One cannot argue though that in many third world countries and underdeveloped regions of the United States, the basic skills learned in school are the foundation for securing entry-level low wage careers.

A Social Change Purpose (light green long triangle)-
The purpose of schools is to awake the masses to social progress.
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 was a foundation for President Johnson’s Great Society. His program aimed to provide resources to combat illiteracy, unemployment and crime. His goal to close the literacy gap is still sought after today.
An Academic Purpose (blue half-circle) - The purpose of school is to develop skills to reason, create and imagine.

Certainly, the Academic purpose is one that can be stretched to include many reform initiatives. ‘Excellence” in education can imply mastery of a state high stakes test and it can imply individual growth – especially in regard to gifted students. Many charter schools tout their academic aspirations and some have fallen short with academic plans for students with disabilities. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote, “The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. But education which stops with efficiency may prove the greatest menace to society. ... We must remember that intelligence is not enough. Intelligence plus character -- that is the goal of true education[vi]."

A Personal Growth Purpose (yellow circle)- The purpose of schooling is to meet each child where he is an advance him to his potential.

To those ends these school utilize an ‘ILP’ (Individual Learning Plan) for personal growth. This quasi-contractual document to prescribe instruction based on academic, social or behavioral needs may be fashioned similar to the state required IEP for students with disabilities. Of course, this concept is not new or exclusive to this purpose of education. Personal growth plans, especially when connected with students of learning differences, have been construed to enable ‘cultural’ assessment instead of individual assessment and even economic utility practices. Moreover, care must be taken to coordinate individual growth with state mandated achievement results.

V. MISSION RESULTS

My research concluded that 35 schools had a democratic purpose, 25 academic, 21 had a combination of several missions, 19 personal growth, 12 socialization, 4 economic utility, 4 social change and 49 None (or vague slogan).

I observed that Dallas Independent School district is a large organization that is shaped to provide infrastructure and resources for several elementarily schools. While many of the schools share the same general purpose for schooling, presumable each principal creates their school’s unique version and supports its implementation through use of facilities, hiring and schedule. Not surprisingly the district mission is to “to prepare all students to graduate with the knowledge and skills to become productive and responsible citizen” or basically to be all things to all people. Although I know there are arguments for decentralizing programs to increase local control, I suspect that efficiencies can be gained by utilizing concepts of Mass-customization of services. The best way to minimize costs while maximizing individual customization [providing different purposes at district schools] –is by creating modular components that can be configured into a wide variety of services.[vii].

VI. DESCRIPTION OF THE DELIVERY METHODS – Mix Modularity
See Model Section “E” - The DISD, at it’s kindest assessment is an example of providing services through a mix modularity mode. This amorphous organization functions to provide an array of distinct services. As the services change the organization changes. To attain efficiencies with this model , however, the district has to develop a ‘recipe’. Consider an ice cream cone vendor. They are equipped to handle all the customers in a day, but they have relatively few components – ice creams, sprinkles, cones etc… Yet they are made efficient by the strict recipe that allows them to stock the ingredients and make unique Mocha- Sprinkled cones in mass.

VII. DESCRIPTION OF THE DELIVERY METHOD- Bus Modularity
See Model Section “C” -Another method would be Bus Modularity. In this example DISD would provide a framework to which each purpose could be interchangeable. A clothesline in which garments can be pinned anywhere along the rope is a good example. An efficiency in this system would be that resources could be split between the bus (infrastructure) and the service (curriculum, instruction). Creating an adequate environment is always apropos; tweaking the curriculum - even incremental revisions can be always progressive. One need not throw money into a school infrastructure that merely had a good program.

VIII. DESCRIPTION OF THE DELIVERY METHOD- Component-sharing [left] and Component-swapping [right] modularity

See Model Section “D” - Component sharing and swapping methods require that the school purpose be “packaged” and the degree of ‘fit’ needed is handled by the chosen method. In the sharing mode, a school would opt for an Academic Achievement orientation by excising the existing program and embracing the new one within it’s present framework. Component swapping would entail appending the new onto exiting structures. An example of the component sharing system is way cars are produced in America. The chassis is the same for many car styles. Efficiencies for the school district would be attained through economies of scope.

