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The Schools Our Students Deserve
A Comprehensive Framework for Shaping Exceptional School Culture
In this guide, author Mario I. Acosta examines the foundations of an effective school culture and how it influences the school’s vision, values, climate, and community and family involvement to enhance student learning.
Benefits
- Establish balanced cultural values of strong academic integrity and mutual respect.
- Craft common working goals based on a vision of what their school culture should be.
- Identify and adopt positive behaviors that support culture change.
- Evaluate and strengthen the school’s climate to ensure educators feel safe and supported.
- Build support with students’ families and the community to reinforce school culture values.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction: In Pursuit of Excellence—Shaping the Future Through Exceptional School Culture
Chapter 1: An Equal Focus on Mutual Respect and a Results Orientation—Defining School Culture
Chapter 2: Shared Vision—Aligning School Culture
Chapter 3: Behavior Alignment for Change—Refining School Culture
Chapter 4: School Climate—Creating a Positive Work Environment
Chapter 5: Student Success and Family and Community Engagement—Focusing Reform Efforts
PRINTABLE REPRODUCIBLES
Chapter 2
- Figure 2.5: Guide for Engaging Faculty, Staff, Students, and Families in Identifying the School Vision
- Figure 2.6: Guide for Engaging Educators in Identifying School Purpose
- Figure 2.9: Guide for Engaging Educators in Identifying School Values
- Figure 2.11: Guiding Questions for Designing Big School Goals
- Figure 2.13: Sample OKRs Aligned With Core Values
Chapter 3
- Figure 3.6: Adaptive Change Process—Aligned With the Cultural Guardian
- Figure 3.7: The Culture Stretch Process
Chapter 4
Appendix
- School Culture Discovery Process
- School Culture Discovery Audit
- Culture Types and Outcomes
- Organizational Network Analysis
- Subculture Audit
- Subculture Type and Cultural Magnitude
- School Climate Audit: Measuring Positivity and Stability
SUGGESTED RESOURCES
BOOKS
- Bailey, K., & Jakicic, C. (2023). Common formative assessment: A toolkit for Professional Learning Communities at Work (2nd ed). Solution Tree Press.
- Boogren, T. H., & Kanold, T. D. (2022). Educator wellness: A guide for sustaining physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being. Solution Tree Press.
- DuFour, R., DuFour, R., Eaker, R., Many, T. W., Mattos, M., & Muhammad, A. (2024). Learning by doing: A handbook for Professional Learning Communities at Work (4th ed.). Solution Tree Press.
- DuFour, R., & Eaker, R. (1998). Professional Learning Communities at Work: Best practices for enhancing student achievement. Solution Tree Press.
- DuFour, R., & Marzano, R. J. (2011). Leaders of learning: How district, school, and classroom leaders improve student achievement. Solution Tree Press.
- Gerzon-Kessler, A. (2023). On the same team: Bringing educators and underrepresented families together. Solution Tree Press.
- Gruenert, S., & Whitaker, T. (2021). Leveraging the impact of culture and climate: Deep, significant, and lasting change in classrooms and schools. Solution Tree Press.
- Heflebower, T., Hoegh, J. K., & Warrick, P. B. (2021). Leading standards-based learning: An implementation guide for schools and districts. Marzano Resources.
- Hoegh, J. K. (2020). A handbook for developing and using proficiency scales in the classroom. Marzano Resources.
- Hoegh, J. K., Flygare, J., Heflebower, T., & Warrick, P. B. (2023). Assessing learning in the standards-based classroom: A practical guide for teachers. Marzano Resour
- Marzano, R. J. (2017). The new art and science of teaching. Solution Tree Press.
- Marzano, R. J., Dodson, C. W., Simms, J. A., & Wipf, J. P. (2022). Ethical test preparation in the classroom. Marzano Resources.
- Marzano, R. J., Heflebower, T., Hoegh, J. K., Warrick, P. B., & Grift, G. (2016). Collaborative teams that transform schools: The next step in PLCs. Solution Tree Press.
- Marzano, R. J., Norford, J. S., & Ruyle, M. (2018). The new art and science of classroom assessment. Solution Tree Press.
- Marzano, R. J., Warrick, P. B., & Acosta, M. I. (2024). 5 big ideas for leading a High Reliability School. Marzano Resources.
- Marzano, R. J., Warrick, P. B., & Simms, J. A. (2014). A handbook for High Reliability Schools: The next step in school reform. Marzano Resources.
- Mendler, A. N. (2021). Motivating students who don’t care: Proven strategies to engage all learners (2nd ed.). Solution Tree Press.
- Muhammad, A. (2015). Overcoming the achievement gap trap: Liberating mindsets to effect change. Solution Tree Press.
- Muhammad, A. (2018). Transforming school culture: How to overcome staff division (2nd ed.). Solution Tree Press.
- Muhammad, A. (2024). The way forward: PLC at Work and the bright future of education. Solution Tree Press.
- Muhammad, A., & Cruz, L. F. (2019). Time for change: Four essential skills for transformational school and district leaders. Solution Tree Press.
- Ruyle, M., Awachíikaate (Cummins, J. D.), Child, L., & Dickey, D. D. (2025). Humanized education: A mastery-based framework to promote student growth and strength. Marzano Resources.
- Wiliam, D. (2017). Embedded formative assessment (2nd ed.). Solution Tree Press.
WEBSITES
Chapter 2
