Promoting the Vision & Mission of the School

Promoting the Vision & Mission of the School Governing Board Online Training Module

The Definition • The vision statement should describe what the ultimate goal or final result of the school will be. • The mission statement should describe what the school does on a daily basis to accomplish the ultimate goal.

The Purpose • Define the school’s unique design • Character • Values • Priorities • Educational program • Target population • Goals • Guide daily decisions and future direction • Guide the school community toward common goals • Inform the community and potential students about the experience, knowledge, and skills gained at the school

The Structure • Vision statement • What kind of school do you want the school to be? • In what direction do you want the school to go? • Where do you see the school in five to ten years? • Mission statement • What distinctive programs and curricula will the school offer? • What is the educational philosophy? • What is the target population? • What are our values?

The Vision Statement • Describes where the school is headed and the anticipated results • Describes the niche that is served • Guides the writing of the charter application • Guides the implementation of the school program • Clarifies expectations of the school community

Example of a Vision Statement • Utah Charter School will be a highly sought after school providing a rigorous educational program within a culture that values strong character and discipline. Students leaving our school will be college and career ready with a strong work ethic and a superior educational foundation.

The Mission Statement • Describes the school’s purpose and provides direction • Succinct and easy to remember, without education “jargon” • Should be inspiring and motivating • Contains five elements • Values • Educational approach (instructional method) • Curriculum approach • Population served by the school • Outcomes and goals

Example of a Mission Statement • Utah Charter School will achieve its vision through implementing the Core Knowledge Curriculum utilizing project based instruction in an environment that supports strong character. In serving at-risk K - 8 students, we will provide support to students through peer counseling and mediation, one-on-one tutoring, and strong accountability requirements to keep students engaged and invested in their own education.

Creating the statements • School founders • Work collaboratively • Discuss and list values • Discuss what is important and unique • Share statements to ensure clarity and accuracy • Do the vision and mission paint a clear picture?

Communicating the statements • Should appear in all publications and governing board documents • Should be read aloud at governing board meetings • Governing board should be articulate in how the vision and mission are implemented • Monitor progress toward accomplishment • Establish feedback loops • Provide updates to all stakeholders on progress • Should appear on the school website • Should be reflected in policies

Promoting the statements in the school • Should be visible in the school building • Involve staff by encouraging the design of the instructional program around the vision and mission • Involve parents by encouraging their engagement in school improvement planning that is guided by the vision and mission • Should instruct administration and faculty on how to translate the vision / mission into specific behaviors • Should permeate all trainings, faculty meetings, and board meetings • Should serve as a reference when evaluating the school administrator • Should drive the strategic plan

Promoting the statements in the community • Should be printed in all documents used in the external community • Should appear in all marketing and promotional material • Should appear on the school’s website • Should serve as a reference in recruiting and hiring

Guiding day-to-day decisions • Should guide day-to-day business decisions • Prioritizing resource allocations • Gathering meaningful data • Provide values and guide goals for day-to-day conduct • Instructional methods • Behavioral expectations • Curricular content

Guiding long term decisions • Should guide decision-making at every board meeting • Should provide clarity for difficult decisions • Should be the guiding force behind the strategic plan • Should align with goals for improvement • Should aid in big picture thinking

Evaluating the statements • Institute a systematic process for revisiting the vision and mission • Engage the community to elicit ownership • Consider revisions for clarity • Ensure accuracy • Regularly review decisions for alignment with the vision and mission • School goals for improvement • Policies and practices • Strategic plans • Always maintain the original intent

Summary • Foundation for decisions, plans, and goals • Must be upheld, communicated, and celebrated • Clear values and priorities for your particular school • Guide decision-making for the governing board • Revisit and evaluate for clarity and accuracy • Always maintain the original intent

Promoting the Vision & Mission of the School