Building Strong School Cultures: A Guide to Leading Change

"Standing on the back of their groundbreaking research on school culture, Kruse and Seashore Louis provide an insightful and very practical guide that should be a must-read for anyone preparing to become a school leader." —Kenneth Leithwood, Professor OISE/University of Toronto "A manageable, well-rehearsed plan for discussion, research, and lots of reflective thought for any school leader willing to develop their own leadership and the culture in which they desire to lead." —Teresa P. Cunningham, Principal Laurel Elementary School, TN Develop an integrated school culture that engages educators with their colleagues and communities! As a principal, you realize that effecting positive, long-lasting change requires support both within your school and in the wider community. This practical handbook shows school leaders how to build a climate of collaboration with staff, teachers, and parents as well as how to develop connections with foundations, business groups, social service providers, and government agencies. Sharon D. Kruse and Karen Seashore Louis call on principals to create a viable, sustainable school culture using organizational learning and trust to involve the professional community and to affect teaching and learning. This addition to the Leadership for Learning series presents a leadership approach that integrates teachers, parents, and community members into a coherent team. The authors examine schools that have achieved lasting cultural change and present practical strategies for: Diagnosing and shaping a school culture Revising leadership functions to broaden decision-making processes Rethinking organizational structures Supporting continuous improvement while ensuring stability Building Strong School Cultures draws from business and psychology research on motivating and organizing people to provide school leaders with the skills they need to promote effective change.

Table of Contents:
Series Foreword by E. Joseph Schneider and Willis D. Hawley Acknowledgments About the Authors 1. Changing School Culture: An Introduction and Overview School Cultures: Stable and Fluid or Stable and Fragile Introducing PCOLT: Professional Community, Organizational Learning, and Trust Intensified Leadership: An Introduction Intensification and Beyond "Quick Fixes" Summary and Overview of the Book Recommended Readings and Culture Activities 2. Principals as Cultural Change Agents Cultures and Subcultures in Schools Management and Leadership Paths to Cultural Management and Leadership Conclusion Additional Readings and Activities for Getting Started 3. Diagnosing Your School Culture: Understanding Where You Are The Basics of Cultural Diagnosis Diagnosing Your School Culture Diagnosis and Intensified Leadership for Cultural Change Culture Resources and Activities 4. Linking Leadership and School Culture Leadership and Decision Making Intensifying Leadership at Your School Intensifying Leadership by Building PCOLT Vigilance and Strong School Cultures Conclusion Reflections and Activities for Developing School Culture 5. Networks, Networking, and Cultural Change Webs and Nets Thinking About Networks Cautions Next Steps Reflections and Goal-Setting Activities 6. Intensifying Leadership Through Partnerships With Districts Thinking About District-School Relationships Rethinking Organizational Structures and Cultures Influencing District-School Relationships Moving Forward Conclusion Reflections and Activities 7. Schools and Communities: Working With the Enduring Dilemmas of Time and Accountability Student Learning and Development: A Foundation Schools as Agencies for Democracy Social Capital and Civic Capacity Schools as Moral Agencies Conclusion Web Resources, Activities, and Reflections 8. Bringing It All Together: Concluding Themes and Thoughts The Art of Balance Implications for Action and Growth A PCOLT Planning Guide References Index