Living the Purpose and Direction

I am presenting in Norfolk as part of the state wide school improvement workshops.  My topic is "Purpose and Direction"; which is the new terminology for Mission and Vision.  In the course of our discussions we elicited responses to the question: "What is the purpose of schooling"?  I want to run with the response: "Students will be successful in life", to show how we can live both purpose and direction.

So your purpose is that "students will be successful in life"  - how does that impact what happens?  Here are a couple ideas:

• Teachers will ensure student success - no matter the cost.  We can bring someone in off the street to flunk kids - teachers will make sure each student learns.  All instructional and assessment practices are designed to ensure student success.
• Curriculum is designed based solely on the things that have the greatest impact on future success.  Most likely the curriculum will be heavy in 21st Century Skills such as collaboration, problem solving, and communication. 

The next step is to determine the direction (vision); I prefer using the term direction as it is more concrete - vision sounds like an unattainable dream (or nightmare).   Based on our purpose "students will be successful in life"; what do we want our system to look like in the future - let's say 5 years?  Here are a couple ideas:

• Every student is engaged in learning all day, every day they are in our care.  Success is predicated on student learning - engagement is the key to meeting this challenge.
• A culture of high expectations exists in which all learners set, meet, and even exceed goals. This applies to all learners: students, teachers, administrators, and support staff.

You have the purpose: "Students will be successful in life."

You have the direction - Engaged students, and a culture of high expectations and goal attainment.

So how do you get there?  I assume each one of us could now put forth a roadmap based on our purpose and direction.  Now the hard work begins - changing the existing system and culture to reach your destination.  That's call strategic planning!

Feel free to respond with ideas as to what steps you would take based on this purpose and direction.

Toby