SAMPLE VISION STATEMENT CAPTURING THE VISION PILLARS:

(7) Example of a Vision Statement Capturing the Vision Pillars

“CCHS is a state of the art learning institution manned by a dynamic leader, supported by happy, satisfied and value-laden teachers who, in active partnership with supportive stakeholders, closely work together in

providing a conducive school environment for the development of God-loving quality graduates.

Note: Remind the planning team to describe their vision statement in the present tense as if they are reporting what they actually see, hear, think and feel after their ideal outcome was realized.

Introduction to Mission Statement Formulation

Like the vision statement, the mission statement must also be a product of the contributions from the members of the planning team. Therefore, the participatory approach shall also be used.

In the box is a suggested script for the crafting of the mission statement:

“Congratulations! We have just crafted our school vision statement, a product of our shared ideas. Now in the next session, we shall be making our mission statement.

(8) What is a Mission Statement?

A mission statement is something that describes the path the school chooses to take to become what it wants to be as expressed in its vision statement. It is the brief, clear statement of the reason/s behind the school’s existence. It explains the functions it seeks to fulfill, the clients it seeks to serve and the methods through which the school intends to fulfill its purpose.

While the vision is the “what” and the “where” of the school, the mission provides the school the “how” or the steps that would take that school to its desired state or vision.

A mission statement

• provides the focus, the map;

• tells the reason for making the trip or the journey;

• specifies what is valid, what we as an organization pledge to do;

• tells who we are and what we do; and

• addresses the needs of clients and stakeholders.

(9) Showing the Relationship between Vision and Mission Statements

The meaning of mission and its relationship to vision is concretely illustrated in Figure 3.

After the School Head has given a short theory input on what mission is, he/she can proceed by setting the context of the Mission Statement using the sample

WHERE DO WE WANT TO GO?

SHARED VISION

SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS Where are we now?

HOW DO WE GET THERE?

MISSION

Figure 3. Relationship of the Current Reality with the School Mission and Vision

The meaning of mission and its relationship to vision is concretely illustrated in Figure 3.

Script in the box:

The illustration above (it is suggested that this be posted on the board to guide participants) explains how the present school situation can influence the steps on how to achieve what the school wants to do and where the school wants to go as expressed in the vision statement.

(10) School Head’s Guide in Facilitating Mission Statement Formulation

After the School Head has explained the relationship of the current or present reality of the school with the mission and vision, s/he shall now lead the planning team to the actual workshop.

The question given is called a mission focus question. The School Head must be able to explain the focus question. He should stress the key words in the question like: TARGETED, SPECIFIC and DOABLE ACTIONS.

He could even further explain that “targeted” means intended; “specific”

means defined, exact; “doable” action means those which the school has the capacity to accomplish.

Having explained the focus question, the School Head should ask if there are still areas needing clarification. If there are, he should spend time to clarify doubts.

“We are now going to identify the path we are going to take. This path should be strategic or calculated in nature and in direction.

The present realities are the bases for the actions that shall bring us to the desired future. It is the mission that shall take us to our vision. They are our stepping stones towards achieving our vision.”

“To begin identifying our path, let us try to answer this focus question:

“What are some of the targeted, specific and doable actions that we need to take in order to improve the current or present state of our school and help us realize our vision in three years time?”

It should be remembered that the process in formulating the mission statement is practically similar to the process in formulating the vision.

However, the School Head may briefly discuss the workshop method again.

In the box is a suggested script:

After explaining the workshop process briefly, the School Head gives tips to the planning team on how to write the mission statement.

In the box is a suggested script:

1. Brainstorm individually. This is done within 5 minutes.

2. Share and discuss all ideas with all members of the planning team. This is done in 10 minutes.

3. Select the “best ideas”. Do this in 12 minutes.

4. Write the “best ideas” on the idea cards.

5. Remember the rules in writing on the idea cards:

1 IDEA PER CARD

SPECIFIC IDEAS

WRITE BIG

USE VERBS 5-7 WORDS

“I’ll give you five minutes to do individual brainstorming on your response to the focus question. Let me remind you that since this is a workshop on identifying our path – or how we are going to achieve our vision — all responses should begin with action words or verbs.

The School Head should not forget to follow the steps before the planning team is able to formulate the mission statement:

Step 1: Do individual brainstorming. Ask the participants to