SCHOOL CULTURE: PRINCIPLES AND THEORIES

Welcome, everyone! Today, we're diving into the world of school culture – the unseen
force that shapes everything from student learning to teacher morale. Think of it as the
secret sauce that makes a school truly special. Buckle up and get ready to learn how to
leverage this powerful tool!

School Culture: The Secret Sauce of Learning

What is School Culture?

 The shared values, beliefs, and behaviors

that make your school unique.
 Encompasses everything from academic
expectations to student-teacher relationships.
 Influences how everyone within the school
interacts and feels.

Imagine a school as a big pot of stew. The

vegetables, the spices, the broth – all those
ingredients contribute to the overall flavor. School
culture is like that – it's a combination of different
elements that create a distinct atmosphere – an
atmosphere that shapes the entire school
experience.

Types of School Culture

 Authoritarian: Strict rules, strong emphasis on discipline and hierarchy. (Think:

Principal Belding from Saved by the Bell)
 Collaborative: Shared decision-making, focus on teamwork and student voice.
(Think: Hogwarts with its houses working together)
 Individualistic: Focus on personal
achievement, competitive environment.
(Think: A spelling bee with students vying
for the top spot)

School cultures aren't one-size-fits-all. There are

different types, each with its own strengths and
weaknesses. Authoritarian cultures can promote
order but might stifle creativity. Collaborative
cultures foster teamwork but could lack structure.
Individualistic cultures can drive achievement but
might neglect social-emotional learning. The key is
to find the right balance for your school's needs.
School's Cultural Identity

Shaped by the school's history, mission, and

community.

 Reflected in traditions, celebrations, and

school spirit.
 Fosters a sense of belonging and shared
purpose.

Just like people, schools have their own unique

personalities. This identity is shaped by the school's history, its mission, and the
community it serves. Think about your school's traditions – the pep rallies, the
homecoming games, the school plays. These are all ways that a school's cultural
identity comes alive, creating a sense of belonging for students, teachers, and staff.
What do you think is our university’s cultural identity?

The Power of Collaboration

 Working together to create a positive school culture.

 Teachers, parents, students, and community all play a role.
 Shared goals lead to a stronger learning environment.

Building a strong school culture isn't a one-person job. It takes a village, as the saying
goes. Teachers, parents, students, and even the broader community all contribute to
the overall atmosphere. When everyone works together towards shared goals, the
result is a more positive and productive learning environment for everyone.

Representation Matters

 Ensuring everyone feels seen and valued in the school culture.

 Curriculum that reflects the diversity of the
student body.
 Role models that students can identify
with.

An important aspect of a positive school culture

is representation. Every student deserves to feel
seen, valued, and heard. This means
incorporating diverse perspectives into the
curriculum, showcasing role models from all
backgrounds, and creating a space where
everyone feels like they belong. When students see themselves reflected in their
school, they're more likely to thrive.

Conclusion

 School culture is a powerful force that shapes learning.

 By understanding and nurturing it, we can create thriving schools for all.

Let’s Discuss:

1. Cite reasons why school is said to be either positive or negative.

2. What are the cultural norms impacting school improvements?
3. Research about The Dimensions of Culture by Schoen and Teddlie (2008).
Summarize in a table their model of school culture with the first column as
dimension and the second one, major description.
4. Research about the school’s descriptive categories based on observed
dimensions of culture by Stoll and Fink (1996), then put the summary in a table
with two columns (classification and major concepts).
5. Think of at least 5 questions on how every school aiming to preserve its own
culture must reflect on.
6. What could be the attributes of a successful or positive school culture according
to Peterson and Deal (1999)?
7. How do you describe a healthy school culture?
8. How do you describe an effective school leader?
9. Describe a school with collaborative culture.
10. What is the role of PTA in the school culture?