IX. DESCRIPTION OF THE DELIVERY METHOD- Sectional Modularity

See Model Section “F” - Sectional modularity creates a series of schools by modulized components. It is the Lincoln log system. The district would create a set of Purpose types, curriculum/instruction types and facility types that could be interchanged throughout the district. This model would allow for intensive on-going research and revision on each type. Schools would have the option to arrange components as they wish.

X. Reflection –
I experienced this project as a way to look at how services are provided thorough the school district in the hopes of provident a more efficient system.

It is apparent how very difficult it is to reform education! Everyone has a different opinion for the purpose of education. Several areas of reform (curriculum, instructional staff, resources, political nerve) influence the other. High stakes standards without adequate resources affect the overall system and have resulted in four of our elementary schools including test proficiency in their school mission. Moreover implementation is as important as the actual concept itself. I learned that there are many successful small-scale reforms, but taking them to scale is a hard, or impossible in some instances.

At one time I assumed that charter schools will definitely be the best avenue for reform, but now I have new respect for other vehicles, other purposes for schooling and other professionals that are earnestly trying to make the system better. Moreover, I am not discouraged.
Appendix
The Dallas Independent School District mission:
1. Our mission is to prepare all students to graduate with the knowledge and skills to become productive and responsible citizens.
The DISD is the 12th largest school district in the nation.
The district serves a 351-square-mile area and 11 municipalities.
About 161,000 students are enrolled for the 2003-2004 school year.
Elementary Schools - 99,633
Racial Distribution :Hispanic – 62.5%, African American – 31%, White 5.4%, Other 1%.
2. Incidence of word frequency in individual school missions/mottos:
"Success"- 38, "Citizen" -28, "Individual"-14, "Culture"-3, "Discipline" – 5, "Excellence "-26, "Change"-1, "Social"-25, "Fun" -5, "Effort" -6, "Learning"-49, "Community" – 40, "Potential" -12, "Expectations" – 10.
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Schools:
Nathan Adams Elementary School
Motto/Mission:The mission of Nathan Adams Elementary School is to achieve the highest standard of intellectual, physical, and social growth in the students while respecting individual differences.
John Q. Adams Elementary School
Motto/Mission:Community, staff, and parents work together to inspire students to become successful and independent thinkers. WE ARE JOHN QUINCY ADAMS AND WE ARE "ON THE MOVE!"
Birdie Alexander Elementary School
Motto/Mission:We will come to school each day and work hard to prepare for success in the future.
Gabe P. Allen Charter School
Motto/Mission:Our mission at Gabe P. Allen is to make our school a happy place to be, a place to learn, a place to make friends, a place where we can be the best that we can be.
William M. Anderson Elementary School
Motto/Mission:Our mission is to implement identified strategies at each grade level, using the state adopted TEKS and district approved curriculum, that will provide all students with the academic and social skills necessary to be successful learners at the next grade level.
Arcadia Park Elementary School
Motto/Mission:Together We Can and Will Succeed
Arlington Park Community Learning Center
Motto/Mission:Our Mission is to provide the most effective comprehensive education, while recognizing the individual background of the students at Arlington Park Elementary School.
Bayles Elementary School
Motto: If it's to be, it's up to me. Mission Statement: We, at Bayles Elementary, are committed to providing a safe and structured environment where all students can learn and reach their fullest potential, becoming lifelong learners supported by the high expectations of their teachers, guardians, and school community.
Mary McLeod Bethune Elementary School
Motto/Mission:Motto: "Enter to Learn. Exit to Serve."
W.A. Blair Elementary School
- - - - -
Annie Webb Blanton Elementary School
Motto/Mission:Motto: Leadership with the Pride of Lions! Mission Statement: Our Mission is to provide a quality instructional program which promotes student self-esteem and prepares our students to be successful at the secondary level.
James B. Bonham Elementary School
Motto/Mission:"Soaring Above the BEST" To build and maintain a premier school that prepares all students to graduate with the knowledge and skills to become productive and responsible citizens.
James Bowie Elementary School
Motto/Mission:If it is to be, it is up to me.

