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School Culture

In: Philosophy and Psychology

Submitted By Papiete
Words 274
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School Culture Analysis The term school culture describes the environment that affects the behavior of the entire school community. School culture can be defined as the quality and character of school life. It is based on patterns of school life experiences and reflects norms, goals, values, relationships, teaching, leadership practices and the structure of the organization. Several studies have concurred that student performance is directly related to school climate. Students in schools with a positive school culture have higher achievements. Therefore, creating and maintaining a positive school culture should be essential to the role of school administrator. Good schools depend on a strong sense of purpose and leadership (MacNeil & Maclin, n.d.). Principals must steer their staff, students, and community in a common direction in an effort to establish a set of norms, goals, and objectives that describes their vision of learning and the overall objective of the school. A school administrator has a strong influence on shaping a schools culture (MacNeil & Maclin). Once a strong school culture is established, it tends to act as a powerful socializer of thought and programmer of behavior (MacNeil & Maclin). Yet, shaping and creating such a culture does not just inexplicably happen. It requires a negotiation of sentiments of school stakeholders (MacNeil & Maclin). When points of view and beliefs compete in schools, deciding which ones are relevant can cause struggling. Principals are in an advantageous position to influence the outcome of this conflict (MacNeil & Maclin). When establishing a school culture, a principal must be able to infuse varying values, beliefs, ideas, theories and decisions into their school (MacNeil & Maclin, n.d.). Creating a collaborative community is

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