READ the Culture at YOUR SCHOOL

Sharpen Your Saw

INPM Workshop October 2009

School Culture Defined:

Anthropologists: Culture is the system of beliefs, rituals, and ceremonies shared by a group of people. Richard DeFour: The expectations and beliefs and behaviors that constitute the norm for a school.

A General (Workable) Definition:

Ways of thinking, behaving and believing that organization (school) members have in common. Assumptions, norms, and expectations that influence and guide the way individuals behave toward each other and approach their work.

SO WHAT???? Why should I care?

A schools culture has more influence on life and learning in the schoolhouse than the president of the country, the state department of education, the superintendent, the school board, or even the principal, teachers, and parents can ever have.
Roland Barth

NBPTS
National Board for Professional Teaching Standards
Accomplished Principal Standards Standard V: Culture Accomplished principals inspire and nurture a positive learning culture.

More from Roland Barth:

Probably the most important and most difficult job of an instructional leader is to change the prevailing culture of the school.

So, CULTURE Matters?

The unwritten tablet of social expectations found in a culture influences almost everything that happens.
Peterson and Deal

Elements of School Culture

VALUES AND BELIEFS at the center

Stories and story tellers Traditions Symbols and artifacts Physical environment Priest and priestess Informal communication network Rules and norms

Types of School Culture

Positive: underlying set of norms and values, history and stories, hopes and dreams that are productive, encouraging and optimistic Negative: pockets of negativity exist in which organizational members express cynicism, tell stories about of past failures, share pessimistic beliefs about ones power to make a difference, and convey a sense of hopelessness.

Culture Types - Continued

Fragmented
Subculture(s) Individual fiefdoms May be positive or negative

Toxic
Can poison people in its midst

A HEALTHY SCHOOL CULTURE

12 Norms identified by Jon Saphier and Matthew King If strong, improvements will be significant, continuous and widespread

12 NORMS
Check the 2 or 3 that are MOST important for you to address first at your school? Why? Circle the letter of the 3 with the strongest connection between changing the school environment and improving student achievement?

Reading YOUR School Culture

Long Arm List Short Arm List
Where/when park? King? Queen? Why? Smiles or frowns? Us or me? Where eat lunch? Who first? What first?

Inspire and Nurture

Have a VISION envision with PLC Set the tone dont make them guess Uncover brilliance to Recognize and reward Set expectations Model positive motivation Be professional dress, attitude and behavior Hire people who fit Periodically assess school culture

Questions & Comments