Anchoring the Work with Collective Ownership

Every leadership article and book I ever read included a chapter that discussed the importance of a mission and vision, as well as the identification of core values and beliefs.  In every school district that I worked in, there was a mission statement that hung on the walls and was chanted during leadership meetings.  Having passed by the mission statement hundreds of times and mechanically reciting it over and over, it never really occurred to me that this statement was supposed to reflect my practice.  Until I did…

The research was so compelling on the importance of a shared mission and vision, I facilitated a series of sessions where our staff collectively engaged in the construct of this important document.  Added to this, we engaed in the work of Steve Barkley (https://barkleypd.com/blog/) and defined what student achievement means for our students, and the behavors needed from students, staff, and leadership.  This document anchored everything that we did; its power was rooted in the manner in which it was designed - by the entire staff, following the process consensus.  The impact of this document was incredible.  Collective ownership and accountability of our shared mission, vision and core values resulted in my staff working collaboratively in professional learning communities focused on student learning.  

I recently facilitated the process with my staff at my new school, and am looking forward to the finished product!  Will share...let me know what you think!