Students have a right to acquire a strong undergirding of knowledge as a foundation for life choices. Students can easily become superficially aware of much without developing real understanding, drawing appropriate conclusions, or posing workable solutions. Ideally, formal education should prepare students to continue to think and learn throughout their lives. They will need to be able to select and acquire the information they need. Once the information has been gathered, they will need to evaluate it critically, make decisions based on the evaluations, and create solutions for problems that do not currently exist.
Every student has the right to be taught by a qualified teacher.
The word qualified implies more than certification. To be qualified, a teacher must be enthusiastic and friendly, dedicated and fair. Teachers must sincerely care for the students with whom they work. They must be aware of the needs of children and adolescents who represent our multicultural society, and they must be able to communicate effectively with students' parents and with administrators and fellow teachers. Teachers must have intellectual vitality and a thirst for knowledge which will last a lifetime.