Developing a Vision

As you develop a vision, it is essential to include other key stakeholders in the process. Community members, school board members, parents and staff should all be included in the process. In small groups, the stakeholders should map out what they envision their schools and district look like in the future. The community culture and values should be considered when developing this plan. Once the groups have had an opportunity to share, I would look for common elements.

I would then work with my administrative team and share the vision that has been developed. We would then begin conversation of how we are going to get there? Which elements are already in place? What are the topics that require more research or training? Who do we have or who do we know that can give us the information we need? Prioritize which areas we will address first based upon budget and level of importance. 

It is necessary to share the plan with your entire staff and explain the process and the rationale for the vision. I would inform the employees of the staff development that will be taking place throughout the current school year. When possible, I would ask staff members to lead the training as there may be classroom strategies that some members excel in. I would stress that change is never easy, but we are going through the process with the end in mind.

As the year progresses, our administrative team would use data to determine if things are going well. If not, determine what do we need to change or perhaps go back and re-train. As a team discuss the pace we are going, is it too fast, too slow or are things going well? I would celebrate the successes we have on our journey.