Exploring Our Values and Beliefs Practices will not change until beliefs, values and skills change. National Transition Network, 1997

Earth’s Population If we could shrink the earth’s population to a village of precisely 100 people, with all the existing human ratios remaining the same, it would look something like the following: There would be: 57 Asians: 21 Europeans, 14 from the Western Hemisphere, both north and south; 8 Africans 52 would be female; 48 would be male 70 would be non-white; 30 would be white 89 would be heterosexual; 11 would be homosexual 6 people would possess 59% of the entire world’s wealth and all 6 would be from the US 80 would live in substandard housing 70 would be unable to read 50 would suffer from malnutrition 10 would have a disability 1 would be near death; 1 would be near birth 1 would have a college education

Directions: Individually rate each item. Then discuss the items as a group, trying to reach a consensus. Remember, a consensus does not have to mean absolute approval and agreement; it is a decision the group can live with. Rating Scale: SA = Strongly Agree AS = Agree Somewhat DS = Disagree Somewhat SD = Strongly Disagree 1. _________Students are losing respect for teachers. 2. _________I would encourage premarital sex for my daughter. 3. _________People are basically good. 4. _________Giving grades encourages meaningful learning in school. 5. _________Gay people should be allowed to adopt children. 6. _________There is life after death. 7. _________I prefer police brutality to riots. 8. _________I would encourage premarital sex for my son. 9. _________Marijuana should be legalized. 10. _________Familiarity breeds contempt.

Values.. What we believe What we believe Mission.. What we do

Reaffirming Beliefs & Establishing a Mission Professional/Personal Values & Ethics Assumptions about the Education of Kids Value Statement with Assumptions Mission Statement

 A Values statement tells WHAT WE BELIEVE  A Mission Statement tells WHO WE ARE, WHAT WE WANT TO ACCOMPLISH  A Mission Statement often contains GOAL Statements that tell HOW WE ARE GOING TO ACHIEVE OUR MISSION  A Mission Statement is congruent and derived from a Values Statement

Sample Value Statements… We believe... Kids have the right to come to school clean and healthy Everyone’s philosophies, diversities, opinions should be respected In order to support people there needs to be a sense of loyalty Open communication and consensus building are keys to success In listening and learning from other people’s experiences and ideas In not imposing our values on others In a sense of humor and a climate of fun! In an understanding that it is difficult to balance priorities Information should be shared with everyone, together

Establishing Missions… Starts with administrators!!! Provide a safe environment for students and families where individualized education is a reality Provide a nurturing environment where staff can grow and develop their professional personalities Provide access to the “Best Practices” available in education (conferences, tuition reimbursement, materials and equipment) To facilitate an environment where people feel good, are relaxed and can laugh and cry together

Sample Mission Statements… Our mission is to help our students reach their highest potential by looking beyond their disability; encouraging social interactions among the students and staff; and encouraging independence. Our mission is to enhance each child’s quality of life through: … Respect… Structure … Communication… Consistency … Understanding… Dedication … Patience… Play … Humor … Attention to health & safety

What is the utility developing a value / mission statement?

Drafting Value and Mission Statement Step 1Each Member write down your individual beliefs and/or assumptions regarding the education and transition of youth with disabilities Step 2Identify a recorder and spokesperson Step 3Compare your individual beliefs and/or assumptions and come consensus on a list Step 4Develop a group statement.. We Believe.. Step 5Discuss and determine a framework for the development of a Mission Statement.. What We Do.. (global statement of the team function)