Healthy schools : determining the factors that influence staff perceptions of school climate and culture in the Foothills School Division
Date
2003
Authors
Hoffart, Gary
University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Education
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education, 2003
Abstract
This study investigated perceptions about the healthiness of schools held by the teaching
and support staff employed within the Foothills School Division. Four schools were
chosen because they represented a cross section of the facilities, staff demographics, and
grade configuration within the Division. Participants were asked to identify factors that
they perceived to affect the healthiness of their school, with particular reference to
elements of culture and climate. They were asked to respond within a developed
conceptual framework consisting of four elements: ecology (physical and material
aspects of an organization), milieu (characteristics of the organization's members), social
system (pattern of the relationships among the people and groups), and culture (the
norms, beliefs, values, and meaning of people). Of 160 questionnaires sent out, 55 were
returned, a return rate of 34.4%. Staff members were given one month to complete the
questionnaire. Analysis of the data revealed that staff in the Foothills School Division
perceive their schools to be healthy places in which to work. Respondents consider
natural light a positive enhancement to working in the building. They also indicate that
demonstrations of individual, mutual and public respect are important. Differences in
perception in regards to the four elements occurred between high school, middle school,
and elementary school respondents. High school staff reported more favorably on cultural
elements than did those representing midschool or elementary groups. Midschool
respondents identified caring and support elements as most important. Elementary
respondents identified leadership and school vision as the most important elements.
Description
xi, 108 leaves : ill. ; 29 cm. --
Keywords
School environment -- Alberta -- Evaluation , Educational sociology -- Alberta , Education -- Alberta