8 ways to improve school culture
Some schools have such a positive school culture that you can see and feel it as soon as you enter the building. O Examine OPTIONS available to deal with the problem. Another example, if a student has athletic potential, encourage him or her to join the schools varsity teams. It is a difficult process that will likely come with immense growing pains. School culture has become a central concept in many efforts to change how schools operate and improve educational results. The research on this is clear. Furthermore, classrooms that were well organized, displayed student work, and featured flexible arrangements improved student outcomes. But naturally, students will push the limits and strong consequences must be part of your plan. They learn and grow together. They can start by getting everyone on board, discussing the specific school culture during the hiring process, and making space for professional development. Cambridge, MA 02138, Challenges? Improving a school's "curb appeal" is another quick and cost-effective way to provide activities outside the classroom and improve schools and school performance. Amid the push for tangible outcomes like higher test scores and graduation rates, it can be tempting to think that school culture is just too vague or soft to prioritize. Observing the actions of others influences how they respond to their environment and cope with unfamiliar situations. In this sense,educationis an investment in human capital, similar to an investment in better equipment. Positive rules help create a predictable, stable environment that is more conducive to healthy interactions. A school leader who routinely recognizes that a staff members success is a feather in everyones cap promotes the interconnectedness of the work. An effective leader should also cultivate a safe and supportive company culture for their team to work in. That said, you have to train your faculty to be more approachable. Particularly, bullying is the one thing that your school shouldnt tolerate. It is hoped children will want to learn about and improve the biodiversity of schools' green spaces, under the scheme run by the Department for Education (DfE) and the Eden Project. Individuals are just going through the motions trying to get through another week and eventually another year. Remember: this change process starts with you. They can also spread culture in visible ways by creating unique traditions, updating the schools physical design, identifying symbolic objects, and ascertaining relevant mottoes. Every school has its own unique challenges and as such there is no perfect blueprint for refining school culture. Supporting new teachers in this way can help promote a consistent atmosphere across your school. our role as a school leader can be defined in three basic steps: What are some specific ways to reinforce a positive atmosphere in your school? Set Appropriate Consequences. I recently read a quote by Dr. Joseph Murphy, Associate Dean at Vanderbilts Peabody College of Education, which really spoke to me. Extra-curricular programs can foster an immense amount of school pride. Sign-up to receive our inspirational Morning Mindsets delivered to your inbox: Join Us for the 2023 Mindsets University Users Conference! Most important, rules need to be consistent across the building. It also includes the involvement of the community in caring for the school; the satisfaction of its learners; respect for each persons beliefs; and community values concerning whats good, whats bad, and whats wrong. Fortunately, the latest online technology, paired with some best practices, can solidify your school's culture and help ignite even more positive learning outcomes. All changes have to start from the top. But giving him a task that helps correct the wrong teaches him what he shouldve done instead. School culture matters. This message has stuck with me for the past several weeks as I have reflected on the past school year and look to move forward towards the next. 101 JFK Parkway | Short Hills, NJ | 07078 | (973) 921-5500, Protected: Classroom Talk-to-Text Project, 5 Ways Learning Something New Can Help You Become a Better Teacher, 7 Surprising Resources for Teachers at the Public Library. In junior high, middle, and high schools, surveys cover mental health, including suicide; alcohol and drug use; physical activity levels; sexual behavior; academic support; engagement levels; and bullying and aggression. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. The SW-PBIS, designed to improve school safety and climate, includes having educators "develop a set of behavioral expectations" (p. 83), teach students how to meet those expectations, and acknowledge when those behaviors are being met. Classroom rules communicate your expectations to your students. Adjusting these seemingly insignificant factors isnt difficult, and can result in an increase in student engagement and improvement in learning. How important is school culture? 4. In the long run, more students will enroll in your campus to have a fruitful academic journey. Elle Allison notes in her pieceThe Resourceful School,Resilience is often described as a personal quality that predisposes individuals to bounce back in the face of loss. Both you and your staff play a huge part in this aspect of your school culture. 