Thoughts on School Culture and Climate

I think the most impactful factors that affect my school climate and culture is the belief in our common goal to provide a quality education for all of our students. Seeing the collaboration and support from the staff, administration, students, families, and community members to do our part in establishing a positive learning environment adds a positive feel as you walk through the halls of the school. With this common belief, students gain self confidence in expressing their views and take on the challenges of a rigorous curriculum. Administration provide teachers with the courage and resources to take instructional risks. In addition, families and community members are valued members of our team that contribute valuable ideas and feedback for school improvements. Although we have a strong commitment to school improvement, we still have disagreements, question decisions that are not in our favor, and experience conflict amongst each other. However, I think what makes the difference is that we have a well balanced administration and some key staff that are not afraid to immediately step in and diffuse situations to find a compromise. The elements that can break down school climate and culture is an overall negative attitude towards learning and improving. If administrators do make school improvement a priority, both the climate and culture can take a downward spiral. This negative attitude can be seen and felt throughout the school and highly impact staff, students, families, and community members. Growth and improvement are not the priority, instructional practices are ignored, and instead administration is working in survival mode. School Climate and School Culture Differences I think school climate is that overall feeling you get if you walk through the campus. From how you are treated in the front office to observing both staff and student interactions during passing period or in the classrooms. It is explicit and easily identified. I think school culture is more implicit, it is the underlying beliefs and core values that the school promotes. You might not necessarily be able to identify the school culture on just one observation or visit to the school. It is the things we do on a daily basis to make progress towards growth. Effective school leaders can inspire a positive movement towards growth by being honest, truthful, and modeling their core values and beliefs. By being transparent with decisions and the process of school improvement, staff, students, families and the community members will be more willing to accept leadership decisions.