Vision and Mission Statement

California State University San Marcos

Christina Gallardo
 Vision Statement

It is the vision of Tahquitz High School to create educational and organizational

systems that promote a safe and supportive learning environment where all students and

staff can develop the necessary skills and knowledge needed in order to be successful in

all endeavors. Furthermore, all stakeholders will strive to create an environment that

promotes positive character development and high expectations.

Mission Statement

We will be successful in preparing students to reach their current and post-

graduate goals. We will encourage and celebrate all academic and extracurricular

successes. We will provide professional structure, a positive climate, and a safe

environment for all students and staff.

Belief Statement

We believe

1. All students are capable of learning

2. All students and staff are entitled to a safe school environment in which to thrive.

3. The character traits such as integrity, dedication and excellence are worthy of

pursuit and focus both in and out of the classroom.

4. All stakeholders have a voice and should provide input into the organization

structures and pursuits of the school collaboration. Such as, the entire

organization can take P.R.I.D.E. in our accomplishments.

5. School spirit and excellence must be modeled by all stakeholders, at all times, in

all places.

6. In accountability: Students and staff should be accountable for their actions and

professionalism.

7. All students and staff represent many different perspectives and cultures. As

such, all positive traits are desirable and embraced.

8. Education is evolving to meet global needs. As such, it is incumbent upon us to

change professional practice in order to meet said needs.

9. Student, properly supported and motivated, will graduate and subsequently be

empowered to achieve their post-graduation goals.

10. Parents are an integral part of successful students.

 Summary

As a school site, one of the ways we accomplish the vision and mission statement

is by supporting a safe environment throughout the campus. The staff and students know

that they are safe and supported within the school. This is accomplished by creating a

friendly but also stern environment. The students know there are behavior expectations

and school rules. Further, the students are aware that if they are in violation of a rule

there will be repercussions. The students have many adults on campus that they can

trust. Also, the staff feels supported by the administration. The leadership style used by

the administration is supportive leadership; they show concerns and build trust with the

staff and students (Chance, 2009). The overall tone of the campus is one of acceptance

and understanding.

My department on campus is special education. One way, as a department, that

we support the vision and mission statement is by supporting the learning of each

student. We truly believe that each student is capable of learning. We support their

learning goals and want every student to be successful in and out of school. There are

supports and accommodations available to allow for the special education students to

continue striving for success despite any learning differences that they may have.

The core academic special education teachers also meet with the department for

the subject that they teach. This allows the teachers to continue striving for grade level

standards. The open communication and collaboration between teachers and between

teachers and administrators allows for continued rigor in all subject areas. One of the

primary functions of an educational institution is communication, we are continually

receiving, processing and interpreting information (Chance, 2009).

 As a teacher, I support the vision and mission statement by not only having

rigorous learning expectations but also by focusing on character development with my

students. Within my classroom I have the opportunity of teaching students with severe

learning disabilities. I do not lower my expectations for my students because they have a

learning disability. I expect for them to be respectful, caring, and understanding of each

other.

In my classroom and throughout the campus we practice Positive Behavior

Interventions and Supports (PBIS). This has been instrumental in character development

of our students. It has allowed the entire school to come to a common understanding of

expectations for behavior in every environment and classroom on campus. The weekly

lessons that are supported by each teacher have provided powerful lessons for the

students. Further, some of our students come from homes where they are not given the

tools to engage in positive behavior, PBIS is showing them how to respond to different

situations.

There are many ways that my school site, department and I support the vision and

mission statement at my school. All students and staff are held to high but achievable

expectations. These expectations allow us to create a safe learning environment, an

environment where all students are capable of learning and an environment that promotes

positive character development.

 References

Chance, P. L. (2009). Introduction to educational leadership and organizational

behavior: Theory into practice. Larchmont, NY: Eye on Education.