We believe that all students have the right to be happy and to develop a positive self-image, self-confidence, and high self-esteem as they proceed through school, from kindergarten through college. Students learn best in educational environments that celebrate their unique strengths and interests and focus on their positive attributes. At the same time, we must address learning weaknesses early, with appropriate remediation and compensatory strategies to avoid frustration, anxieties, and low self-esteem. (See these two resources which capture our philosophy: "The Cracked Water Pot" and a poem called "Thought".)

Parents and school staff must work together as partners to ensure that learning takes place in an atmosphere where the student's strengths and interests can develop to their maximum possible extent. With such a partnership, the student will be able to accept and cope with their relative weaknesses while still feeling confident and comfortable with themselves. We need to look at the "whole child" and consider educational, social, and emotional needs to determine an appropriate course of action.