A cultural assets approach to effective schooling.

Year: 2012

Author: Rooney, Paul

Type of paper: Abstract refereed

Abstract:

This paper aims to offer a theoretical framework for the reconceptualisation of cultural assets as an overarching phenomenon in supporting school effectiveness. The cultural assets model is constructed within the contemporary background issues of societal change towards postmodern, postsecular societies and the growth of faith based schools, in particular schools in the Anglican tradition. Qualitative research using a single case study method involved a teacher online questionnaire, semi structured interviews with staff and parents, student focus groups and archival data collection strategies to identify themes. Preliminary findings from a grounded theory approach to thematic analysis were undertaken suggesting a raised importance of cultural assets for developing a school's culture, community participation and broader curriculum offering. The significance of the findings are discussed in the  light of paradigmatic change, postsecular literature and practical relevance to school effectiveness.

Back