NCSSM Curriculum Council

From Scott Bales '84:

As you may or may not be aware, I am acting as an Alumni member of the NCSSM Curriculum Council this year. One of the tasks that the Curriculum Council set for itself is a revision of the Schoolwide Goals statement. This was to be circulated around the NCSSM community for comment - I wanted to make sure the alumni community had an opportunity to comment as well. Any comments? Forward them back to me, and I'll make sure they get to the committee at large.

By the way, other projects we are involved with this year are procedures for new course development, procedures for new and old course periodic review, and use of 'Alt Day' (those of you in earlier classes, like me, won't know what this is - simply periodic days scattered through the school year on which classes are not held, and students are encouraged to work with their advisors to find an activity or activities that will make the best use of the time.) I'd also take any comments you have about these back to the committee.

Thanks,
- Scott Bales, '84

NCSSM Schoolwide Goals

Draft #4 Revised 2/26/96

The NCSSM community, comprised of staff, students, alumni, parents, and members of the Board of Trustees, hereby establishes the following goals.

1. We want NCSSM students to take advantage of the diverse learning opportunities that exist in their living and learning environment in order to develop the skills and motivation to be life-long learners.
2. We expect that NCSSM graduates will contribute importantly to North Carolina's leadership in the successful pursuit, application, and interpretation of advances in science, mathematics, and technology.

These goals will require that NCSSM graduates become people who:

1. have a broad base of knowledge that encompasses all the school's academic disciplines and an understanding of the special perspectives offered by each; and are accomplished at integrating and synthesizing the knowledge and perspectives of each discipline in their search for understanding.

   NCSSM will offer an expansive curriculum that emphasizes understanding and thoughtful reflection with a special emphasis on the connections among disciplines, coupled with opportunities in each course to investigate the inter-relatedness of the knowledge base being developed in that course to other disciplines.

2. are practiced problem solvers who use and extend their experience and acquired knowledge to formulate solutions to many types of problems encountered in work and life.

   NCSSM will provide an atmosphere which fosters curiosity; a willingness to question; creative, divergent and critical thinking skills; written and oral expository skills; and self-confidence.

3. are familiar with and interested in learning new technology to investigate and analyze situations or problems, communicate their results, and propose ways of making improvements.

   NCSSM will teach students the fundamentals of mathematics, science, and the related technologies and methods used in these disciplines to learn about and better understand the world; and at the same time offer students the opportunity to investigate particular areas of science and mathematics in greater depth.

4. communicate effectively in both oral and written forms.

   NCSSM will insure that the students have opportunities in which written and oral communication is required. The curriculum will incorporate writing into papers, labs, homework, etc. It will also insure that students practice oral communication skills in presentations, speeches, and in class discussions.

5. make informed decisions on complex issues; and anticipate and take responsibility for the results of these actions.

   NCSSM will develop and maintain programs that offer students broad opportunities to make meaningful decisions about their academic program and personal development.

6. recognize that each task/project is accomplished through the work of effective leaders and dynamic team members, and are able to understand the demands and responsibilities of each of these roles.

   NCSSM will provide an array of extracurricular opportunities - academic, athletic, cultural and social - where students can cultivate their leadership skills and learn to be an integral part of a team.

7. are informed about their own culture, respect other cultures, and work effectively to bridge the differences between diverse groups.

   NCSSM will provide programs that identify and enroll students who represent the State geographically and demographically; foster in them respect for and valuing of their own and other cultures; and help them develop the ability to work with different groups toward solving common problems.

8. recognize the aesthetic, cultural, environmental, political, religious, scientific, and social forces that shape and change societies.

   NCSSM will provide courses that educate students about the historical role of ideas, beliefs, conditions, and events in the development of societies.

9. are socially responsible and committed to the betterment of their community both locally and globally.

   NCSSM will educate students about local and international cultures and encourage student participation in community service programs.

10. manage their time and set reasonable and realistic goals; use these skills in all aspects of their lives, whether it be scholastic, career-oriented or personal; prioritize their lives; and gain a sense of control.

    NCSSM will provide an arena in which the students have to deal with time management and goal setting. Programs will be provided that deal specifically with time management, and help will be available to students in need. In the curriculum students will be given opportunities to plan projects and set time schedules. The residential aspect of NCSSM will let students manage the personal aspect of their lives.

11. appreciate, develop, and maintain a lifestyle that promotes physical, emotional, and mental well-being; seek a balanced perspective; and recognize that a sense of humor is a valuable component of almost every worthy and successful endeavor.

    NCSSM will employ positive role models who are able to utilize the residential setting as a place to foster the discovery and practice of a lifestyle that is healthy in all aspects: physically, emotionally and mentally.

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