Crafting a Vision for Education in the 21st Century

Chapter 5 Appendix B VTSD WRITING THE VISION STATEMENT W.H. Adams & Associates, LLC April 2014

WHY WRITE A VISION BIG PICTURE Need to Know Where The District is Going Communication to Multiple Internal Stakeholders everyone on the same page in district and community Assists with Decision-Making Communication to Global Community Stay Focus - Work in the day 2 day Keep our eye on the VISION With Goals & Action Plans: Stay Accountable Measure and Access 2

BEFORE WE BEGIN KUMBYEYA MOMENT All Students Can Learn 3

AS AN OUTCOMEOFTHEIR LEARNING What Do Students Need to Be Able to Do to Be Successful in the 21st Century??? 4

PERSPECTIVESON 21ST CENTURY LIFE (KAY & GREENHILL, 2013) 5

PERSPECTIVE #1: THE WORKFORCE Our system of education was built for an economy that NO LONGER EXISTS. Jobs in Future: NON-ROUTINE ANALYTIC Require Collaboration/Interactive Require Critical Thinking Require Communication with People 6

PERSPECTIVE #1: THE WORKFORCE if a person need to be managed they are no long employable. Apple Executive Work ethic Collaboration Good Communication Social Responsibility Critical Thinking/Problem Solving Personal/Financial Responsibility Health and wellness 7

PERSPECTIVE #2: THE FLAT WORLD Flattening = no middle layers of management. Self Management is a requirement in the Flat World. That Used To Be Us Thomas Friedman and Michael Mandelbaum. Flat World 2.0 (for educators) Individuals empowered by having information, resources and networks available to them at their fingertips/on demand == MORE LEVERAGE. Ability to share values, interests, and ideals. Launch a product (musician) or Launch a revolution (Egypt). What attributes do you want VTSD to possess in a flat world? Is VTSD creating environments where students are encouraged to be self-directed or self-managed? Is VTSD flatter than it was 10 years ago? (Less top down.) 8

PERSPECTIVE #3: THE SERVICE ECONOMY 80% of the U.S. jobs are in the service economy EDUCATORS Doctors/Medicine/Healthcare across the board Finance Law Sales If you knew that 4 out of 5 VTSD students would be in the service economy how might that impact your vision of VTSD? How they are instructed? What outcomes you would expect of them? 9

PERSPECTIVE #4: CITIZENSHIP Media Shaping Public Opinion Media Literacy Complexity of 21st Century Public Policies Campaigns Initiatives --- Sign-up for public support via web. Demands are greater requiring more complex thinking, more empathy, civility, and sophisticated interactivity. How does VTSD prepare young people for 21st Century citizenship? 10

PERSPECTIVE #5: PACEOF CHANGE It is expected that young people will experience 10.4 job changes in their lifetime. Enough said. How comfortable are you as leaders in VTSD in demonstrating flexibility and adaptability in the face of change? How about your colleagues? 11

PERSPECTIVE #6: DESIGN & INNOVATION Cost is not the only factor in decision making Will pay more ~ Design-related Decisions! 12

PERSPECTIVE #6: DESIGNAND INNOVATION Traditional Environments Innovative Environments Individual Achievement Individual Academic Subjects Extrinsic instruction (grades) Risk aversion Passive consumption of knowledge Collaboration Crossing of boundaries (breaking down silos) Intrinsic motivation (passion) Responsible risk taking Creation of knowledge 13

PERSPECTIVE #7: INFORMATION Shelf-life of information is limited. 21st Century Key = Knowing WHAT TO DO with information you have never seen before. Most students today still learning in environments that emphasize memorization and content mastery. This is just one aspect of what is necessary for 21st century. What are the implications in VTSD of the short shelf life and rapid explosion of information? 14

PERSPECTIVE #8: TECHNOLOGY We all have stories as to how technology has changed our lives but using technology is not the end goal. It s a tool. Does VTSD have a well-considered plan for the use of technology? Is it tied to all the other 21st century outcomes you have identified as a way to enable them? 15

PRINCIPALS: TO GET US STARTED All students will learn the essential skills for success in the remainder of the 21st Century that include critical thinking, problem solving, communication & collaboration. 16

PRINCIPALS: SUGGESTIONS All students are capable of advanced proficiency skills in core subjects English, reading or language arts World Languages Arts Mathematics Science Geography History Government and Civics 17

