Three basic principles guide our activities.

• We seek to be broad-based, including professionals, teachers, administrators, parents and students in our group .  We believe that all North Carolinians should have an active role in making decisions about students in our schools.
• Our focus is on creating a democratic discourse about complex issues as a model for what should take place in our schools.  We want all people-- regardless of race, sex, social or economic status, education or background-- to share in the conversation about NC's schools.  We don't seek simple solutions or pat answers.  We do not believe that one test or one reform will result in more learning in North Carolina's classrooms.  However, we do believe that an open conversation and free exchange of ideas can create positive, child-centered changes in our schools.

• We should always support reflective practice as a way to educate, both formally and informally, instead of the simplistic and technical approach that is promoted by a massive testing program.  We need to ask ourselves key questions when proposing any solutions: does this help or harm kids? what effect does this have on the quality of school programs? are different abilities, interests and skills respected?