4 Vision in education

Question 1

Dr Newman knew that he needed to establish trusting relationships with all members of his school community to advance its improvement efforts. He was articulate about what this meant to him. ‘Trust is built by contact, by ________, by doing what you ___ you’re going to do, by showing ______, by acting on ________, [but] mostly by doing what you say you’re going to do.’
Dr Newman talked at length about the importance of positive social relations in the functioning of a good school, and felt strongly that developing trust was critical within his school community.
(Bryk and Schneider, 2000)

Answer 1

Dr Newman knew that he needed to establish trusting relationships with all members of his school community to advance its improvement efforts. He was articulate about what this meant to him. ‘Trust is built by contact, by consistency, by doing what you say you’re going to do, by showing concern, by acting on solutions, [but] mostly by doing what you say you’re going to do.’ Throughout our interviews, Dr Newman talked at length about the importance of positive social relations in the functioning of a good school, and felt strongly that developing trust was critical within his school community.
(Bryk and Schneider, 2000)

Question 2

Vision: An image of what ____ be; an ideal which is unique to the person or the organisation and recognises __________ with the present. It is a catalyst for _____, and reflects core values: ‘A vision is a ________ future, a ________ state. It is an expression of optimism despite the bureaucratic surroundings or evidence to the contrary.’
(Block, 1987)

Answer 2

Vision An image of what might be; an ideal which is unique to the person or the organisation and recognises dissatisfaction with the present. It is a catalyst for action, and reflects core values: ‘A vision is a preferred future, a desirable state. It is an expression of optimism despite the bureaucratic surroundings or evidence to the contrary.’
(Block, 1987)