PRINCIPALS: SUGGESTIONSCONT. All students will learn 21st Century interdisciplinary themes that include: Global awareness Financial, Economic, Business and Entrepreneurial Literacy Civic Literacy Health Literacy Environmental Literacy 18

PRINCIPALS: SUGGESTIONSCONT All students will have the opportunity to: Think creatively Work creatively with others Implement Innovation All students will be exposed to learning and innovation skills that include a focus on: Creativity Critical Thinking Communication Collaboration skills 19

PRINCIPALS: SUGGESTIONS.. All students will have the opportunity to experience critical thinking and problem solving skills through PreK-8 curriculum that include: Reasoning effectively Use systems thinking Make judgments and decisions Solve problems 20

PRINCIPALS: SUGGESTIONS All students will gain information, media and technology skills that include: Information literacy Access & Evaluation Information Media Literacy Analyze Media Create Media Products ICT (Information, Communication & Technology) Literacy All students will gain communication and collaboration skills that include the ability to: Communicate clearly Collaborate with others 21

PRINCIPALS: SUGGESTIONS All students will gain exposure to life skills that include: Flexibility & Adaptability Skills Adapt to Change Be Flexible Initiative & Self Direction Skills Manage Goals and Time Work Independently Be self-directed learners 22

PRINCIPALS: SUGGESTIONS All students will gain social and cross-cultural skills that include the ability to: Interact Effectively with Others Work Effectively in Diverse Teams All students will learn productivity and accountability skills that include the ability to: Manage projects Produce results All students will be exposed to leadership and responsibility opportunities that include development of the ability to: Guide and Lead Others Be responsible to Others 23

VISION STATEMENTCOMPONENTS FOR CONSIDERATIONFROMTHESURVEYRESULTSAND STRATEGIC VISIONRESOURCES: Learning & mastering the skills that will prepare students for college, career, and life. Being a well-rounded, critical thinker with the ability to function in today s society and throughout the 21st century. Ability to set and achieve personal goals, understand the value of respect, and a personal sense of growth. The individual will possess the ability to communicate effectively and strives for continuous improvement. WHOLE CHILD APPROACH to education 24

VISION STATEMENTCOMPONENTS FOR CONSIDERATIONFROMTHESURVEYRESULTSAND STRATEGIC VISIONRESOURCES: Demonstrating student growth academically, emotionally, and socially with the ability to apply new knowledge. Increase opportunities for student success for all students at all achievement levels. Who is accountable? Learning environment? 21st Century Skills CRITICAL THINKING, problem solving, collaboration, and communication skills. 25

A VISION STATEMENT DEFINITIONFROM THE PENNSYLVANIA DOE A vision statement describes your vision for the future if your organization is successful in it s mission. Meant to inspire, the Vision statement provides a vivid portrayal of a bright future; however, its aspirations should be realistic and clear. When creating your Vision statement, it is helpful to begin your responses to the question: What do we want for our future? With the preposition for as in for all students to . 26

SAMPLE VISION STATEMENTS From Across the Country 27

VISION STATEMENT: DISTRICT FIVEOF LEXINGTON & RICHLANDCOUNTIES, SC School District Five of Lexington and Richland Counties will empower all students to meet or exceed expectations for academic, social, and emotional growth and success. We will provide opportunities for students to develop creative and critical problem-solving skills, as innovative learners, to meet dynamic global changes. Will maximize our use of resources through collaborative partnership with our community, our business and education partners. District Five s student sill be prepared to pursue excellence for tomorrow s challenges. Motto: Pursuing Excellence for Tomorrow s Challenges. 28

MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP, NJ VISION We envision a district on the forefront of public education. We focus on the needs of every child, dedicating ourselves to their present and future success. Success means that students possess a passion for learning and demonstrate cultural awareness ethical conduct, social skills, and healthy habits that will empower them to achieve their goals and aspirations. Achieving this vision requires that the district become a learning community that continually reflects and challenges itself to effect transformational teaching and learning. We prepare our students for life in a global society while nurturing them in a community where each student is known and valued. We believe by embracing a frontier spirit, we can create a unique organization that is recognized as a forerunner in public education. 29

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FLORIDA VISION To become the nation s leader in developing successful students. 30

PALOS VERDES PENINSULA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT (CA) VISION STATEMENT The Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District will continue to develop the whole child to thrive in a globally competitive age and enhance student achievement by providing a dynamic learning community in a rigorous academic environment.

