Academy Visions Revisited

1. Academy Visions Revisited Academy Summer Retreat August 8, 2011

2. Imagine… …that you have a rare weekend without any professional responsibilities: no papers to grade, no lessons to plan, no activities to cover. To take advantage of this unexpected free time, you and three friends decide to go live it up in Las Vegas. Through e-mail, texting, hurried phone conversations, and brief get-togethers, the four of you coordinate transportation, lodging, the time of departure, and other details. On your index card, describe your ideal way of spending this weekend in Sin City.

3. Reality Bites! If a man knows not what harbor he seeks, any wind is the right wind. -Seneca, Roman Philosopher If you don't have a common, agreed upon destination, then everyone is left to his or her own devices to imagine one—a scenario that results in unharnessed and unfocused efforts, with everyone believing that what he or she is doing is right.

4. Total Recall • To the best of your ability, write/summarize/restate your academy’s vision statement developed by your leadership team last summer.

5. Communicating & Living the Vision On your academy’s vision statement poster, please work with your team to answer the following questions: • How was your vision statement initially communicated to each of the following: a) students, b) academy teachers, c) parents, d) industry partners, e) others [identify]? • Was your academy vision explicitly revisited with the above stakeholders throughout the year? If so, how? • Describe or list ways in which your academy has assessed its progress toward realizing its vision during the last year. • What evidence do you have that your academy is progressing toward or meeting its current vision?

6. Why is a Vision Statement SO Important? • It is the ideal picture of the future of your academy • An effective vision strikes a chord in your students and teachers, motivates them by tapping into their competitive drive, awakens a desire for greatness or interest in doing the right thing, or appeals to their need to make a difference in the world • It brings meaning to students’ and teachers’ daily work and mobilizes them to action • It motivates and empowers your teachers and students • When your academy’s vision is effective, students, teachers, and various other stakeholders get caught up in what they are doing, absorb the vision, and commit themselves to the goals and the values of your academy

7. Vision vs. Mission Vision Statement Mission Statement Time Function Further Details • Envisions the academy’s future • Outlines where the academy wants to be & communicates its purpose & values to all stakeholders • Lists where the academy sees itself some years from now; it inspires teachers & students to give their best • Defines the academy’s present • Outlines how the academy will get to where it wants to be & defines the academy’s purpose & goals primarily for the leadership team • It lists the broad goals of the academy & defines the key measure of the academy’s success

8. An Effective Vision Statement: More Food for Thought • Identifies direction and purpose • Builds loyalty through involvement • Sets standards of excellence that reflect high ideals and a sense of integrity • Is persuasive and credible • Inspires enthusiasm and encourages commitment • Is well articulated and easily understood • Is ambitious and calls for a shared commitment • Challenges and inspires people to align their energies in a common direction • Fits with the academy’s unique culture and values • Results in efficiency and productivity • Reflects the academy's unique strengths

9. Envisioning Your Ideal Student • Envision the “ideal” graduate of your academy. • What should students know and be able to do after completing high school in your academy? Consider broad student outcomes, as well as industry-specific standards. • Discuss these issues with your team and record the knowledge and skills students should possess on your academy’s Ideal Student poster.

10. To Revise or Not to Revise? • With your leadership team, complete the Vision Statement Checklist. • This is meant to be used simply as a guide; engagement with the checklist may foster reflections that prompt your team to make revisions to your vision statement, or reinforce the effectiveness of your current vision statement.

11. Next Steps to Consider • Creation/revision of a mission statement • Academy Sustainability Inventory