Guiding Principles

We Believe that…

• A viable and prosperous African American community in Springfield is important to achieving the overall economic and social goals of the city.

• While the educational institutions within society bare the primary responsibility for the education of all children, good schools are the responsibility of many partners.

• The entire community must share in the task of maintaining quality education for all of Springfield’s residents.  We must support and highlight the successes of the educational system while at the same time hold it accountable for even higher standards and quality results for all children.

• In an effort to support and advance systemic improvement, it is crucial that the community fully understand and examine the complex internal and external factors affecting African American student achievement and success in Springfield.

• This study group will help identify barriers to African American student achievement and success and spur community action around common goals.