Culture and Climate: Inputs to Schools' Best Practices and Improved School-Based Results

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

The culture of the Filipinos mirrors a pure blend of different cultures inherited from the foreign forefathers. The idea that the Philippines had been under the influence of foreign countries which contributed a lot to the educational system in the Philippines and left an imprint on the culture existing in schools up to this present generation makes the researcher interested with how the school culture of today predicts the best practices and performance of the school.

METHODS

This study employed the use of descriptive research design. A researcher-made questionnaire was designed to draw out information from 78 school heads and 1262 teachers in public elementary schools in the second congressional district in the Division of Quezon with regards to how they perceive school culture and climate of their school. In evaluating the significant difference in the assessment of the school heads and teachers regarding school culture and climate of the school, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used. In determining the predictability of the school culture and climate on schools' best practices and school performance, Multiple Regression Analysis was utilized.

RESULTS

There is a significant relationship that exists between variables of school culture schools' best practices with the exception to toxic culture and curriculum and instruction. Furthermore, a significant relationship is found between school culture and performance. Moreover, all the variables under school are significantly related to the best practices of the school while all the variables under school climate and school performance are significantly correlated.

DISCUSSIONS

Since the findings revealed that school culture are found to have significant effect on the best practices and school performance, the school heads and teachers may strengthen collaborative, collegial and mentoring culture on their school to minimize the existence of toxic culture which significantly affects the performance of the school in terms of internal efficiency, teacher performance and pupils' achievement. Moreover, assessment significantly affects the performance and best practices of the school so adequate and regular assessment on the performance of the pupils and teachers and the school heads' management of the resources and their accountability to continuously improve the school may be conducted to consistently monitor if there's already progress and it may serve as a reflection of the performance of the school and make necessary improvements.