Unpacking School Culture in Snapshots

1. Unpacking School Culture in Snapshots Down

2. www.schoolofeducators.com

3. 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

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

5. 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

6. www.schoolofeducators.com

7. Earthquake!

8. ACCIDENTAL vs INTENTIONAL CULTURE www.schoolofeducators.com

9. ACCIDENTAL vs INTENTIONAL CULTURE www.schoolofeducators.com

10. 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

11. 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

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

13. 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

14. 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

15. TRANSFORMING SCHOOL CULTURE www.schoolofeducators.com

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

17. Meet your neighbor…Video www.schoolofeducators.com

18. 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.

19. 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.

20. Twelve Areas in which to develop www.schoolofeducators.com “Good Seeds Grow in Strong Cultures” by Saphier and King

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

22. 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

23. 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

24. 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