1. Unpacking School Culture in Snapshots
Down

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

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

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

7. Earthquake!

8. ACCIDENTAL vs INTENTIONAL CULTURE
Accidental Culture
Intentional Culture
1. Activities are based on assumptions.
1. Activities are research-based.
2. Academic goals deteriorates to a wish list.
2. Academic goals are credible. The focus is on results.
3. Mission and goals are ignored.
3. Mission and goals are used as a blue print for school improvement.
4. Decisions are dictated and developed by few.
4. Broad collaboration: decisions are widely shared

9. ACCIDENTAL vs INTENTIONAL CULTURE
Accidental Culture
Intentional Culture
1. Articulated Beliefs
1. Beliefs are tied to actions and behaviors.
2. Random Values
2. Values tied to vision and mission
3. Connections are random
3. Connections are constantly sought
4. Diversity is acknowledge
4. Diversity is valued

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

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

12. A toxic school culture is full of taters
Dictators
Commentators
Agitators
Spectators

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

15. TRANSFORMING SCHOOL CULTURE

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

17. Meet your neighbor… Video

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
Collegiality1
Appreciation and recognition
Experimentation
Caring, celebration, humor
High expectations
Involvement in decision making
Trust and confidence
Protection of what’s important
Tangible support
Traditions
Reaching out to the knowledge bases
Honest, open communication
“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.
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.
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.

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.
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.
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.

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.
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!
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.