Jimmie Tyler Brashear Early Childhood Development Center
Motto/Mission:To establish within each child a strong sense of self-esteem and self-worth and to ensure successful experiences during the early years.
John Neely Bryan Elementary School
Motto/Mission:Excellence starts here
Robert C. Buckner Elementary School
Motto/Mission:Motto: "If it's to 'bee,' it's up to me!"
Harrell Budd Elementary School
Motto/Mission:As an educational community entrusted with the lives of children in our community, we will focus on providing our students with a safe and nurturing environment that will cultivate both their educational and social well-being.
Rufus C. Burleson Elementary School
Motto/Mission:We the parents, teachers, and staff of Rufus C. Burleson pledge to educate all students to become responsible and productive citizens. Our students will achieve greatness through social and academic goals.
David G. Burnet Elementary School
Motto/Mission:David G. Burnet is committed to ensuring each child a quality education. We believe that quality education should prepare a youngster for further education and responsible, productive citizenship.
W.W. Bushman Elementary School
Motto/Mission:The mission at W.W. Bushman Elementary School is to ensure that all students are able to experience optimal opportunities to be successful in class and skills as required by the Dallas Independent School District and the state. It is our goal to guide students into developing a love for learning to prepare them for future endeavors as it relates to their pursuit of an adult career and the need to cope with everyday life skills. Bridging the gap between the school and the community will provide opportunities for the students to benefit and grow in many facets. Our mission is to develop the whole child through an integration of both school and community involvement. This includes physical, mental, and psychological interaction with resources and persons available. As an integral part of this community, we envision a partnership with parents, surrounding businesses, and other stakeholders to embrace the students and staff at Bushman in support of our efforts and responsibilities to its children.
William L. Cabell Elementary SchoolTo provide an instructional program that fosters proficient learners. To increase students' higher-order thinking skills. To assess, analyze, and target specific skills for students on an individual basis in order for students to achieve mastery of all TEKS objectives.
F.P. Caillet Elementary School
Motto/Mission:Our mission is to prepare all students to achieve academic success through reading, basic skills, problem-solving, and character education in a safe and risk-free environment.
John W. Carpenter Elementary School
Motto/Mission:Developing Lifelong Learners and Responsible Students
C.F. Carr Elementary School
Motto/Mission:"Promoting Success in the West"
George Washington Carver Learning Center
Motto/Mission:MOTTO: "Excellence Today, Tomorrow, Forever." MISSION: To provide a quality and comprehensive education for all students. We are committed to instructional goals, objectives, and accountability so that students learn and experience maximum success. We foster self-discipline and high expectations for our students, staff, and community in a positive school environment.
Casa View Elementary School
Motto/Mission:Our mission is to provide every student with a safe, nurturing environment where all children feel valued and are encouraged to reach their full academic potential.
Central Elementary School
Motto/Mission:Provide quality education that will maximize the academic, physical, and social growth for each student in a positive, supportive environment conducive to learning.
César Chávez Learning Center
Motto/Mission:Mission Statement: Through the power of knowledge, imagination, and spirit, we ascend toward excellence in a global society. Motto: Where TOGETHER we are meeting the academic needs of ALL students, by any means necessary.
City Park Elementary School
Motto/Mission:To provide a nurturing educational environment and prepare all students to graduate with the knowledge and skills to become productive and responsible citizens.
Nancy Cochran Elementary School
- - -
S.S. Conner Elementary School
Motto/Mission:Our mission is to educate all students for the next grade, as we train each for a lifetime of health and productivity.
Leila P. Cowart Elementary School
Motto/Mission:To create a learning community where all students are supported as they reach their highest potential.
Gilbert Cuellar Sr. Elementary School
Motto/Mission:Aim High! Go Far! We're the Cuellar Superstars!
Billy Earl Dade Learning Center
Motto/Mission:School Motto: Great Expectations - Anything Less Is Not An Option; School Mission Statement: To educate all students who enroll and remain to become life-long learners, to develop responsible productive citizens of independent thinking with the communication and social skills/graces needed to meet the demands of the future. ...The Billy Earl Dade Learning Center does not exit or function in isolation from its stakeholders. Our collaborative efforts strengthen our ability to yield productive and responsible citizens.
