Why does every school need a clear, well-articulated mission?
By identifying ambitious goals that everyone shares, a school can build a framework for better teaching and learning.
A coherent, mission-based culture can inspire and unify a school community.
Schools are complex organizations, made up of innumerable processes and activities that need to fit together coherently. Schools function best when their stakeholders are guided by a cohesive culture, shared values, and a common set of beliefs about what they are trying to achieve.
The formula is straightforward: Goals + Values + Approach = Mission.
To design and build truly effective schools for the future, we need to think about, talk about, and ultimately agree on the educational principles we want to work for and fight for. Schools that get those elements right are stronger; they are also more resilient and better able to adapt creatively to challenges and setbacks.