SOUP TALK
COMMUNICATING & STAYING FOCUSED ON VISION/MISSION
NEW VISION STATEMENT
SUPPORTING STATEMENT FOR OUR VISION
Within this supportive learning culture, our students explore their talents and interests, set individual and group goals, and pursue courageous endeavors in all areas of their lives. Cooperative relationships among families, businesses, organizations, community members, and the school provide strong ties which enhance learning beyond the walls of a school.
We value a culture of civility where all stakeholders are treated with fairness, are celebrated for their successes and are respected for their contributions. We strive to prepare our students to live their lives with resilience, compassion, and above all integrity. As our students graduate and move through life we know that they are prepared to act knowledgeably, lead thoughtfully, share generously, and contribute meaningfully.
NEW MISSION STATEMENT
PRINCIPLES OF EFFECTIVE INSTRUCTION
1. Building Learning Communities
2. Developing instruction that is Learner-Centered
3. Developing a Deep Understanding of what to teach and how to teach it
4. Utilizing Assessment to understand what our learners understand and can do
5. Utilizing Feedback to develop a growth-focused dialogue with the learner
The Principles of Effective Instruction is the "how" of achieving our vision and mission.
STAYING FOCUSED ON OUR VISION/MISSION AS EDUCATIONAL LEADERS
Half-way through my fifth year as your superintendent, I feel able and willing to share the vision and mission I believe our district should embrace. As part of my growing process, I have discovered my most important goal as a leader...that is to help students and teachers (all staff) to grow.
Test scores!!! As a principal of many years and now as a superintendent test scores have at times caused me restless nights and much stress. Getting building and district scores is a nerve-racking time. I always try to not overemphasize test scores even though in our state accountability process I knew the importance placed on test scores in the educational ranks. After 15 years in our district, I have come to realize that our test scores are not dire nor are they amazing. They are what they are and they are just a small piece of a larger learning landscape. Test scores do not define a student, a teacher, an administrator, a staff member, the Board of Education, or our school community.
Through my reflection of my leadership experiences, I have come to realize that test scores will come and go. I realize that my main focus as a leader, my main responsibility lies in how I go about helping and supporting our students and teachers (all staff) to grow and succeed. That is my constant. This is what I need to keep in the forefront of my mind as we go forward together to accomplish our vision and mission.
So, letting go of the idea of test scores being the end all be all is difficult and challenging. However, I feel it is necessary for me and for all of us as educational leaders to do if we are to grow professionally and for the success of the school district. It seems for all of us the list of essential tasks is endless. We all have enormous professional responsibilities. I believe if we can let go of test scores and focus on the whole child through our vision, mission, and Principles of Effective Instruction we can become a school district that is harmonious, energized, focused, and productive in meeting the needs of our students and one another.
Our job as educational leaders is to understand that the ultimate goal of what we do is to help students fully realize their potential. We can do this by focusing on our schools' culture and instruction - that is how we will get them there. As we embark on this journey together we are sure to have great successes as well as times we will be disappointed. We must always keep the big picture in mind and adopt attitudes that support risk-taking and exploration in how we do things. We must learn to celebrate our growth as professionals knowing that as we grow our students grow.
As we rise up to the challenges we face together we must never lose sight of or let go of our professional pride, collaborative work, and our integrity. To get where we want to be will take a collective commitment and a relentless commitment if we are to become the school and district we all know we have the potential to be. It will be essential for each of us to address the changes we need to make through the use of data analysis, collaboration, instructional planning, and embracing curricular initiatives.
I for one am ready to let go of test scores as my be all end all. I am ready to embrace the bigger picture, developing the whole child through thoughtful planning and collaboration. I will do my best to stamp out the voice of negativity and self-doubt. If we all commit to doing the same we have a great chance to answer the one most important question an educational leader faces with a "YES" - "did you give your best effort for the students you serve?"