Date
3-22-2024
Department
School of Education
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy in Education (PhD)
Chair
Amy Schechter
Keywords
school climate, implementation, belonging, connectedness, house system, perceptions
Disciplines
Education | Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
Recommended Citation
Graham, Mallory, "Exploring Perceptions of School Climate at the Middle School Level Through the Implementation of a School-wide House System: A Case Study" (2024). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 5266.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/5266
Abstract
The purpose of this intrinsic case study was to explore the perceptions of school climate as influenced by the implementation of a school-wide house system for staff and students. The theories guiding this study were Maslow’s theory of motivation and the theory of self-determination. The central research question for the study considers ways in which stakeholders, faculty, and staff implement a house system with the goal of creating a positive school climate. The intrinsic case study was situated at a middle school in southwest Virginia that had fully implemented a school-wide house system, and the sample consisted of five 8th graders, four staff members, and one administrator. The data collection incorporated an examination of physical artifacts, as well as individual interviews and journal prompts. An established survey given at the site was examined, but no quantitative analysis of the survey was done. The analysis of the data included transcription, and the development of patterns, themes, and codes. Data analysis also included observations, generous reading, summaries, and analytical memos. Cross-examination of themes and codes was also used, and logic models were used to help portray collected data. Finally, data was synthesized, and trustworthiness, credibility, transferability, dependability, confirmability, and ethics were considered. Five themes emerged from data analysis including holistic learning experiences, optimal learning environment, effective implementation of educational initiatives, cultivating a supportive community, and strategic alignment for sustainable progress. The data analysis and thematic findings suggest the implementation of a house system may increase positive perceptions of school climate.
