Littky, D., Grabelle, S. (2004). Atmosphere and School Culture. The Big Picture: Education
is Everyone’s Business (pp. 43-57). Association for Supervision and Curriculum
Development Publications.
Chapter 3 of Dennis Littky's book not surprisingly focuses on school atmosphere and culture. He states that the most important aspects of school culture are respect, a shared philosophy, a safe and democratic environment, and communication. He uses three different schools, Shoreham-Wading River Middle School, Thayer Junior/Senior High School, and The MET School, to give examples of positive school cultures.
Littky discusses certain practices that he views as disrespectful to students. Requiring students to use passes to go to the bathroom or go to their lockers during class is one of these practices. It shows that we do not trust students enough to be responsible for their own behavior. Bells and PA systems are other examples. They are loud and obnoxious and again show that we do not value student’s time or learning. Interrupting classes for announcements is also disrespecting the teacher. Moreover, he talks about the short amount of time in each class. This is a form of rudeness by announcing that after 45 minutes students must stop whatever they were doing and move to a different class of generally completely different, unrelated material. Asking kids to compartmentalize their thinking is unnatural and unreasonable.
This chapter focuses on the importance of a fun and welcoming school environment. The goal is to make your school “a little more human than most schools” (45). One school sings “happy birthday” to each birthday student, and celebrates each college admission. This same school has whole-school town meetings. At Littky’s own school, he and his teachers greet students at the front door as they walk in, a gesture that let students know that they are welcome.
Other important factors of positive school atmospheres include schools that function democratically and where students feel safe. A school that values honest and open communication is crucial. Also, a shared philosophy among faculty and staff help to unite the school behind-the-scenes, allowing the school to function systematically. The article mentions practices that affect school culture both positively and negatively, as well as examples of model schools.
is Everyone’s Business (pp. 43-57). Association for Supervision and Curriculum
Development Publications.
Chapter 3 of Dennis Littky's book not surprisingly focuses on school atmosphere and culture. He states that the most important aspects of school culture are respect, a shared philosophy, a safe and democratic environment, and communication. He uses three different schools, Shoreham-Wading River Middle School, Thayer Junior/Senior High School, and The MET School, to give examples of positive school cultures.
Littky discusses certain practices that he views as disrespectful to students. Requiring students to use passes to go to the bathroom or go to their lockers during class is one of these practices. It shows that we do not trust students enough to be responsible for their own behavior. Bells and PA systems are other examples. They are loud and obnoxious and again show that we do not value student’s time or learning. Interrupting classes for announcements is also disrespecting the teacher. Moreover, he talks about the short amount of time in each class. This is a form of rudeness by announcing that after 45 minutes students must stop whatever they were doing and move to a different class of generally completely different, unrelated material. Asking kids to compartmentalize their thinking is unnatural and unreasonable.
This chapter focuses on the importance of a fun and welcoming school environment. The goal is to make your school “a little more human than most schools” (45). One school sings “happy birthday” to each birthday student, and celebrates each college admission. This same school has whole-school town meetings. At Littky’s own school, he and his teachers greet students at the front door as they walk in, a gesture that let students know that they are welcome.
Other important factors of positive school atmospheres include schools that function democratically and where students feel safe. A school that values honest and open communication is crucial. Also, a shared philosophy among faculty and staff help to unite the school behind-the-scenes, allowing the school to function systematically. The article mentions practices that affect school culture both positively and negatively, as well as examples of model schools.