20 University Rd., 6th Floor In a strong school culture, leaders communicate directly with teachers, administrators, counselors, and families, who also all communicate directly with each other. Teachers lounge culture has a reputation for being toxic with negativity. I didnt realize how every educator had a significant impact on a student's learning experience when they didnt understand the differences among personalities. The College NarrativeOur society has changed rapidly, but the college narrative has stayed the same for many years. To establish an effective school culture, you must consider every little nuance in a school. It affects attitudes toward spending time to improve instruction, motivation to attend workshops, and the [activities] people choose to participate in, Peterson says. College is not the best fit for everyone and is not the only pathand thats okay. In short, the prevailing atmosphere in your school will affect everything that goes on inside its walls. Here are eight ways for improving school culture based on the Boys Town Education Model, which has helped hundreds of troubled schools turn their school culture around. Together as a staff, you should identify the social skills you want your students to have and the step-by-step routines to teach them. Across the country, school districts survey students, parents, and educators to understand how positive their school culture is. Building a positive school culture starts with leadership. Collaboration among students is one way of building camaraderie. Student learning is enhanced. You might think about the current consequences for inappropriate behaviors and how their connections to the offenses can be strengthened where necessary. Education has an impact on everything we see, do, and believe in our world. 17K views, 519 likes, 455 loves, 3.7K comments, 232 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from EWTN: Starting at 8 a.m. From teachers to parents to students, COVID-19 has had an impact on everyone involved in creating a positive school culture. Obviously, this is not a good environment for any school. A good culture arises from messages that promote traits like collaboration, honesty, and hard work. Tough decisions will have to be made. The novelty, stimulation, and freedom of movement students enjoy in a flexible seating classroom setting positively impacts behavior, according to educational researcher Sheryl Feinsteins bookFrom the Brain to the Classroom. In a strong culture, there are many, overlapping, and cohesive interactions, so that knowledge about the organizations distinctive character and what it takes to thrive in it is widely spread. Mentor students and show them how to become mentors to underclassmen. Using technology in the classroom -- as a reward or simply to supplement learning -- is a cost-effective way to introduce positive rituals for students on the level of the individual classroom. 3. For example, research has shown that when a student is rejected by peers, the rejection is more likely to stop if the teacher models warm and friendly behavior to the isolated student. Schools must offer a well-balanced assortment of programs to give every student an opportunity to be involved. Concordias Associate Professor of Education,Julie Owens,agrees: Move away from constantly complaining; it is okay to not like how things are, but complaining gets you nowhere. Meador, Derrick. Coaches and sponsors responsible for these programs must provide the participants with everyone opportunity to be successful Programs and individuals within these programs should be recognized for their accomplishments. Collaboration is essential in helping a school truly become a community of learners. They have a chance to grow, boost their talents, focus on career choices, shadow industries, have access to career guides and mentors, problem-solve, learn to question, debate, and discuss critical topics. She is a curriculum designer, teaching coach, and high school educator in New York City. Theyre also developing their social skills, and learning how to become successful adults. They may look at you oddly at first, but the future wins can be immeasurable. Gunn spent 10 years in newspaper and magazine publishing before moving to public education. Over the past few weeks, I have formulated my own definition. How do you do it? But, the one thing you should never do is to make their education a competition. Ideally, classroom rules are simple and declarative (e.g., Be respectful and kind). For example, imagine one student started a fight. In traditional schools (when we're not in a pandemic), students typically attend a regular school day according to age, grade-level, test score outcomes, and unique learning needs. Beautifully Designed, Easily Editable Templates to Get your Work Done Faster & Smarter. Create the sense that a family lives and works in the space by making hallway and classroom spaces visibly branded, warm, and engaging. Involve parents in a meaningful way Parents send their kids to school every day and should feel a sense of trust and community when thinking about the school, its teachers, and its environment. According toInvestopedia, "A country'seconomybecomes more productive as the proportion ofeducatedworkers increases sinceeducatedworkers can more efficiently carry out tasks that require literacy and critical thinking. ", However, we must ask, What type of education do our students need today for a strong economic future?. build trusting relationships with students, M.Ed., Educational Administration, Northeastern State University, B.Ed., Elementary Education, Oklahoma State University. Behavior is also key, be it the expectations of student and staff behavior or actual student and staff behavior. When talking with teachers, encourage them to try new methods of teaching. 