Bridgeport Public Schools

The mission of Bridgeport Public Schools is to inspire our diverse community to work together to serve our students. We support the development of excellence utilizing our unique resources to challenge and cultivate well-balanced individuals who seek knowledge, will be career and college ready and will make significant contributions to society throughout their lives.

Belief Statements
We Believe…
• that a genuine professional learning community embraces the value of collaborative efforts that cultivate the social and emotional well-being of all of our students.
• that a rigorous, relevant, well-designed curriculum, which includes authentic educational experiences will afford our students the opportunities to think critically, integrate their ideas and be successful.
• that research based interventions and enrichment will cultivate the intellectual and social - emotional well-being of all of our students and will result in their success.
• that collaboration, open communication, and no fault problem solving among district leadership, schools, parents, and community partners will result in success for our students.
• that the Board of Education united in the pursuit of success for every child is a powerful force that will support the success of all of our students.

Bridgeport Public Schools
The Five Theories of Action

1. If we cultivate a *Professional Learning Community led by exemplary leaders who acquire and apply knowledge of data process/analysis and an understanding of *emotional intelligence, then all stakeholders will be able to make decisions that effectively inform instructional practices, and student achievement will increase.

1. If we implement a rigorous cohesive curriculum, which is authored by teachers and implemented with fidelity using scientifically based instructional strategies, then teaching and learning will improve and student achievement will increase.

1. If we continuously analyze our students' academic and behavioral needs and respond with a systematic protocol of intervention and enrichment strategies and utilize pertinent resources, then all students' achievement will increase.

1. If we systematically disseminate vital information to families and the community; such as district policies, structures, and training, and strive to cultivate strong, equitable partnerships that empower all stakeholders, then we will generate enthusiasm for learning and student achievement will increase.

1. If all members of the Board of Education support the efforts of the superintendent, staff, and community to achieve excellence in each of our schools, and work as a coalesced body with the superintendent to secure resources that will provide our students opportunities to achieve academic excellence and emotional intelligence, then Bridgeport Public Schools will become a model urban district.

*Professional Learning Communities This model is "characterized by a shared mission, vision, and values: collective inquiry; collaborative teams; an orientation toward action and willingness to experiment; commitment to continuous improvement; and a focus on results." (DuFour, Eaker).
*emotional intelligence using RULER approach-the ability to Recognize, Understand, Label, Express, and Regulate one's emotions. (Brackett)