Our Core Belief

BUILDING THE FRAMEWORK FOR OUR CORE BELIEF

In 2017, Darnall was awarded the California Scale-Up MTSS Statewide (SUMS) Grant. The California Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) is a continuous improvement framework that ensures that students’ academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs are being met through differentiated levels of instruction and support. Within this structure, universal supports (Tier 1) are provided for all students in academic, behavioral and social emotional instruction. Supplemental supports (Tier 2) are provided to some students and intensified supports (Tier 3) are directed toward the few students with the greatest needs. We use this framework to align our strength-based needs and monitor success using multiple data points. We continue to build and refine our educational program around the MTSS framework.

WHAT IT MEANS TO BE AN EDUCATED PERSON IN THE 21ST CENTURY

Darnall Charter School believes that children in the 21st century must become literate and articulate, mathematically competent, and technologically adept.  Darnall further believes that all children should have the opportunity to develop their social-emotional health, creative and physical abilities, curiosity and love of learning. Darnall recognizes its responsibility to generate enthusiasm and excitement for the lifelong process of learning by providing a curriculum that is relevant, integrated, and age appropriate, and that, at the same time, is aligned to the California state standards, which include the Common Core State Standards (“CCSS”), Next Generation Science Standards (“NGSS”), English Language Development (“ELD”) Standards, History-Social Science Framework, and all other applicable state content standards (hereinafter, collectively “State Standards”).

At Darnall, students in TK-8 engage in a challenging learning program that is tailored to their individual needs and is focused on equipping them for success in the 21st century. The Darnall curriculum and instructional programs emphasize core subjects in the timeless fundamentals such as reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies; learning skills required for lifelong, continuous learning; and communication skills necessary to interact with adults and children of all ages.

Darnall also believes that the individualized and supported personalized learning educational program facilitates the development of self-direction and personal responsibility among its students.  In these ways, Darnall will meet the objective of forming students who are self-motivated, competent, lifelong learners.

HOW LEARNING BEST OCCURS

Darnall Charter School believes that children learn best in an inclusive, equitable and positive learning environment in which they are respected, accepted, valued, nurtured as unique individuals and challenged to achieve their full potential.  From this, it follows that students learn best when their instruction is tailored to their unique needs and when they are supported by a Multi-Tiered System of Support and by adults who are committed to their success.

Family and community members are seen as partners and are given opportunities for meaningful involvement in students’ education and the school. Studies also show that learning best occurs when parents actively participate in the educational program and are supported by a school that responds to family involvement in a culturally responsive manner. When parents are knowledgeable and informed by the Charter School, they are able to help their children and also be a part of the school community. This adds to the team and builds a strong supportive network. Strong family and community engagement is achieved through trusting family and community partnerships.

In addition to family and community support, student learning best occurs in a fully integrated educational framework that fosters a strong and positive culture in schools; with strong and engaged administrative leadership and solid educator support systems; under an inclusive policy framework that removes barriers to student access, combines multiple initiatives and fosters a collaborative relationship between the school and the Board of Trustees.