Transforming the Culture for Long-Term Results

The principal of Jones Elementary School was passionate, energetic, and well-intentioned. But the school had serious problems. They had underperforming school labels, student behavior issues, and low teacher motivation. 95% of students were on free and reduced lunch, and 42% were learning a new language. 

All these factors caused stress and were reflected in poor standardized test scores, the key metric to label schools. Needless to say, the school atmosphere was not in a great condition. Everyone in the staff was disgruntled trying to come up with strategies and solutions. The pressure built up as different issues came up one after the other.

Are you also facing an issue similar to that of Jones Elementary’s principal? When high demands are placed on schools for improving failing scores, blaming, and complaining become part of the environment. It’s a natural tendency in a high-pressure atmosphere, but I believe it’s avoidable. Teachers and leaders simply don’t know what else to do. They lack clearly defined steps towards meaningful change. 

At Jones, completing data step one, which includes identifying school goals, simplifying the data, and sharing that data at all levels was the first step. Next, we analyzed the root causes for the low test scores and discovered a key stumbling block - Teachers were overwhelmed with data. Until mindsets, attitudes, and beliefs about data changed, they would not have been able to create the change needed to increase results. 

The principal recognized the need to change mindsets and beliefs about using test scores(data). This led her to clearly communicate her expectations to staff, develop positive relationships and establish meaningful support for teachers to achieve better results. 

Within three years, the school went from 34% of students reading at grade level to 59%. Energized by a new connection with data and coaching support, this principal, along with her staff, succeeded in creating a culture of success, despite the significant obstacles they faced. 

In Data Step 1, you clearly define your goals and the data profile you will use to monitor your goals. In Data Step 2, you identified the root causes for the gaps between your current results and your goals. Sometimes these 2 steps may take a year or two before you are ready to jump on the next one.

When transformation takes place, long-term results are established and seen. To begin this step, a positive climate and data culture must exist in your school. 

School Climate and Culture Is Key to Creating Long-term Results

Phil Schlechty, educational researcher, speaker, and school-improvement advocate, describes a common issue in schools: 

“Structural change that is not supported by the cultural change will eventually be overwhelmed by the culture, for it is in the culture that the organization finds meaning and stability.” 

When facing the challenges of low student results, school leaders often get caught up in structural changes. These changes may include policies, programs, and procedures. While these are important, if there is not enough attention given to creating cultural shifts, the structural changes alone may not bring about a shift in results. Cultural transformation along with program changes that address your root causes are key to achieving lasting, sustainable results in a school. 

Where do you start – it all begins with relationships! 

“Strong relationships—and the role school leaders play within them—are the undercurrent to nearly everything happening in our school buildings.”  NewLeaders.org

Positive relationships are really about the connections between students, teachers, staff, and even parents. when people feel connected and appreciated, they're more likely to feel comfortable, to communicate openly, and to work together towards common goals. 

Building these relationships isn't always easy. It takes time, effort, and sometimes a bit of patience. But the payoff is huge. When we invest in positive relationships, we create a school culture where everyone can thrive. Remember that a school is only as strong as the relationships that hold it together.

If you are struggling with your school climate and culture, see my blog article: Identifying the Positive and Negative Aspects of School Culture (debradurma.com). Begin to put actions in place to change your school data climate. 

Once you have established a positive climate and data culture and your classroom instruction includes consistent strategies, you are now ready for Data Step 3: Transform. This is the topic that I will be sharing over the next blogs.

If you are interested in more information or would like assistance analyzing your data and transforming your culture, request a FREE consultation call. Fill in the Contact Form: 

https://debradurma.com/contact-us Type in "Request a FREE Consultation" in the "Additional Questions or Information Needed" box. You will receive a follow-up email with the next step to schedule a phone call to discuss your needs and questions.