Assessing school climate using a sequential transformative design
Date
2010
Authors
Maier, Shelby Marie, author
Banning, James H., advisor
Bigner, Jerry J., advisor
Dickmann, Ellyn M., committee member
Griffin, Cindy L., committee member
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Abstract
As it has been shown repeatedly in the research literature, school climate influences student academic achievement, typically employing a single methodology to collect data: a quantitative organizational climate survey administered to school stakeholders. Utilizing a sequential transformative mixed methods design, I studied how the results of the two methodologies were different and similar. The school climate factors of parental involvement, school safety, and building facilities were studied within 14 K-12 schools. Equity factors were also integrated into the study. Given that these school climate factors are interdependent, the factors needed to be studied using multiple methods. The 'sequential' portion of the research design accomplished this, which first entailed a quantitative organizational climate survey and then a visual ethnography was conducted. The results from the two methodologies uncovered more similarities than differences between higher-ranked and lower-ranked school climates. The `transformative' portion involved critiquing the results from a feminist lens, which produced recommendations for school climate improvement. This study demonstrated that school climate provides a level of complexity that is difficult to assess. Future studies need to utilize innovative designs and progressive methodologies to ensure any modifications made to the school climate are carried out with intentionality and mindfulness. Last but definitely not least, feminist ideals should be at the forefront throughout the school climate and school improvement processes.
Description
Department Head: Dale E. DeVoe.
Rights Access
Subject
welcoming
visual enthography
school climate
photographs
organizational climate
diversity
Classroom environment
School environment
School management and organization
School improvement programs