Date of Graduation

12-2017

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (EdD)

Degree Level

Graduate

Department

Curriculum and Instruction

Advisor/Mentor

Pijanowski, John C.

Committee Member

Lasater, Kara A.

Second Committee Member

Smith, Marcia S.

Keywords

Collegial; Culture; Positive Environment; Shared Leadership

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to develop an empowered collegial school culture to systemically improve the function of the academic institution through the impact of a positive environment and shared leadership. When compared to the other middle schools in the district, Eagle Middle School had the lowest math achievement growth index during the 2014-2015 school year. The discrepancy in math achievement is one element that has created a culture problem for the building. Additionally, the building has a reputation of poor customer service and not serving the community effectively. Because of the poor culture the staff had a lack of leadership and is cycling toward a continuous state of decline.

Culture is at the very essence of the change process. Making a systemic impact to improve the nature of an educational institution requires an understanding of the very nature of the culture. School climate is a driver for the overall culture of the building. Developing a positive climate and shared leadership process is conducive to producing a culture that is collaborative and empowered.

For the purpose of this research study mixed method measures were used to devise, collect, and analysis data. This study worked to develop an understanding of how to create a positive environment and shared leadership to empower the building culture. A pragmatic approach was used to understand the current state of the cultural environment to ascertain the accounts and develop an approach to empower staff through data analysis and implementation of the researched based practices. Quantitative and qualitative measures of surveys and interviews were used to determine the value and validity of a positive environment and the importance of shared leadership in developing an empowered building culture.

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