Teaching & Learning

Branford’s Global Learning Competencies are the desired attributes, skills, and qualities that all students should possess upon graduation from the Branford Public Schools. These competencies serve as a guiding framework for our community in order to design curriculum and learning experiences that aim to cultivate well-rounded individuals who are equipped to succeed in their personal, academic, and professional lives. Branford’s Global Learning Competencies reflect the educational values and goals of the district while shaping the path of the educational journey of students. 

The 2025-2026 school year marks a shift in our Global Learning Competencies as we move to reflect the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People in our guiding framework. These habits, widely recognized for fostering personal and collective growth, will help shape the culture of our schools and community. These habits will not only support our students in their academic pursuits but also prepare them to thrive as compassionate, effective members of society.

The Global Learning Competencies (7 Habits) are as follows:

1. Be Proactive – Take responsibility for your choices and actions.
2. Begin with the End in Mind – Define your vision and set meaningful goals.
3. Put First Things First – Prioritize what matters most and manage your time effectively.
4. Think Win-Win – Seek solutions that benefit everyone involved.
5. Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood – Listen deeply before responding.
6. Synergize – Work together to achieve far more than you could alone.
7. Sharpen the Saw – Take care of yourself through balance and renewal.
    

At Branford Public Schools, our Definition of Deep Learning is the foundation for our instructional framework, providing a clear and consistent vision for high-quality teaching and learning. Grounded in Marzano’s New Art and Science of Teaching model, this research-based framework ensures that all students engage in meaningful, rigorous learning experiences that enhance achievement and long-term success. By aligning our instructional practices with this framework, we create an environment where all students are challenged, supported, and inspired to excel and thrive. 

Our Definition of Deep Learning is built on four key principles: Feedback, Content, Context, and Community:

• Feedback: Providing continuous skills development, recognizing progress at each stage, while incorporating mentoring, feedback, and support throughout the learning process.
• Content: Ensuring students progress from initial understanding to application of content by continuously reviewing and upgrading their knowledge and skills, using high-quality resources, and engaging in hands-on experiences.
• Context: Promoting intrinsic motivation and student engagement in the pursuit of learning by communicating high expectations within an environment of clear rules and procedures and nurturing relationships.
• Community: Cultivating a safe, supportive, and collaborative culture with colleagues, students, and families to optimize learning for educators and students.

Harboring Civility
Embracing Differences Through Discourse

Educators play a vital role in shaping informed, engaged citizens. This document provides guidance for teachers to navigate the complexities of sensitive discussions while fostering an inclusive and respectful atmosphere. As we address difficult topics in the classroom, it is important to recognize that establishing a safe learning environment is crucial for facilitating civil discourse. By integrating Branford Public Schools’ Global Learning Competencies into these conversations, we can empower students to become responsible citizens and active participants in their communities.

THEORY OF ACTION (TOA)
If we commit to fostering an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued and critical thinking is encouraged, we will cultivate environments that are rich with fact- based dialogue and professional neutrality in order to support students in developing informed opinions for civic engagement in a democracy.

VALUES

Respect & Inclusivity

• We value and welcome diverse perspectives, ensuring that all voices are treated with dignity and encouraged to contribute.

Objectivity & Accuracy

• We promote fact-based, unbiased dialogue, ensuring that discussions are grounded in reliable information and balanced perspectives. 

Empowerment & Engagement

• We encourage independent, critical thinking while fostering active participation, where individuals feel confident expressing ideas and collaborating in meaningful discussions.
   

“Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think.”

— Albert Einstein
 

STEPS TO ENGAGE IN CIVIL DISCOURSE
 

1. Present Topic: Provide background information and context for the topic to ensure students understand its relevance and complexities.

2. Model Openness and Curiosity: Encourage students to share their thoughts and feelings with open-ended questions and demonstrate active listening by acknowledging their responses and inviting further exploration.

3. Use Structured Dialogue Techniques: Provide students with resources to engage in discourse respectfully with their peers.

4. Encourage Diverse Perspectives: Assign roles or perspectives for students to represent, ensuring a range of views are explored during discussions.

5. Debrief and Reflect: After the discussion, provide time for students to reflect on their feelings and what they learned from the exchange.
    

“Harboring Civility” was created through the collaborative efforts and valuable feedback of students, teachers, and administrators, reflecting Branford Public Schools’ shared commitment to fostering informed, engaged citizens.