Taking a Strengths-Based Focus Improves School Climate

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to learn whether focusing on strengths through appreciative inquiry would be related to measurable changes in school climate and trust within a small urban school district. The district studied was a beleaguered, underperforming school district in the Midwest Rust Belt. Through an appreciative inquiry initiative, the district identified three areas of inquiry: student achievement and success, trust and respect, and community pride and involvement. The inquiries led to new initiatives in each area. A longitudinal study was conducted over 2 years, with data collected at two points, once 12 months before and again 12 months after the appreciative inquiry process was introduced. Significant improvements were shown in seven of the eight climate and trust variables assessed.

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