Learning Environment

The first social contract we examine relates to school learning environment. When a school is established, a social contract is developed between the school operators on the one hand, and students, and teachers, on the other hand. Under this social contract the school operators oblige themselves to provide (i) students with a safe, secure and nurturing place to learn, and (ii) teachers with a satisfying place to work. In exchange for the school's commitment to fulfill these obligations, students commit to attend school and participate in school life, and teachers commit to provide instruction and “ in loco parentis ” student care on a daily basis.

The social contract concerning a school's learning environment is important because it sets the foundation for all teaching and learning possibilities. A great learning environment will eliminate many of the physical and emotional distractions that can disrupt learning.

Our evaluation of the learning environment takes into account the following outcomes among others:

• Student Safety, Security and Nuturing – How safe and secure do students and parents feel about the school? How free do students feel to learn? What is the annual incidence of student mistreatment, student misconduct/ill-discipline? What are the student attendance rates? How many incidences are there per year of student absenteeism due to illness, malnutrition, lack of access to running water or bathroom facilities?

• Teachers – What is the incidence of teacher absenteeism? How satisfied do teachers feel about their work? What is the teacher turnover rate?