Culture of Learning and Vision/Mission

Part II. Analysis of the Intersection of Culture of Learning and Vision/Mission (approximately 20 hours)

1. Conduct a literature review of school vision and culture focusing on assessing it, improving it, and its effect on student outcomes using course resources.

Based upon your literature review on school culture, and your interviews, develop an analytical paper that includes the following:

a. Brief overview of the literature defining school culture;

b. Links according to the literature between a positive school culture and the learning environment;

c. a summary and analysis of the interview responses including an analysis of the actual school culture of learning

d. final part of your analytical paper would be several suggestions or recommendations for improving or enhancing the school culture.

2. Vision Review & Analysis. Identify and review the vision for learning statement; analyze the underlying core values and desired outcomes, goals and priorities of the statement. Study your choice among the following instructional systems:

assessment scores by different sub-groups of students;

graduation rates by sub-groups;

percentage of students classified and in inclusion;

demographics of students and community;

description and condition of facilities;

APPR Plan;

academic standing of the schools on the New York State rating system (good standing, priority focus, etc.);

the curriculum;

web pages;

newsletters and other district communication;

student clubs and extracurricular opportunities;

possible interviews with key staff;

district history;

length of leadership tenure and experience;

and any other pertinent current events impacting the school.

3. Interviews of leaders, both informal and formal (2 principals, 2 teachers, 2 support staff)

Develop several interview questions based upon your reading and research. These questions should assess the culture of a specific school building in relation to its stated vision and mission.. Questions should elicit information on: How decisions are made; School goals and vision for learning; Communication; Peer and supervisor relationships; Resource allocation; and Process for improving/enhancing the school learning culture.

4. Alignment between the culture and the vision.

Describe and analyze the consistency of the systems listed below with the current vision statement for learning and evidence of the schools culture.

Describe and analyze the consistency as follows:

a. Culture of learning (collaboration time, expectations for continued learning)

b. Policies and protocols

c. Consistency of student performance measured by test scores (including sub groups), graduation rates, and suspension rates with the current vision for learning statement;

d. Consistency of academic supports for struggling student learners (RtI, Student Support, AIS, interventions, support teams, mentors, etc.)

e. Culture of collaboration

f. Joint ownership of students

g. Evidence of expectations for student learning

h. Engaging classroom instruction

i. A conclusion or synthesis of the gap analysis for each area should complete the paper. The analysis should integrate course readings, any supplemental or external research or sources, and be evidence based.

Approximate length is 15-20 pages with appropriate citations.

What would you do as a coach or school leader, to intervene in a conflict between two teachers or groups of teachers in your school to help them rebuild trust with one another? How might strengths-based dialogue facilitate positive change, especially in the area of broken trust?

Schools selected PS 150x

PS 92k