B.F. Darrell Elementary School
Motto/Mission:Our mission is to provide all students with a foundation that assures optimal growth in all areas so that they become productive members of society.
George Bannerman Dealey Montessori
Motto/Mission:The mission of George Bannerman Dealey Montessori Academy is to create independent individuals by means of their own activity and effort via moving from concrete to abstract thinking processes.
Everette L. DeGolyer Elementary School
Motto/Mission:Everette L. DeGolyer, Where Learing is Delightful
Lorenzo De Zavala Elementary School
Motto/Mission:Where Students Meet Success...
L.O. Donald Elementary School
Motto/Mission:Our mission is to build a strong academic foundation that will prepare our students with the skills to become productive and responsible citizens.
Julius Dorsey Elementary School
Motto/Mission:Our mission is the ensure the academic and social success of all students by uniting active community participation, a nurturing school environment, and total commitment in a way that will promote high faculty and student expectations so that students become life long learners and productive members of our society.
Frederick Douglass Elementary School
Motto/Mission:Frederick Douglass is a school "Where Believers Are Achievers."
Paul L. Dunbar Learning Center
Motto/Mission:Reach for the Stars
Amelia Earhart Learning Center
Motto/Mission:Educational Excellence for Everyone at Earhart
J.N. Ervin Elementary School
Motto/Mission:We Build Champions
James W. Fannin Elementary School
- - -
Tom W. Field Elementary School
Motto/Mission:Tom W. Field Elementary School is committed to providing the highest standards of quality education for all children. We are dedicated to building a safe, nurturing, learning environment, led by a qualified, caring staff that are responsive to the needs of all learners, respecting their diversity, values, culture, and community.
Stephen C. Foster Elementary School
Motto/Mission:Stephen C. Foster Elementary School uses progressive and dynamic instructional strategies to develop responsible, collaborative, critical thinkers who are lifelong learners and leaders
Anne Frank Elementary School
Motto/Mission:Education unlocks the hidden rooms of the mind.
Julia C. Frazier Elementary School
Motto/Mission:To provide students with academic, social, and moral success. These successful experiences will ensure that our students become responsible, contributing, and participating citizens of the community.
Charles A. Gill Elementary School
Motto/Mission:We, the staff of Gill Elementary School, are strongly committed to providing all students with the academic and social skills to become productive and responsible life-long learners.
Tom C. Gooch Elementary School
Motto/Mission:Mission Statement: Provide a quality education that will maximize the academic, physical, and social growth of each student in a positive, supportive environment conducive to learning. Motto: Learners Today, Leaders Tomorrow
Lenore Kirk Hall Elementary School
Motto/Mission:"Together We Can Reach Exemplary"
N.W. Harllee Elementary School
Motto/Mission:Motto: We acccept nothing less than the best. N.W. HARLLEE Mission Statement: The mission of N.W. Harllee Elementary School is to provide all students with a quality education that will equip them with skills to become functional, literate citizens in their community.
Nathaniel Hawthorne Elementary School
Motto/Mission:Our mission is to provide the students of the Hawthorne community with a variety of educational opportunities that will result in academic, social, and emotional growth.
Margaret B. Henderson Elementary School
Motto/Mission:The Henderson Elementary School students, parents, faculty, and community are unified in creating a nurturing and safe environment in which students' needs are met academically, socially, emotionally, creatively, and physically.
Onesimo Hernandez Elementary School
Motto/Mission:The mission of Onesimo Hernandez Elementary School is to transform itself from a TAKS-driven institution into the Harvard of elementary education by creating an enriching environment that stimulates creativity and learning. We will empower and educate parents to become equal partners in their child's education. We will transform Hernandez into an institution of motivated individuals who excel in character and achievement. We will develop a staff of master teachers who work together for the benefit of every student.
Victor H. Hexter Elementary School
Motto/Mission:Our mission is to prepare all students to graduate with the knowledge and skills to become productive and responsible citizens. While promoting excellence in teaching and learning, we also embrace the value of our children as developing artisit, community members, friends, and individuals.
Highland Meadows Elementary School
Motto/Mission:"Where Expectations are High!"
James S. Hogg Elementary School
