Nurturing a Positive School Culture: Impacts of Philosophy for Children Hawai‘i at a Local School

• In Event: Social Equity Considerations in School Climate, Culture, and Community

Abstract

This study investigates the development of positive school culture and climate at a mid-sized public elementary school in urban Oahu over a fifteen-year period. Researchers asked, what key people, initiatives, and programs positively impacted the school culture and climate at Maple Elementary School (pseudonym) overtime? Qualitative methods are applied to design and carry out a portrait study (Lawrence-Lightfoot, 1997), which included interviewing 22 members of the school community. Analysis of the data reveals how one particular school initiative has a profound effect on the overall school culture. More specifically, p4cHI helped to create a school culture and climate characterized by intellectual safety, learner-centered inquiry, integration of experience, and reputation to be proud of.

Authors

• Jianhui Zhang, University of Hawaii - Manoa

• Amber Strong Makaiau, University of Hawaii - Manoa

• Catherine Caine, Waikiki School