The Connection Between School Culture & Student Success

1. The Connection Between School Culture & Student Success Dr. Karolyn J. Snyder, President International School Connection, Inc.

2. Vision for a New Century To prepare students for success in life in the global age!

3. Chaos Theory studies change in natural systems Change is….. Non-linear & unpredictable Rapid, radical & self generating Self structured Random & uncontrollable Survival links to responsiveness!

4. Living on the Edge of Chaos 1.Growing systems respond to environmental changes 2. Disequilibrium Promotes Change 6. Change is a Dance of Life & Death Preparing Students For Success In a Global Age 3. Energy Builds Thru Connections 5. New Systems Evolve From Prototypes 4. Natural Systems Self- Organize Karolyn J. Snyder, 1996

5. Lesson 1: Growing Systems Respond

6. The Environment Matters

7. What is happening around the World? • Growing distance between rich and poor nations • Environmental issues • Backlash • End of patriarchalism • Terrorism

8. Globalization Forces • Technology & Media • Economics & Markets • Power & Politics • Demographics & Culture • The Environment

9. The World is now a Network Society • Information technology revolution • Information economy based on networking • Transformation of work • Culture of real virtuality (Manuel Castells, 2000)

10. Emerging Careers & the Workplace • Information Technology • Global Markets • Multi-national cultures • Social Networks • Nanotechnology & Biotechnology • Entrepreneurs • Cross Cultural Work Teams

11. PISA & UNICEF Percent of 15-year olds falling below international benchmarks • South Korea 1.4 11. New Zealand 12.2 • 2. Japan 2.2 12. France 12.6 • 3. Finland 4.4 13. Switzerland 13.0 • 4. Canada 5.0 14. Belgium 14.0 • 5. Australia 6.2 15. Iceland 14.0 • 6. Austria 8.2 16. Hungary 14.2 • 7. Britain 9.4 17. Norway 14.2 • 8. Ireland 10.2 * 18. USA 16.2 • Sweden 10.8 19. Germany 17.0 • 10. Czech Republic 12.2 20. Denmark 17.0

12. hat’s It all About? What is Your Mental Model Of Schooling?

13. Lesson 2. Disequilibrium Promotes Change

14. Disequilibrium is...... *The condition in which dynamic systems are most alive and creative.... * It gives the energy for stimulating the need for change.

15. This is Sam, who is 12 years old and lives in Boston.

16. This is Won Mae, who is 17 and lives in Iowa.

17. This is Tamara who is 17 and lives in Iowa.

18. This is Dan who is 18 and lives in Michigan.

19. This is Courtney who is 14 and lives in Montana.

20. Develop a Lighthouse of Democracy Where everyone has……. * a voice * an opportunity * responsibility * benefits

21. Lesson 3: Energy grows with Connections

22. Weak connections generate no energy for growth.

23. Strong connectionsproduce continuous energy

24. Patterns in Low-Involvement Schools 28-School Study • Resistance to change • Low SES population • Program isolation • A few connections exist • Connection strategies at work • Principal as leader • Focus: student success in school

25. Patterns in High-Involvement Schools • High energy for change • Mixture of SES • Program Integration • Connections everywhere • Manage energy explosion • Staff/principal leadership • Focus: student readiness for the 21st century 28-School Study

26. Lesson 4. Natural Systems Self-Organize to Grow

27. Far from Equilibrium..... .Disequilibrium fosters new order .Complex systems self-organize .Evolving systems are unpredictable !

28. Work Culture Effects on Achievement School Work Culture: Degrees of teacher involvement Planning, HRD, Instruction, Assessment Involvement Patterns Low Moderate High___ Low Achievement Schools 1.5% 60.0% 38.5% High Achievement Schools 6.3% 26.6% 67.1% Darlene Bruner, 1997

29. Connecting Culture & Achievement 52 K-12 Schools – Pasco County in Florida Schools with High Quality Work Cultures were significantly higher in student achievement patterns on State tests. The Integration of Culture Dimensions: Visionary Leadership, Development Plans, Systemic Action, Use of Information, HRD, Quality Programs, Customer Satisfaction Dr. Kristen Snyder, 2000

30. The Teacher’s Voicein High Involvement Cultures *Professional capacities diminish chaos *Continuous improvement is a dynamic force *Communication provides energy *Empowerment stimulates activity *Development equips teachers to manage chaos

31. Accountability for Growth.... • Respond to the environment • Use information • Build strong connections • Self-organize • Pilot new ideas • Celebrating what works!

32. Lesson 5: New Systems Evolve Naturally

33. Growing Systems emerge whole.. It is the life and health of a whole natural system that matters

34. Promote Pilots of Complete New Systems *Nongradedness *Continuous Progress *Interdisciplinary curriculum *Portfolio Assessment *Cooperative Learning *Team Teaching

35. Lesson 6. Celebrate Death & New Birth

36. Celebrate Life and Death! The natural cycle of life Is shedding the old and evolving the new.

37. Schools in… Finland

38. Sweden

39. Russia

40. What will be Your Leadership Legacy? Dr. Elaine Crum Sullivan

41. Go for it!