Detailed Summary

Details: What did we see and hear that we wanted to capture?

• Mission Vista HS has 20 career pathways, 10 in each of the areas of focus (science/technology and arts/communication). 

What is a pathway? Students choose one or more pathways (each with 2-3 courses) to focus on. Counselors work with students to identify areas of interest. (If you’re interested in learning more, here’s a video explaining the pathways and some resources for students to identify and complete pathways.)

• As part of their personalized learning plan, twelfth graders can complete a senior capstone project, such as writing a novel, creating science art, writing songs, or other demonstrations of mastery.

• There was a high level of engagement among students - lots of projects and activities. 

  • Example - In one class, students were making their own cameras with a box and mirrors:

• Many non-core academic options (electives) were designed to grab students’ attention - “sexy” titles/topics that make courses feel more engaging and relevant.

  • Examples (link to full course list): Criminology/Street Law, Socio-Political History of Rock and Roll, Film Studies, Biomedical Sciences, Medical Interventions, Aerospace Engineering, Digital Electronics, Data Science, Web Programming, Patient Care, TV/Film Production, Stage Technology, Steel Drum Ensemble, Senior Capstone

• In classes, we saw students taking ownership of their learning. “The heavy thinking was on the kids.”

• The signage in classrooms was intentional and similar from one room to the next, including the Pathways posters and Habits of Mind poster (more information here).

What else did we learn?

• The superintendent’s stated goal is “for kids to be able to earn money when they graduate.” He explained that the skills needed today are not necessarily the skills that schools are structured to focus on. According to the World Economic Forum, here are the top 10 skills needed in 2025:

• The Mission Vista district focuses on systematic, long-term planning, based on “WIGs” (Wildly Important Goals). For example, the full 2023-24 professional development calendar was mapped out to focus on authentic assessments, including essential questions that built upon this learning throughout the year (calendar below).

• The superintendent expressed the importance of school leaders remaining focused on the overall unifying vision and mission, rather than becoming distracted by the minutiae in day-to-day operations. He particularly emphasized supporting the leadership team in staying 'on purpose' by scheduling some virtual meetings, getting leaders off-site, delegating responsibilities to assistant principals and others, and regularly talking about transformation. 

• He also emphasized the importance of identifying and utilizing student strengths. An example was given of a student who struggled with reading but had perfect pitch and was in the music pathway, taking advantage of their strengths.

• Change is a long-term process. Each year, they recommend keeping 80% of what you’re doing (Identify things that are working!) and trying to do 20% new. The 80/20 rule makes change feel less overwhelming. He reminded us that Mission Vista has been on at least a 5-year journey.

• The superintendent also emphasized setting reasonable goals for each year. For example, in the school’s shift toward more project-based learning, he began by asking for one project per course and provided time and support for teachers. He also provided time and resources for staff members to process potential changes before jumping into them. “Go slow to go fast.”

• “Everybody has to get into the pool.” He described some staff members as cannonballers (enthusiastic early adopters) and others as toe-dippers (initially reluctant). Wherever staff members fell on the spectrum, it was expected that they all got into the pool.

• Mission Vista uses a program called Intelllispark. This program gives a snapshot of each student that includes SEL indicators and hobbies, interests, and goals. It can be used to identify high-risk students and flag those who are not being successful.

• The superintendent emphasized the importance of cultivating outside partnerships and working with the community. Mission Vista specifically works with local colleges, researchers, and the community to identify and work together to handle school and community issues.

• The superintendent stressed the importance of education in younger grades, particularly PreK-3, in developing students as learners. Younger grades emphasized the Science of Reading, PBL, and small group work. 

• He also discussed contextualized vs. decontextualized language and the importance of using decontextualized language at an early age to promote academic language.

• He described the importance of shifting of cognitive load from teachers to students. He explained that sometimes, well-meaning educators reduce the cognitive load by asking closed questions, rather than open ones.

• Mission Vista developed a Framework for the Future, which includes core values, beliefs, and strategic parameters to guide the work they are doing. The district created a Blueprint for Educational Excellence and Innovation as its framework for school transformation. More information about each of these can be found at the above links.

• “Do students know that we believe they can?” We have to believe in students and communicate our high expectations to students.