A case study of a successful urban school: Climate, culture and leadership factors that impact student achievement

The literature on organizations emphasizes that leadership and strong organizational culture are central to development of successful organizations. Schools are increasingly facing government controls, accountability and financial restraints. California has invested in major public focus on its schools through its accountability system of Academic Performance Index scores and comparisons between and among schools. California has made the high stakes testing program the public indicator of successful schools. Schools are given Academic Performance Index scores and growth targets for the year.; Research has also focused on the many challenges of urban schools with high minority and high poverty communities. Many schools are failing. Many schools have not met their growth targets and are sanctioned by the state as underperforming. In the face of this public accountability and scrutiny, what is the role of the site administrator and school leaders in successful schools? What programs contribute to success in schools that exceed their expectations? What factors of school culture and climate impact successful schools that exceed expectation?; This qualitative case study focused on an urban elementary school in Southern California that exceeded expectations over a three-year period. The study examined programs, leadership practices, and the climate and culture of the school for factors that impact academic achievement. Field observations, interviews, surveys and documentation were instruments used in the research.; The study focused on "thick descriptions" of the participants, their environment, contextual factors that influenced their life within the school. The results of the study included: (1) Successful schools have strong academic focus, (2) Teachers work collaboratively with shared decision making and teamwork, (3) Principals are leaders, (4) High expectations are held by all stakeholders, (5) The school was a community or village with caring and commitment.; The themes were examined through the Deal and Bolman's Four Frames. The findings supported good and successful school research. The challenges of urban schools require the same structures and practices as effective schools research. The sense of community, commitment, respect and focus were strength in this case study school.