Synthesize
Throughout this module, you and your team have discussed the “why” that underlies your mission, the core design principles of your school, and how to engage the whole school community in realizing your common mission. Here’s a look at how other high school design or redesign teams have grappled with some of these same issues.
Now it’s time for you and your team to step back and reflect.
Step 1 – Summarize Your Work
What mission, purpose, and core values will animate and unify your school? Revisit the XQ School Design Principles and brainstorm ideas for components you’ll put in place in each area to create a unique and coherent school. Working with your team, summarize your conclusions.
Step 2 – Share Your Vision
Now get ready to share your ideas with others in your school and community.
- Look back at the mission statement you developed earlier in this module. Take a few minutes to reaffirm or revise it!
- Using the XQ School Design Principles, describe how your mission statement will be embodied in the core components of your school.
- What do you see as the most important components for achieving your mission? How are those components interconnected?
- How will those components be experienced by students? How will they be experienced by staff, families, and others?
- How will they unify your school and foster a strong sense of belonging?
More Resources on This Topic
![teacher at blackboard educating students]()
High Love, High RigorTrinity Academy for the Performing Arts in Providence, RI, is grounding its redesign process in a singular vision: high love and high rigor.
Read More![a student writing]()
Expeditionary SchoolsThe 10 design principles of Expeditionary Learning schools include self-discovery, diversity and inclusion, and empathy.
Read![a student cutting material]()
One StoneEvery aspect of this student-founded, student-led high school in Boise, Idaho, supports its mission: “Making Students Better Leaders and the World a Better Place.”
Read![hands touching a statics electricity sphere]()
Creating a VisionEducation Elements offers tips for creating a vision statement for your school or district.
Read![a hand placing a ball bearing on a track]()
Back on TrackThis video from the Barr Foundation features students who got back on track to graduating in high schools that welcomed and supported non-traditional learners.
Watch![a student working on a floor plan on a computer]()
High Tech High Design PrinciplesEvery High Tech High is based on four design principles that appear in different ways across each school’s approach: personalization, adult world connection, common intellectual mission, and teacher as designer.
Read![a student looking forward]()
What Matters MostFind out how Oakland Unified School District is using its new Graduate Profile to create a coherent vision for success.
Read![students in a school hallway]()
Da Vinci RISECheck out the mission and model of Da Vinci RISE, a unique high school that meets disconnected students where they are—geographically, academically, socially, and emotionally.
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