8 ways to improve school culture 8 ways to improve school culture

According to an article on We Are Teachers website, 75% of students consider their teachers as their role models and mentors. From the basics of reading and writing to entrepreneurship and the economy, school is more than a home for academics. Establishing classroom and school-wide rules and procedures is an important step in any effort to bring more structure to your school. But like many organizational leaders, principals may get stymied when they actually try to describe the elements that create a positive culture. 1 For example, Safe and Encourage them to give specific compliments that highlight what each individual student has done well. Your private school must encourage collaboration during classroom activities to bring students together and learn as one. Every school community should have a unique mission statement that speaks to the beliefs, values, and aims of the learning community. How to create a great school culture and environment: 1. Those who resist these changes are the toxic soil and until they are gone, the seeds of change will never firmly take hold. School culture is sometimes referred to as school climate and it includes everyone: students, families, teachers, and support staff. Provide students with opportunities to shadow different industries, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs. You can even set up regular meetings to discuss new research on teaching methods or new teaching tech, and how these can be implemented in your school. Beliefs, values, and actions will spread the farthest and be tightly reinforced when everyone is communicating with everyone else. Schools can be a microcosm for cultural debates more broadly. Across the country, school districts survey students, parents, and educators to understand how positive their school culture is. They found that the physical space where students are learning can account for a 16% variation in the learning process over a school year. Resilient leaders, however, do more than bounce backthey bounce forward. S Decide on a SOLUTION and practice. 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. This analyzation process should become a regular part of your schedule. Still, teachers have a tough job. Go beyond parent-teacher meetings and organize workshops where teachers and parents can discuss homework, study skills, and tests. You can make it happen, though, even in the most challenging school environments. When kids are taught with a proactive, praise-heavy approach, they tend to do better, says Erin Green of Boys Town. It can ruin their camaraderie, and the culture of collaborating will be lost. 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. Building a positive school culture starts with leadership. When they succeed, it helps everyonestudents, teachers, and themselvesbring out the goodness and reduce the muck. 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. Connections are key, so they should identify those who arent connecting, figure out why not, and then adjust accordingly. In elementary schools, surveys cover familial support; diversity; behaviors, both internal and external; how connected students and others feel; motivation to learn; relationships with classmates; and social skills, including caring for others. As we mentioned above, starting the process of improving your school culture involves analyzing the current situation of your school. Involving parents in school activities in a meaningful way also helps foster positive feelings between the school and the parents. Schools must acknowledge, understand, and support students to their best potential. But how well do you present those same aspects of your school culture? Culture is shaped by five interwoven elements, each of which principals have the power to influence: Each of these components influences and drives the others, forming a circle of reinforcing beliefs and actions, Bridwell-Mitchell says; strong connections among every member of the school community reinforce the circle at every point. Moreover, embracing diversity gives the impression that the education your school delivers is open for anyone. This is why exclusionary disciplinary procedures, specifically zero tolerance policies, actually increase the probability of young people becoming resentful, hostile, and ultimately even incarcerated, according to7 Mindsets, a company that conducts research and offers training for the teaching of social-emotional and life skills in schools. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Over the past few weeks as I have reflected on this, I have come to believe that it may be the single most important factor for school success. If thats the case, your students will not have the enthusiasm to attend school. Schools that help students develop essential social skills are preparing them on an even deeper level for their future after graduation. In this article, we dig into the best ways to use technology to improve school culture and explore ways to elevate the online student experience. End with your request. Furthermore, classrooms that were well organized, displayed student work, and featured flexible arrangements improved student outcomes. As a mom and teacher quietly watching from the sidelines, education has been an essential part of my life. 