MTSD MISSION STATEMENT We envision a unique, inclusive learning community at the forefront of education. Parents, staff and students will model and promote individuality, integrity, respect, and civic and social responsibility. Through an engaging, innovative curriculum, we will challenge students to become independent, self- directed learners who are adaptive problem solvers inspired to impact and thrive in an evolving society. In realizing this vision, we will establish our community as an exemplary leader in education. 32

BERKELEY HEIGHTS PUBLIC SCHOOLS VISION STATEMENT The BHPS district will provide a world class, whole child education that offers equitable opportunities for all students. This will occur in a collaborative environment that infuses a comprehensive curriculum with 21st century skills including critical thinking, communication, collaboration, creativity and innovation. All students will become responsible at the global, community and personal level. Students, parents, staff, community, and the Board of Education are accountable for achieving this vision.

VTSD MISSION STATEMENT The overall mission of the Vernon Township School District is the attainment of learning for all students. That mission is and will continue to be accomplished: By a supportive, professional and highly skilled staff In a student-centered environment that encourages building students self-esteem By providing a strong academic, remedial and enrichment program as well as a variety of experiences and activities beyond the classroom Through the development of students citizenship, responsibility, independence and respect for achieving their academic potential. 34

SUGGESTIONSFROM VICKI ...A passionate learning community, focused on supporting the whole child by imparting 21st Century skills for success in the classroom and beyond ...An inspiring learning community, where all stakeholders share in the efforts and celebrate the successes of the whole child ...Vernon Township School District...nurture in nature. All children are supported and inspired by our learning community... ...Moving together toward the future: every student is supported and encouraged to be successful in the 21st century, in every aspect of their education ...A passionate learning community which cultivates sustained student success beyond the walls of the classroom ...We are committed to a passionate learning community which prepares all students to succeed in an evolving global society. Education is centered on a whole child approach, where students are inspired and empowered to use 21st century skills and grow in a supportive, collaborative environment of professional faculty and the greater community working together... 35

SUGGESTIONSFROM VICKI - Students are excited (to be responsible) for reaching their academic potential - continuous reflection and improvement - growth opportunities (growth mindset / grit / dedication / effort / positive attitude) - students are inspired and empowered to reach for the stars - engaging, 21st century curriculum (from Millstone) - include a definition of success: Success means that all students maintain a passion for learning, and are empowered to meet tomorrow s challenges with an exemplary [academic, creative, life, information and career; or problem-solving] skill set that they use to impact and thrive in an evolving society (from Montgomery & Millstone) 36

SUGGESTIONS - our approach is always individually (differentiated) student-centered and holistic - the personal mission of every stakeholder (faculty, student, parent, community member, etc) is aligned with the vision of the district - dedication to growth (top goal from survey) - ability to set and achieve personal goals (top goal from survey) - be guided by morals and ethics - effective communication (top goal from survey; for students and district/community) - strive for continuous improvement (top goal from survey) - well-rounded, critical thinker (top goal from survey) 37

TO USEASA LAUNCH POINT To achieve the VTSD mission, we will offer a world class education that provides each student with an equitable opportunity for success academically, socially, and emotionally. Learning will occur in a safe collaborative and engaging environment. A comprehensive, sequential curriculum will be followed that includes critical thinking, communication and computation skills and the opportunity for creativity and innovation. 38

TO USEASA LAUNCH POINT VTSD is a whole child learning environment (organization) where students thrive, grow and apply their 5. Critical thinking, creativity, and integrity will 39

LETS WRITETHE VISION STATEMENT We envision a passionate, evolving learning community focused on developing resilient learners by imparting skills that will help them achieve personal academic success and responsible global citizenship. Students will achieve their maximum potential in a safe, nurturing, engaging, inspiring, and challenging environment. Students, parents, staff, community, and the board of education are responsible for sharing, pursuing, and achieving this vision 40

VERNON TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT VISION We envision a passionate, evolving community focused on developing resilient learners. Our students will acquire skills and create knowledge to achieve personal academic success and become responsible global citizens. Each student will reach his or her maximum potential in a safe, engaging, and challenging environment. Our students, parents, staff, board of education, and greater Vernon community are responsible for sharing, pursuing, and achieving this vision. 41