Riding the Energy Bus to a Positive School Culture and Student Success: Shifting Adult Mindset to Impact Underperforming Student Subgroups

Brent McBride • Cahn Fellow 2019

Jackson Elementary is a high performing school in the Buckhead area of Atlanta, Georgia, serving predominantly white students from affluent families. The aim of this study is to examine the impact of school culture and teacher mindset and its effects on the achievement of Jackson’s low performing students who fall into identified subgroups such as our students of color, English language learners, special education students, and economically disadvantaged students. By looking at aspects of the school culture through the lens of relationships, positivity, vulnerability, empathy and equity, the school is creating targeted interventions and actions in an effort to make gains in subgroup student achievement.