The Importance of a Strong Mission, Vision, and Values
What makes a charter school? Why do they exist? Why do we need them when there is an ISD where these kids could attend? Well, there is no easy answer to these questions. Each charter school is unique, born of a dream and purpose to meet an identified need not yet being met in its respective community.
For this reason, charters are driven by their unique mission, vision, and values in all they do from who they hire to the students they serve. This is what sets the charter apart from the ISD. Charters serve and employ a special population, including those pulled by their heartstrings to serve that mission, achieve that vision, and live those values. Charters rely on their mission to communicate their purpose to the greater community, as well, being a critical component for recruitment, publicity, donor-attracting, and more.
Does your charter have these statements defined? If so, are they effective in answering the questions: Who are you? Where are you going? How are you going to get there?
Mission
A charters mission explains the school’s reason for existence. It answers the question, “What is the overall goal we are striving to achieve?” A string mission statement communicates purpose and direction. Your mission should serve to control decisions made and provide direction for the future. Your mission statement should become your constitution, in the way that it is a solid expression of your vision and values. It becomes the criteria by which you measure success.
Vision
A vision statement describes how things will be if the mission is fully achieved. It should answer the question, “What will the student look like or the school look like if all goals are met?” A vision should be inspirational and aspirational. Think: End Game. A vision statement offers a view of the future and a motivating picture that shows where you are going.
Values
Often referred to in schools as pillars, beliefs, statements for success, or other terms, values offer a look at what they school believes and how it will behave. Values may serve as the moral compass for students and employees. They define deeply held beliefs and principles that provide foundation for the charters culture. Values also establish a standard by which actions can be assessed and offer an internalized framework that should be shared and acted upon.
Summary
Understanding and defining your charter’s mission, vision and values are of paramount importance in creating the unique educational community and environment needed to effectively carry out your school’s purpose. For more information, sign up for the all-new Charter Overview: Leadership, Mission, Vision and Values online course.
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