School Culture PDF

Philippine Normal University - Visayas The National Center for Teacher Education Center for Environment and Green Technology Education Cadiz City, Negros Occidental School Culture School...

Philippine Normal University - Visayas The National Center for Teacher Education Center for Environment and Green Technology Education Cadiz City, Negros Occidental School Culture School culture refers to the shared beliefs, values, norms, and practices that shape the environment within a school. It is a complex construct that significantly influences students' experiences, behaviors, and academic performance. School culture can affect everything from student engagement to teacher effectiveness, and it plays a crucial role in the overall success of educational institutions. School culture is one of the most complex and important concepts in education. (Schein 1985). It generally refers to the beliefs, perceptions, relationships, attitudes and written and unwritten rules that shape and influence every aspect of how a school function. (Edglossary) The term also encompasses more concrete issues such as the physical, emotional, safety of students, the orderliness of classrooms and public spaces or degree to which a school embraces racial, ethnic, linguistic and cultural diversity. Culture as a Social Construct Culture is a social construct not a genetic construct. This means that school culture is somethings that we do not inherit or pass through the genes. Rather, it is something that we create and shape. It is shaped by everything that all people in school see, hear, feel and interact with. It is a creation of the school head, teachers, parents, non-teaching staff, students and community. Sean Slade (2014) elaborates: Within a couple of minutes of walking into a school or a classroom, you can tell, define almost taste the culture that permeates that space. Is it an open, sharing environment? Or is it a rigid discipline- defined playing filed? It is safe and welcoming or intimidating and confronting? Does it welcome all voices or does it make you want to shrink? Is it waiting for instruction and leadership or is it self-directed with a common purpose? School Climate and School Culture School climate is more relational. It is illustrated by the attitudes and behaviors of the school staff and is focused on the style of the school’s organizational system. School climate refers to the school’s effects on students, including teaching practices, diversity and the relationships among administrators, teachers, parents and students. School climate is driven by and reflected in daily interactions of staff, administrations, faculty, students, support staff and the outside community. School culture is a deeper level of reflection of shared values, beliefs, and traditions between staff members. School culture refers to the way teachers and other staff members work together and the set of beliefs, values, and assumptions they share. School culture is a broader term and so is inclusive of school climate. The role of School Culture in Learning School Culture matters. School culture can be positive, negative or toxic. A positive school culture fosters improvement, collaborative decision making, professional development and staff and student learning. A negative culture fosters the opposite. Elements of a Positive Culture 1. Collegiality – the school atmosphere is friendly. You work in an atmosphere where responsibility and authority are shared by everyone. You can be yourself. You have not to put your best forward to impress others. The school head does not throw his/her weight. He/she does not make his/her authority felt by his/her colleagues. 2. Experimentation- the atmosphere encourages experimentation and so will welcome mistakes as part of the learning process. No teacher or student gets punished for a mistake. Mistakes are not intended. They give a lot of lesson. 3. High expectations – it has been said that one’s level of achievement is always lower than one’s level of aspiration. So set high expectations for high achievement. 4. Trust and Confidence – students, teachers, school heads and parents relate well and work well when relationships are solidly built on trust and confidence. 5. Tangible support – everyone in the school community gets concrete support for the good that they do. Support comes in not just words but in action. School heads sees to it that LCDs in the classroom are functioning. The physical environment of a school, including its layout, design, and resources, also plays a role in shaping its culture. A well-maintained school that is equipped with modern technology and resources can enhance learning experiences. Additionally, spaces that encourage collaboration, such as open classrooms or communal areas, promote social interaction and foster a sense of community. 6. Reaching out the knowledge base- teachers care to grow professionally to update themselves on content knowledge and pedagogy, the fist domain in the Philippines Standards for Teachers 7. Appreciation and recognition – “you do not make less when you praise others”. Instead, you become magnanimous. Our eyes are quick to see the negative so we despise them immediately but our eyes are blinded to the good and so we overlook them to fail to appreciate. 8. Caring, celebration, humor – kids don’t care what you know until they know that you care. 9. Involvement in decision making – involving others who are concerned with decisions to be made enhances sense of ownership. They feel important 10. Protection of what is important - what schools consider important must form part of their tradition and so must be protected by all means. 11. Traditions – these strengthens sense of community. A n intentional culture-based program on shared values, beliefs and behaviors. Shared values and beliefs are the foundation of school culture. They represent what the school community stands for and what it aims to achieve. For example, a school that prioritizes academic excellence will foster an environment where hard work and dedication are celebrated. Conversely, a school that emphasizes inclusivity may focus on building a community where diversity is embraced and every student feels valued. Rituals and traditions are practices that reinforce the school’s values and foster a sense of belonging among students and staff. These can include annual events such as  homecoming, graduation ceremonies, and cultural celebrations. Such events not only create a sense of continuity but also enhance community spirit. They provide opportunities for students to engage with one another and build relationships across different grade levels. 12. Honest and open communication – no one gets ostracized for speaking up his mind. Encouraged to speak and the agreement to every discussion is to “agree to disagree”. The nature of social relationships within a school significantly contributes to its culture. Positive relationships among students, teachers, and staff create a supportive environment conducive to learning. Schools that promote collaboration, respect, and open communication typically experience higher levels of student engagement and satisfaction. Conversely, a culture characterized by competition, cliques, or bullying can lead to negative outcomes, including decreased motivation and poor academic performance The Formation of School Culture School culture is not static; it is continuously shaped by various factors, including leadership, community involvement, and external influences. Leadership The role of school leadership is pivotal in establishing and maintaining a positive school culture. Leaders such as principals and administrators set the tone for the school by articulating a clear vision and modeling the desired values and behaviors. Effective leaders foster an inclusive environment where all members of the school community feel empowered to contribute to the culture. Community Involvement Community involvement is another critical factor in shaping school culture. Schools that actively engage parents, local organizations, and community members tend to develop a stronger sense of identity and purpose. Collaborative efforts, such as community service projects or partnerships with local businesses, can enhance students' learning experiences and instill a sense of responsibility and citizenship. External Influences External factors, including societal norms, policies, and cultural expectations, can also impact school culture. For instance, changes in educational policy may influence curriculum choices and teaching practices, affecting the overall culture of the school. Furthermore, societal issues such as inequality and discrimination can seep into schools, creating challenges that must be addressed to foster a positive culture. The Implications of School Culture Understanding school culture as a construct has significant implications for educators and policymakers. Student Engagement and Performance A positive school culture has been linked to increased student engagement and academic performance. When students feel connected to their school community and believe that their contributions are valued, they are more likely to participate actively in their education. Conversely, schools with negative cultures may witness higher dropout rates and lower academic achievement. Teacher Satisfaction and Retention School culture also affects teacher satisfaction and retention. Educators who work in supportive environments where their professional contributions are acknowledged are more likely to remain in their positions. This retention is essential for maintaining continuity in student learning and fostering a stable educational environment. Shared Norms: Teacher and Students Boss and Larmer (2018) share teacher norms and student norms to contribute to a faire and an engaging learning environment, a characteristic of a positive school culture. Strategies for Improvement To cultivate a positive school culture, educators and administrators can implement various strategies. These may include: Promoting Inclusivity: Ensuring that all students feel welcomed and valued, regardless of their background or identity. Encouraging Collaboration: Creating opportunities for students and staff to work together on projects, fostering a sense of teamwork. Recognizing Achievements: Celebrating individual and collective accomplishments to reinforce positive behaviors and motivation. Providing Professional Development: Offering training for teachers and staff to equip them with the skills needed to promote a healthy school culture.