A clear, high, minimum set of standards that every student is expected to meet is established in each subject. All students are taught a curriculum that prepares them to meet the standards. Additional instruction and learning time is provided for students who need it in order to meet the standards. When there are special learning opportunities, a willingness to do the work is the primary admission criterion. Students are responsible for completing academic work that has been specified and negotiated.
Students judge their work with respect to the standards.
Intermediate expectations leading to the formally measured standards are specified. Families and community are informed about the accomplishment standards that children are expected to achieve. The exams and tests are valid when students directly prepare to take them. Exams, tests and classwork are graded against absolute standards, not on a curve. A reporting system exists that makes it clear to students and their parents how they are progressing toward expected standards.