1. It can increase students interest in learning, improve academic outcomes, reduce problematic and risky behavior, limit school suspensions, strengthen student-teacher relationships, and boost attendance rates. Live your vision mission Every school community should have a unique mission statement that speaks to the beliefs, values, and aims of the learning community. You might even consider Restorative Discipline as a school-wide program. An excellent approach would be using digital learning apps to make classes fun and interactive. This makes your message easy to read and digest. 2. Students, in particular, are now struggling with anger, separation issues, isolation, reduced ability to self-regulate, and a lack of socialization. Your success at creating a well-managed school depends more than anything else on the quality of the relationships that teachers forge with students. 1. Here, they presented medallions for students and praised specific achievements. Still, teachers have a tough job. Its evident on the walls, in the students and staff, and in every classroom you visit. For example, the ideal classroom was found to have light-colored walls with one accent wall of a brighter color. To achieve a healthy school culture, you need to control the actions of some students. While a school culture is heavily influenced by its institutional history, culture also shapes social patterns, habits, and dynamics that influence future behaviors, which could become an obstacle to reform and improvement. Inappropriate behavior shouldnt be laughed off in one classroom and punished in another. For example, the Mooresville Intermediate School in North Carolina pairs each new teacher with a mentor at the beginning of their career at the school. They found that the physical space where students are learning can account for a 16% variation in the learning process over a school year. Changing the attitudes of all the staff and students within your school wont be an overnight process. It gives students a feeling of fulfillment and can boost their morale. Keep on the watch for the specific factors that indicate a positive school culture, and keep using the steps above to reinforce those aspects. The following seven broad strategies can help guide the process of improving school culture. No one flourishes in constant negativity. When in school, your students are learning more than just secular instruction. December 22, 2022. Concordias Associate Professor of Education, Social Emotional Learning in Elementary School. Educators should communicate aims clearly and make sure that everyone knows what the school culture is, and why. Unfortunately, creating a positive school culture isnt just a matter of following a checklist. They need to prepare the next generation of citizens for an uncertain future, and they cant do that very well if theyre struggling. In his book. Six Steps to Shaping a School's Culture Look in the mirror. However, this doesnt mean that you need to establish rules for every possible situation. A resilient leader can spread a can-do attitude that permeates the larger school culture. Students look to school leaders and teachers to model empathy, kindness, and maturity. When students and staff arrive at school, they should feel a sense of pride, ownership, and community. For example,Hollibrook Elementary in Spring Branch, Texas, developed a "Parent University" to get parents more actively involved in the school -- helping build trust and rapport between the school and the families of the students. Challenge students to rise above the bar because you know they can do it. 10 Things a Successful School Principal Does Differently, Twelve Reasons I Love and Hate Being a Principal of a School, Strategies for Teachers: The Power of Preparation and Planning, School Issues That Negatively Impact Student Learning, Strategies to Handle a Disruptive Student, The Value of Promoting Respect in Schools, Guidelines for Establishing Effective School Discipline for Principals. We can help you with that by showing you eight effective strategies. Meador, Derrick. 1 For example, Safe and The classroom has become a place that serves to support a students holistic growth mind, body, Building a culture of resilience can begin in the leadership office. Moreover, embracing diversity gives the impression that the education your school delivers is open for anyone. 4. As a result, knowledge about the organizations distinctive character and what it takes to thrive in it is widely spread and reinforced. School staff members work hard to ensure the best possible outcomes and experiences for their students. @uknowhgse. The other half of learning impact came from factors such as individualization of the environment and color of the room. School culture plays a major role in the success and development of staff in a school. The opposite is also true. Collaboration builds lasting relationships. It was found that half of the learning impact came from light, temperature, and air quality. When people walk into your school, they should immediately seeandfeel the schools culture. The college story should match the world we live in todayone filled with options, different ways to learn, and work-study programs that can benefit students and leave them without debt. Now, if you can imagine your students doing the same thing, isnt it a fulfilling sight? Plus, if your school welcomes kids from other demographics, it helps increase your student enrollment rate. Its more important than ever as the pandemic and other dynamics have