Mission of public school system.

The Legislature hereby finds and declares that the mission of the State of Nebraska, through its public school system, is to: (1) Offer each individual the opportunity to develop competence in the basic skills of communications, computations, and knowledge of basic facts concerning the environment, history, and society; (2) Offer each individual the opportunity to develop higher order thinking and problem-solving skills by means of adequate preparation in mathematics, science, the social sciences, and foreign languages and by means of appropriate and progressive use of technology; (3) Instill in each individual the ability and desire to continue learning throughout his or her life; (4) Encourage knowledge and understanding of political society and democracy in order to foster active participation; (5) Encourage the creative potential of each individual through exposure to the fine arts and humanities; (6) Encourage a basic understanding of and aid the development of good health habits; and (7) Offer each individual the opportunity for career exploration and awareness.