What is the best initial action for a school leader creating a vision and goals?

The best initial action for a school leader creating a vision and goals is to gather data from stakeholders about their perceptions of the school's purpose and values. This step is crucial because the vision should be inclusive and reflect the collective beliefs and aspirations of the entire school community, including teachers, students, parents, and local community members. Engaging stakeholders at the outset fosters a sense of ownership and collaboration, ensuring that the vision is not only aspirational but also relevant and aligned with the community's needs and expectations.

Understanding stakeholders' perspectives helps in identifying common themes and values that can serve as a foundation for the vision. It creates an environment where everyone feels heard and valued, which can lead to more robust support for the vision and its goals moving forward.

While analyzing current academic performance data, reviewing past school vision statements, and consulting with educational experts can provide valuable insights, these actions are typically more effective once stakeholder input has been gathered. Academic data can inform specific goals, but it does not necessarily capture the broader purpose and values driving the school's mission. Past vision statements may lack current relevance, and expert consultations can offer guidance, but they should align with the community's input to ensure that the vision resonates with those it impacts most.