Date of Award
Spring 5-9-2024
Document Type
Dissertation - University of Massachusetts Global access only
Degree Name
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Department
Organizational Leadership
First Advisor
Carol Anderson-Woo
Second Advisor
Brendta Friesen
Third Advisor
Martinrex Kedziora
Fourth Advisor
Patrick Ainsworth
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this Delphi Study was to identify elementary principals' strategies to create and foster a school culture that supports social-emotional learning and to identify what principals perceive as the most effective strategies for creating and fostering a school culture that supports social-emotional learning in the elementary setting.
Methodology: This study used the Delphi method to collect data from elementary principals serving grades TK-6 to identify their strategies to create and foster a school culture that supports Social-Emotional Learning. Participants were purposely selected using specific criteria and recommendations based on purposeful sampling. The researcher used Google surveys via email to collect the data.
Findings: In an examination of the results of the Delphi study, six key findings were identified that create a school culture that supports SEL school wide. These six key findings were: (1) Celebrating and acknowledging staff, (2) Being visible and transparent, (2) Ensuring that everyone’s voice and perspectives are respected, (4) Open and honest communication, (5) providing time, and (6) Setting norms and expectations.
Conclusions: School administrators who create and foster a school-wide culture that supports SEL do this by celebrating and acknowledging staff, being visible and transparent, ensuring everyone’s voice and perspectives are respected, and reinforcing expected behaviors. Additionally, administrators communicate openly and honestly and provide time to collaborate, build relationships, and support professional learning.
Recommendations for Action: To create and foster a culture that supports SEL, principals need to celebrate and recognize staff in various ways and develop skills to facilitate inclusive and transparent communication among staff and all stakeholders.
Recommended Citation
Magana, Elsa, "A Delphi Study of Strategies that Elementary School Principals Use to Create and Foster a Culture that Supports Social-emotional Learning in Elementary Schools." (2024). Dissertations. 574.
https://digitalcommons.umassglobal.edu/edd_dissertations/574