Although most teachers may not be cognizant of the fact, every school has a statement of purpose that espouses global ideas justifying its cause. It may be important to examine a typical list of unifying purposes and to compare your position to such a list.
The following eight philosophical constructs have been promoted by the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory at Portland, Oregon (1990) to provide a discussion focus for reaching agreement about the purposes of school. The laboratory staff recognize that successful schools are those that accomplish their purpose. Once a unifying set of purposes can be agreed upon, it is possible to begin to insure appropriate outcomes.

The eight general purpose statements are as follows:

A. LIVE HARMONIOUSLY WITH OTHERS
1. Develop a knowledge of opposing value systems and their influence on the individual and society.
2. Develop an understanding of how members of a family function under different family patterns as well as within one's own family.
3. Develop skill in communicating effectively in groups and the ability to identify with and advance the goals and concerns of others.
4. Learn to form productive and satisfying relations with others based on respect, trust, cooperation, consideration, and caring.
5. Develop a concern for humanity and an understanding of international relations, including an appreciation of cultures different from one's own.

B. COMPREHEND CULTURE
1. Develop insight into the values and characteristics, including language, of the civilization of which one is a member.
2. Develop an awareness and understanding of one's cultural heritage and become familiar with the achievements of the past that have inspired humanity.
3. Understand and adopt the norms, values, and traditions of the groups of which one is a member.
4. Develop an understanding of the manner in which traditions from the past operate today and influence the direction and values of society.

C. GROW INTELLECTUALLY
1. Develop the ability to think rationally, which includes problem-solving skills, application of principles of logic, and skill in using different modes of inquiry.
2. Develop the ability to pursue and evaluate knowledge, i.e., the critical and independent thinking which enables one to make judgments and decisions in a wide variety of life roles -- citizen, consumer, worker -- as well as in intellectual activities.
3. Accumulate a general fund of knowledge, including information and concepts in mathematics, literature, natural science, and the social sciences.
4. Develop positive attitudes toward intellectual activity, including curiosity and a desire for further learning.

D. BE SELF-RELIANT
1. Develop productive habits and attitudes, such as pride in good workmanship, independence and self-motivation.
2. Develop economic and consumer skills necessary for making informed choices which will enhance one's quality of life.
3. Develop moral integrity and an understanding of the necessity for ethical conduct.

E. ACT AS RESPONSIBLE CITIZENS IN A DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY
1. Develop historical perspective and knowledge of the basic workings of the government.
2. Develop a commitment to the values of liberty, representative government, and one's responsibility for the welfare of all.
3. Develop an understanding of the basic independence of the biological and physical resources of the environment.
4. Exercise the democratic right to dissent in accordance with personal conscience.

F. BE PROFICIENT IN BASIC SKILLS
1. Learn to read, write, and perform basic arithmetic operations.
2. Learn to acquire ideas and communicate through reading, writing, speaking and listening.
3. Develop the ability to find and use available sources of information.
4. Learn to utilize mathematical concepts.

G. VALUE CREATIVITY AND THE ARTS
1. Appreciate beauty, excellence and craftsmanship in a variety of fields.
2. Develop the ability to deal with problems in original ways and to be tolerant of new ideas.
3. Develop the willingness and ability to communicate through creative work in an active way.
4. Seek to contribute to cultural and social life through one's artistic, vocational and vocational interests.

H. PRESERVE PERSONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY
1. Understand the risks and consequences of unhealthy and unsafe practices.
2. Understand the effects of behavior on emotional, social and physical health.
3. Learn to use leisure time effectively, including the development of physical fitness and recreational skills.
4. Develop the ability to engage in constructive self-criticism. You should know that administrators and patrons of any school feel strongly about these global purposes and expect you to identify with them as well. Remember who you work for.