Shaping School Culture: Pitfalls, Paradoxes, and Promises, 2nd Edition

by Terrence E. Deal (Univ. of Southern California); Kent D. Peterson (Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison and Vanderbilt Principals Institute)

• ISBN13: 9780470534694
• ISBN10: 0470534699
• Format: eBook
• Copyright: 2010-02-01
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass

Summary

A Guide for Shaping Your School's CultureIn this thoroughly revised and updated edition of their classic book, Shaping School Culture, Terrence Deal and Kent Peterson address the latest thinking on organizational culture and change and offer new ideas and strategies on how stories, rituals, traditions, and other cultural practices can be used to create positive, caring, and purposeful schools. This new edition gives expanded attention to the important symbolic roles of school leaders, including practical suggestions on how leaders can balance cultural goals and values against accountability demands, and features new and powerful case examples throughout. Most important, the authors show how school leaders can transform negative and toxic cultures so that trust, commitment, and sense of unity can prevail.Praise for Shaping School Culture"For those seeking enduring change that is measured in generations rather than months, and to create a legacy rather than a headline, then Shaping School Culture is your guide." -Dr. Douglas B. Reeves, founder, The Leadership and Learning Center, Englewood, CO"Deal and Peterson combine exquisite language, vibrant stories, and sage advice to support school leaders in embracing the paradoxical nature of their work. A 'must read' for all school leaders." -Pam Robbins, educational consultant and author"Once again, the authors have presented practitioners, researchers, professional developers, school coaches, and others with a tremendous resource for renovating and reinvigorating schools." -Karen M. Dyer, Ed.D., group director, Education and Nonprofit Sector Office, Center for Creative Leadership, Greensboro, NC

Table of Contents

Preface

Acknowledgments

The Authors

Introduction

The Elements of Culture

Schools as Tribes: The Power to Transform

Artifacts, Architecture, and Routines: Symbols of Culture

History: The Value of Lore and Tradition

Myth, Vision, and Values: Discovering a Schools Highest Calling

Stories and Tales: Passing Along the Vision

Rituals: Embedding Purpose and Meaning

Ceremonies and Traditions: Culture in Action

Conveyors of Culture: Positive and Negative Transmitters

The Symbolic Role of School Leaders

Weaving the Cultural Tapestry: Seven Schools

Transforming Toxic Cultures: Renewal Strategies

Building Trust: Connecting to Parents and Communities

Strengthening Culture: Eight Essential Roles

Living with Paradox: The Bifocal Principal

Achieving Balance: Meeting Cultural and Structural Demands

Conclusion: Opportunities for the Future

References

Index

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