Creating a Culture for High-Performing Schools: A Comprehensive Approach to School Reform and Dropout Prevention

by Cletus R. Bulach, Frederick C. Lunenburg, Les Potter

Overview

A high performing school is described as one where student achievement is high and student and teacher absenteeism is low. Student behavior is such that teachers seldom have to control them or tell them what to do. This results in greater time on task, higher teacher morale, low teacher absenteeism, and improved parental support. One other distinctive feature of a high performing school is that the student peer group is a positive force and not a negative force. The end result is a school culture where faculty and students trust and care about each other, and there is a cooperative attitude.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781578867967
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	08/28/2008
Pages:	340
Product dimensions:	5.80(w) x 9.10(h) x 1.20(d)

About the Author

Cletus R. Bulach, a retired Ohio school superintendent and college professor, has conducted research on principal leadership, character education, teacher caring behaviors, bullying behavior, school climate and culture, and group openness and trust. He has also developed surveys to collect data on these areas of research and has numerous publications based on these data. Fred C. Lunenburg is the Jimmy N. Merchant Professor of Education and Senior Research Fellow in the Center for Research and Doctoral Studies in Educational leadership at Sam Houston State University. Prior to moving to the university, he served as a teacher, principal, and superintendent of schools. He has authored or co-authored more than 100 articles and 20 books, including, Education Administration: Concepts and Practices (Thomson/Wadsworth, 1991, 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008), The Principalship: Vision to Action (Thomson/Wadsworth, 2006), Shaping the Future (Rowman & Littlefield, 2003), The Changing World of School Administration (with George Perreault) (Rowman & Littlefield, 2002), and High Expectations: An Action Plan for Implementing Goals 2000 (Corwin Press, 2000). Les Potter is the author of over 70 educational publications and has been a school principal and professor for several universities. Potter will be contributing from the practical point of view as he has been principal of seven schools in four states and recognized in several states for his contributions to education.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 A Four-Step Process for Identifying and Reshaping the Culture of a School
Part 1 School Reform Processes
Part 2 Enhancing a School's Culture and Climate
Chapter 2 Implementing a Plan to Improve the Climate and Culture of the School
Part 3 Leadership Skills Needed
Chapter 3 Power and Authority: Nine Techniques for Motivating Faculty and Students
Part 4 Intergroup Processes
Chapter 4 Four Types of School Culture
Chapter 5 A Character Education Program That Is the Foundation of a High Performing School
Part 5 Program Planning
Chapter 6 Six Strategies for Enhancing a School's Culture and Climate
Part 6 Assessment
Chapter 7 Community, Culture, and Learning
Chapter 8 Professional Development
Chapter 9 Management of the Program
Chapter 10 Developing Interpersonal Relations
Chapter 11 Self-Disclosure
Chapter 12 Developing Trust
Chapter 13 Values Clarification
Chapter 14 Improving Communication Skills
Chapter 15 Resolving Conflicts
Chapter 16 Design for Learning
Chapter 17 Assessing Students' Interests and Abilities
Chapter 18 Conferencing: Reporting Student Progress
Chapter 19 Program Evaluation

Editorial Reviews

Dr. Bulach and his colleagues have tackled the big picture in education, school climate, that subtle source of the learning that shapes our whole society. But they do not stop there, they go on to demonstrate how positive school climate enhances academic achievement. Their book provides excellent guidance and practical suggestions for professional educators who want to change school dynamics and achievement.

W. A. Belanger

Much has been written about school reform recently but most fall short when one is looking for a complete package. I find this work to be very complete and would recommend it to any one looking for an up to date text book. Comprehensive school reform requires a positive climate, culture, clear mission, vision and personal learning environment. This manuscript contains all the ingredients necessary to build and maintain a high performing school that is demanded in today's schools.

Winston D. Pickett

Dr. Bulach and his colleagues have tackled the big picture in education, school climate, that subtle source of the learning that shapes our whole society. But they do not stop there, they go on to demonstrate how positive school climate enhances academic achievement. Their book provides excellent guidance and practical suggestions for professional educators who want to change school dynamics and achievement.

W.A. (Bill) Belanger Ph.D

Much has been written about school reform recently but most fall short when one is looking for a complete package. I find this work to be very complete and would recommend it to any one looking for an up to date text book. Comprehensive school reform requires a positive climate, culture, clear mission, vision and personal learning environment. This manuscript contains all the ingredients necessary to build and maintain a high performing school that is demanded in today's schools.

Winston D. Pickett Ed.D

The well researched contents of this book are absolutely on target. It provides a practitioner's map for effectively creating high performing schools.

Donald R. Thompson Ph.D

Faced with the outcry of accountability and school reform, this book offers a practical, easy approach, which includes simple strategies to reduce resistance to school reform and increase the caring learning environment.

Dr. Janet M. McGee

This book offers an extensive look at comprehensive school reform and emphasizes how an organizational approach to school reform creates a distinctly different school culture and climate that addresses the needs of school administrators, teachers, and students. This topic is crucial when creating a clear vision based on appropriate strategies and diagnostic tools. It will reach beyond current educational processes and provide insight and a novel approach to culture and climate as we work together to address comprehensive school reform.

Dr. Diane Boothe