challenged our educational system. Establishing classroom and school-wide rules and procedures is an important step in any effort to bring more structure to your school. School staff members work hard to ensure the best possible outcomes and experiences for their students. Connections are key, so they should identify those who arent connecting, figure out why not, and then adjust accordingly. With camaraderie and trust among the people they encounter on campus, your school will be an exciting place for them to be in each day. In doing so, theyll have open communication with them. Create Work and Business RelationshipsCreate high school and local business partnerships programs. Such unacceptable action can spark unwanted conflicts among students. It starts by first understanding what contributes to a schools culture. As she explains, researchers who have studied culture have tracked and demonstrated a strong and significant correlation between organizational culture and an organizations performance. Except for then listening to those views and implementing their ideas. According to The Pennsylvania State University and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation research briefSocial Emotional Learning in Elementary School, Extensive research shows that SEL programs can promote academic achievement and positive social behavior, and reduce conduct problems, substance abuse, and emotional distress.. When all students are treated equally and bad behavior is disciplined in the same way in different classrooms, this helps removes feelings of mistrust among students.. Creating a positive school culture and climate where every member feels this way is challenging work. Teachers grow and improve. Thus, ruining a positive school culture. When students return, they are going to need more emotional and social support than ever. [My] professor was very direct with me. It is important to note that many of these strategies will require modifications along the way. Without the ability to think and question for themselves, students cannot live up to their full potential. Developing educational programs for parents can also help involve them in their childrens schooling, and thus build a more positive atmosphere in your school. Some of the major current debates concern mask mandates (pandemic related), sports policies, teaching critical race theory, and transgender rights. Everyone should have a voice. Do students walk into the building with their heads down, trying not to interact with others? When all stakeholders have the same goals and are on the same page, a school will flourish. Or are your teachers excited, starting each class with enthusiasm? "Why School Culture Matters and Strategies to Improve It." In a weak culture, sparse interactions make it difficult for people to learn the organizations culture, so its character is barely noticeable and the commitment to it is scarce or sporadic. As a school leader, you need to stay informed of whats going on in your school, and understand the attitudes and atmosphere that permeate the hallways and classrooms. Students and staff look to the top forhow to bounce back, adjust and proceed against school challenges. Educators unfortunately, do not have a significant voice at this table. Go beyond parent-teacher meetings and organize workshops where teachers and parents can discuss homework, study skills, and tests. It starts by first understanding what contributes to a schools culture. But how well do you present those same aspects of your school culture? The same expectations need to apply in the classroom, the gym and the cafeteria. Well, by setting policies that prompt them to build better values. Aside from enabling them to hone their best skill, prompting them to partake in extracurricular activities will allow them to meet other students outside of their classroom. Academically, a typical pattern of learning content, memorizing it, and taking standardized tests, for the most part, is still the way we run schools today. Numerous studies suggest that implementing group activities will help the students learning process. Include input from high school juniors and seniors and have them assist in the design of a program. How can school leaders foster such a rich and positive school climate? So, if your school has enough funding or budget, you should consider integrating innovative learning methods. Your schools varsity teams need the full support of their schoolmates to help them win tournaments. Strategy #2: Create a genial climate with prosocial activities Students who view administrators and faculty as trusted adults with whom they can share their problems and concerns will come to the school with a positive attitude. Once principals understand what constitutes culture once they learn to see it not as a hazy mass of intangibles, but as something that can be pinpointed and designed they can start to execute a cultural vision. According to John G. Gabriel and Paul C. Farmer in their book. It's a complicated, hard-to-define measurement of institutional values, staff training and decision making, and daily behaviors. They can give concrete examples, be positive, and make sure that everyone knows its a collective effort by using we statements. Problem solving can also be used retrospectively (with the luxury of hindsight) to help students make better decisions in the future. Following this traditional way of teaching is no fault of educators. It is important for teachers feel supported. This idea has great potential for non-instructional segments of the preschool