10. A common vision drives exemplary middle schools.

10. A common vision drives exemplary middle schools.

This we believe (NMSA, 2010).

* Organizational structures foster purposeful learning and meaningful relationships.   Organizational Structures.

This we believe (NMSA, 2010) provides sixteen characteristics of exemplary middle schools. This is the tenth characteristic, and falls under the category of Leadership and Organization. I was scanning LinkedIn profiles this morning and ran across a comment by Richard da Costa*. He was sharing a reflection of his experience after creating a Ted Talk in the UK. His words remind me of the power and beauty of a common vision. Here are his words.

What I [learned] was what a powerful thing the passion, enthusiasm, energy, skill, and talent of a large group of people can be. If enough people work together and want something to happen really well - amazing things are possible. The truth is, we were a fairly eclectic mix of individuals and organizations. Thinking about what made the event work comes down to the qualities of the individuals involved. 

Creating an exemplary middle school is challenging. When a team of individuals comes together, they often bring many different and varied experiences, ideas, expectations, and gifts. And while the above production brought many different individuals together for a day, middle schools are institutions designed to serve children and communities for years. But, da Costa’s words must not be ignored.

As middle schools seek to transform a vision into reality, there must be intentional efforts and commitments by all the stakeholders to work together. Da Costa’s project was intentional, and every detail included using each person’s gifts to make it happen. A roadmap of sorts must be created with vision and support, so that there is a plan at every turn in the journey. As educators, we must not lose sight of the common vision as well as our individual commitment to implementing an event worth creating.

Advice

1)    Determine the vision and educate all stakeholders of the vision. Without “buy-in” from all members, the journey will be challenging.

2)    Find out what the gifts and talents are within the middle school community. Find a way to use these gifts.

3)    Set SMART goals to meet the vision, and initially, consider a long-range plan for meeting the goals. SMART stands for S-Specific and Strategic; M-Measurable; A-Action-oriented; R-Rigorous, Realistic, & Results-focused; T-Timed and Tracked

4)    Make a plan. Start small. Our school started this journey by setting up academic, interdisciplinary teams. I believe teaming is at the heart of the middle school movement. If our goal is to meet the needs of young adolescents, placing them on a team provides a natural structure for teachers to be able to communicate about students and plan ways to meet the individual needs.

* Richard da Costa is the Director of Floating Harbour Films, Floating Harbour Studios, in Bristol, UK