Schools can pursue the social, physical and mental wellbeing of students by establishing a positive school climate (PSC). Positive in a sense that it synergizes all the dimensions of schools to the cause of a holistic growth. The objectives of this study were to understand principals’ interpretation of PSC, associated challenges and their role in shaping and sustaining PSC. The study used a qualitative phenomenological research approach and collected data from 20 purposively selected principals through semi-structured interviews. Their selection was based on their experience of minimum three years at the existing school so, they are familiar with the context of school, staff and students and hence generate relevant results. We analyzed data by employing Braun and Clarke (2016) six steps thematic analysis model. The findings show that the principals interpret PSC from physical (infrastructure and basic necessities), psychological, social and emotional dimensions (care, trust, openness and mental wellbeing of staff and students). The majority of participants considered all these dimensions supplementing each. Safety and security, financial constraints, issues related to teachers’ behaviors, students’ absenteeism and lack of parental involvement emerged as prominent challenges. Principals' role encompassed the proper utilization of resources, consistent monitoring and supervision, professional development of teachers, guidance and feedback, promoting caring and supportive environment and establishing networking with the school community. The association of social and physical dimension of PSC have key implications for effective resource utilization and pedagogical compatibility with PSC, such as being more engaging, kind, and free of physical or mental abuse.

Authors:
Seema Azeem, Higher School of Economics, Russia

About the Presenter(s)
Seema Azeem is A PhD student at the Institute of Education, Higher School of Economics, Moscow-Russia. Her research is related to school climate and leadership.

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/seema-gul-68862586/

Connect on ResearchGate
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Seema-Azeem

Additional website of interest
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=Z3r1F1MAAAAJ&hl=en

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