Description
Book SynopsisThis book provides strategies teachers and principals can use to improve the culture of their classroom or school. Strategies are based on discoveries in Neuroscience about how the chemistry of our brain is linked to our relationships. The science highlights the importance of trust in school culture. Our desire and ability to trust each other has been hard-wired into our DNA by evolution. Our ability to work together and teach each other has played a pivotal role in the survival of our species. Building trust can be learned and improved with practice.It also brings brain research out of the lab and into schools. Readers will learn how to apply these strategies from principals and teachers using them. Readers will learn why culture is too important to be left to chance, and how a positive school culture can be built. Readers will learn how to use these strategies to bathe brains in the neurochemicals needed to improve the culture of any school.
Trade ReviewThe Chemistry of Culture provides specifics on how Farrington High School in Hawaii has been so successful at creating such an innovative culture. That success has propelled Farrington to being named a National Model School for three years in a row. Located in one of Honolulu’s poorest and most diverse neighborhoods, Farrington has created a culture of trust, empowerment, and collaboration through its teacher-led effort. -- Dr. Bill Daggett, Founder and Chairman, International Center for Leadership in Education
Jim Warford understands the impact of culture on learning, and The Chemistry of Culture connects it to discoveries in neuroscience about the chemistry of the brain. Jim is a practical professional who turns theory into practices and strategies we can all use to generate positive results for learners. His stories are real and his strategies powerful. -- Raymond J. McNulty, President, Successful Practices Network
The Chemistry of Culture is the blueprint for analyzing the relationship between neuroscience and next steps in rapidly improving schools. What happens when practitioners and leaders understand the relationship between cognition and culture? The answer is...results! -- Weston Kieschnick, International Center for Leadership in Education Senior Fellow and Best-Selling Author of Bold School
Table of ContentsForeword Dr. Bill Daggett, Founder and Chairman, International Center for Leadership in Education Preface Introduction Part One Chapter 1: Why Culture Matters Chapter 2: The Farrington Way: A Culture of A’o Chapter 3: The Chemistry of Culture Chapter 4: Emphasize Empathy Chapter 5: A Mental Model of Culture Part Two Chapter 6: Trust in Trust Chapter 7: Release Control Chapter 8: Empower Others Chapter 9: Celebrate Collaboration Chapter 10: Building Better Relationships Chapter 11: Exercise Empathy Chapter 12: Emphasize Empathy Chapter 13: Blended Learning Chapter 14: Empowering ELLs Chapter 15: Classroom Collaboration Afterword: The Aloha Spirit of the Island Acknowledgements Appendix A: Growth Mindset Frayer Model Appendix B: Empathy Plan Appendix C: The Culture Framework® Appendix D: The Rigor/Relevance Framework® Appendix E: The Successful Practices Network Appendix F: 20 Day Trust Building Action Plan Appendix G: Trust Self-Reflection Guide Appendix H: Teacher Leadership Cadre Application Appendix I: Teacher Leadership Cadre Meeting Norms Appendix J: Teacher Leadership Cadre Roles and Responsibilities Appendix K: Teacher Leadership Cadre Relationship Activities Appendix L: Teacher Leadership Cadre Working Styles Assessment Appendix M: Teacher Leadership Cadre Make-up Activity Appendix N: Teacher Leadership Cadre Make-up Activity Appendix O: Collaboration Rubric Bibliography About the Author
