/About Ball-Chatham / Educational Philosophy
Our Vision
Ball-Chatham Success: Our community makes it possible. Our staff make it attainable. Our students make it happen!
Our Mission
The Ball-Chatham School District, together with the community, develops the unique potential of each student by providing quality, challenging, and engaging opportunities that establish a foundation for lifelong success and positive contributions to society.
Our Beliefs
We believe…
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that each student can be a problem solver, critical thinker, and innovator
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in high expectations
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that instruction and learning should be flexible and differentiated
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in community and family engagement
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that collaborative teamwork and effective communication lead to success
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in a safe and welcoming environment
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that learning is our priority
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in a culture that promotes positive relationships and mutual respect
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that learning extends beyond the classroom
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in strong character and personal integrity
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each person adds value to our organization
Student Expectations
Based on a philosophy of teaching and learning that is consistent with exemplary practices, current research, and national /state standards, Ball-Chatham educators offer the most challenging education possible for our students. The mission of the Ball-Chatham District is: Together with the community, develop the unique potential of each student by providing quality, challenging, and engaging opportunities that establish a foundation for lifelong success and positive contributions to society.
With the mission and philosophy in mind, Ball-Chatham’s educational leaders make decisions about the comprehensive curriculum that they choose to deliver to students, so that they can reach or exceed the content standards for every grade and subject.
In addition, our schools offer electives and coursework that is above and beyond the Illinois Learning Standards. Although the classroom curriculum is based on State/Common Core content standards and delivered through technology and other support materials, specific instruction is differentiated according to each student’s needs. Ball-Chatham prides itself on providing a stimulating environment rich in literacy, numeracy, science, and social sciences, as well as avenues for social and emotional growth.
Further, the District has in place multiple supports to assist its learners who may have the need: It starts with universal screening of all students in the general education classroom using the nationally-recognized Response to Intervention (RtI) system. RtI is a multi-tier approach to the early identification and support of students with learning and behavior needs. Struggling learners are provided with interventions at increasing levels of intensity to accelerate their rate of learning. Some of these include reading interventionists; after-school tutoring, What I Need (WIN) time each day; Check-in/Check-out (CICO); small group emotional and social supports; and support for English Language Learners (ELL).
To learn more about the curriculum and instruction in your child's class, please contact your child’s teacher(s) or building principal.