“Many thanks” to Solution Tree for working with Edutopia on a great read published last week on School Climate. See https://www.edutopia.org/article/how-assistant-principals-can-influence-school-climate. Tips are included from All Other Duties As Assigned regarding what an Assistant Principal “Can Do.”
Here I’d like to share something Assistant Principals, Vice-Principals, and Deans can consider NOT doing, in order to foster a positive school environment: Cloud Casting.
Cloud casting is when a school administrator has a concern and casts a cloud over the entire school by sending a blanket message for the behavior to stop, rather than to address directly with particular students or staff.
Typically, this happens on the daily whole-school announcements or in a staff-wide written/electronic communication.
While seemingly efficient, Cloud Casting is counterintuitive.
First, Cloud Casting is an avoidance mechanism to a critical conversation best had with its source. If one is hesitant about having a conversation, there is a possibility that the policy, rule, or concern doesn’t make sense.
Second, Cloud Casting prevents a teachable moment for those committing or allowing the act, who would best be served with an opportunity to hear and learn privately. Aren’t we in that business, anyway?
Third, Cloud Casting provides cloak and cover for transgressors. It sends a message that more persons are doing the deed than really the case. A possible result is that rule followers and the hyper-conscious spend energy playing rewind needlessly in their own heads on the remote possibility they may have done X, Y, or Z inadvertently. Those guilty can then brush-it-off.
Finally, Cloud Casting saps energy. It dampens the mood. It’s a downer, and once delivered publicly, it pulls the air out of a positive vibe during an effortful day.
When tempted to share a concern with the larger group rather than individuals, let’s pause and consider what NOT to do. If we truly value a positive climate, we may wish to keep our skies clear.