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. Generating clear, open communication with the parents of your students can help you avoid misunderstandings and remove feelings of mistrust or hostility. Unfortunately, creating a positive school culture isnt just a matter of following a checklist. When negativity persists in a school culture, no one wants to come to school. Mentor students and show them how to become mentors to underclassmen. Individuals are just going through the motions trying to get through another week and eventually another year. A good student-teacher relationship is one of the ingredients of positive school culture. We can help you with that by showing you eight effective strategies. There's nothing more powerful than asking your staff for their honest views. However, teachers were positive about the return to in-class instruction, with 80 percent excited to teach and 75 percent believing their students will be more engaged as a result of being on-site. What Do Private School Admissions Committees Look For? Seeing them wearing the schools colors and flaunting its logo with pride while they cheer the team is such a manifestation of strong school culture. Now, if you can imagine your students doing the same thing, isnt it a fulfilling sight? Most principals have an instinctive awareness that organizational culture is a key element of school success. Theyre also developing their social skills, and learning how to become successful adults. Passion is critical, but we want our students to land a job in a field where we expect growth to occur. As I examined the issue of school culture, I wondered how one would define it. An effective leader should also cultivate a safe and supportive company culture for their team to work in. Students are much more likely to recognize and resolve them appropriately when we teach them how to do so. This includes. 8 Strategies to Improve School Culture Having a healthy relationship with peers and teachers is essential for students' overall school experience. The same expectations need to apply in the classroom, the gym and the cafeteria. Listen to their voices and passions. This is the standard of behavior we know you can achieve.. Having a healthy relationship with peers and teachers is essential for students overall school experience. Everyone benefits from this type of environment. School staff members work hard to ensure the best possible outcomes and experiences for their students. Strong school culture is key to making schools more constructive and instructive places; this is why some refer to school culture as the hidden curriculum. Better school culture doesnt necessarily mean spending more money. 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. Dr. Murphy is 100% correct in both of his assertions. His discipline could include having to write a letter of apology to the student he hurt, and then to take a shift as hallway monitor. Collaboration can challenge us and make us better. Teachers help this process through a variety of ways. This helps them become more refreshed when returning to the classroom. 8 Ways We Can Improve Schools Today For A Better Future Tomorrow More From Forbes Apr 18, 2023,03:00pm EDT Back From The Storm: Britain's Small Firms Optimistic But Scarred After A Hard. Collaboration builds lasting relationships. Everyone should have a voice. School culture has become a central concept in many efforts to change how schools operate and improve educational results. 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. This number has nearly doubled since 1974, with rates escalating in the mid-1990s as zero tolerance policies that remove students from school environments were widely adopted. 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. Real-world ideas for an improved school culture A positive school culture doesn't just happen. For example, why not try game-based learning? Formal training is also a way to reinforce culture, embrace informal conversations, and encourage honesty. Cambridge, MA 02138, Challenges? School culture includes an atmosphere of mutual respect amongst all stakeholders where teaching and learning are valued; achievements and successes are celebrated, and where ongoing collaboration is the norm. According to John G. Gabriel and Paul C. Farmer in their book. If you watch live games of inter-school games on TV, you can see how passionate student spectators are for their school to win. Get in touch! Nearly three-quarters of teachers surveyed said their students were struggling to meet existing emotional and social needs, while 58 percent worried about students having more social and emotional needs as a result of the pandemic, and 56 percent saw social and emotional needs as crucial for post-pandemic academic catch-up. Instead of constantly putting out fires, trying a more proactive approach to discipline. 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. Focus on CareersFor older students, teach them how to focus on careers with their hearts and their heads. Also, its good to make sure that you as the school leader are aware of what your teachers think and feel in their work. Challenge students to rise above the bar because you know they can do it. Within that weak or strong structure, what exactly people believe and how they act depends on the messages both direct and indirect that the leaders and others in the organization send. Teachers lounge culture has a reputation for being toxic with negativity. 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.. Collaboration must be ongoing between every stakeholder within the school. Online Master of Education in Education Policy and Leadership, Online EdD in Education Policy and Leadership. 