Creating a Vision

Creating a Vision for others to follow

The development of a vision is an important step for any school leader to implement.  The process will create some changes within the school system and can also be challenging because of those changes.   The ultimate goal is to get all stakeholders on the same page where they are focused on student achievement.

The first step I would take when I am appointed Superintendent is to communicate with the Board of Education about the importance of having a strategic plan that encompasses a vision statement.  I believe that there are a series of questions or statements that need to be addressed in order to put together an effective vision statement.

1. Keep the process simple...this statements says it all.  Keep the vision statement clear and concise will ensure the vision statement can be followed by all stakeholders.
2. What is it that we are wanting to create?  This question ensures that every stakeholder ultimately knows which direction we are headed and provides a common understanding of what we are trying to accomplish.
3. A good vision statement requires a balance of the community, school district, employees and most importantly the students.  If one of these has more weight put on it than others, the vision then becomes out of balanced and is less effective.
4. According to Marzano and Waters: District Leadership that works this process should include 5 areas in which district leaders should engage.

• collaborative goal setting 
• Board Alignment and Allocation of Resources
• Monitoring Achievement 
• Establishing nonnegotiable goals for instruction and achievement
• Allocating resources that support the goals for instruction and achievement 

The next step in the process is to include staff members so they have a voice and it enhances the buy in.  The process I plan to use is to break the staff into smaller groups where they will be able to I believe to list all the great things happening in our district and then identify any weaknesses.  Another area of focus is what kind of working conditions would the staff come up with and then what type of environment would they want for their own children?  What would these look like?  How different would they be?  We would reconvene in a large group format and share all information.   After all this information is shared I would then have them get back into their small groups and begin writing what their own vision statement.  We would then get back together as a large group and share each groups vision statements.  Then we will continue to narrow it down into a clear, concise vision statement that is focused on moving our school district forward.

This process is an exciting one that engages all staff members to take part in achieving greatness in our school.  It also creates unity among staff, that holds everyone accountable and provides direction for all stakeholders.