ABSTRACT
This chapter is intended to be a practical guide for educators and school leaders looking for specific language to use within the context of their own mission statements. Over the course of our research, we have been struck by just how few resources are available for educators and school leaders engaged in the process of reflecting upon their educational mission. How can we be so articulate about curricular decisions, yet struggle with the more fundamental questions of school purpose? We believe the school mission statement can be a useful vehicle by which a school can communicate its philosophy and fundamental values to a broad audience. Not all schools take full advantage of this opportunity.
