Shared mental models are collective understandings of core concepts (equity, SEL, trauma-informed, community school model, etc.) vital for serving all students effectively, aligned with the school’s vision for readiness. These shared mental models encompass a common understanding of equity and its integration into systems, structures, and practices, shaping both individual and systemic actions and behaviors based on shared values and beliefs.
Statements
- The school community shares an understanding of core concepts (equity, SEL, trauma-informed, community school model, etc.) that are critical to effectively serving all students in line with the shared vision for readiness.
- The school community shares a common understanding of equity, including its implementation across systems, structures, and practices.
- The school’s mental models reflect shared values and beliefs, influencing both individual and systemic actions and behaviors.
Quotes
“A shared vision is not an idea…it is rather, a force in people’s hearts…at its simplest level, a shared vision is the answer to the question ‘What do we want to create?” – Peter Senge
“I firmly believe that when you have a foundation of respect, love of what you’re doing, and a shared vision, so much is possible.” – Kerri Walsh
Key Resources
All Toolkit Resources
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Defining SEL Outcomes: Develop Goals for Schoolwide SEL
This tool will help the SEL team develop and document goals for schoolwide SEL implementation and outcomes using the SMARTIE goal-setting process.
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Making SEL a Community Priority: Develop a Shared Vision for Schoolwide SEL With These 5 Steps
Develop a shared vision for schoolwide SEL with the steps outlined. Gather stakeholder thoughts on their shared why and incorporate group feedback into a single shared vision.
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Rethinking Master Schedules: Build a School Day That Prioritizes People
An effective master schedule is so much more than making sure the bells ring on time. It not only sets the pace for the school and community, but it can directly impact students’ access to equitable learning, opportunities, and holistic well-being. It also impacts the well-being of your staff as well as their opportunities for…
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Discover Your School’s Shared Vision Readiness: Rate Shared Vision for Readiness in Your School With Your School Leadership Team
This activity will help your team reflect and identify effective leadership practices that will support the elevation and inclusion of stakeholder voices.
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Roosevelt Middle School: Using Artful Learning and Community PRIDE Statements to Define Student Readiness Outcomes for All Students and Staff
Roosevelt’s leadership team identified two opportunities that were already part of their community that they would be able to leverage to create a more cohesive school experience for students: the schoolwide Artful Learning curriculum, and the Roosevelt PRIDE Promise statements developed by the school staff.