VISION 2021 will allow principals to anticipate the key trends and developments that will shape the future of their schools. Here are some key questions to consider…

Whether VISION 2021 examines schools, the teachers, the learners, or the people who are leading in the school, there are a number of thought-provoking questions to consider. This is not a complete list, but does touch on many aspects of education and leadership that will need to be considered for the future.

SCHOOLS AS INSTITUTIONS
Alternative Schooling:

• Will a virtual school movement redefine the profession of the principals?
• Will there be schools in the future or will students study from home via websites and webcams?
• How will the principalship change if the locus of education is no longer in brick and mortar facilities?
• Will “schools” as we know them exist in 2021 or will learners be engaged in a new “schooling” environment of self learning?

• What will schools look like in 2021, physical plants, organizational structures, resources, staffing?
• What will the mission of schools look like? How about vision?
• Is there equity in resources/facilities in urban, rural, suburban school districts?

• What does globalizing education mean for principals?
• As social and economic institutions become more “globalized” how will schooling and school leadership change?
• Will there be a “globalization curriculum” that stresses the importance of world learning and values versus national values?

• Can we as instructional leaders maintain the importance of teaching the whole child to be a productive, caring and thoughtful citizen in the world over teaching in a skills-based learning environment?
• How do we envision the relationship of educators, families, government and society in shaping our culture/society for 2021 and beyond?

• Will the role/word principal even exist?
• Will the principalship even exist in 2021?
• Will principals exist as we are now or will the role of the “principals” be defined as the person who is guiding the self learning of the students?
• Will schools be led by someone other than an educational leader?

• What skills, attitudes and dispositions will principals need in 2021?
• How will we meet the need to retain high quality principals and support them in their needs for their future and that of their students?
• Will connecting with fellow colleagues be important?
• What should be the criteria used to qualify as a school leader?
• Can the employment of principals who have not been trained or educated in the “traditional” manner be successful?
• How do we make principals more technologically savvy so that they work smarter and have access to the resources they need to educate children, teachers and parents?

• Will there be educators willing to become leaders of schools?
• Will there be enough principals to fill the vacancies or will principals oversee more than one school?
• How will principals staff and train teachers in schools to assure that students have quality teachers in light of teacher shortage impending in the next 5-10 years?