Public school districts write fancy Vision Statements and post them on the website for all to see. A Vision Statement is the ultimate goal of what the District wants its schools to accomplish. Ari Wallach uses the term ‘time horizon’ to mean the period of time an entity, public or private, has to accomplish certain tasks or goals. A Vision Statement is a goal that is across distance on the time horizon; this is where the district is headed in the future. But often times, schools find themselves focusing more on the now, the immediate. Why is that? And what impact does this have on the Vision?
In his TED talk, “3 ways to plan for the (very) long term”, Ari Wallach begins by talking on ‘Short-termism.’ In the corporate world, businesses look short-term, as in three to six months. The bottom line is all about satisfying the share-holders. Corporations are pressured to report their earnings quarterly. Ironically enough, purchasing shares is traditionally used to build up a nest egg for the future.
This Short-termism is also evident in the public school system, in terms of satisfying tax payers and meeting State Department of Education demands. In Pennsylvania, school district’s are primarily supported by property taxes collected twice per year. Taxpayers want to see where their dollar is going today. They want to see a direct result of their money, not their kids’ grandkids. Many even feel that once their kids are finished with school, they should no longer have to pay these taxes. (Op ed by Rep Ryan)
On top of pressure from taxpayers is pressure from the State. State Departments of Education evaluate schools on a yearly basis. That is Short-Term. Schools are examined to see if standardized tests resulted in meeting AYP. Is the district improving or maintaining proficiency status? This leads districts to a feeling of immediacy - things need to be changed now!
Administrators, who plan professional development and evaluate curriculum, look for quick fixes. These quick fixes are often chosen based on whatever the latest trend in pedagogy is, not whether there is substantial data to support that approach and practice. This subjects teachers to a constant stream of new practices. Teachers never have the opportunity to master a skill or technique. Or as soon as they feel comfortable, they are told ‘nope - not doing that anymore, doing this now.’ This is very frustrating for teachers and leads to lack of buy-in and disengagement during professional development. Additionally, it creates a lack of respect for district led professional development. And that is not good for the Vision of the district and its schools.
Quick fixes might provide a solution, but they do not provide long-term changes. The Steelton-Highspire School District’s Vision Statement is “transforming to excellence in all services and for all students.” Excellence cannot be achieved overnight. Musicians practice for years to master their instrument. Athletes repeat moves over and over so they become second nature. For teachers to become excellent, they need professional development that works toward the Vision. Long-term and short-term are concurrent. When the long-term is kept in sight, the short-term will fall into place.