Understanding Mental Models: A Guide to Effective Decision Making

The set of beliefs and expectations that influence how we make sense of the world and guide our behavior and decision-making.

Elements of Shared Mental Models

These elements serve as guiding principles or visions of what “perfect” or “ideal” outcomes might look like.

The school community shares a common understanding of equity, including how it informs systems, structures, and practices.

The school’s mental models reflect shared values and beliefs, influencing both individual and systemic actions and behaviors.

The school community shares a commitment to social justice, culturally proficient and relevant learning, restorative school climate, and asset-based practices in order to effectively serve each and every student.

Unconscious mental models shape how we see the world, and change happens when we create space to reflect, question, and explore new perspectives.

Changing mental models often
means challenging power structures
that have defined, influenced, and
shaped those models historically and
in the present.
– Peter Senge