When creating vision statements, this is one of the hardest components to developing a plan but it provides a end goal for the group. My school division is attempting to create and foster a quality learning environment (QLE) for students and teachers. I have used components of our QLE district model to form the framework of my plan moving forward.
The research behind vision statements is vast but when constructing a vision statement it must have a framework that builds towards future goals but it is also a statement that is continued long after the initial project is started. When doing research, the article, Vision Revisited: Telling the Story of the Future; Ira M. Levin, Ernst & Young LLP, 2000, is article that contained an interesting viewpoint on how vision statements should be created. Irvin describes how the mission and vision are intertwined and that in order to create a functional and purposeful vision that you must include steps towards a developing story.
The vision statement that I've created is part of our district wide QLE model as we are looking at building an environment in each of our schools that offers a technology-rich educational environment.
Vision Statement
A vision statement expresses thoughts about what the PWSD’s future technology-rich educational environment will look like. It should be written in broad terms and guide the development of the educational technology plan.
Critical Element: Dynamic Learning Environment
Knowledge, Skills and Aptitudes (KSAs) from Teaching Quality Standard:
a. (4) Teachers know there are many approaches to teaching and learning.
b. (6) Teachers create and maintain environments that are conducive to student learning.
c. (7) Teachers translate curriculum content and objectives into meaningful learning activities.
d. (8) Teachers apply a variety of technologies to meet students’ learning needs.
Professional Focus:
· Teachers will create relevant and outcome based learning experiences which promote student engagement.
- Teachers ensure instructional spaces are organized to maximize student learning.
- The use of a variety of technology and resources is promoted.
Descriptive Statements:
- Where possible, learning activities are related to real world situations.
- Student interest is taken into account in instructional design and assessment.
- Students are engaged in the development of desired classroom climate.
- Teacher encourages students to explore and embrace their individuality and personality in a mutually respectful way.
- Age appropriate use of social media is expected.
- Ethical digital citizenship is demonstrated and expected.
- Teachers will facilitate learning in a variety of settings.
- Students are encouraged to use appropriate technology to construct knowledge.
- Teachers employ a variety of technologies to facilitate inclusion.
- As required, teachers will assign students to groups based on changing student needs and interests.
A dynamic learning environment is characterized by change, activity and progress. It is intentionally designed to meet the needs of all students while challenging them to enhance existing skills, interests and understandings, as well as meaningfully building new ones.
Such an environment incorporates inclusion, learning styles, technology and real world applications. It encompasses the classroom, school and broader community under an umbrella of mutual respect and collaboration.
References:
Vision Revisited: Telling the Story of the Future; Ira M. Levin, Ernst & Young LLP, 2000.
http://fagbokforlaget.no/boker/downloadpsykorg/KAP7/artikler/Betydningen%20av%20visjoner%20i%20strategiske%20beslutninger.pdf
References:
Vision Revisited: Telling the Story of the Future; Ira M. Levin, Ernst & Young LLP, 2000.
http://fagbokforlaget.no/boker/downloadpsykorg/KAP7/artikler/Betydningen%20av%20visjoner%20i%20strategiske%20beslutninger.pdf
