Mission and Vision Statements

 

I 

 

Unit: Art

Theme: Vision & Mission Statements

 

Introduction

Statements of a school’s vision and mission are important for keeping a school focused on its core purpose. The statements can act as a guiding north star for school administrators who aim to make decisions that live up to the statements. They are also important because they are documents that parents use to see whether the school meets their family’s values.

 

 

II

Learning Objectives

 

• Understand the meaning of a school's vision statement
• Explain the importance of a school's mission statement
• Gain awareness of the role they play in a teacher's decision making 
• Experience the articulation of the mission and vision statements within the context of dance teaching and learning.
  

III

Main Lesson

1

Concepts

Mission Statement
It is a formal summary of the aims and values of a school, company, organization, or individual.

Vision Statement 
A vision statement is a declaration of an organization's objectives, intended to guide its internal decision-making. 

 

2

 
Examples of Mission and Vision Statements as they appear in the websites of three magnet schools with dance programs.

a)

South Miami Middle School 

 

MISSION STATEMENT

South Miami Middle Community School provides opportunities for every student to become a responsible, thinking citizen through an extended family of teachers, parents, students, community and business leaders working and learning together in a safe, caring environment to develop knowledge of careers, technology, the arts and social skills as they relate to the world of work and individual future planning.

VISION STATEMENT

In the pursuit of excellence and the belief that every child can learn, South Miami Middle Community School strives to guide students to be lifelong learners who are ever reaching beyond the mark of excellence. Our school operates on the fundamental principles of truth, honesty, integrity and community.

 

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 b)

Dr. Henry E. Perrine Academy of the Arts

http://perrineelementary.dadeschools.net/mission.aspx

Mission

Dr. Henry E. Perrine Academy of the Arts is committed to providing a safe haven for young people's imagination in a professional learning environment. Dedicated to the arts in education, all students are inspired to strive for excellence and overcome barriers in order to ultimately achieve their potential as responsible adults. The nurturing of students into lifelong learners will enable them to collaborate in global society through technology and a cooperative network of the community, parents, and school personnel for the next millennium.

Vision

Dr. Henry E. Perrine Academy of the Arts is committed to educating and preparing students for the challenges of tomorrow. Through the use of multiple intelligences, expressive arts and technology, all stakeholders will facilitate the cognitive development, as well as emotional, physical and social skills of the students while strengthening their pride, respect, integrity and commitment to excellence.

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c) 

South Miami K- 8 Center / Expressive Arts Magnet

https://www.smk8center.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=349121&type=d

 

Mission

South Miami K-8 Center enriches the community through the conveyance of the cultural heritage of the nation. The provision of the best possible educational experiences for our students will complement our mission to develop the whole child in an enriching academic environment, and develop lifelong learners in pursuit of excellence, utilizing the visual, expressive arts and technology.

Vision

The staff, parents, and community of South Miami K-8 Center Expressive Arts Magnet believe that all students can learn, achieve, and develop to their fullest potential. In this joint venture, we accept the responsibility to foster the achievement of excellence in education, as it relates to citizenship, academics and the integration of the expressive arts.

 

IV

A Note to Remember

A mission statement defines the organization's business, its objectives, and how it will reach these objectives. A vision statement details where the organization aspires to go.

 

V

Discussion Questions

 

1.  Why are mission and vision statements important?
2. How do the mission and vision statements of the institutions listed above differ from each other?
3. Check UM's mission and vision statements and express your opinion based on the concepts we have discussed in class.

 VI

Case Study

Mike Clayton is a bestselling author with a proven track record; he is the author of four of Pearson's Brilliant series (Influence, Time Management, Stress Management and Project Leader) and of four further titles, published by Pearson, Marshall Cavendish and Palgrave Macmillian.

"How to Set a Clear Vision and Mission for your Team" is a video where Clayton lists the different steps one can follow to articulate a good mission and vision statement. Here he shares a useful tip; if your mission and vision statements are not understood by a seven year old, they need to be rephrased. Thus, he suggests to make them bold, grounded, simple and ambitious so that they can be followed by those who commit to them.

 

 VII

 Activity

 

• Articulate your mission and vision statements and post them on Discussion Board.
• Share your mission and vision statements with the class and team up with those whose mission and vision resonate with your own.
• Consolidate your mission and vision by writing them for the group in their simplest way, boldest, groundest and most ambitious form.
  

 

 VIII

Journaling

 

IX

Glossary 

Mission Statement: It is a formal summary of the aims and values of a school, company, organization, or individual.

Vision Statement: A vision statement is a declaration of an organization's objectives, intended to guide its internal decision-making. 

 

X

Sources

Klavuu, Martin (2016).  Founder of OnlinePMCourses Mike Clayton Reveals the 4 Essentials of Team Leadership. https://blog.taskque.com/mike-clayton-reveals-4-essentials-team-leadership/

XI

Students' Work

 

 

Mission and Vision Statements - 

Gia Maietta/Daniela Abbo - Class (2/12)

Vision Statement

• The vision is to be the go-to place for high-schoolers who want to learn dance, where they can become more confident and expressive while having fun together; while at the same time, aiming to create a community where everyone feels welcome and excited about dancing.

Mission Statement

• To empower high school students through the art of dance, fostering self-expression, confidence, and teamwork to cultivate a lifelong passion for dance and creativity.