Abstract
Purpose. This study looks at six established schools that were toxic. The purpose of this case study seeks to determine if the implementation of explicit, productive, behavioral norms reduced the toxicity of the school culture. Methodology. A descriptive case studies approach was the methodology selected for this study. The researcher visited six schools in California and used four methods to gather data: individual and group interviews, observations and reviewing documents. The researcher analyzed eighteen variables in this multiple case study. Summary judgments ratings were made for all eighteen variables. When the analysis of each case study was completed, a cross-case analysis was completed to compare the similarities and differences for each variable at all six schools. Findings. This study found that the toxicity of school culture can be reduced if behavioral norms are developed collaboratively, the norms are implemented, and if the principal at the site monitors and reinforces the norms. This study further found that the only sites that were successful implementing, monitoring and reinforcing norms were sites that had principals who had previous experience working with norms prior to becoming a principal. Conclusions and recommendations. (1) All organizations will have internal conflicts. Unresolved conflicts on a staff can be one of the main reasons a school has a toxic culture. To assist a staff in handling conflict, at least two conflict norms should be adopted: confront each other when a conflict arises, and conflict resolution should be viewed as a positive activity. (2) Principals need to be aware that norms are not only developed to influence teacher behavior, but staff members will also use the norms to hold principals accountable for their behavior. (3) Many administrators go from being a classroom teacher to a principal. Most have little or no training in facilitating a staff meeting with thirty or more adults. Educational administration programs need to teach prospective administrators how to facilitate an effective staff meeting: developing and adhering to an agenda, communication expectations during staff meetings and strategies to reach consensus in a staff meeting.