Teaching and learning at BUGS is inspired by Guiding Principles based on the Danielson framework and that apply to our work whether it’s in person or remote:
Mission Driven: All aspects of instructional approach, curriculum development, whole-child supports, staff, community and family engagement are driven by the BUGS mission:
The mission of BUGS is to provide a hands-on, interdisciplinary education to young adolescents of all abilities and backgrounds, with a focus on real-world problem solving and the exploration of environmental sustainability. BUGS students will excel in the core academic subjects and become engaged community members who are critical thinkers prepared to achieve excellence in high school and beyond.
Equity: Each student deserves access to world-class teaching and to learning environments that promote joyful inquiry, intellectual rigor, and reflection.
Cultural Competency: Culturally competent teachers create culturally responsive and inclusive learning environments that move beyond surface level attention to cultural differences and foster a sense of belonging by embracing and giving power to diverse points of view.
High Expectations: Excellent teachers hold and communicate high expectations and ensure access to rigorous content for all students. Teachers also demonstrate high expectations by encouraging productive struggle and tenacity.
Developmental Appropriateness: Learners do the learning, and excellent teachers understand the cognitive and social-emotional development of students in ways that support their creation of appropriate learning environments and opportunities.
Attention to Individual Students: Classrooms are comprised of individuals with unique characteristics and needs. For this reason, excellent teachers ensure that goals and tasks have the potential to challenge students at different levels and with different needs.
Student Assumption of Responsibility: Excellent teachers create the conditions for students to assume responsibility for their own learning. Student agency may be fostered through a variety of different school models and instructional approaches but is essential to successful teaching and learning.