Motto/Mission:We, the staff at Hogg Elementary, ensure safe, orderly environments and maintain high expectations for all students to achieve the essential knowledge and skills needed to be productive citizens.
Lida Hooe Elementary School
Motto/Mission:We Will Not Hesitate to Motivate our Students Until They Graduate.
L.L. Hotchkiss Elementary School
Motto/Mission:The mission of L.L. Hotchkiss is to provide a safe and secure environment in which all students are challenged to reach their full academic potential. We are partners with parents and the community in our commitment to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become competent, compassionate, and contributing members of society.
Sam Houston Elementary School
- -
John Ireland Elementary School
Motto/Mission:Our mission is to improve the academic achievement of all students, to maintain a positive school climate for all, and to create a cooperative partnership between school, parents, and community.
Maynard Jackson Math, Science and Technology Vanguard
Motto/Mission:We Do Our Best and Nothing Less!
Stonewall Jackson Elementary School
Motto/Mission:We believe that while each child is an individual and uniquely different, each student deserves the chance to develop emotionally, socially, and educationally to the height of his or her potential. It is our belief that the school must meet the individual needs of each student and, at the same time, provide an educational setting and academic environment free from distractions, conducive to learning, and one that is neither permissive nor restrictive. Every single child is IMPORTANT, and we believe that it is the responsibility of every person who has a hand in the education of the children at Stonewall to go about the task with patience, understanding, professionalism and a caring attitude. We must all work together as partners in order to provide the very best possible education for our students and to nurture their love for learning.
Daniel "Chappie" James Learning Center
Motto/Mission:Motto: "On Time, On Task, And On A Misson"
Mission: The "Daniel "Chappie" James Learning Center staff is dedicated to the belief that each of our students can and will be successful in a global society. It is our mission to achieve this goal by providing salient educational opportunities; emphasizing social, emotional, and academic achievement; and promoting meaningful parental and community involvement.
Albert Sidney Johnston Elementary School
Motto/Mission:Albert Sidney Johnston Elementary School's mission is to create an environment where all students are challenged and motivated academically to excel in an atmosphere where they are accepted, valued, and expected to succeed. School Motto: Excellence: No less expected, No less accepted
Anson Jones Elementary School
Motto/Mission:To prepare all students to graduate with the knowledge and skills to become productive and responsible citizens.
Barbara Jordan Elementary School
Motto/Mission:Motto: Barbara Jordan is where dreams become reality and excellece is expected. Mission: The staff, parents, and community will nurture and promote productive students in a safe and secure learning environment.
Louise Wolff Kahn Elementary School
Motto/Mission:To ensure the academic and social success of students
John F. Kennedy Learning Center
Motto/Mission:Motto: "Passing the Torch to a New Generation" Mission Statement: "Through a partnership with community, parents and school, students will achieve academic excellence, become lifelong learners and the leaders of tomorrow."
Edwin J. Kiest Elementary School
Motto/Mission:School Motto: "Catch the spirit of excellence"
Martin Luther King Jr. Learning Center
Motto/Mission:The mission of Martin Luther King, Jr. Learning Center is to teach students to develop and sustain a high regard for academic achievement to attain the functional literacy and life skills to be successful at each stage of awareness of all cultural ethnic, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Martin Luther King, Jr. Learning Center prepares individuals to communicate, contribute, and interact successfully within a global community by providing a disruptive-free atmosphere where all children will learn despite their abilities and learning styles.
Kleberg Elementary School
Motto/Mission:Kleberg Elementary School "Where Everybody is Somebody"
Obadiah Knight Elementary School
Motto/Mission:Campus Mission Statement: Our mission is to instill respect, responsibility and pride in all Obadiah Knight Elementary students while ensuring their successful preparation to make positive contributions in our ever-changing society.
Arthur Kramer Elementary School
Motto/Mission:SCHOOL MOTTO: Celebrate Learning To respect and inspire each child to recognize his or her highest potential and to value our involved, diverse community.
Richard Lagow Elementary School
Motto/Mission:Establish an environment that promotes the success of our students to meet the stated goals of our campus and mission of the Dallas Independent School District.
