As we have noted, the J2E Framework supports our Journey to Excellence by providing clarity regarding structures and processes that ensure the capacity to strive for excellence at all levels.
In the previous two blog posts, I shared with you the content for Layer 1 of the J2EFramework—the Missional Outcomes for Learning or the 7Cs. In this post, I will focus on the content for Layer 2—The Guiding Principles.
If you have been associated with Adventist education for at least two decades, you probably remember when the first Journey to Excellence (J2E) document was published. We have entered a new phase of school improvement, and thus a new framework has been developed by the Southwestern Union to address the current context of teaching and learning in Adventist schools.
The past framework was organized according to four guiding principles: Purpose, Plan, Practice, Product. Guiding principles are necessary to not only organize the components of the whole, but to demonstrate the links or relationships among the components. In particular, they serve to provide horizontal as well as vertical alignment across the resulting quadrants. (Note: We’ll explore this aspect in more depth as we discuss the remaining layers.)
We think these principles are still relevant, so are referencing them in Layer 2 of our new framework. Please find the descriptors below for the guiding principles.
Purpose—Excellent learning organizations have a clearly defined purpose for existence.
Plan—The Journey to Excellence requires careful planning in order to fully realize the mission.
Practice—To fulfill the shared vision, a strategic or CSI Plan is developed and implemented.
Product—A benchmark of an exemplary Adventist school is the regular evaluation of all aspects of its educationalprogram.
