Research Supporting AUTHORITATIVE SchooL CLimate
Authoritative Mindset builds connection AND accountability
Authoritative leadership style is an approach where adults build developmental relationships of trust using connection and accountability both in the classroom community and across every level of the school community. Authoritative leadership style (in parenting) was originally coined by Baumrind (1966) and describes a leadership style where the adults have both high expectations (demandingness, structure and firmness) and are considered warm (supportive and responsive). In the last decade, researchers have explored the effects of authoritative leadership in schools. These benefits include:
Higher student engagement and reading achievement
Lee, J. S. (2012). The effects of the teacher–student relationship and academic press on student engagement and academic performance. International Journal of Educational Research, 53, 330–340.
Lower suspension rates
Gregory, A., Cornell, D., & Fan, X. (2011). The relationship of school structure and support to suspension rates for Black and White high school students. American Educational Research Journal, 48, 904–934.
Less peer victimization and less bullying among middle school students
Gregory, A., Cornell, D., Fan, X., Sheras, P., Shih, T. H., & Huang, F. (2010). Authoritative school discipline: High school practices associated with lower bullying and victimization. Journal of Educational Psychology, 102, 483–496.
Cornell, D., Shukla, K., & Konold, T. (2015). Peer victimization and authoritative school climate: A multilevel approach. Journal of Educational Psychology 107(4), 1186–1201.
Lower levels of student aggression toward teachers
Gregory, A., Cornell, D., & Fan, X. (2012). Teacher safety and authoritative school climate in high schools. American Journal of Education, 118, 401–425.
Less truancy and fewer dropouts than schools using an authoritarian approach
Pellerin, L. A. (2005). Applying Baumrind’s parenting typology to high schools: Toward a middle range theory of authoritative socialization. Social Science Research, 34, 283–303.
The possibility of protection against the risk associated with low income and minority status
Hawkins, J. D., Oesterle, S., Brown, E. C., Abbott, R. D., & Catalano, R. F. (2014). Youth problem behaviors 8 years after implementing the communities that care prevention system: A community randomized trial. JAMA Pediatrics, 168(2), 122–129.
Building a Culture With Authoritative Mindset
Introduce
Introduce
Introduce
- Provide Authoritative Mindset and Framework introduction to staff
- Support adult focus on personal reflection and relationships
- Invite time and space for staff readiness
Empower
Introduce
Introduce
- Facilitate adult learning around Authoritative Framework
- Provide school- wide understanding and shared language
- Positive Discipline in the Classroom Certification suggested for leadership team
- Authoritative Mindset Webinars available to support remote learning in Summer 2020
Support
Introduce
Support
- School leadership team strategy and support
- Behavioral Health Team and Grade Level Team support to brainstorm solutions for individual challenges.
- Strengths based classroom observation to build teacher confidence and skills
- School wide SEL Committee support for problem solving