- Standards-driven expectations for performance: To ensure that both our programs and participants meet the highest standards, each is held to clearly articulated performance standards that measure, analyze and track progress and performance.
- Individual transformation as a catalyst for group and organizational change: Our learning is public and team-based because diversity of opinion leads to wiser thinking that solves problems, fosters innovation and predicts the future.
- The learning is in the work and the work is learning: To build active, problem-based, inescapable learning, individuals must leave their comfort zone and confront high-stakes tasks relevant to the job of the principal.
- Unflinching willingness to confront reality in pursuit of social justice: We believe strongly that closing the achievement gap by focusing on individual academic progress will result in future economic opportunity for all children.
- Continual assessment of what is and what can be: We are never satisfied with what we have created -- there is always a way to do our work better with the goal of maximizing life opportunities for children .