A Positive School Culture
Decades of research demonstrate that academic optimism coupled with facilitative and collaborative school structures improves student achievement. Three research citations are below.
Research Finding
"Optimism matters as much as talent or motivation in success: learned optimism moves individuals over the wall of learned pessimism” (Hoy, 2012, p. 89).
Hoy, W. K. (2012). School characteristics that make a difference for the achievement of all students. A 40-year odyssey. Journal of Educational Administration, 50(1), 76-97.
Research Finding
Schools must have structures that promote a culture of optimism to offset the effects of pessimism and poverty.
Mitchell, R. M., Mendiola, B. J., Schumacker, R., & Lowery, X. (2016). Creating a school context of success: The role of enabling school structure & academic optimism in an urban elementary & middle school setting. Journal of Educational Administration, 54(6), 626-646.
Research Finding
There is a direct correlation between academic optimism and student achievement on standardized assessments.
Anderson, K., Kochan, F., Kensler, L. A., & Reames, E. H. (2018). Academic optimism, enabling structures, and student achievement: Delving into relationships. Journal of School Leadership, 28(4), 434-461.