August Wrap Up

After introductions, we considered the four components of a learning consortium (in fact, the components of a professional learning community): mission, vision, goals and values. There were four posters hanging in different areas of the room, each with one of these words on them. Participants were asked to gather next to the poster with the word they thought was most critical to a learning consortium. The majority gathered around goals and mission!

Each group was then asked to write a statement explaining why they chose the word they did.

Here is a summary of what was said:

• Mission – It’s the Big Picture!
• Vision – It’s the Picture of What We Want to Accomplish!
• Goals – Need to Know What to Accomplish Before Trying to Accomplish It!
• Values – Without Commitment Nothing Happens!

We spent some time focusing on what our mission. Based on comments from the group, the following mission statement was compiled:

“Create a culture of collaboration dedicated to personal and professional growth that leads to student success in school and beyond!”