After observing many educational leaders and education systems, it’s clear that the following must be present and ubiquitous in a school and district before they can thrive and continue to move forward:

• Clearly articulated, concise vision and mission
• Development of the vision and mission is based on research, reflection, and representative of all stakeholder voices
• Vision and mission drives decision-making at all levels
• Systems thinking and decision-making is the key to effectiveness and change
• Leadership hold themselves and others accountable for upholding the vision and mission
• Proactively tell your story – focus on the “why” of the organization
• Leadership needs to honor and live the “why” and expect and support this of all others in the system
• Recognize others for their impact – big or small – on the system
• Culture and relationships are critical – but not at the expense of the vision and mission
• Leadership and the organization need to be transparent and authentic
• Stay focused on what’s right and the “why” of the organization during the difficult times
• When change is necessary, do it – but in a proactive, not reactive mode
• Progress monitoring, reflecting, and responding are key to change and growth
• Complacency and the status quo have no place in the organization
• “Disrespect the impossible” Jamie Casap, Global Education Evangelist at Google

Take each one of these principles, honestly and authentically reflect on your environment (classroom, school, and/or district), determine strengths and growth areas, and develop a plan of action, that includes progress monitoring and reflection points.

Each of these plays a critical role in the success of your environment. View them as interdependent. Once achieved, synergistic change and decision-making will occur. It’s important to note that I use the term “achieved” very loosely. Continuous change, and situations that need a response, are always present. It’s not a negative, it’s just the reality. Embrace, proactively respond, and stay focused on the what’s important. In our business that’s easy; our students.

As mentioned earlier, these principles are interdependent but there are a few non-negotiables that have a more critical impact:

• Clearly articulated, concise vision and mission
• Vision and mission drives decision-making at all levels
• Leadership needs to honor and live the “why” and expect and support this of all others in the system
• Recognize others for their impact – big or small – on the system
• Culture and relationships are critical – but not at the expense of the vision and mission
• Complacency and the status quo have no place in the organization
• “Disrespect the impossible” Jamie Casap, Global Education Evangelist at Google

I chose to end with Jamie Casap’s quote, “Disrespect the impossible” for a very specific reason. If we embrace this stance and attitude, we will thrive and reclaim the educational agenda. We’re in a constantly changing environment in education, often more challenging than supportive. It’s easy to start making reactive decisions that are not focused on the why, that disregard the vision and mission, and quite simply are not good for kids. Disrespect the impossible, despite all barriers, and give our learners what they deserve.