I've been thinking about what are good indicators of of a healthy school culture, and wondering how many of our schools seem healthy to us.
There are definitely some things I like at my current placement, and I'll start with those:
I see the principal and vice principal in the hallways a lot. Sometimes the principal shows up in the least-likely places, just hanging out. This seems like an example of something I've seen described as 'management by walking around', or MBWA. He interacts with students and teachers, and even calls me by name! After school, I see one of these two people out by the school buses, interacting with students and parents. These things seem like marks of a healthy school environment.
Similarly, I see some teachers who spend a lot of time in the hallways. I remember this to be something we discussed in the middle school class last year. I recall thinking it sounded like a good idea--and I think it is.
During the daily home room television broadcasts, students make frequent appearances. They make announcements, and play videos they've produced, which sometimes have a serious theme, and sometimes are simply humorous. The significant student involvement in these technologically-sophisticated productions seem like a very good thing.
Some (maybe not all) of the science teachers talk frequently, sharing ideas and resources. Some (maybe not all) of the math teachers do likewise.
I haven't seen any instances of violence, although there have been occasional hints of intimidation by some of the bigger students toward some of the smaller ones. Things that are subtle, but perceptible. Perhaps the most frightening aspect of physical safety is the panic that ensues as the tardy bell rings at the beginning of each period. You will see students flying down the halls and around corners at a full run. I sometimes wonder if I'm the only one in the entire school who finds this hazardous, and issues verbal warnings to slow down.
Among the teachers I've observed, there seems to be genuine concern about maintaining good communications with parents. I do sense some apprehension about parents who may over react about certain issues, but I haven't sensed either apathy or animosity.
Is this anything like the school you're currently placed with? A lot different?
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3 years ago
2 comments:
I too have given this some thought. I've noticed a different type of atmposphere at each of my placements. In one of them the principal introducted the student teachers to the staff, has included us in everything, says hello to us and even got us desks. In contrast at the other placement the principal has not acknowledged us, nor does she say hello in passing. I know for me it has made a difference on how welcome I feel. So, I can only imagine how much of a difference it makes to students and parents when they are acknowledged. However, I honestly can't say that the school where the principal does not acknowledge us is unhealthy. The teachers love this principal and the teachers obviously have a great working relationship. I would say though that appearances to outsiders are just as important to the overall "health" of a school as what actually occurs "inside the doors." Parents talk about how they feel regarding the school and lets face it kids inadvertently hear them. So if the parents are feeling unwelcomed it might flow downhill to the students. I think it is important for the staff at schools to make everyone feel as welcome as possible. One smile goes a long way and happy people are more apt to learn.
I have also noticed a difference at each of my placements. In one placement, the principal is very visible, she is a super-woman; you see her in the classrooms, at lunch, at recess and so on. She knows all of her students names and appears to know their families as well. I find this school to have a unique flavor, in some ways it is like crashing at a best friend's place, it may be a little crowded and messy, but you are always welcome! In contrast, a brand new school in the same district is a bit more formal in a "don't get anything dirty and take off your shoes" kind of way. I think it is important for us to see and notice these differences simply because we are all different as well and may prefer one type of atmosphere to another.
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