Republic of the Philippines

North Eastern Mindanao State University

Tagbina, Surigao del Sur
www.nemsu-tagbina.edu.ph
Unit 5: The Teacher as School Culture Catalyst
Lesson C: Changing School Culture, Organizational Climate of Schools, and Changing
the Climate of Schools

Intended Learning Outcome:

At the end of the lesson, PSTs should be able to:
1. Explain concepts on school culture and climate.

Content:

Changing the Climate of Schools

School environments vary greatly. Whereas some schools feel friendly, inviting,
and supportive, others feel exclusionary, unwelcoming, and even unsafe. The feelings and
attitudes that are elicited by a school’s environment are referred to as school climate.
Although it is difficult to provide a concise definition for school climate, most researchers
agree that it is a multidimensional construct that includes physical, social, and academic
dimensions.

The physical dimension includes:

1.Appearance of the school building and its classrooms;
2.School size and ratio of students to teachers in the classroom;
3.Order and organization of classrooms in the school;
4.Availability of resources; and z Safety and comfort.

The social dimension includes:

1.Quality of interpersonal relationships between and among students, teachers, and
staff; Equitable and fair treatment of students by teachers and staff;
2.Degree of competition and social comparison between students; and
3.Degree to which students, teachers, and staff contribute to decision-making at the
school.

The academic dimension includes:

1.Quality of interpersonal relationships between and among students, teachers, and
staff; Equitable and fair treatment of students by teachers and staff;
2.Degree of competition and social comparison between students; and
3.Degree to which students, teachers, and staff contribute to decision-making at the
school.

Many factors affect school climate:

School Engagement
Welcoming Environment
Family Involvement

Why School Climate is Important?

A school’s environment-and the degree to which students feel connected, accepted, and
respected– heavily influences student’s:
- Academic Achievement
 Republic of the Philippines
North Eastern Mindanao State University
Tagbina, Surigao del Sur
www.nemsu-tagbina.edu.ph
- Mental and Behavioral Health
- Overall School Success

The Importance of School Climate

1. The way teacher’s interact with students
2. The way classroom time is used
3. The standards teachers hold for students
4. The expectations teachers have for their students
5. A positive school climate fosters student’s feelings of belonging and
strengthens their feelings of academic efficiency.
6. Strong feelings of academic deficiency lead to better school performance.

How to Improve School Climate

1. Positive Discipline
2. Prevention and Interventions
3. Cultural Competence
4. Physical and Psychological Safety