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. And if they know their students well enough, they can adopt a personalized teaching method effectively. This means more than the occasional "good job.". However, this doesnt mean that you need to establish rules for every possible situation. This type of environment is set up to fail. Behavior should be treated like academics, and students should be taught the skills they need to execute desired behaviors. These behaviors and values include honesty, sensitivity, concern and respect for others, a sense of humor, reliability, and so on. The HEAD Project(Holistic Evidence and Design) took evidence from over 3,700 students in 27 diverse schools. When your school has a positive culture, teachers are excited to work because they see the bigger picture, and students are in a better position (mentally and emotionally) to learn. Some of the major current debates concern mask mandates (pandemic related), sports policies, teaching critical race theory, and transgender rights. Interests? Copyright 2021. Schools are a slice of humanity: Everyone brings both their wonderful innate goodness and their challenging globby muck to the classroom. 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? What is your role in creating a positive school culture? The Steps to Shaping a Positive School Culture The Role of the Principal Writing the Vision and Mission Statements A Positive Attitude to Progress Rituals and Traditions Recognizing a Toxic School Culture Rethinking High School Education Shaping School Culture The Key Element for Creating a Successful High School Credit: Elite Academic A good culture arises from messages that promote traits like collaboration, honesty, and hard work. This report draws on interviews, focus groups, and case studies to highlight ESI schools' efforts to strengthen school culture in four key areas: developing culturally relevant education; adopting restorative approaches to discipline; promoting strong relationships in school; and providing early support for postsecondary goals. For example, if a student is adept in science, let him or her join the schools science club. How can school leaders foster such a rich and positive school climate? Adopting a policy that allows for flexible seating in classrooms is one step school leaders are taking more frequently. Giving a student detention after bad behavior teaches him that he did something wrong. When positivity persists in a school culture, everyone thrives. Are your teachers dreading coming to work in the morning? First, school culture does matter. School culture does matter. ThoughtCo. Staff-student relationships influence everythingfrom the social climate to the individual performances of your students. She is also co-founder of the annual EDxEDNYC Education Conference for teacher-led innovation, and regularly presents at conferences on the topics of adolescent literacy, leadership, and education innovation. Social and EmotionalBefore anything, we must put Maslow's Theory in practice before Bloom's Taxonomy when students come back to school. A vision is concise and easy to recall, whereas a mission is lengthier and more explanatory in nature. When the vision and mission are authentically embedded in a schools practice, and when students, staff, and community members stay true to the shared mission, a school remains bound together by a common drive and is united in its success. So, if your school has enough funding or budget, you should consider integrating innovative learning methods. Its evident on the walls, in the students and staff, and in every classroom you visit. Throughout the day, encourage teachers to include activities that help students develop qualities such as empathy, reliability, respect, concern, and a sense of humor. Students are not the only people in your school who should be learning. School culture matters because it can help improve quality of life. Its a complicated, hard-to-define measurement of institutional values, staff training and decision making, and daily behaviors. That means developing consistent school rules and ways of defining and meeting student behavior. A culture will be strong or weak depending on the interactions between people in the organization. First, that positive school culture leads to positive outcomes, and second, that negative school culture leads to negative outcomes. Taking small steps in changing curriculum outcomes is always a good start. Just do research together with your educators and co-administrators, and find the best possible approach for this matter. They can also spread culture in visible ways by creating unique traditions, updating the schools physical design, identifying symbolic objects, and ascertaining relevant mottoes. Creating appropriate times to have fun and laugh breaks up the day and gives students a chance to relax in between learning. It also has potential for older students. 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.. With speed and elegance, resilient leaders take action that responds to new and ever-changing realities, even as they maintain the essential operations of the organizations they lead. Its easy for negativity to breed when things get tough. She is a curriculum designer, teaching coach, and high school educator in New York City. They also learn how to work together and independentlywhile developing essential social and emotional skills. Together as a staff, you need to create a shared vision of your school. This type of teaching means helping students make smart decisions when it comes to college, careers, and future planning. Educators should communicate aims clearly and make sure that everyone knows what the school culture is, and why. But the truth is they may not have learned them. The following article originally appeared in Concordia University-Portland blog. That would be a mistake, according toEbony Bridwell-Mitchell, an expert in education leadership and management. They can start by getting everyone on board, discussing the specific school culture during the hiring process, and making space for professional development. 