elementary day like snack time, lining up to go to lunch, and restroom breaks. Finally, an effective school sees each student as a whole child, and emphasizes positive developmental growth without the worry of constant grades and testing. This helps teachers to be fully aware of school policies and rules, and gives them specific instruction in how the school uses tech in the classroom. Celebrating peoples contributions, efforts, and victories also make people feel appreciated and seen. The differences in each generation is so great, it can be difficult to get everyone on board with massive changes. Our students need to start above the groundthey should not come out of college at such a young age with piles of debt, stress, and worry. For example, Joyce Elementary School in Detroit started holding an honor ceremony for students. This is default text for notification bar, Some schools have such a positive school culture that you can see and feel it as soon as you enter the building. Ultimately, this will promote a culture among students to excel academically. According to an article on We Are Teachers website, 75% of students consider their teachers as their role models and mentors. What is your role in creating a positive school culture? Interests? Schools can be a microcosm for cultural debates more broadly. Encouraging students to pursue their talents is a good strategy in establishing a great school culture. Whether its 1st grade or 11th grade, we need to be prepared to teach appropriate social and emotional behaviors. Creating a safe and supportive school culture is one of the most difficult tasks principals face as fearless school leaders. That was a pivotal point for me. Amazing things happen in a positive environment. Staff-student relationships influence everythingfrom the social climate to the individual performances of your students. Working to improve school climate is challenging and takes a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach that includes building supportive and safe environments and policies and working to support student and adult social, emotional, and behavioral capacity to create a safe, engaging, and supportive school community. Recognizing their achievements will motivate them to continue doing good work. The Boys Town Education Model uses the SODAS method to teach students the general skill of problem solving. Help Your Child Who's Struggling with Math, What it means to have a positive school culture, How school leaders are involved in creating school culture, 11 practical ways you can develop a positive culture in your school, Realizing a Positive School Culture, 1998, Hollibrook Elementary in Spring Branch, Texas, research brief Social Emotional Learning in Elementary School, in one study by the Joan Ganz Cooney Center, Mooresville Intermediate School in North Carolina. It takes commitment and consistency from the whole teamadministrators, teachers and support staff. Building strong relationships needs to be a whole school priority. ThoughtCo. How do you want teachers and students to feel when they walk into school every morning? D Determine the DISADVANTAGES of each option. Decide which examples, stories, facts, statistics, testimonials and quotes will be most helpful in explaining and supporting your message. In astudyof 3,766 students and over 100 classrooms across the United Kingdom, researchers from the University of Salford found that lighting, paint colors, temperature, and fresh air had the ability to positively impact student learning. This team should develop a prioritized list of issues they believe harm to the overall school culture. Create a team consisting of administrators, teachers, parents, and students to help shape changes to school culture. S Decide on a SOLUTION and practice. Collaboration must be ongoing between every stakeholder within the school. Elements of school culture include how the school is structured, including its educational aims; the enjoyment and respect of school community members; and collaboration to develop a vision for the school. A school leader who routinely recognizes that a staff members success is a feather in everyones cap promotes the interconnectedness of the work. Some schools in other countries are letting their students use tablets instead of pen and paper. School culture is so much more than academic performance or happiness. That helps students to have a bigger social circle on campus. Also, be aware of any negative factors that have started to seep in, and take decisive action to remove those. Adopting a policy that allows for flexible seating in classrooms is one step school leaders are taking more frequently. When students believe that the rules are fair and consistently enforced, it goes a long way toward building trust. School culture does matter. Schools that help students develop essential social skills are preparing them on an even deeper level for their future after graduation. This includes. And to some students, theyre unengaging. Collaboration enriches the overall teaching and learning experience. What do these words mean for your school? At school, students learn by watching just as they learn by doing. Every hallway smile and hello that staff and students receive sinks in and builds up their self-efficacy and sense of belonging. At a recent session of theNational Institute for Urban School Leadersat theHarvard Graduate School of Education, Bridwell-Mitchell took a deep dive into culture, describing the building blocks of an organizations character and fundamentally how it feels to work there.
