Description
Book SynopsisThe purpose of School Climate and Culture vis-à-vis Student Learning is to describe a reform that improves test scores, reduces dropouts and decreases bullying behavior. There are six areas that must be improved in order to accomplish this purpose. These six areas are the following: discipline, basic needs of humans, culture and climate, control, parent and community involvement, and levels of openness and trust. Discipline is one of the main problems in classrooms across the US. The authors describe a comprehensive school reform approach that addresses the six areas and reduces resistance to school reform. Creating a high-performing school is an organizational approach to school reform that creates a distinctly different school culture and climate than can be found in existing schools. The authors detail a vision and mission for a comprehensive school reform that involves all stakeholders and leads to high performance.
Trade ReviewThe authors provide practical, proven strategies to create a student-centered learning culture focused on student outcomes. -- Beverly J. Irby, professor and associate dean, Academic Affairs, Marilyn Kent Byrne Endowed Chair for Student Success, Texas A&M University
School Climate and Culture vis-à-vis Student Learning: Keys to Collaborative Problem Solving and Responsibility is beautifully written. The book is a vital research tool for local School Boards, administrators and at the legislative level as well. In today’s atmosphere of education reform, it is critical that our leaders understand what really happens in American classrooms. The work of the authors can help education policy makers understand school reform, classroom management and cultural norms. This book is a must read for all current and aspiring educational leaders. -- Bill Delbrugge, senior education officer, Esol Education, former superintendent of schools, Flagler County, Florida
The authors present an excellent roadmap for the high performance reform of school culture and climate to improve test scores and reduce dropouts. They provide a mission and a vision that requires the buy-in of all stakeholders. The comprehensive change they propose improves levels of openness and trust which reduces resistance to the reform. -- Jonathan Munro, MANZAPPL, Clinical Head, Counselling & Psychological Support Services; Adjunct Prof. Fellow, School of Health & Human Sciences, Southern Cross University
If you want your school to be more collaborative and supportive, your staff to be more effective and appreciated and your students to be more responsible and competent, read this book. A primary goal of education is to help students develop positive attitudes and skills that will enable them to become responsible and contributing citizens. Based on my experience as a teacher, principal and college professor, this book is based on sound theory and is presented in a logical, practical and personal manner. -- W. A. (Bill) Belanger, PhD, president BB Consultants for Change; professor (retired) University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Table of ContentsPreface Introduction Phase One Chapter 1: Four Types of School Culture Phase Two Chapter 2: A Four-Step Process for Identifying and Reshaping the Culture of a School Chapter 3: Implementing a Plan to Improve the Climate and Culture of the School Phase Three Chapter 4: Power and Authority: Nine Techniques for Motivating Faculty and Students Phase Four Chapter 5: A Character Education Program That Is the Foundation of a High Performing School Appendix A: Supervisory Climate Behaviors Appendix B: A Report of Caring Behaviors Appendix C: School Climate Graph Appendix D: Measure of School Culture and Climate Appendix E: Selected Character Traits and Their Corresponding Behaviors About the Authors
