Unpacking School Culture in Snapshots Down

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Culture is the most powerful source of leverage for bringing about change in a school – or any organization, for that matter. Thomas J. Sergiovanni www.schoolofeducators.com

Our Goals and Values Goals Today: Values: Have fun. Honesty. Learn. Trust. Explore. Commitment. Challenge norms. Open-mindedness. www.schoolofeducators.com

Culture and climate Go Hand –in-Hand School Culture is over a period of time…the history Climate is now, it’s the perceptions/emotions being evoked www.schoolofeducators.com

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Earthquake!

ACCIDENTAL vs INTENTIONAL CULTURE Accidental Culture Intentional Culture 1. Activities are based on assumptions. 1. Activities are research-based. 2. Academic goals deteriorates to a wish list. 2. Academic goals are credible. The focus is on results. 3. Mission and goals are ignored. 3. Mission and goals are used as a blue print for school improvement. 4. Decisions are dictated and developed by few. 4. Broad collaboration: decisions are widely shared www.schoolofeducators.com

ACCIDENTAL vs INTENTIONAL CULTURE Accidental Culture Intentional Culture 1. Articulated Beliefs 1. Beliefs are tied to actions and behaviors. 2. Random Values 2. Values tied to vision and mission 3. Connections are random 3. Connections are constantly sought 4. Diversity is acknowledge 4. Diversity is valued www.schoolofeducators.com

Negativity in schools often develops from the attitudes and actions of school staff when the following is present: No or low expectations Little or no communication among stakeholders Resistance to change Solutions based solely on opinion No ownership Little or no sense of community Disrespect/hostility widespread Low morale and distrust www.schoolofeducators.com

Ways in which we can be negative… Dread coming to school Criticize those who are innovative Criticize those wo are not innovative Politics drive decision-making Judgmental/Critical of other’s motivation Fear reprisal Distrust colleagues or administration “Me First” Operate in a vacuum Do just enough to get by www.schoolofeducators.com

A toxic school culture is full of taters Dictators Commentators Agitators Spectators www.schoolofeducators.com

Positive School Culture/Climate Mission IS about student and teacher learning Rich sense of history and purpose Core values of collegiality, performance, and improvement centered around quality, achievement, and learning for ALL students Positive and Proactive Approaches for staff and students

Positive School Culture/Climate Stories that celebrate successes and recognize heroines and heroes Physical Environment reflects pride and joy Widespread sense of respect and nurturing www.schoolofeducators.com

TRANSFORMING SCHOOL CULTURE www.schoolofeducators.com

YOU MUST FIRST ASSESS IT! TO IMPROVE YOUR CULTURE… YOU MUST FIRST ASSESS IT! www.schoolofeducators.com

Meet your neighbor… Video www.schoolofeducators.com

Four things to consider when transforming school culture… Lead with questions, not with answers. Engage in dialogue and debate, not coercion. Conduct autopsies without blame. Build red flag mechanisms that turn information into information that cannot be ignored.

Change your school culture. Promote your mission, vision, values and goals. Allow all stakeholders a part in many processes. Sustain the culture through communication. Persist in reviewing and defining the culture. Confront problems as they come, do not wait.

Twelve Areas in which to develop Collegiality1 Appreciation and recognition Experimentation Caring, celebration, humor High expectations Involvement in decision making Trust and confidence Protection of what’s important Tangible support Traditions Reaching out to the knowledge bases Honest, open communication www.schoolofeducators.com “Good Seeds Grow in Strong Cultures” by Saphier and King

Final Thoughts I learned that … I realized that … I was pleased that … I was not aware that…

Resources CAAO The Consortium of African American Organizations is a nonprofit consulting organization which provides benefits and services to black professional organizations of Northeast Ohio. They have youth and adult opportunities. http://www.caao.net/   African-American Genealogical Society The AAGS assists African Americans in Cleveland begin the journey of discovering their past. Genealogical studies and networking opportunities await any person looking to join the group. http://aagsclev.org/ Refugee Service Collaborative The RSC aids refugees in collaboration with other agencies, in obtaining things needed to begin life in Cleveland. They offer living services, support systems, medical and psychiatric connections, and student programs that all aim to integrate families into their neighborhoods. http://rsccleveland.org/ www.schoolofeducators.com

Resources GLSEN GLSEN aids students in the LGBT community feel safe in and connected to their school community. Their mission is to promote respect and value for students regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. They offer programs to students and school’s including “Safe Space” training. https://www.glsen.org/chapters/neo   Cleveland Vegan Society The Cleveland Vegan Society works to promote a vegan lifestyle by informing the public about the healthful, sustainable, and compassionate benefits of plant-based eating and living free from animal exploitation. They have networking and education opportunities for most ages. https://www.clevelandvegansociety.org/community United Hungarian Society of Cleveland United Hungarian Society of Cleveland unites the area Hungarian-American organizations and seeks to preserve, cultivate, develop and disseminate Hungarian culture. To further serve the region’s Hungarian-Americans, it may initiate and organize activities for the benefit of this community. http://hungariancleveland.org/ www.schoolofeducators.com

Resources German American Cultural Center The German-American Cultural Center works to promote and continue the traditions of Donauschwaben ancestors through the language, song, dance, music, dress and customs of the culture. http://www.donauschwabencleveland.com/   POP!  The comic culture club is an open, friendly environment where Northeast Ohio's comic book & pop culture fans, retailers, and professionals can gather to discuss all aspects of the industry -- including comics, movies, TV shows, toys, games, and more! http://popcomicclub.com/ West Side Irish American Club The WSIA works to study Irish heritage and bring the richness of the culture to activities in the community. They work to aid people in discovering their lineage. This organization plays a big role in community engagement with politics. http://www.wsia-club.org/ www.schoolofeducators.com