Authority and School Culture

Authority and School Culture

ASSIGNMENT #1: Loose vs. Tight Leadership

Introduction:

The transition from peer to leader, may be a challenging one. As you navigate your new role you may see your relationships with former peers change, as you establish new professional and personal boundaries. For some new leaders this can be awkward, while other may see it escalate to palpable tension, if not managed properly. It is especially important for new leaders to fully comprehend and be able to apply the principle of loose vs. tight leadership.

Instructions:

1. After reading Bruford (n.d.) on Loose vs. Tight Leadership, write 2-4 well developed paragraphs reflecting on your thoughts/ reactions to the topic. In establishing professional boundaries as a new leader: What areas do you anticipate being tight on? Why? What areas will you lead loosely? Why? This should be in reference to leading your faculty and staff or other internal stakeholder groups.

2. Cite evidence from the course readings and/ or other scholarly evidence to support your arguments.

ASSIGNMENT #2: Culture vs. Climate

Introduction:

While culture and climate are often used interchangeably, they are in fact two very different things. While one is situational, the other remains more permanent. As a new leader, it will be important for you to have a firm understanding of the difference between the two, to guide your actions.

Instructions:

1. After reading Gruenert, S. (2008), write 2-4 well developed paragraphs addressing the prompts below. Cite evidence from the course readings and/ or other scholarly evidence to support your arguments.

● In your own words, summarize the difference between climate and culture in educational settings. Provide practical examples of each in your summary.

● In your opinion which is more important, culture or climate? Why? If you feel they are equally important, discuss why.

● Share one thing a new leader can do to positively impact the climate and one thing a new leader can do to impact the culture of their institution, department or program.

● How do leaders generate accurate and usable information about the current and desired state of the institution, program or department?

ASSIGNMENT #3: From Colleague to Leader

"In order for administrators to address negative responses effectively, they must first recognize that such responses may take a variety of forms" (Gorton & Alston, 2012, p. 78).

You have learned about authority and organizational culture. This assignment gives you the opportunity to apply and demonstrate mastery of what you have learned. The case study that you will examine for this assignment, illustrates a scenario which you could encounter as you transition from colleague to leader.

Instructions:

1. Read the case study From Teacher to Administrator found on page 230 on Gorton & Alston (2022).

2. Write a 3-5 page paper addressing the following:

1. If you were the principal, what would you do in this situation? 2. What assumptions would you make? 3. What actions would you take, if the teachers did not buy-in to your

leadership? 4. How might your actions impact the culture of your school? 5. After reading this case study, how might you gain buy-in as a new

leader? 3. Support your answer with evidence from the course reading or other scholarly

sources. Be sure to cite and reference your sources in APA format.

Required Reading Materials: Bruford, R. (n.d.). What Things Should We Keep Loose or Tight in Our Schools. https://richardbruford.com/2016/07/21/what-things-should-we-keep-loose-or-tight-in-our- schools/

Gruenert, S. (2008) School Culture, School Climate: They Are Not The Same. https://www.naesp.org/sites/default/files/resources/2/Principal/2008/MAp56.pdf

Gorton, R. (2022). School leadership and administration: Important concepts, case studies, and simulations (11th ed.). McGraw-Hill Higher Education (US). https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/books/9781266172724

Chapter 3: Authority Chapter 6: Organizational Culture 2 From Teacher to Administrator