1. Problem solving can also be used retrospectively (with the luxury of hindsight) to help students make better decisions in the future. But be specific. A culture will be strong or weak depending on the interactions between the people in the organization, she said. When rules are not followed, discipline must be administered. Explore Unified Solutions Featured Solutions Behavior Support Attendance Intervention Schoology Learning Naviance Unified Operations We also have four generations of educators in the classroom todaythose who grew up without a computer, and those who held the world in their pocket. In a strong culture, there are many, overlapping, and cohesive interactions among all members of the organization. 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. This article summarizes a full report available from the Ministry of Social Development (Children's Issues Centre, 2004). December 22, 2022. Changing the attitudes of all the staff and students within your school wont be an overnight process. He helped me understand that recognition for hard work cannot only be recognized by the principal. In short, the prevailing atmosphere in your school will affect everything that goes on inside its walls. Unfortunately, in 2020, only 38 percent of teachers saw their profession in a positive light. The opposite is also true. Developing educational programs for parents can also help involve them in their childrens schooling, and thus build a more positive atmosphere in your school. For example, instead of creating specific rules about chewing gum, use of water bottles, or electronic devices in the classroom, you could create a classroom rule that states: Be respectful of the people around you.. Everyone wants to do well. This includes the administrators, teachers, and students. You, as a school leader, have a vital role in creating a positive school culture. Innovation in the classroom starts with you the school leader. Six Steps to Shaping a School's Culture Look in the mirror. Obviously, this is not a good environment for any school. 7 Mindsets Portal Login | Privacy Policy, 7 Mindsets | 60 King St Roswell GA 30075. They can discover their passions, and take classes that suit their interests. From teachers to parents to students, COVID-19 has had an impact on everyone involved in creating a positive school culture. The following seven broad strategies can help guide the process of improving school culture. 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. The Boys Town Education Model uses the SODAS method to teach students the general skill of problem solving. Conversely, when interpersonal relationships are weak and trust is lacking, fear and failure will likely start to define school culture. Yes, it sounds basic, but its an important component in having a safe campus. Preparing for the unknown in school is no easy feat to undertake. Ultimately, they need to encourage engagement by all. So, always impose appropriate disciplinary actions on students who commit unruly behaviors. A community in which every school member (students, teachers, leaders, and parents) can grow, adapt, connect and navigate life's challenges together because they feel seen, supported and valued. So, too, does open-door policies and a culture where students and staff are encouraged to share their ideas and solutions. I share many interesting conversations on LinkedIn, and would love to see you there. It is not healthy, and educators should do everything they can to ensure that they never allow this mindset to creep in. ", However, we must ask, What type of education do our students need today for a strong economic future?. Creating a positive school culture and climate where every member feels this way is challenging work. 4. Jennifer L.M. ThoughtCo, Aug. 26, 2020, thoughtco.com/strategies-to-improve-school-culture-3194578. build trusting relationships with students, M.Ed., Educational Administration, Northeastern State University, B.Ed., Elementary Education, Oklahoma State University. A good culture arises from messages that promote traits like collaboration, honesty, and hard work. Teachers should be more of a friend to students. 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. Positive behaviors breed a positive culture. Ideally, classroom rules are simple and declarative (e.g., Be respectful and kind). Build strong relationships Your success at creating a well-managed school depends more than anything else on the quality of the relationships that teachers forge with students. 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. For more articles about education, please sign up for my emails here (below), and follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn. TryProdigy Math Game the engaging, curriculum-aligned math platform used by over 50 million students, teachers and admins. School culture is so much more than academic performance or happiness. They might say their school has a good culture when teachers are expressing a shared vision and students are succeeding or that they need to work on school culture when several teachers resign or student discipline rates rise.