ERIC Number: ED580984
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2017
Pages: 171
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 978-0-3554-3769-0
ISSN: EISSN-
EISSN: N/A
The Impact of a Positive Environment and Shared Leadership to Empower Collegial School Culture
Pretz, Benjamin
ProQuest LLC, Ed.D. Dissertation, University of Arkansas
The purpose of this study is to develop an empowered collegial school culture to systemically improve the function of the academic institution through the impact of a positive environment and shared leadership. When compared to the other middle schools in the district, Eagle Middle School had the lowest math achievement growth index during the 2014-2015 school year. The discrepancy in math achievement is one element that has created a culture problem for the building. Additionally, the building has a reputation of poor customer service and not serving the community effectively. Because of the poor culture the staff had a lack of leadership and is cycling toward a continuous state of decline. Culture is at the very essence of the change process. Making a systemic impact to improve the nature of an educational institution requires an understanding of the very nature of the culture. School climate is a driver for the overall culture of the building. Developing a positive climate and shared leadership process is conducive to producing a culture that is collaborative and empowered. For the purpose of this research study mixed method measures were used to devise, collect, and analysis data. This study worked to develop an understanding of how to create a positive environment and shared leadership to empower the building culture. A pragmatic approach was used to understand the current state of the cultural environment to ascertain the accounts and develop an approach to empower staff through data analysis and implementation of the researched based practices. Quantitative and qualitative measures of surveys and interviews were used to determine the value and validity of a positive environment and the importance of shared leadership in developing an empowered building culture. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
Descriptors: School Culture, Collegiality, Educational Environment, Participative Decision Making, Middle Schools, Educational Change, Mixed Methods Research, Empowerment, Surveys, Interviews, Leadership
ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway, P.O. Box 1346, Ann Arbor, MI 48106. Tel: 800-521-0600; Web site: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml
Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Middle Schools
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A