What fortitude is required to give the core learning values strength? The core POWER learning content stemmed directly from the mission, vision and characteristics—all developed over a decade.
Values can set a school apart by clarifying its identity and serving as a rallying point for students, whānau, community and stakeholders. However, coming up with strong values—and sticking to them—requires real determination.
Indeed, any school considering a values initiative must first come to terms with the fact that, when properly practiced, values inflict pain. They can make some people feel under-valued, they limit strategic and operational freedom and constrain the behavior of students, whānau—and staff. They leave the Principal and Board of Trustees open to criticism for even minor deviation. And they demand constant vigilance.
The question has to be—are they worth the effort? The answer is: "most definitely so". A good values initiative is never rushed. It is far more important to arrive at a values statement that works than to reach a decision one may later regret.
Values give permission to make the story bigger
School evolve and so does messaging. Values create trust. Trust is the filter through which all schools must pass. The content of values will only work if they're Useful, Inspirational and Motivational and if there is a documented Strategy.
Trust is the thing. It is the 'soul' of the school that shines through all content. However, it is fundamental to remember the goal is NOT to be good at values content. The goal is to be excellent at the core business of "Learning" because of the "values".