Lakewood Elementary School
Motto/Mission:Lakewood Elementary is a school dedicated to academic excellence, mutual respect, and lifelong learning.
Sidney Lanier Expressive Arts Vanguard
Motto/Mission:Where all great dreams are possible
Robert E. Lee Elementary School
Motto/Mission:Our mission at Robert E. Lee is to educate and prepare our students to successfully meet the challenges of the future.
Umphrey Lee Elementary School
Motto/Mission:School Motto: Stepping into EXCELLENCE! Mission Statement: Our mission is to prepare all students to graduate with the knowledge and skills to become productive and responsible citizens.
William Lipscomb Elementary School
Motto/Mission:Excellence - Not Without Effort
B.H. Macon Elementary School
Motto/Mission:Our mission is to value the individual child, to promote self esteem, and to provide an education of excellence in a safe and nurturing environment.
Maple Lawn Elementary School
Motto/Mission:To provide an excellent education in partnership with families and community to build a strong academic foundation for each student.
Herbert Marcus Elementary School
Motto/Mission:The school community of Herbert Marcus is committed to improving academic performance, providing an atmosphere conducive to learning, maintaining high expectations for all, and encouraging parent participation.
Thomas L. Marsalis Elementary School
Motto/Mission:Thomas L. Marsalis Elementary School will improve the performance of all students on tests, which reflect academic achievement; to increase student and staff attendance to 99 per cent; to maintain a warm and caring child-centered environment where all students know they can learn; and to increase parental and community involvement.
T.D. Marshall Elementary School
Motto/Mission:Marshall Rockets are Soaring Beyond the Stars to Success.
Eladio R. Martinez Learning Center
Motto/Mission:Success Has No Limits
Eduardo Mata Elementary School
Motto/Mission:To empower students to achieve independence and academic excellence, with the necessary social skills to become positive, contributing members of society.
Joseph J. McMillan Elementary School
Motto/Mission:To empower, equip, and enable each child to become proficient academically and socially
Ronald Erwin McNair Elementary School
Motto/Mission:Mission: "In order to ensure productive citizens in our society, we will provide every child an opportunity to develop skills necessary to achieve his/her fullest potential." Motto: "Learning leads to success! We can! We will! We MUST be successful at Ronald E. McNair Elementary School."
Lee A. McShan Jr. Elementary School
Motto/Mission:Excellence begins with you!
Esperanza "Hope" Medrano Elementary School
Motto/Mission:We, the students, faculty, staff, and parents of Esperanza "Hope" Medrano Elementary School, are a diverse, multicultural community committed to provide all students with a Premier Education. We offer a nurturing, caring environment to develop the intellectual, emotional, and physical potential of our students. Through education, we provide our students with a window to the world and prepare them to meet the future successfully. We create a positive, safe environment where everybody is somebody and all children do learn.
Ben Milam Elementary School
Motto/Mission:Ben Milam Pledge: "I promise to do my best every day. It is my right to learn and my teacher's right to teach. I promise to respect my parents, teachers, classmates, and myself each day. My goal is to learn."
William Brown Miller Elementary School
Motto/Mission:At the William Brown Miller Elementary School, we are committed to providing quality education for all students. In making it happen, we will provide the social, intellectual, and physical needs of all students with the support of faculty, staff members, parents, and community leaders.
Roger Q. Mills Elementary School
Motto/Mission:Campus Mission Statement Our mission is to provide a quality education in a safe environment that is conducive to learning so all students will graduate with the knowledge and skills to become productive and responsible citizens.
Maria Moreno Elementary School
Motto/Mission:School Motto: Coming together is a beginning, working together is progress, keeping together is success. Estar unidos es un comienzo, trabajar unidos es progreso pero seguir unidos será nuestro éxito.
Nancy Moseley Elementary School
Motto/Mission:"Teamwork Makes a Dream Work"
Mount Auburn Elementary School
Motto/Mission:Putting Kids First
Clara Oliver Elementary School
Motto/Mission:The staff at Clara Oliver Elementary School is strongly committed to the delivery of a diverse and structured educational plan of action that cultivates infinite possibilities of learning. Education is viewed as a collaborative and ceaseless effort by parents and educators to empower students with knowledge. With perseverance and committment, we strive to encourage learners to attain academic excellence and social responsibility.
J. Leslie Patton Elementary School
Motto/Mission:In Pursuit of Excellence
George Peabody Elementary School
