THE IMPACT OF NEGATIVE STUDENT BEHAVIOR ON SCHOOL CULTURE: TEACHER PERCEPTIONS IN A SECONDARY CHARTER SCHOOL

Abstract

ABSTRACT [Ingram, Danielle]. The impact of negative student behavior on school culture: Teacher perceptions in a secondary charter school. Doctor of Education (Executive Educational Leadership), August 2022, Houston Baptist University, Houston, Texas

The purpose of this case study was to explore the influence of negative student behavior on school culture from the teacher's perspective. Student's behaviors are impacted by their social settings, school environment, and teacher relationships. Teachers may mitigate negative consequences and implement positive changes by being aware of the influence that student behavior has on the school culture. This study utilized the interview method to focus on teachers’ perceptions regarding negative student behavior that may adversely influence school culture both inside and outside of the school environment. Purposive sampling was used to select 14 male and female teachers who taught Grades 6 through 12 in a charter in Houston, Texas. Data were collected using semi-structured interview questions that examined the school’s culture, student behavior, and administrative support regarding negative student behavior. The responses of the interviews were analyzed once transcribed using an Otter app. Findings from this study contribute to how teachers can improve student behavior, their relationship with students, and school culture, particularly as it relates to the acceptability of dissent and disobedience as appropriate actions by some school-aged students. KEYWORDS: school culture, education, negative behavior, negative, relationship building, teachers, students, administrators, discipline, impact, community, classroom management, charter schools, case study