Chapter 3: School Mission, Vision, and Values

Introduction

• Speaker: Leah Murray
• Overview of the importance of mission, vision, and values in school culture.

Key Concepts

Mission

• Describes a school's day-to-day operational objectives.
• Reflects the school's instructional values and public commitments to students and the community.
• Focused on what the organization needs to do now to achieve its vision.

Vision

• A public declaration of higher-level goals for the future.
• Provides a broad description of the values the school aims to embody.
• Should inspire and motivate stakeholders to contribute to the school.

Values

• Support the mission and vision.
• Shape school culture and reflect what the school values (also referred to as the code of ethics).
• Define the organization's beliefs and expectations for behavior among individuals within the school.
• Provide moral direction for decision-making and establish standards for assessing actions.

Relationship Between Mission, Vision, and Values

• Together, they provide direction for the school's operations and keep everyone focused on common goals.
• Mission and vision state where the organization is going and how it will get there.

Department of Education's Role

• Created mission and vision statements that public schools should reinforce.
• Encourages schools to adopt values, beliefs, assumptions, and norms that guide behavior.

Understanding Values, Beliefs, and Norms

Values

• Express what schools consider important and guide decision-making.
• Define quality and excellence.

Beliefs

• Consciously held views about truth and reality.
• Influence how individuals understand the world.

Assumptions

• Underlying beliefs that guide behavior.

Norms

• Unspoken expectations and rules based on beliefs, values, and assumptions.
• Shape behaviors and reactions within the school community.

Cultural Norms in Schools

1. Shared Goals: Clear understanding and ownership of goals by all stakeholders.
2. Responsibility for Success: Commitment to collective success.
3. Collegiality: Strong relationships built on trust and understanding among staff.
4. Continuous Improvement: Recognition that there is always room for growth.
5. Lifelong Learning: Emphasis on continuous personal and professional development.
6. Support: Availability of help and effective communication from school leaders.
7. Mutual Respect: Recognition of each person's contributions.
8. Openness: Encouragement of discussions about differences.
9. Celebration and Humor: Importance of celebrating achievements and fostering a positive atmosphere.

Conclusion

• A positive school culture is essential for enhancing performance and fostering a sense of belonging.
• Achievements should be recognized to optimize performance, and joy should be embedded in the daily school life.
• Encouragement of continuous learning and growth is pivotal to the development of both individuals and the school community.