Exploring Our

Values and Beliefs

Practices will not change until beliefs, values and skills change.

National Transition Network, 1997

Earth’s PopulationIf 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 AgreeAS = Agree SomewhatDS = Disagree SomewhatSD = 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 . . Values . .

What we believeWhat we believe

Mission .. Mission ..

What we doWhat we do

Reaffirming Beliefs & Establishing a Mission

Professional/Personal Values & Ethics

Assumptions about the Education of Kids

Value Statementwith 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 1 Each Member write down your individual beliefs and/or assumptions regarding the education and transition of youth with disabilities

Step 2 Identify a recorder and spokesperson

Step 3 Compare your individual beliefs and/or assumptions and come consensus on a list

Step 4 Develop a group statement . . We Believe . .

Step 5 Discuss and determine a framework for the development of a Mission Statement . . What We Do . . (global statement of the team

function)