Motto/Mission:The mission of George Peabody Elementary is for every student to master the academic skills necessary to lead productive lives and to pursue a lifelong love of learning; become healthy, responsible and productive citizens in an ever changing society; acknowledge their membership in a global community and develop knowledge and respect for their own and other cultures; and cultivate a sense of self-worth, while developing a social conscience and respect for the environment.
Elisha M. Pease Elementary School
Motto/Mission:Striving for Excellence: Academically, Morally and Socially
John F. Peeler Elementary School
Motto/Mission:Our mission is to prepare all students to graduate with the skills to become productive and responsible citizens.
John J. Pershing Elementary School
Motto/Mission:To be consistent with our district mission statement, we will prepare all students to graduate with the knowledge and skills to become productive and responsible citizens.
Pleasant Grove Elementary School
Motto/Mission:Mission Statement: We, the faculty/staff of Pleasant Grove Elementary School, are committed to providing all students with behavioral and adademic knowledge/skills to reach their greatest potential to become productive and responsible citizens. Motto: "Soaring to New Heights: With High Expectations for All."
Preston Hollow Elementary School
Motto/Mission:We are committed to the purpose of inspiring learning by meeting the individual needs of the whole child. We value diversity and involvement of the school community.
J.W. Ray Learning Center
Motto/Mission:Best School in the USA!!!
John H. Reagan Elementary School
Motto/Mission:Together we will create an environment where students will become literate and lifelong learners. Together we will succeed!
Martha Turner Reilly Elementary School
Motto/Mission:Be the best that you can be.
Reinhardt Elementary School
Motto/Mission:Today we learn. Tomorrow we lead!
Joseph J. Rhoads Learning Center
Motto/Mission:The mission statement of Joseph J. Rhoads Learning Center is to work with parents, students, staff, and community to provide a supportive and safe learning center dedicated to educating the whole child and developing positive, healthy, and successful students who can read, write, compute, and function effectively in society.
Charles Rice Learning Center
Motto/Mission:CONTINUING THE TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE: GREAT EXPECTATIONS FOR ALL STUDENTS!
Oran M. Roberts Elementary School
Motto/Mission:Student Success....the ONLY option!
Dan D. Rogers Elementary School
Motto/Mission:With the assistance of the community, parents and staff, Dan D. Rogers' mission is to guide each student toward academic performance that will develop complex-thinking skills in a learning environment which values cultural diversity, encourages the development of self-discipline, and portrays an appreciation for learning.
Rosemont Elementary School
Motto/Mission:Building a Legacy of Leadership
Rosemont Primary School — Chris V. Semos Campus
Motto/Mission:Building a Legacy of Leadership
Edna Rowe Elementary School
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John W. Runyon Elementary School
Motto/Mission:On Time, On Task, and On A Mission!
Clinton P. Russell Elementary School
Motto/Mission:Our mission at Clinton P. Russell Elementary School is to prepare our students to achieve high academic and social success. We will provide our students with bell-to-bell instruction, inspire them to strive for excellence, and equip them with a solid foundation to excel in every aspect of life.
Julian T. Saldivar Elementary School
Motto/Mission:Education is our Vision and Achievement is our Mission.
San Jacinto Elementary School
Motto/Mission:The mission of San Jacinto Elementary School is to meet the individual needs of each student. Students at San Jacinto will grow academically and socially to their fullest potential. Our goal is to be an exemplary school.
Alex Sanger Elementary School
Motto/Mission:Teachers, students, staff, parents, and community will consistently maintain a safe, orderly, and encouraging environment where all students will achieve high academic standards and become productive citizens.
Seagoville Elementary School
Motto/Mission:To develop lifelong learners and promote active participation by parents and students so that each child reaches his/her potential.
Erasmo Seguin Community Learning Center
Motto/Mission:"If it is to be...it is up to me!"
We believe all children, regardless of economic level, ethnicity, or ability, can and will learn. Our mission at Erasmo Seguin Elementary School is to provide a secure, nurturing, and academic environment that enables that to occur.
Sequoyah Learning Center
Motto/Mission:"ONE TEAM...ONE GOAL, EXCELLENCE IN STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT, ONE SCHOOL...ONE SOUND."
Ascher Silberstein Elementary School
Motto/Mission:The Mission of Ascher Silberstein Elementary School is to provide all students with the academic skills and knowledge to meet the challenges of their future global economic society.
