In conjunction with its annual recognition of state Principals of the Year, Jostens, the leading provider of publications, jewelry and consumer goods serving the K-12 and college market, announced findings and action items to improve school climate and culture based on the company’s national survey of principals across the United States. The action items were generated through a collaborative work session with state Principals of the Year at the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) annual Principal of the Year Institute in Washington, DC.
Over 1700 K-12 principals participated in the Jostens survey, in which respondents cited stronger than average school culture and climate scores (80 out of a possible 100) and culture and climate improvement from five years ago (average 75 out of a possible 100). NASSP member principals scored even higher in the same areas. Other survey findings drew correlations between strong school climate and culture with higher degrees of student accomplishment, sense of connection, and school pride.
However, while the survey’s positive trends and impacts are encouraging, barriers to improving school climate and culture remain. Surveyed principals cited a lack of time, money, and tools/resources as the top three barriers to improving school climate and culture, which drew the attention of NASSP in preparation for their annual Principal of the Year Institute.
“Building a school culture that values each student and where each student can fulfill their greatest potential is the principal’s highest priority,” said Daniel P. Kelly President of NASSP. “Jostens is a trusted partner in NASSP’s efforts to help principals foster that culture. When they shared the barriers discovered through this survey, we thought what better place to brainstorm solutions to them than here, with some of the brightest school leaders in the country?”
“Jostens has been committed to helping school leaders and students develop positive school climate and culture for over 30 years,” said Bruce Locklear, Jostens Director of Educational Relations and former Minnesota State Principal of the Year. “As a principal I was the beneficiary of the programs and services Jostens provides to schools, and our partnership with NASSP demonstrates our continuing commitment to uncover potential barriers – and develop solutions to address them – in a timely manner.”
The Institute’s work session, which engaged 50 Principals of the Year, generated ideas and action items around needed tools and resources school leaders and students could use to improve school climate and culture. Student-focused ideas included tools to better build peer-to-peer networks and recognize and amplify student success. Staff and leadership-focused ideas included tools to increase community engagement and awareness through surveys and school branding.
“We’re committed to sharing the findings of this survey, and the action items our Principals of the Year generated, with the rest of our NASSP members and with the larger community of school leaders across the United States,” said JoAnn Bartoletti, NASSP’s executive director. “Helping principals build positive school culture and climate is a top priority for NASSP but it’s also a priority for every school leader and student they serve.”
About Jostens
Jostens is a trusted partner in the academic and achievement channel, providing products, programs and services that help its customers celebrate moments that matter. The company's products include yearbooks, publications, jewelry and consumer goods that serve the K-12 educational, college and professional sports segments. Founded in 1897 and based in Minneapolis, Minn., Jostens is a subsidiary of Newell Brands and can be found online at www.jostens.com.
About Newell Brands
Newell Brands (NYSE: NWL) is a leading global consumer goods company with a strong portfolio of well-known brands, including Paper Mate®, Sharpie®, Dymo®, EXPO®, Parker®, Elmer's®, Coleman®, Jostens®, Marmot®, Rawlings®, Irwin®, Lenox®, Oster®, Sunbeam®, FoodSaver®, Mr. Coffee®, Rubbermaid Commercial Products®, Graco®, Baby Jogger®, NUK®, Calphalon®, Rubbermaid®, Contigo®, First Alert®, Waddington and Yankee Candle®. Driven by a sharp focus on the consumer, leading investment in innovation and brands, and a performance-driven culture, Newell Brands helps consumers achieve more where they live, learn, work and play.
This press release and additional information about Newell Brands are available on the company's website, www.newellbrands.com.