Which term describes the beliefs and guiding principles of a school community?

• A. Mission Statement
• B. Core Values
• C. Scope and sequence
• D. Summative Assessments

Answer: (B)

The beliefs and guiding principles of a school community are captured by its core values. Core values define the standards for behavior, decisions, and how people treat one another, shaping the school’s culture and daily practices. A mission statement, while related, describes the school’s overall purpose and what it aims to achieve, not the underlying beliefs that guide everyday actions. The scope and sequence outlines what content is taught and in what order, focusing on curriculum structure rather than values. Summative assessments measure what students have learned at the end of instruction, not the community’s guiding principles. So, core values are the term that best describes the shared beliefs and guiding principles of the school community.