J.P. Starks Elementary School
Motto/Mission:If It Is To Be, It Is Up To Me
Leslie A. Stemmons Elementary School
Motto/Mission:To prepare all students to graduate with the knowledge and skills to become productive and responsible citizens.
Stevens Park Elementary School
Motto/Mission:The mission of Stevens Park Elementary School is to empower all students to achieve academic success and to equip all students with the skills necessary to achieve success in life.
Harry Stone Montessori
Motto/Mission:To prepare all children for lifelong learning through a quality curriculum fostering individual responsibility, mutual respect, self discipline, and a passion for excellence.
Jill Stone Elementary School at Vickery Meadow
Motto/Mission:The mission of Jill Stone Elementary School at Vickery Meadow is to prepare our students to become productive, literate, and responsible citizens in a global society. Motto: Planting the seeds for lifelong success.
T.G. Terry Elementary School
Motto/Mission:If it is to be, it is up to me.
H.S. Thompson Learning Center
Our mission is to ensure that all students at H.S. Thompson Learning Center are on track to graduate from high school with the knowledge and skills required to become productive and responsible citizens.
Robert L. Thornton Elementary School
Motto/Mission:A School to Be Recognized
Edward Titche Elementary School
Motto/Mission:Our mission at Titche is to prepare all students to have a successful life.
Thomas Tolbert Elementary School
Motto/Mission:Our mission is to help all students to become successful, lifelong learners and develop appropriate behaviors.
George W. Truett Elementary School
Motto/Mission:Building Excellence, One Student At A Time
Adelle Turner Elementary School
Motto/Mission:"Working Together for Success"
Urban Park Elementary School
Motto/Mission:The Urban Park Elementary School is committed to the education of the whole child. Our focus is to build and enhance academic, social, and multicultural awareness in cooperation with parents and members of the community. Together we will strive to provide our students with the skills and ethics necessary for them to make positive contributions to their community.
E.D. Walker Elementary School
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Walnut Hill Elementary School
Motto/Mission:Motto-"Enter to better yourself, separt to better the world." "Soaring to new heights" Mission Statement- "Through collaboration, Walnut Hill will provide skills for successful learning to empower students to become productive and responsible citizens."
Daniel Webster Elementary School
Motto/Mission:Our mission is to provide a safe and secure climate that fosters teamwork, parental and community involvement, promotes high expectations for all students, and empowers staff to demonstrate a commitment to excellence in education.
Martin Weiss Elementary School
Motto/Mission:Successful Stars Shine at Martin Weiss On The Road To Recognized ... Moving from Good to Great
Phillis Wheatley Elementary School
Motto/Mission:Excellence for a Lifetime
Sudie L. Williams Elementary School
Motto/Mission:To strive for exemplary status by providing the highest quality of education for our students through collaboration, professional growth, and an enhanced nurturing environment that promotes productive citizens.
Winnetka Elementary School
Motto/Mission:Winnetka is a community dedicated to providing academic excellence, mutual respect, and lifelong learning.
Harry C. Withers Elementary School
Motto/Mission:Withers, where everyone's a winner!
Whitney M. Young Jr. Elementary School
Motto/Mission:In a nurturing environment, we will enable all students to develop a positive character while providing them with skills to graduate and become productive citizens.
Ignacio Zaragoza Elementary School
Motto/Mission:To create a learning community where families, students, and educators work together to develop successful lifelong learners.
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[i] American Association of School Administrators , The School Administrator,(May 2004)
http://www.aasa.org/publications/saarticledetail.cfm?ItemNumber=1378&snItemNumber=950&tnItemNumber=951
[ii] Jean Anyon, Social Cass and school knowledge (The Ontario Institute for Studies on Education) 1981.
[iii] Dr. Fred Worth, “Socialization issues” http://www.homeschooloasis.com/art_socialization_issues_fw.htm
[iv] N. Postman THE END OF EDUCATION: Redefining the Value of School Knopf, New York, 1996
[v]Royal Commission on Learning, Ontario Ministry of Education http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/general/abcs/rcom/short/short2.html
[vi]Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., written as a 19 year old student at Morehouse College, Reprinted in the Times Union newspaper, article The Shallow Views of Charter Schools Ignore Goals (January 15, 2006).
[vii] Joseph Pine, Mass Customization, (Harvard business School Press)1993, page 196.
(COPYRIGHT © 2006 MIKAEL POWELL. All Rights Reserved)