Checking Your School Image | Dr. Anne Meek
Program Description
This program provides a practical checklist for determining the strengths and weaknesses in how parents, citizens, students, and faculty and staff perceive the climate within your school or office. Once the analysis is complete, participants then conduct a "comparison shopping" exercise to further focus on areas of strength and weakness.Virginia Standard(s) Addressed
Safety & Organizational Management for Learning (ISLLC standards 2 & 3) and Communication and Community Relations (ISLLC standard 4)Program Goals and Objectives
By the end of this program, participants will learn how to identify the strengths and weaknesses in the climates of their schools or offices. They will analyze 11 categories critically important in establishing a positive school or office climate, including such topics as First Impressions and Signs of Welcome, Conferencing Techniques, and Staff Professionalism.Program Format
The program begins with the presentation of a school climate checklist. Each individual then completes the checklist and the analysis. Then, in a partner activity, participants will share effective strategies for celebrating strengths and improving the areas needing improvement. For faculty and staff groups, this is a very revealing exercise. An added benefit for faculty and staff members is the focus on Staff Professionalism and Staff Spirit and Morale. This focus often leads to the provision of professional business cards and informative brochures for everyone working in the school or office. It also provides a way to address morale issues. Last, participants will develop plans for their next steps in achieving a positive climate throughout their schools or offices for everyone involved in the school or office-customers as well as faculty and staff.Target Audience
School-based or central office administrators and teacher leaders; entire faculty and staff members of any school or office, including administrative support personnel.Self-Selection and/or Identification Through School Division
Yes/yes. This topic addresses a school-wide or office-wide issue; therefore, it is much more effective as a group session than as an individual session; however, the two worksheets can be found in Guide for Instructional Leaders #3 (ASCD, 2004). Any designation of individual or group performance needs would suffice.Duration of Program
One half-day session, 2-3 hours, or less for after-school faculty meetings. Follow-up sessions can be arranged if desired; for example, to initiate strategic communications planning, improved organization of materials and spaces, or beautification projects.Outcomes Measured
- Self-assessments on school climate checklist and comparison shopping form.
- Plans for improvement.
Program Evaluation
Participant evaluation forms.Contact Information
Dr. Anne Meek
1930 Hunters Trail
Norfolk, VA 23518
Phone: 757.857.3801
Email: annemeek@aol.com