When I talk about turning around struggling schools, I always start with culture. Too often, people focus solely on test scores, attendance, or behavior incidents as measures of success. While those are important, they are outcomes, not causes. Real, lasting improvement begins with the culture of a school—the values, expectations, and behaviors that guide students, staff, and parents every day. Without a strong culture, any gains are likely to be short-lived.
Understanding the Existing Culture
Every school has a culture, whether it is healthy or not. In underperforming schools, the culture is often shaped by low expectations, disengagement, and a sense of resignation. These patterns develop over time, and they can be deeply entrenched. Changing them requires first understanding them.
Understanding school culture is about more than observing what happens in classrooms. It is about listening to the voices of students, staff, and parents. What do teachers feel is holding them back? What challenges do students face inside and outside of school? How do parents view their role in their child’s education? By asking these questions and listening carefully, a leader can identify the behaviors and beliefs that need to change to create a more productive and positive environment.
Setting Clear Expectations
Once a leader understands the culture, the next step is setting high expectations for everyone. Students must know that they are capable of growth and that hard work will be recognized and rewarded. Teachers need to understand that effective instruction and professional growth are expected every day. Parents should know that their involvement is essential and that the school relies on them as partners in their child’s success.
High expectations are not about perfection. They are about providing clarity and consistency so that everyone knows what is expected and what they are working toward. Expectations must be communicated clearly and reinforced consistently to be effective. When students, staff, and parents all understand the standards, a shared commitment to improvement begins to take shape.
Building Trust and Relationships
High expectations alone are not enough. They must be paired with trust and strong relationships. Staff will respond to leadership when they feel valued, supported, and respected. Students will engage when they know adults genuinely care about their growth and success. Parents will partner with the school when they feel welcomed and included.
I have always made it a priority to be visible and accessible. Walking the halls, visiting classrooms, and attending student events are simple but powerful ways to build trust. Listening to concerns, celebrating successes, and addressing challenges with honesty shows that leadership is committed to the school’s mission. When trust exists, people are more willing to accept challenges and embrace change.
Aligning Culture and Instruction
Once trust and expectations are established, leaders can focus on instruction. A positive school culture provides the foundation for effective teaching and learning. Teachers perform at their best when they feel supported and accountable. Students learn more effectively when they are in an environment that values growth, effort, and achievement.
Instructional improvement should be guided by data, observation, and feedback. Teachers need ongoing support to refine their practices and to implement strategies that meet the diverse needs of their students. Strong culture ensures that these practices are embraced and maintained consistently across the school.
Engaging the Entire School Community
A school cannot change in isolation. Culture-first leadership extends beyond staff and students to include parents and community partners. Parents reinforce learning at home and help set expectations for behavior and effort. Community organizations provide resources, mentoring, and opportunities that enrich the educational experience. Local leaders can support schools by providing additional programs and advocating for resources.
Engagement should be intentional. Regular communication, celebrations of student success, and opportunities for parents and community members to participate in school life help extend the culture of high expectations beyond the classroom. A school that engages its community strengthens its culture and creates an environment where improvement can thrive.
Monitoring Progress and Maintaining Momentum
Cultural transformation is not a one-time effort. It requires ongoing attention, reflection, and adjustment. Leaders must monitor progress in student achievement, behavior, and staff performance, while also listening for feedback from the school community.
Consistency is critical. The standards and expectations set at the beginning must remain, even when challenges arise. At the same time, strategies may need to be adjusted to meet the evolving needs of students and staff. Maintaining momentum requires patience, persistence, and clear communication.
Celebrating Achievements
Celebrating progress is an essential part of sustaining a positive culture. Recognition reinforces the behaviors and attitudes that lead to success. Students are motivated when their growth is acknowledged. Teachers feel encouraged when their efforts are noticed. Parents feel proud when they see their children thriving.
Celebrating wins, both large and small, reminds the entire school community that progress is possible and that their contributions matter. It builds momentum and strengthens the culture of achievement that supports continued improvement.
Culture-first leadership is the key to lasting improvement in struggling schools. Focusing on culture means addressing values, expectations, and behaviors while building trust and strong relationships. It requires setting high expectations for students, staff, and parents, supporting instructional excellence, engaging the broader community, and maintaining consistency over time.
I have seen schools that once struggled transform into thriving centers of learning when culture was prioritized. Students became more motivated, teachers more effective, and parents more engaged. Lasting improvement is not about quick fixes. It is about building a culture that supports growth, accountability, and excellence every day. When leaders focus on culture first, the rest of the work falls into place, and schools reach their full potential.