[Ous-lp-rp13] EDAD 6020, Answer to Question #3

[Danielle Ramage]

As I was reading the section of the Hoy and Miskel text about collective
efficacy I couldn’t help but be reflective of my own experiences in the
building in which I work. Being honest, I would have to say that I think my
building is making strides towards having collective efficacy but we are
not there yet. In the past three years we have gotten a new superintendent
and building principal. I think the transition to the new leadership has
gone positively but slowly. I don’t feel or hear of a “fire”, or an
overwhelmingly contagious energy. Even as I write this I am questioning,
“what is South Elementary about?” or for that matter “What is Vinton County
Local Schools about?  I’m not sure if the lack of answers to this question
means we do not have collective efficacy but I do find it troubling. (Have
I not paid attention during a really important meeting?) I feel like often
times we, myself included, like to fall back on students’ backgrounds,
family situations, etc. as reasoning behind our expectations of them and
their achievement. According to the text, Bandura found that “(1)student
achievement was significantly and positively related to collective
efficacy, and (2) collective efficacy had a great effect on student
achievement than did student socioeconomic status.” (Hoy&Miskel, 9th
Edition, pg. 192-193). That is such an important finding. That research
tells me that as an administrator a top priority would be to get my
building on board and in line with district vision, to establish and
communicate clear goals to staff and families, and work diligently to
develop a strong level of collective efficacy.



Self-efficacy is a result of intrinsic motivation. I am much more
intrinsically motivated than I am extrinsically, and therefore I feel that
I have a good level of self-efficacy. Does this mean that I never question
myself, or think for a fleeting moment that maybe I can’t do something? No,
certainly not. However, I buckle down, grin and bear it, and see it through.
This is how I was raised. My parents instilled in me from an early age and
it is a very helpful quality to have as a teacher. You never know what
challenge you may face from year to year or even day-to-day depending on
your students.  I think it is important to approach situations with a sense
of determination and optimism.  A self- efficacious person can be very
impactful in a classroom, and a building full of self-efficacious people
can be very impactful to families and the community.
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